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NBA News

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

Thursday, December 25, 2025

Tyler Kolek's Christmas Day Heroics & Expanding Role Spark Trade Talk

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New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek was instrumental in their 126-124 Christmas Day comeback win over the Cavaliers, rallying from a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit. He contributed 16 points and nine assists, including 11 points and three clutch three-pointers in the fourth. Kolek also made a pivotal late block on Donovan Mitchell and assisted Mikal Bridges for a late lead. His recent surge, including averaging 9 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists in his last five regular season games and a 14-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist NBA Cup game, is prompting questions about the Knicks' trade deadline plans for the backup point guard position. Coach Mike Brown previously challenged Kolek's shooting, to which he responded with improved performance.

Lauri Markkanen Cleared to Play Friday, Returns from Rest

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Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (groin) is not listed on the injury report for Friday's game against the Pistons, indicating he is on track to play. Markkanen had rested the second leg of a back-to-back set Tuesday versus Memphis and has missed four of Utah's past seven games to manage his workload. When available, he has been highly productive in December, averaging 27.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals in 35.0 minutes across six appearances.

Gilgeous-Alexander Reflects on Thunder's Third Loss to Spurs

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Following the Oklahoma City Thunder's 117-102 Christmas Day loss to the San Antonio Spurs, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged the Spurs' superiority, stating, "You don’t lose to a team three times in a row in a short span without them being better than you." He added, "We have to get better, look in the mirror, and that’s everybody from top to bottom." Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to just 22 points on 19 shots as the Thunder suffered their third defeat to San Antonio in less than a fortnight.

Reaves Exits Christmas Game with Calf Re-Injury; Multi-Game Absence Feared

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Austin Reaves exited the Lakers' Christmas Day game against the Rockets due to left calf soreness and will not return, raising concerns about a re-injury. He had just returned Tuesday after missing three games with a calf strain. In 15 first-half minutes, Reaves scored 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt), 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block. He is now questionable for Sunday's game against the Kings, suggesting a potential multi-game absence. The Lakers struggled after his departure. He entered the game averaging 27.3 PPG, 11th in the league.

Draymond Green Posts 7 Pts, 5 Reb; Warriors Move Past Kerr Spat

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Draymond Green contributed 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 turnovers in 28 minutes during the Warriors' 126-116 Christmas Day win over the Mavericks, battling foul trouble. His performance came after a heated exchange with coach Steve Kerr, for which both apologized. Kerr confirmed the team is "in a good place" following the incident. Green also recently addressed Charles Barkley's playoff remarks, highlighting his four NBA titles and the Warriors' No. 8 seed. The team displayed quick recovery and professionalism.

Brunson Erupts for 34 Points, 4 Assists in Knicks' Christmas Comeback

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Jalen Brunson delivered a stellar Christmas Day performance for the New York Knicks, erupting for 34 points (10-25 FG, 6-12 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 1 rebound, 4 assists, and 2 steals in 39 minutes. He scored a crucial 13 points in the fourth quarter, fueling the Knicks' dramatic 126-124 comeback win over the Cavaliers, overcoming a 17-point deficit. This marks the Knicks' third consecutive Christmas Day victory. Brunson played despite a minor ankle issue that sidelined him previously and has now scored 20+ in nine straight games.

Mobley Returns from Calf Strain, Posts 14 Pts, 9 Reb in 25 Mins

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Evan Mobley (calf) returned to action for the Cleveland Cavaliers in Thursday's Christmas Day loss to the Knicks, providing 14 points (6-8 FG), 9 rebounds, and 3 assists across 25 minutes off the bench. He was on a minutes restriction after missing five games due to a Grade 1 left calf strain, sidelined since December 12. Despite the limited workload, Mobley nearly recorded his fifth straight double-double. Prior to his injury, he was averaging 19.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.9 blocks over his last 10 appearances.

Mitchell Explodes for 34 Points, 7 Rebounds, 6 Assists on Christmas Day

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Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers with an explosive Christmas Day performance, tallying 34 points (12-25 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, and four steals in 33 minutes during Thursday's 126-124 loss to the Knicks. His four steals tied a season high. Mitchell has been on a scoring tear in December, averaging a sizzling 32.1 points, 5.3 assists, 4.2 boards, 4.0 threes, and 1.3 steals, having scored 30+ points in six of his ten games this month.

