Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Warriors forward Draymond Green left the team's 120-97 win over the Magic early after a heated argument with head coach Steve Kerr during a third-quarter timeout. Green chose to go to the locker room to cool off, later returning to the bench but not playing again, missing the final 20 minutes of the game. Prior to his exit, he recorded 9 points and 7 rebounds in 18 minutes.
Jalen Williams contributed 24 points (10-20 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds, and two assists in 34 minutes during the Oklahoma City Thunder's 119-103 victory over Memphis. He finished as the team's second-leading scorer, marking his second 20-plus point game in his last three outings and fourth this season. While he struggled from beyond the arc (1-6 3Pt) in this game, he has generally been a consistent producer for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander posted an efficient 31 points (11-20 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists, four steals, and one block in 36 minutes during Monday's 119-103 win over the Grizzlies. This performance marked his 100th consecutive game reaching the 20-point threshold and his 22nd 30-point game this season. Gilgeous-Alexander also contributed significantly on the defensive end, accounting for four of OKC's 14 steals.
Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta is facing scrutiny after Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle accused him of elbowing Isaiah Jackson twice during Monday's game. The alleged incident in the first quarter forced Jackson out of the game for a concussion evaluation. Carlisle has publicly stated his desire for the NBA to review the play that led to Jackson's injury during the Pacers' 103-95 loss to the Celtics.
Indiana Pacers center Isaiah Jackson exited Monday's game against the Celtics after just two minutes due to a head evaluation. Coach Rick Carlisle stated that Celtics center Neemias Queta elbowed Jackson twice, leading to a concussion evaluation, and hopes the NBA reviews the play. Jackson recorded one block and one turnover before exiting and is now questionable for Tuesday's game against the Bucks.
Keyonte George tallied 20 points (7-14 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists, and one steal across 34 minutes in Monday's 135-112 loss to the Nuggets. This marked his fifth consecutive contest with 20 or more points, having reached the 20-point threshold in 18 of his 28 regular-season games thus far. The third-year point guard also led Utah's starting five in assists, dishing out at least six in five straight games, showcasing strong all-around numbers for the Jazz.
Zion Williamson registered 24 points (10-14 FG, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, and three assists over 25 minutes during the Pelicans' 119-113 win over the Mavericks on Monday. He scored 10 of his team-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, helping overcome an 11-point deficit and power the Pelicans to their season-best fifth straight win. Williamson has come off the bench in his last four games since returning from a six-game absence due to an adductor strain, averaging 20.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over 24.2 minutes per game on 56.9% shooting. His status for Tuesday's back-to-back against the Cavaliers is uncertain for injury management.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard supplied 20 points (6-13 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), two rebounds, and seven assists in 36 minutes during Monday's 103-95 loss to the Celtics. Nembhard showed a strong scoring rebound after being held to just seven points in the previous game against the Pelicans. He also made a significant impact as a distributor, leading the Pacers in assists for the contest.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg was cleared to play against the Pelicans despite a back bruise. He recorded 16 points (5-11 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 5-10 FT), six rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 35 minutes during the loss. Flagg struggled significantly from the charity stripe, hitting only 5-of-10 attempts, which proved costly. This performance broke his four-game streak of 20-point games. Despite the off-night, Flagg is averaging 23.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals in nine games since December 1.
New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen posted 19 points (7-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block over 34 minutes during Monday's 119-113 win over the Mavericks. This performance marked his third consecutive double-double. Queen has been a permanent member of the Pelicans' starting lineup since November 16, and his strong play, including averages of 14.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals as a starter, is expected to keep him in that role.
Jaylen Brown was cleared to play Monday against the Pacers after recovering from an illness that sidelined him for the previous game. In his strong return, he notched 31 points (11-25 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal over 33 minutes in the Celtics' 103-95 win. This marks his seventh consecutive game scoring 30+ points, while also averaging 7.0 rebounds during this impressive stretch.
Anthony Davis logged a massive 35 points (16-28 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 17 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal over 35 minutes during the Mavericks' 119-113 loss to the Pelicans on Monday. He started strong with 22 points in the first half. This marks his fourth consecutive double-double and 10th of the season. Since December 1st, Davis has averaged 22.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.0 steals over 31.8 minutes per game, shooting 51.0 percent from the field.
Herbert Jones sustained a right ankle sprain after stepping on Derik Queen's foot in the third quarter of Monday's game against the Mavericks and will not return. He was initially cleared to play despite a migraine from a shot to the face Saturday. Jones finished with 9 points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt), 4 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 steal in 22 minutes. His status for Tuesday's back-to-back against the Cavaliers is highly questionable.
Darius Garland racked up 27 points (9-15 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, 10 assists, and two steals over 30 minutes during Monday's 139-132 win over the Hornets. Garland has been shooting exceptionally well from deep over his last four games, going 17-for-32 from beyond the arc, and has been an impressive playmaker. Over this four-game stretch, he has averaged 23.0 points, 7.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds, 3.0 triples, and 1.3 steals per contest.
LaMelo Ball contributed 23 points (8-16 FG, 6-10 3Pt), nine assists, and four rebounds in 24 minutes during Monday's 139-132 loss to the Cavaliers. He led the Hornets in assists and hit six triples, bouncing back from a previous low-scoring game. Ball was officially cleared to play Monday despite a wrist issue and is averaging 19.2 points, 8.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds this season. He is seemingly still on a minutes restriction following an ankle injury, and his status for Tuesday's back-to-back against Washington is being monitored, with a likely rest.
Cason Wallace is in the starting lineup for Monday's matchup with Memphis, stepping in due to injuries to Isaiah Hartenstein (leg) and Chet Holmgren (back). As a starter this season, Wallace averages 8.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. He has been highlighted as a top fantasy basketball waiver wire add for Week 10, ranking as a top-90 player over the past two weeks due to his defensive contributions, particularly steals. With OKC playing four games this week, Wallace offers consistent fantasy production with upside.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (shoulder) is officially available for Monday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, as expected. Duren was previously listed as probable and has now received confirmation to play. He enters the contest having recorded double-doubles in his last two games and will look to extend that streak with a favorable matchup.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant has been officially ruled out for Monday's game against the Pistons due to an Achilles injury, marking his second consecutive absence. He was initially listed as questionable, then downgraded to doubtful before being ruled out. Interim head coach Tiago Splitter stated the team is not concerned about the left Achilles soreness and is exercising caution. Kris Murray and Sidy Cissoko are anticipated to receive increased playing time in his absence.
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Pistons. He is continuing to rehab from a left ankle sprain and has not taken the court since December 14. The team has not provided further updates on his availability beyond Tuesday, with his status for Saturday's game against the Mavericks expected to be clarified later in the week.
The Brooklyn Nets have recalled rookie Ben Saraf after his career-high 40-point performance for the Long Island Nets in the G League. Saraf, the No. 26 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, shot 54% from the field (14-26 FG, 6-10 3PT), adding 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. Despite a right ankle sprain, he is probable for Tuesday's game against the 76ers. With Cam Thomas sidelined, Saraf aims to capitalize on this opportunity to translate his scoring to the NBA, where he's averaged 5.4 points in 12 games.
