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NBA News

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

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Wembanyama Returns to Starting Lineup, Drops 32 Points & 5 Blocks

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Victor Wembanyama returned to the Spurs' starting lineup Saturday against the Jazz, marking his first start in seven games after a 12-game calf strain absence. He delivered a dominant performance, scoring 32 points (12-21 FG, 8-8 FT) with seven rebounds, three assists, and five blocks in 28 minutes. This was his most minutes since returning December 13, and his fifth 30-point and fifth five-block game this season. While his minutes may still be monitored, the Spurs appear to be easing him into a larger role.

OG Anunoby Delivers Clutch Performance with Double-Double, Key Steal

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OG Anunoby finished with 15 points (7-for-7 FT), 10 rebounds, and five assists, delivering a clutch performance in the New York Knicks' 128-125 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Anunoby made the defensive play of the game with a huge steal and secured the win with crucial free throws late in the fourth quarter, helping the Knicks hang on for the thrilling victory.

Derik Queen Records Another Double-Double with 21 Points

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Derik Queen posted another strong performance in Saturday's 123-114 loss to the Suns, logging 21 points (7-15 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal in 27 minutes. This marks his fourth double-double across his last six appearances and his seventh game with 15-plus points in his previous nine contests. Queen continues to be one of the most productive rookies this season, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Devin Booker Struggles with Shot, Posts Inefficient 20 Points

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Devin Booker provided 20 points (6-18 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 5-8 FT), three rebounds, and four assists in 34 minutes during Saturday's 123-114 win over New Orleans. Despite leading the team in scoring, Booker struggled with his shot, converting only 33.3 percent from the field and three-point range. This marks his second game in his last three failing to reach the 25-point mark, suggesting a recent dip in his typically efficient scoring production.

Russell Westbrook Climbs Assists List, Nears Scoring & Steals Milestones

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Russell Westbrook led the Kings to a 113-107 win over the Mavericks, posting 21 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 1 steal in 28 minutes. His 9 assists moved him past Magic Johnson for 7th all-time with 10,149 career assists. The 37-year-old is also just nine points shy of tying Dominique Wilkins for 16th all-time in scoring (26,659 points) and recorded his 2,000th career steal. Westbrook, who is not considering retirement, also holds the record for most triple-doubles (207) and is nearing Oscar Robertson's top-scoring point guard record.

Clippers' Derrick Jones Jr. Returns Sunday from MCL Sprain

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Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr. will return to action Sunday against the Detroit Pistons after being sidelined since November 16 due to a sprained MCL. Sources confirm his availability, though he is expected to be under heavy restrictions. His return may impact playing time for Kobe Sanders and Jordan Miller. Prior to his injury, Jones averaged 10.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 24.9 minutes per game.

Jerami Grant Out Fifth Straight Game with Achilles Tendinitis

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (Achilles) will miss his fifth consecutive game Sunday against Boston due to tendinitis in his left Achilles. His next opportunity to return to the court will be Monday when the Trail Blazers face Dallas.

Nesmith Cleared to Return from Knee Injury, Will Come Off Bench for Pacers

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Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (sprained left knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Heat, marking his return after an 18-game absence since November 13. He will come off the bench and is expected to face heavy minutes restrictions. His return will leave fewer minutes available for Johnny Furphy, Quenton Jackson, and Jarace Walker. In 11 regular-season games this season, the 26-year-old averaged 15.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 30.5 minutes.

Austin Reaves Out Four Weeks with Grade 2 Calf Strain

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Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a grade 2 strain in his left calf and will be reevaluated in four weeks. This marks his second calf issue in less than two weeks, having previously missed three games with a mild strain in the same calf. Reaves, the Lakers' second-leading scorer, is averaging career highs of 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, and notably scored a career-high 51 points in October. The team will need to adjust without him.

Darius Garland Available for Cavaliers vs. Rockets Despite Illness

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (illness) is available for Saturday's game against the Rockets. He was a late addition to the injury report but has shed his probable tag and will suit up. Over his last five outings, the 25-year-old point guard has averaged an impressive 21.4 points, 8.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 54.3 percent from beyond the arc in 31.6 minutes per contest.