Jerami Grant Out Friday vs. Clippers With Achilles Injury; Fourth Straight Miss

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (Achilles) will be sidelined for Friday's matchup against the Clippers, marking his fourth consecutive game missed due to the Achilles injury. The veteran forward's next opportunity to return to action will be on Sunday when the Trail Blazers face the Celtics.

Anthony Davis Exits Christmas Game with Right Groin Spasms, Status Uncertain

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Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis exited Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter due to a right groin injury. He did not return and was later ruled out at halftime with right groin spasms. Shams Charania reported the issue as groin tightness, suggesting it's a precaution, but his availability for Saturday's game against the Kings remains uncertain. Max Christie replaced him in the second half.

Alperen Sengun Cleared to Play Christmas Day Despite Calf Tightness

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Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (calf) is available for Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Lakers, as reported by Will Guillory. Despite experiencing calf tightness, Sengun will play. In December, he has been a strong performer, averaging 24.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.5 blocks over 35.1 minutes per game.

Ja Morant Questionable for Friday's Game vs. Bucks with Ankle Injury

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (ankle) is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup against the Bucks. The star guard has been sidelined, missing four consecutive games and playing only twice since November 15. Should Morant be cleared to play, he is expected to be under a minutes restriction as he returns to action.

Kalkbrenner (Elbow) Sidelined for Third Straight Game Friday

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Hornets rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) will miss Friday's game against the Magic, marking his third consecutive absence. His continued sidelining, along with Mason Plumlee's (groin) absence, means Moussa Diabate is expected to maintain his starting role and expanded minutes for Charlotte.

Daniels (Hip) Cleared to Return Friday vs. Heat After One-Game Absence

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Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (hip) has been removed from the injury report and is cleared to play in Friday's game against the Miami Heat, per Kevin Chouinard. Daniels will return after missing one game. In December, he has been averaging 14.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.4 steals across 34.7 minutes per contest.

De'Aaron Fox Scores 29 Points, Leads Spurs to Victory Over Thunder

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San Antonio Spurs veteran guard De'Aaron Fox delivered a stellar performance on Christmas Day, leading his team to a 117-102 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fox scored 29 points on highly efficient 12-for-19 shooting, spearheading the Spurs' offense. This win marks San Antonio's third triumph over the Thunder in less than two weeks and their eighth consecutive victory, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Western Conference.

Jordan Clarkson's 25 Points Boost Knicks in Christmas Comeback

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Reserve guard Jordan Clarkson provided a significant spark off the bench for the New York Knicks, scoring 25 points. His performance contributed to the team's dramatic 126-124 comeback victory over the Cavaliers on Christmas Day, marking their third consecutive holiday win.

Mitchell Robinson Grabs 13 Boards, Fuels Knicks' Christmas Comeback Win

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New York Knicks reserve center Mitchell Robinson played a crucial role in the team's Christmas Day comeback victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Trailing by 17 points in the fourth quarter, Robinson's relentless hustle on the offensive glass helped spark the rally. He finished the game with an impressive 13 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Knicks' 126-124 win.

VJ Edgecombe Questionable for Friday's Game Due to Illness

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Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe is listed as questionable for Friday's matchup against the Bulls due to an illness. He previously sat out the team's most recent game and is at risk of missing another. Prior to his absence, Edgecombe had been on a strong scoring streak, recording 20-plus points in four straight appearances.

Joel Embiid Questionable for Friday Due to Right Knee Management

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Bulls, citing right knee injury management. Embiid is coming off a strong performance against the Nets on December 23rd but may sit out to rest his knee. If he is sidelined, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona are expected to see increased minutes.

Dorian Finney-Smith Cleared for Regular-Season Debut After Ankle Surgery

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Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has been cleared to play in Thursday's game against the Lakers, marking his regular-season debut. He underwent offseason surgery to repair a left ankle injury and will be under a minutes restriction as he returns to game speed. His return is expected to reduce available minutes for teammates Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate.