Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington has been cleared to play in Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Warriors, returning from a one-game absence due to a right foot injury. His return means Naji Marshall will likely revert to a bench role. Over his last six outings, Washington has averaged 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 threes, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Wizards due to a back injury. He appeared to aggravate the issue during Sunday's loss to the Nets, marking his second consecutive missed game. With Poeltl sidelined, Sandro Mamukelashvili is expected to remain in the Raptors' starting lineup. Poeltl's next opportunity to play will be Sunday against the Warriors.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Suns. This marks his second consecutive absence due to a sprained right ankle. His next opportunity to play will be in Saturday's rematch against Phoenix. Bryce McGowens is expected to remain in the Pelicans' starting lineup for as long as Jones is sidelined.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Hawks, marking his sixth consecutive absence. He continues to recover from a contusion on his right big toe. Herro's next chance to play is Saturday against the Pacers, but there is currently no clear timeline for the seventh-year pro's return to action.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (leg) is not on the injury report and is cleared to play in Friday's game against the 76ers. He sustained a leg injury during the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 126-123 win over the Hawks, which prevented him from returning, but it does not appear to be a long-term concern. Buzelis has averaged 16.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 threes, 1.4 blocks, and 1.1 steals over 27.9 minutes in his last 10 outings.
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Hawks due to lower back soreness. As the Heat begin a back-to-back set, it's possible the team sidelines him for one of those games while the veteran center recovers from the injury. If Adebayo were to miss time, Ke'lel Ware would likely step into a more prominent offensive role, with Simone Fontecchio and Jaime Jaquez as top candidates to enter Miami's starting lineup.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Hornets. Wagner was diagnosed with a left high-ankle sprain in early December, an injury typically carrying a recovery timeline of 2-to-4 weeks. He has not progressed enough in his recovery to return Friday, making Saturday's game against the Nuggets his next opportunity to play.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (hip) has been downgraded to doubtful for Friday's game against the Hornets, trending toward missing his fifth consecutive game due to a left hip contusion. Tyus Jones is expected to remain in the Magic's starting lineup for as long as Suggs is sidelined. With Friday being the first leg of Orlando's back-to-back set, his next opportunity to play would be Saturday against Denver.
Knicks wing Josh Hart suffered a lower-leg injury in the fourth quarter (7:43 mark) of Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Cavaliers, stepping on an opponent's foot. He made two free throws before limping off and did not return. Prior to exiting, Hart totaled 15 points (5-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), five rebounds, and three assists across 26 minutes in the 126-124 win. His injury status will be monitored ahead of Friday's matchup with the Hawks, where he also posted a team-worst minus-19 plus-minus.
Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson will be reevaluated in 4-to-6 weeks after suffering a bone bruise and hyperextended right knee. He was diagnosed with a right knee contusion following the team's loss to the Mavericks on Tuesday. This timeline means Johnson is not expected to return until late January at the earliest. Tim Hardaway, Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson, and Julian Strawther are expected to see increased roles during his absence.
Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (oblique) has been upgraded to probable for Thursday's game against the Nuggets, trending toward a return from a one-game absence due to a left oblique contusion. His return is expected to shift Mike Conley back to a bench role. McDaniels has taken on an expanded scoring role this season, averaging 15.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 threes, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks over 32.3 minutes per game.
Karl-Anthony Towns was highlighted among NBA stars for his fashion choices during the five-game Christmas Day slate. The mention notes his presence in the league's festive sartorial display.
Stephen Curry is preparing to lead the Golden State Warriors as they host Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks in a marquee Christmas Day game. The Warriors are set to clash with the Mavericks on December 25, 2025, in what promises to be an exciting holiday showdown. Curry will aim to deliver a festive performance for the home crowd.
LeBron James is scheduled for a significant Christmas Day game in 2025, where he will once again square off against Kevin Durant. James's Los Angeles Lakers are set to host Durant's Houston Rockets in a highly anticipated holiday clash. This festive matchup continues their long-standing rivalry, promising an exciting contest for fans.
Kevin Durant is slated for another high-profile Christmas Day matchup in 2025, as he prepares to face off against long-time rival LeBron James. The Houston Rockets, featuring Durant, will take on James's Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated holiday game. This marks another chapter in their storied rivalry on the festive NBA schedule.
Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (groin) is listed as probable for Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Rockets. He has missed the last two games due to the injury but is progressing toward a return. If cleared, he could displace Jake LaRavia and Nick Smith from the starting lineup. This season, Hachimura is averaging 13.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.9 threes over 32.9 minutes per game.
Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Lakers. He has yet to appear this season while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, initially targeting a January return. If cleared to play, he would likely be under a significant minutes restriction. His return could impact playing time for Jae'Sean Tate or Josh Okogie.
Alperen Sengun is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Lakers due to left calf tightness, putting him at risk of missing the Rockets' Christmas Day contest. If Sengun is sidelined, Steven Adams, Clint Capela, and Jabari Smith are expected to handle most of the center duties. In his last six games, Sengun has been averaging 23.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.2 blocks across 35.5 minutes.
Draymond Green and Warriors coach Steve Kerr apologized Wednesday for their heated mid-game argument on Monday, which saw Green briefly leave the bench. Kerr took responsibility, calling it 'not my finest hour,' but confirmed things were smoothed over. Kerr affirmed Green's starting role, not considering a bench position, and expressed excitement for the lineup. He emphasized their family-like bond and Green's loyalty, desiring him to finish his career as a Warrior, believing his passion is vital for winning.
Jaden McDaniels (oblique) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Christmas Day game against the Nuggets. He was unable to play against the Knicks on Tuesday, but the questionable tag provides a chance for his return. If McDaniels is unable to play, Mike Conley would likely remain in the Timberwolves' starting lineup alongside Donte DiVincenzo. In nine games since December 2, McDaniels has averaged 14.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 threes, and 1.0 steals over 33.4 minutes per game.