Tyler Herro Out for Seventh Straight Game, No Timetable for Return

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Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (right toe contusion) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Pacers, marking his seventh consecutive missed contest. Head coach Erik Spoelstra stated Herro is progressing well but is without a timetable for a return and can be considered week-to-week. His next opportunity to suit up will come Monday against the Nuggets. With Herro sidelined, Dru Smith, Pelle Larsson, and Kasparas Jakucionis are candidates to continue seeing increased playing time.

Alperen Sengun Ruled Out for Saturday's Game vs. Cavaliers with Calf Tightness

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Alperen Sengun (left calf tightness) is out for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers. His absence means Steven Adams will jump into the starting lineup while playing alongside Jabari Smith in the frontcourt. Sengun will aim to return to the hardwood when the Houston Rockets take on the Pacers on Monday.

Josh Giddey Available for Bulls vs. Bucks Despite Left Ankle Sprain

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Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (left ankle sprain) is available for Saturday's game against the Bucks, shedding his questionable tag. He will suit up in the second leg of Chicago's back-to-back set. During Friday's win over the 76ers, the 23-year-old point guard posted 12 points (3-12 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 assists, six rebounds, and one steal over 33 minutes. He has racked up two triple-doubles and two double-doubles over his last five appearances.

Kel'el Ware Cleared to Play Saturday vs. Pacers Despite Quad Contusion

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Kel'el Ware (right quadriceps contusion) is available for Saturday's game against the Pacers, shedding his probable tag. The Heat center was added to the injury report but will suit up in the second leg of Miami's back-to-back. Ware has been a strong contributor, starting five consecutive contests and recording four double-doubles over that stretch, making his availability key for Miami's frontcourt.

Paul George Probable for Sunday's Game vs. Thunder with Knee Management

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Paul George is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Thunder due to left knee injury management. The probable tag suggests he should suit up to face his former team, though a final decision will be made closer to tipoff. George hasn't been at his best recently, often relegated to a secondary role on offense, and has failed to reach the 20-point mark in four of his last six appearances for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Joel Embiid Out for Sunday's Game vs. Thunder with Right Ankle Sprain

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Joel Embiid (right ankle sprain) is out for Sunday's game against the Thunder. He registered 31 points (10-19 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 9-9 FT), five rebounds, one assist, and one block across 32 minutes during Friday's 109-102 loss to the Bulls. The big man's absence means the Philadelphia 76ers will once again be depleted in the frontcourt, with Andre Drummond and Adem Bona likely handling most of the minutes at center, and Dominick Barlow also seeing sizable playing time.

Josh Hart Out for Road Trip, Re-evaluation Pending for Ankle Sprain

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New York Knicks swingman Josh Hart (ankle) will miss the team's entire three-game road trip after spraining his right ankle in Thursday's win over the Cavaliers. He is scheduled to be re-evaluated upon the team's return to New York, with his next potential game action being Friday against the Hawks. In Hart's absence, Miles McBride and Jordan Clarkson are expected to see increased playing time for the Knicks.

Jalen Suggs Ruled Out for Saturday, Misses Sixth Straight Game

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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (left hip contusion) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Denver Nuggets. This marks his sixth consecutive missed contest, having sustained the injury in a loss to the Knicks on December 13. Suggs' next opportunity to play will be Monday against the Raptors. In his absence, Tyus Jones and Jase Richardson are anticipated to continue seeing increased playing time for the Magic.

Wizards' Kyshawn George Questionable Sunday with Hip Flexor Soreness

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Washington Wizards' Kyshawn George is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies, battling left hip flexor soreness. The second-year swingman faces the possibility of missing his first game since November 25. Should George be sidelined, Justin Champagnie, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley are expected to see increased playing time. This development, reported on December 27, 2025, highlights a potential shift in the Wizards' rotation.

Anthony Davis Sidelined for Saturday's Game with Adductor Soreness

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Anthony Davis (adductor) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings due to right adductor soreness, stemming from exiting Thursday's loss to Golden State. The Mavericks star big man is considered questionable for Monday's game against Portland. With Davis unavailable, Daniel Gafford is expected to start at center, with Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse potentially entering the rotation.