AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Klay Thompson Returns to Bay Area with Mavericks, Faces Former Team

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson is back in the Bay Area ahead of Thursday's Christmas Day game against his former team, the Golden State Warriors. Thompson, in his second season with the Mavericks (12-19), has been posting career-low numbers, averaging 11.1 points on 36.9% shooting from the field and 35.3% from three-point range in 28 games. He started the first seven games but has since come off the bench in 20 of 21 contests. He was also seen boating with Megan Thee Stallion.

LeBron James Redefines Role, Excels Off-Ball & Post-Up Play

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James has significantly reoriented his offensive style, embracing an off-ball role with the Lakers. He's posting career-low usage and on-ball percentages, with over half his buckets now assisted. While effective in transition (63.6% FG) and elite in post-ups (1.226 points per possession, a career-high), he's struggled as a spot-up shooter (8-for-25 from three). With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves battling injuries, James may need to increase his scoring, having recently averaged 30 PPG over a three-game road trip. The Lakers' defense, however, remains a concern, ranking 25th overall.

Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Explodes Off-Ball, Dominates Clutch Play

AutoDraft Pro AI

Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has transformed his game, thriving since shifting from point guard to an off-ball finisher. In 23 games, he's averaged 20.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks on 51% shooting. His production has surged to 24.1 PPG and 4.8 APG on 53% shooting (58% on 2-pointers) with a .608 true shooting percentage over the last 12 games. Flagg has also become Dallas' go-to player in crunch time, posting 51% FG and 83% FT, with a 25.5% clutch usage rate. Despite needing to develop his jumper and strength, the 19-year-old is already a 'monster' talent.

Knicks' Reported Interest in Donte DiVincenzo Deemed Highly Unlikely

AutoDraft Pro AI

The New York Knicks reportedly have interest in Donte DiVincenzo, whom they 'hated losing' in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. However, sources indicate that a potential trade for DiVincenzo is 'highly unlikely' to materialize. Significant movement on this front has not been observed, as the Knicks would need to part with key players like Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson to facilitate a deal, which they are reportedly unwilling to do. This suggests DiVincenzo is unlikely to return to New York despite their interest.

Santi Aldama Explodes for Career-High Tying 37 Points, Seven Threes

AutoDraft Pro AI

Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama erupted for a career-high tying 37 points (13-21 FG, 7-13 3Pt, 4-7 FT) during Tuesday's 137-128 win over Utah. He added five rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 34 minutes. Aldama's seven made three-pointers marked a new career high. This performance ties his previous career best set just last Saturday. Despite an inconsistent role, Aldama has shown impressive peaks, averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 boards, 3.5 assists, 2.1 threes, and 1.4 combined steals/blocks over his last 15 games (six starts), shooting 50.5% from the field.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Tyler Kolek Nears Triple-Double in Impressive First Career NBA Start

AutoDraft Pro AI

Tyler Kolek made his first career NBA start Tuesday against the Timberwolves, filling in for the injured Jalen Brunson (ankle). He delivered an impressive performance, racking up 20 points (9-22 FG, 2-6 3Pt), 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals across 31 minutes in the 115-104 loss, finishing two assists shy of a triple-double. Kolek has earned an expanded role, averaging 7.0 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.8 rebounds over 19.8 minutes in his last four outings prior to this start. He is expected to return to a bench role if Brunson plays Thursday.

Anthony Edwards Dominates Knicks with 38 Points, Four Steals

AutoDraft Pro AI

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves to a 115-104 victory over the Knicks, delivering a dominant scoring effort with 38 points (15-27 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 4-6 FT). In 37 minutes, he also recorded four steals, two assists, one rebound, and one block. This marked his 13th 30-plus point performance of the season, maintaining his career-high pace of 28.7 points through 23 games. Edwards is set to face the Nuggets in a Christmas showdown on Thursday.

Kawhi Leonard explodes for 41 points, leads Clippers to back-to-back wins

AutoDraft Pro AI

Kawhi Leonard delivered a dominant performance, scoring 41 points—his highest total since December 2023—to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 128-108 victory over the Rockets. Leonard also contributed 8 rebounds and 5 assists, shooting an efficient 16-of-23 from the field. This win marks the first time the Clippers have secured back-to-back victories since October, with coach Tyronn Lue attributing the team's recent success to Leonard's healthy state. Leonard started strong, tallying 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting in the first half.

Anthony Davis Scores 31, Instrumental in Mavericks' Close Win

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks' Anthony Davis tallied 31 points (12-19 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 6-6 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 36 minutes during Tuesday's 131-130 victory over the Nuggets. He was instrumental in the narrow win, falling just one rebound shy of extending his double-double streak to five games. Davis has been excellent in December, averaging 22.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals across eight appearances. He looks to continue this momentum into a Christmas matchup against the Warriors.

