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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday, December 29, 2025

RJ Barrett Sits Out Monday's Game Against Magic for Rest

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Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett will sit out Monday's game against the Magic for rest, as it marks the second leg of a back-to-back set. This decision comes after Barrett played 24 minutes in Sunday's 141-127 overtime win over the Warriors, where he recorded 12 points (5-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 0-2 FT), seven rebounds, and four assists. With Barrett sidelined, Ja'Kobe Walter, Ochai Agbaji, and Gradey Dick are expected to see increased roles and minutes for the Raptors.

Tyrese Maxey Ranks Second in East All-Star Fan Voting Returns

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has secured the second spot among Eastern Conference players in the initial NBA All-Star fan voting returns, accumulating 1,072,449 votes. He trails only Giannis Antetokounmpo and is ahead of fellow guards Jalen Brunson, Cade Cunningham, and Donovan Mitchell, while teammate Joel Embiid is 17th. Maxey, who made his first All-Star appearance and won the Most Improved Player award in the 2023-24 season, continues to impress, with Paul George praising his maturity and growth. The 2026 All-Star Game is scheduled for February 15 in Los Angeles, featuring a new USA vs. World format.

Nick Smith Jr. Shines with 21 Points in Lakers' Win, Earns More Minutes

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Nick Smith Jr. delivered a starring performance off the bench for the Lakers, scoring 21 points on 8-for-14 shooting, including five three-pointers, in their 125-101 win over the Kings. Filling in for the injured Austin Reaves, Smith Jr. started 7-for-7 from the field and is now in line for more consistent minutes, according to coach JJ Redick, who trusts the 21-year-old guard's scoring ability. Smith Jr. previously showcased his potential with 25 points in a game without key stars and 12 points in 14 minutes against Toronto.

Austin Reaves Sidelined for Month with Grade Two Calf Strain

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Lakers guard Austin Reaves is sidelined for at least a month after suffering a grade two strain in his left calf. His absence prompted coach JJ Redick to adjust the team's rotation, with Nick Smith Jr. stepping up to fill in. Reaves' injury is a significant blow, as he is the team's second-leading scorer. The Lakers will rely on Smith Jr. and other guards to handle ball-handling and scoring responsibilities during his recovery period.

Larsson Carves Out Heat Rotation Role, Delivers Strong Production

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Pelle Larsson is establishing a significant rotation role for the Miami Heat, benefiting from Tyler Herro's absence and Davion Mitchell's ankle injury. He's coming off two efficient outings, averaging 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. With Miami playing four games in Week 11, including a Saturday-Sunday back-to-back, Larsson presents considerable fantasy value and is recommended as a priority add in deeper leagues.

Lopez a Top Waiver Add for Clippers Amid Zubac Injury

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Brook Lopez is a prime fantasy basketball waiver wire addition for Week 11, especially with Ivica Zubac sidelined for weeks. The Clippers center recently hit a career-best 9 three-pointers and offers strong value in blocks, FG%, and low turnovers. He's projected for 20-30 fantasy points on nights with 2-3 blocks and double-digit points. With the Clippers light in the frontcourt, Lopez's role is expected to remain sturdy, making him a priority in shallow formats.

Sunday, December 28, 2025

Leonard Explodes for Career-High 55 Points, Ties Clippers Franchise Record

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Kawhi Leonard delivered a historic performance for the Los Angeles Clippers in their 112-99 win over the Pistons, scoring a career-high 55 points (17-26 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 16-17 FT). The 34-year-old also added 11 rebounds, five steals, three blocks, and two assists in 38 minutes, marking his third double-double. He scored 26 points in the third quarter alone and tied the Clippers' franchise single-game scoring record, matching teammate James Harden's mark from last month. His 16-of-17 free throw effort ended a streak of 64 consecutive makes, and he's averaging 39.0 points over his last four games, securing the Clippers' fourth consecutive win.

Austin Reaves Sidelined for At Least a Month with Calf Strain

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is currently sidelined due to a calf injury. The team is navigating his absence, as he is expected to be out for at least a month. His injury comes as the Lakers were reeling from a three-game slide, adding to the challenges faced by the team.

LeBron James' 24 Points, 5 Assists Propel Lakers to Win, End Skid

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LeBron James delivered a strong performance with 24 points and five assists, including a reverse dunk, as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Sacramento Kings 125-101. James' efforts, alongside Luka Doncic, were crucial in snapping the Lakers' three-game losing streak. Following a team soul-searching session, James helped the team execute on defense and play harder, leading a dominant win that helped right the ship for L.A.

