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NBA News

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

Friday, December 26, 2025

Cade Cunningham Logs Massive 29-Point, 17-Assist Double-Double

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham recorded a massive double-double in Friday's 131-129 loss to the Jazz, tallying 29 points (10-19 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 6-9 FT), 17 assists, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 37 minutes. He finished one assist shy of his career high, marking his 16th double-double this season and third game with 14+ dimes. Cunningham also contributed defensively with multiple steals and blocks for the fifth time this campaign, despite missing a potential game-winning three-pointer.

Ace Bailey Exits Game with Left Hip Flexor Strain, Ruled Out

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Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey exited Friday's game against the Pistons in the first half due to a left hip flexor strain and was ruled out for the remainder. He recorded zero points (0-2 FG), two rebounds, one steal, and one block across 11 minutes before his departure. His absence is expected to lead to increased playing time for teammates Brice Sensabaugh, Taylor Hendricks, and Walter Clayton in the second half.

Pascal Siakam Struggles in Pacers' Loss, Continues Underwhelming Play

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Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam had a rough night in Friday's 140-122 loss to Boston, contributing 11 points (4-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-6 FT), six rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 28 minutes. This marks his second consecutive underwhelming performance. Despite a relatively strong season overall, the Pacers' seven-game losing streak and 6-win record are raising concerns about Siakam's outlook, suggesting a potential move might be wise if his performance improves.

Trae Young drops 30 points, ramps up after 22-game knee injury absence

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Trae Young led all scorers with 30 points (8-16 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 9-9 FT), adding three rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 32 minutes during Friday's 126-111 loss to the Heat. This marks his second 30-point game in three outings as he continues to ramp up after missing 22 games due to a knee injury, playing 30+ minutes in consecutive games. The Atlanta Hawks have now lost five straight games.

Knueppel Exits Game with Ankle Injury After 16-Point Quarter; X-Rays Negative

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Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel exited Friday's game vs. Magic in the second quarter due to a right ankle injury, sustained after landing on Desmond Bane's shoe. X-rays were negative, but he'll undergo further testing in Charlotte and is highly questionable for Monday's game. Before his exit, Knueppel recorded 16 points (5-7 FG, 4-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, and one assist in 15 minutes, including an explosive 16-point first quarter. He entered the game averaging 19.4 points and recently became the fastest NBA player to hit 100 3-pointers in 29 games.

Desmond Bane Involved in Incidental Play Leading to Knueppel's Injury

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Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane was incidentally involved in a play during Friday's game where Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel rolled his ankle after landing on Bane's shoe. There was no news regarding Bane's own status or performance in the article.

Andrew Nembhard Nears Double-Double with 18 Points, 8 Assists in Pacers Loss

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Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard delivered an efficient performance in Friday's 140-122 loss to the Celtics, notching 18 points (7-13 FG, 4-7 3Pt), eight assists, four rebounds, and two steals across 30 minutes. He led the Pacers in scoring and matched his season high with four three-pointers. Nembhard also dished out a game-best eight dimes, marking his third consecutive game with at least six assists, bouncing back from a less efficient outing earlier in the week.

Jaylen Brown Continues Hot Streak with Another 30-Point Performance for Celtics

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Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown delivered another dominant performance in Friday's 140-122 win over the Pacers, tallying 30 points (13-20 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four assists, three rebounds, and four steals in 32 minutes. He paced the Celtics in scoring, contributing 10 points in both the second and third quarters. This marks his 18th game with 30 or more points this season, with 11 of those coming in his last 12 outings. Since December 2, Brown has averaged 32.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.1 threes, and 1.3 steals.

Lakers' Austin Reaves Diagnosed with Grade 2 Calf Strain, Out At Least Four Weeks

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Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain, sidelining him for at least four weeks and approximately 14 games. This injury, sustained during Thursday's loss to the Rockets, is separate from a recent mild calf strain. Reaves, averaging career highs of 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds, is a significant loss as the team's second-leading scorer, impacting the struggling Lakers (19-10) who have dropped three straight. His absence will increase playmaking duties for LeBron James, Gabe Vincent, and Marcus Smart.

Black Leads Magic with 24 Points, 4 Assists in Loss

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Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black paced his team in Friday's 120-105 loss to the Hornets, recording 24 points (8-17 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and one block across 36 minutes. With Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs sidelined, Black led Orlando in scoring and three-pointers made, marking his fourth 20-plus point performance in his last five outings. He also tied for the team-high in assists and steals, extending his streak of multiple swipes to back-to-back games.