Pascal Siakam Nears Double-Double with 15 Points in Pacers' Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam totaled 15 points (6-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-8 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 33 minutes during Tuesday's 111-94 loss to the Bucks. After scoring 20-plus points in his last three outings, Siakam tied his season low in shot attempts and finished with 15 or fewer points for only the fifth time in 29 games. Despite a less aggressive offensive night, he led the Pacers in rebounds and delivered an efficient performance.

Cooper Flagg Achieves Historic 33-9-9, Impresses Jokic, Set for Christmas Start

AutoDraft Pro AI

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg delivered a historic performance in Tuesday's 131-130 win over the Nuggets, recording 33 points (14-21 FG, 4-6 3Pt), 9 rebounds, and 9 assists with a career-best four three-pointers. He became the first 19-year-old in NBA history to achieve a 33-9-9 stat line and only the second teenager ever. Flagg, who has scored 20+ points in five of his last six games, also had his best long-range shooting night, impressing Nikola Jokic with his clutch play. He is set for a historic Christmas Day start at just 19 years and 4 days old against the Golden State Warriors.

Jamal Murray's 31-Point, 14-Assist Double-Double in Nuggets' Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray contributed 31 points (12-21 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 14 assists, seven rebounds, and one steal over 37 minutes during Tuesday's 131-130 loss to the Mavericks. Murray led the Nuggets in scoring and notched his fifth double-double of the season, his first since December 5th. This outing also marked his fourth 30-point performance in the past seven games. The 28-year-old has been outstanding this campaign, posting career-best averages across multiple categories.

Keegan Murray Exits Tuesday's Game with Right Calf Injury, Will Not Return

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray did not return to Tuesday's game against the Pistons after suffering a right calf injury. He did not start the second half and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game. Murray finished with 2 points (1-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt), 2 blocks, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 20 minutes. Nique Clifford is expected to see increased minutes in his absence, with Murray's next opportunity to play scheduled for Saturday against Dallas.

Austin Reaves Returns from Calf Strain, Comes Off Bench in Lakers' Loss

AutoDraft Pro AI

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves returned to action against the Suns after a three-game absence due to a left calf strain, coming off the bench for the first time in two seasons. He scored 17 points with 2 assists and 3 turnovers in the 132-108 loss, where the Lakers' defense struggled. Though not on an official minutes restriction, his workload was monitored. Reaves, who averaged 26.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 0.9 steals over his last 14 games before the injury, appeared out of sorts early in his return.

Karl-Anthony Towns Scores Season-High 40 Points in Return to Minnesota

AutoDraft Pro AI

Karl-Anthony Towns delivered a season-high 40 points (14-24 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 9-11 FT) along with 13 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in 35 minutes during the Knicks' 115-104 loss to the Timberwolves on Tuesday. This marked his second game in Minnesota since being traded and his 19th double-double of the season. Towns carried the Knicks' offense in the absence of Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, though his efforts weren't enough to secure a win, as he eventually fouled out in the final minute.

Nuggets' Cameron Johnson Suffers Knee Sprain, Undergoes MRI After Early Exit

AutoDraft Pro AI

Cameron Johnson sustained a right knee sprain in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's loss to the Mavericks, landing awkwardly and limping off the court. He did not return, finishing with 8 points (3-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt), 3 assists, and 2 rebounds in 24 minutes. The Nuggets confirmed the sprain and announced he is scheduled for an MRI. An update on his status for Thursday's game against Minnesota is expected by Wednesday night, with Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway potentially seeing increased roles. The team is already without Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.

Chet Holmgren Exits Tuesday's Game with Facial Injury After Returning from Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, who was available for Tuesday's game against the Spurs after missing the previous game due to illness, exited early in the fourth quarter of the 130-110 loss with an apparent facial injury. He took a shot to the face from teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and did not return. The Thunder may have taken a cautious approach given the Spurs' double-digit lead. An update on Holmgren's status for Thursday's rematch against San Antonio is expected by Wednesday night.

Lauri Markkanen Sits Out with Groin Injury, Dresses as 'Home Alone' Character

AutoDraft Pro AI

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen was held out of Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies for right groin injury management, essentially a rest day during a back-to-back set. This has been a recurring theme for Markkanen this season, causing concern for fantasy managers. Separately, Markkanen embraced the holiday spirit by dressing as Marv Murchins from 'Home Alone' alongside Jazz VP Evan Phillips, who dressed as Harry Lyme.

Jalen Brunson Sits Out Tuesday's Game with Ankle Injury

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson was sidelined for Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, getting the night off due to an ankle injury. His absence came amid the Knicks' tight schedule following their NBA Cup run, as the team faced a back-to-back set.

OG Anunoby Sits Out Tuesday's Game Amidst Knicks' Tight Schedule

AutoDraft Pro AI

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby was given the night off and did not play in Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was held out for rest amid the Knicks' tight schedule following their NBA Cup run, as the team faced a back-to-back set.