Suns' Mark Williams Receives One-Game Suspension, $36K Fine for Altercation

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Suns center Mark Williams has been suspended one game without pay by the NBA, resulting in a $36,072 fine, for his involvement in an on-court altercation with Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado during Saturday's game. Williams was ejected after exchanging punches with Alvarado, who initiated the incident. Williams will serve his one-game ban on December 29 against the Wizards. In his absence, Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards are expected to handle center duties for the Suns.

Pelicans' Jose Alvarado Suspended Two Games, Fined $62K for Initiating On-Court Fight

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Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado has been suspended two games without pay by the NBA, totaling $62,069, for initiating an on-court altercation with Suns center Mark Williams during Saturday's game. Alvarado pushed Williams after a screen, leading to an exchange of punches and both players' ejection. The league handed down the two-game ban, which Alvarado will serve on December 29 against the Knicks and December 31 against the Bulls. Williams received a one-game suspension for his role in the incident.

Alex Sarr Dominates with 20 Points, Career-High 6 Blocks in Wizards' Win

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Wizards' Alex Sarr delivered a stellar performance in Sunday's 116-112 win over the Grizzlies, tallying 20 points (9-20 FG), nine rebounds, one assist, two steals, and a career-high six blocks over 26 minutes. The 2024 No. 1 overall pick has blocked at least three shots in his last three outings and averaged 15.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in five games since returning from an adductor strain, showcasing his two-way prowess.

Avdija Posts Double-Double, Leads Blazers in Assists in Win vs. Celtics

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Deni Avdija recorded his ninth double-double of the season with 24 points (8-16 FG, 3-10 3Pt, 5-10 FT), 10 assists, seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 39 minutes during the Trail Blazers' 114-108 win over the Celtics on Sunday. He led the team in assists and was the second-leading scorer. Avdija has scored at least 24 points in six of his last seven outings. Since Dec. 2, he's averaged 25.1 points, 8.4 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 threes, and 1.0 steals over 36.9 minutes per game.

Sharpe Leads Blazers with 26 Points, Ties Season-High with Five Threes

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Shaedon Sharpe led the Trail Blazers in scoring with 26 points (10-20 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 32 minutes during Sunday's 114-108 win over the Celtics. His five three-pointers tied a season high. Since entering Portland's starting lineup on Dec. 11, Sharpe has averaged 24.3 points on 51.0 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 3.1 threes, and 2.0 steals over 31.8 minutes per game.

Jaylen Brown Ties Celtics Franchise Record with Ninth Straight 30-Point Game

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Jaylen Brown posted 37 points (14-24 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-10 FT), seven rebounds, and four assists in 37 minutes during the Celtics' 114-108 loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday. This marked his ninth-straight 30-point game, tying Larry Bird's Celtics franchise record from the 1984-85 season. Brown scored 27 points in the first half. Since December 2, he has averaged 32.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.1 threes, and 1.1 steals over 35.4 minutes per game.

Barnes Achieves Historic 20-25-10 Triple-Double, Ties Raptors Rebound Record

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Scottie Barnes delivered a historic performance in Sunday's 141-127 overtime win over the Warriors, logging 23 points, a career-high 25 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and one block in 42 minutes. This marked his seventh career triple-double, first of the 2025-26 season, and the first 20-20 triple-double in Raptors history. His 25 rebounds matched a franchise record and are the most in the league this season. Barnes, who started at center, tipped in a rebound to force overtime. He is averaging 19.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks this season.

Mo Bamba Inks One-Year Deal with Toronto Raptors

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Mo Bamba has agreed to a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, as confirmed by his representatives. The center previously averaged 16.5 points and 12 rebounds with the G League's Salt Lake City Stars this season, showcasing his potential for the Raptors' roster.

Bismack Biyombo's 2016 Raptors Rebound Record Matched by Scottie Barnes

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Bismack Biyombo's Toronto Raptors franchise record of 25 rebounds, set in 2016, was matched by Scottie Barnes during his historic triple-double performance on Sunday. Barnes' career-high 25 boards equaled Biyombo's mark, which was the most recorded by a player in a single game for the Raptors.

Anthony Davis Questionable for Monday with Adductor Injury

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Anthony Davis is listed as questionable for Monday's game against Portland due to a right adductor injury. He previously sustained the injury on Christmas Day and has already missed one contest. Should Davis be unable to play, Daniel Gafford is expected to start at center, with Dwight Powell potentially seeing increased minutes off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks.

Chet Holmgren Scores 29 Points, Adds 4 Blocks in Bounce-Back Win

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Chet Holmgren delivered a strong performance in Sunday's 129-104 win over the 76ers, scoring 29 points (12-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT) along with nine rebounds, four blocks, and an assist in 29 minutes. This outing marked a significant bounce-back for Holmgren, who had averaged just 10.3 points over his previous three games. He also matched his season high in blocks for the Oklahoma City Thunder.