Ball Scores Team-High 22 Points in Hornets' Win

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LaMelo Ball posted a team-high 22 points (7-20 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 4-6 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal over 29 minutes in the Hornets' 120-105 win over the Magic on Friday. Despite an inefficient shooting night, Ball extended his streak of 20-plus point games to three. Since returning from a five-game ankle absence, he has averaged 20.8 points, 8.4 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 4.8 threes, and 1.0 steals. With Kon Knueppel exiting due to an ankle injury, Ball could see increased offensive usage if Knueppel misses further time.

Johnson Nears Triple-Double with 24 Points, 10 Assists in Loss

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Jalen Johnson delivered another impressive stat line in Friday's 126-111 loss to the Heat, recording 24 points (10-17 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal across 38 minutes. While the Hawks dropped their fifth straight game, Johnson continues to rack up elite stats, finishing just one rebound or assist shy of a triple-double for the fourth time in his last five contests. He has also scored at least 24 points in four of those games, solidifying his role as a primary offensive weapon.

Powell Leads Heat with 25 Points, 7 Rebounds in Victory

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Norman Powell stepped up for the Heat in Friday's 126-111 win over the Hawks, supplying 25 points (9-16 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 5-5 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, and one steal across 33 minutes. With Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo sidelined, Powell led Miami in scoring and was efficient from the floor, despite struggling from beyond the arc (2-8 3Pt, 24.2% over his last four games). He has now recorded at least 17 points in each of his last four outings.

Barnes Returns to Game After Brief Hip Injury Scare

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Raptors forward Scottie Barnes, initially cleared to play Friday against the Wizards despite an illness, briefly exited the game in the third quarter due to a left hip injury. He limped to the locker room but was subsequently cleared and returned to the contest with 11:22 remaining in the fourth quarter, appearing good to go. Barnes has maintained a perfect attendance record this season and averaged 18.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals in December.

Davis Questionable for Saturday with Groin/Adductor Strain, Expected to Miss Week

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Mavericks star Anthony Davis sustained a minor groin strain, now termed right adductor soreness, during Thursday's loss to the Warriors, marking his 13th career groin-related injury. He is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Kings and is expected to miss 'a few games,' likely around a week, with an average recovery of eight days. Davis, who left the Christmas Day game early, stated his 'leg got tight' but that it's 'nothing serious.' If sidelined, Daniel Gafford and Caleb Martin are anticipated to take on expanded roles, with Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse also potential rotation candidates. Davis has averaged 20.5 points and 10.9 rebounds in half of the Mavs' games this season.

Cedric Coward Available Friday vs. Bucks, Returns to Starting Lineup

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Memphis Grizzlies rookie Cedric Coward (heel) is available for Friday's game against the Bucks, returning from a one-game absence. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo confirmed he was on track to play, and Coward is expected to immediately return to the starting lineup, where he has been a fixture in his last 16 appearances. As a starter, he's averaged 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Since December, Coward has been a productive player, averaging 14.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, though his minutes are expected to be closely monitored.

De'Aaron Fox Questionable for Saturday with Left Adductor Tightness

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San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Jazz due to left adductor tightness. The injury may have flared up during the Spurs' Christmas Day victory over the Thunder, where Fox recorded 29 points, four rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal in 33 minutes. Should Fox be sidelined, Dylan Harper and Julian Champagnie are considered the top candidates to step into San Antonio's starting lineup.

Edwards Questionable for Saturday with Shoulder Soreness After 44-Point Ejection

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Anthony Edwards delivered a 44-point performance with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals against the Nuggets, hitting a clutch shot to force overtime before being ejected for a second technical foul. This was his fifth 40-point game this season. However, Edwards is now questionable for Saturday's game against the Nets due to right shoulder soreness, potentially missing his fourth December contest. Over eight appearances this month, the Timberwolves star has averaged 30.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 38.8 minutes. If he's sidelined, Jaylen Clark and Bones Hyland could see increased minutes.

Quentin Grimes Available for Friday's Game vs. Bulls After Illness

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Philadelphia 76ers swingman Quentin Grimes (illness) is available for Friday's game against the Bulls, returning to the floor after a one-game absence on Tuesday against the Nets. In seven appearances this month, Grimes has averaged 10.9 points, 4.7 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 30.9 minutes per contest. His return to the lineup is expected to push teammate Eric Gordon out of the rotation entirely, bolstering the 76ers' roster for the upcoming matchup.

VJ Edgecombe Cleared to Play Friday vs. Bulls After Illness

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Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe (illness) has been cleared to play in Friday's game against the Bulls, having been upgraded from probable. Edgecombe, who missed Tuesday's game against the Nets, successfully completed shootaround without setbacks, indicating his readiness to return to the lineup. His availability means Jared McCain will likely move to a bench role. In December, Edgecombe has averaged 17.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.5 threes, and 1.1 steals over 32.6 minutes per game. Teammates Dominick Barlow and Quentin Grimes also returned from illness.