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

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Jalen Brunson Sits Out Tuesday's Game with Ankle Injury

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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

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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.

Kevin Porter Delivers 24 Points, 6 Rebounds, 5 Assists in Bucks Win

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Kevin Porter supplied a game-high 24 points (8-13 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 6-9 FT), six rebounds, five assists, and three steals across 38 minutes in the Milwaukee Bucks' 111-94 win over the Pacers on Tuesday. Porter was productive on both ends, reaching the 20-point threshold for the third consecutive contest while shouldering a heavy workload with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sidelined. The 25-year-old point guard also dished out a team-high in assists and recorded a game-best three steals, accumulating 12 steals over his last four appearances.

Josh Giddey Logs Triple-Double with Season-High 15 Assists for Bulls

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Josh Giddey recorded his seventh triple-double of the season on Tuesday, logging 19 points (8-15 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), a season-high 15 assists, and 11 rebounds over 36 minutes in the Chicago Bulls' 126-123 win over the Hawks. Nine of his assists came in the first half, though he was also responsible for seven of the Bulls' 16 turnovers. Over his last 10 outings, Giddey has averaged 19.2 points, 8.9 assists, 8.1 rebounds, 2.2 threes, 1.1 steals, and 4.0 turnovers over 32.9 minutes per game.

Matas Buzelis Exits Game with Apparent Leg Injury, Status Uncertain

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Matas Buzelis sustained an apparent leg injury in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's 126-123 win over the Hawks and did not return. He stepped on an opposing player's foot and limped to the locker room with 6:42 remaining, though he later returned to the bench. Buzelis finished the game with 15 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), two rebounds, and two blocks across 18 minutes. His status will be worth monitoring ahead of the Chicago Bulls' Friday's game against Philadelphia.

Brook Lopez Steps into Starting Role for Clippers with Zubac Out Weeks

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Brook Lopez is confirmed to start for the Clippers against the Rockets on Tuesday, stepping into an increased role with Ivica Zubac sidelined for at least three weeks due to a Grade 2 left ankle sprain. Lopez capitalized on recent increased playing time against the Lakers, recording 11 points, three three-pointers, and two blocked shots. While he has struggled with a career-worst 40.5% field goal percentage this season, he averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks in 31.8 minutes per game as a starter for the Bucks last season.

Michael Porter Jr. Drops 28 Points in Nets Win Amid Trade Market Rumors

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Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 28 points (5-12 3Pt) in a 114-106 win over the 76ers on Tuesday, following a 24-point effort Sunday. He had 25 points (5-8 3Pt) by halftime against Philadelphia. This strong performance comes as the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly testing the trade market for him, willing to listen to pitches on veteran players. Porter Jr. is averaging 25.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, and shooting 40% from beyond the arc this season, making him a significant trade piece with a $38.3M salary this season and $40.8M guaranteed next.

Scottie Barnes Bounces Back with Game-High 27 Points in Raptors Win

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Scottie Barnes delivered an offensive bounce-back performance on Tuesday, logging a game-high 27 points (10-14 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 7-8 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, and one steal over 36 minutes in the Toronto Raptors' 112-91 win over the Heat. This follows a six-point outing in Sunday's loss to the Nets, with 19 of his 27 points coming in the second half. Over his last 10 outings, Barnes has averaged 18.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.1 threes, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals over 35.2 minutes per game.

Joel Embiid Suffers Apparent Knee Injury vs. Nets, Returns to Game

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Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) initially returned from a two-game absence (illness) for Tuesday's game against the Nets. He later exited to the locker room in the third quarter after sustaining an apparent right knee injury, hitting the floor hard and grabbing his knee. However, Embiid returned to the game with 6:49 remaining in the third quarter, appearing good to go for the remainder of the contest with wrapping on both knees. Prior to the injury, he averaged 22.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 combined steals-plus-blocks in four December games.

GG Jackson Earns First Start for Grizzlies Against Jazz

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GG Jackson is in the Memphis Grizzlies' starting lineup against the Jazz on Tuesday, marking his first start of the 2025-26 regular season. Jackson was recently recalled from the G League on Sunday and played 12 minutes in Memphis' 119-103 loss to Oklahoma City. This opportunity for increased minutes comes due to the absence of Cedric Coward (heel). Prior to this, Jackson had averaged just 7.4 minutes per game across nine NBA appearances this season.

Santi Aldama Starts for Grizzlies, Continues Strong December Play

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Santi Aldama is in the Memphis Grizzlies' starting lineup against the Jazz on Tuesday, marking his fourth start in December. Jock Landale will head to the bench for this contest. Aldama has been performing well recently, having scored a career-high 37 points in the Grizzlies' loss to the Wizards on Saturday. He has also recorded at least 22 points in three of his last six outings, showcasing a strong offensive stretch.

Victor Wembanyama Cleared to Play Against Thunder Despite Calf Issue

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San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, dealing with a left calf strain, participated in Tuesday morning's shootaround and was initially listed as questionable. However, he has since been officially cleared to play in Tuesday's game against the Thunder. Wembanyama made his return from a 12-game absence on December 13, recording 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 21 minutes. He has come off the bench in his four games since returning and will continue to have his playing time monitored to reduce injury risk.

Zach LaVine (Ankle) Re-evaluation Nears Amid Bucks Trade Pursuit

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (ankle) is set for re-evaluation in one week, progressing in rehab after spraining his left ankle on Dec. 14. This update comes as the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly in 'desperate pursuit' of a difference-making player, with LaVine identified as a target. A trade would be complex due to LaVine's $47.5 million salary, potentially necessitating a multi-player package. Nique Clifford is expected to continue seeing increased playing time during LaVine's absence.

Jaden Hardy Makes First Start of Season for Mavericks

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Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy is in the starting lineup against the Nuggets, marking his first start of the season. This opportunity arises due to the absence of P.J. Washington (foot). Hardy, who has been a healthy DNP in four of the last nine games, is averaging 5.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 threes over 10.5 minutes per game this season.

Kevin Love Earns First Start of Season for Jazz

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Utah Jazz veteran Kevin Love will make his first start of the season against the Grizzlies, stepping in due to the absences of Lauri Markkanen (groin) and Jusuf Nurkic (rest). In his last outing against the Magic, Love played a season-high 32 minutes, recording 16 points, 16 rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal.

Jaylon Tyson Moves to Bench for Cavaliers vs. Pelicans

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Cleveland Cavaliers forward Jaylon Tyson will come off the bench against the Pelicans on Tuesday, with Sam Merrill entering the starting five. Tyson had started in each of the Cavaliers' last three games. Since December 1st, in nine games (eight starts), he has averaged 15.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 threes over 30.6 minutes per game.

Mamukelashvili Returns to Raptors' Starting Five Amid Poeltl Injury

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Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili is back in the starting lineup against the Heat, filling in for Jakob Poeltl, who aggravated a lingering back issue and has been diagnosed with a strain, potentially leading to a multi-game absence. Mamukelashvili is expected to remain in the starting lineup short-term. In his four starts this season, he has averaged 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.3 threes, and 1.0 steals over 32.3 minutes per game.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Reclaims Starting Role for Hawks

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Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker is returning to the starting lineup against the Bulls, stepping in due to the absence of Dyson Daniels (hip). Alexander-Walker had come off the bench in two of his last three outings. Across nine games in December, he has averaged an impressive 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 3.2 threes, and 0.9 steals over 32.6 minutes per game.

Kevin Durant Featured in Fantasy Packs After Strong Week

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Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant is highlighted as a featured player in the latest Yahoo Fantasy x Arena Club Basketball Slab Packs drop for Week 10. Despite his team's struggles, Durant has been a top fantasy performer, averaging an impressive 52.7 fantasy points over the past week, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers.

Darius Garland Cleared to Play Tuesday vs. Pelicans After Quad Scare

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Darius Garland (left quadriceps contusion) is officially available for Tuesday's game against the Pelicans, shedding his questionable tag. This marks his first time suiting up for both halves of a back-to-back this season. Earlier, he was at risk of missing the game due to the quad issue. The Cavaliers guard has been highly productive recently, averaging 25.8 points, 8.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting an impressive 53.1 percent from three-point range over his last four outings.