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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is listed out for Tuesday's game against the Bulls due to a new right hip inflammation, with the severity currently unclear. In his most recent outing on Sunday against the Bulls, Daniels recorded 8 points (3-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals across 39 minutes. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Vit Krejci are expected to see increased playing time in his absence.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Heat after aggravating his back during Sunday's loss to the Nets, now dealing with a strain. Sandro Mamukelashvili is back in contention to rejoin the first unit, having previously averaged 16.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 32.3 minutes over four starts this season.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Knicks due to a left oblique contusion. McDaniels exited Sunday's game early with the injury, and his questionable tag suggests he will be day-to-day moving forward. Naz Reid could step into a larger role for Minnesota if McDaniels is unable to play.
Knicks forward OG Anunoby will miss Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to left ankle soreness. The issue is considered minor, and he is listed as day-to-day, potentially returning for Thursday's matchup against the Cavaliers. Mohamed Diawara is expected to start in his place, with Mitchell Robinson also seeing increased frontcourt minutes. Anunoby's absence is for injury management.
Knicks guard Jalen Brunson will not play in Tuesday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. His absence is attributed to right ankle injury management, indicating a maintenance day for the star. Brunson is presumably expected to return for the Christmas Day game against the Cavaliers. Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson are anticipated to receive extended playing time with Brunson out of the lineup.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (groin) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against the Nuggets. This marks his return to the court after missing the previous two contests due to the groin injury. His availability is a positive development for the Jazz, and there has been no indication of any minute restrictions for him. His return will likely impact the roles of Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks, who may see reduced involvement.
Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) has been officially ruled out for Monday's game against the Cavaliers, unable to clear his questionable tag. He will miss the first game of the back-to-back set and is considered questionable to play Tuesday against the Wizards. In his absence, the Charlotte Hornets are expected to rely more heavily on Moussa Diabate.
The New York Knicks are reportedly open to trading Guerschon Yabusele before the 2025 NBA trade deadline, a report confirmed by SNY's Ian Begley. Yabusele, the Knicks' biggest free agent addition this summer, has struggled, averaging under 10 minutes per game with 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds on 39.4% shooting through 26 games. With his $5.5 million salary this season and a club option for next year, league executives suggest the Knicks may need to include additional assets to facilitate a trade.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Chet Holmgren (back) has been officially ruled out for Monday's game against the Grizzlies. Despite being listed as questionable, he was unable to clear his status and will miss the first game of a back-to-back set. With Isaiah Hartenstein (lower leg) and Jaylin Williams (heel) also sidelined, the Thunder may opt for small-ball lineups. Kenrich Williams and Branden Carlson are expected to see increased playing time as a result of Holmgren's absence.
Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington has emerged as a significant contributor, starting six consecutive games and logging 37 minutes per night. During this span, he's averaged an impressive 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.0 triples. Despite potential returns of injured teammates, the Wizards are expected to prioritize his development, ensuring he continues to see substantial playing time. Fantasy managers are advised to add Carrington now due to his consistent multi-faceted production.
Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks with 35 points and nine assists in a record-breaking 152-150 loss to the Chicago Bulls. The game marked the highest scoring regulation game in NBA history this season, with both teams combining for 302 points and 43 three-pointers. Jalen Johnson also contributed significantly with 36 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, but the Hawks struggled defensively, allowing 80 points in the first half.
LeBron James expressed a lack of enthusiasm for playing in his 20th career Christmas Day game, stating he would 'much rather be at home with my family.' The veteran forward offered a blunt assessment of his excitement level for the upcoming holiday fixture.
Naji Marshall of the Dallas Mavericks is recommended as a strong fantasy basketball waiver wire addition for Week 10. He offers a solid 25-fantasy point floor in points leagues and has been a consistent scorer, notching at least 15 points in seven straight contests. Marshall's recent performance ranks him 36th over the past month, showcasing his efficiency and ability to contribute across multiple categories. With potential absences of other players, his offensive share could increase. He recorded 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in a recent game, making him a valuable add in both points and 9-cat leagues.
Reports indicate that the potential conclusion of Giannis Antetokounmpo's time with the Milwaukee Bucks is turning into a messy affair, contrary to initial expectations of a swift and amicable separation. The situation suggests a complicated path forward for the star player and the franchise, moving away from a smooth transition.
Josh Hart is making a strong All-Star case, providing the Knicks with versatile play since moving into the starting lineup in late November. New York boasts a 10-2 record with Hart alongside Brunson, Bridges, and Towns, and a +16.1 net rating with him on the floor. As a starter, Hart averages 15 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, shooting 52.6% from the field and 40.7% from three. Coaches recognize his impact, comparing him to Draymond Green, and believe he's playing like an All-Star, citing his crucial role in the Knicks' 20-8 start.
Karl-Anthony Towns had a challenging outing for the New York Knicks, managing just two points on 1-of-5 shooting during the team's 132-125 victory over the Miami Heat. His limited production was noted by coach Mike Brown, highlighting the need for Jalen Brunson's dominant performance to secure the win.
Mikal Bridges played a crucial role in the New York Knicks' 132-125 victory over the Miami Heat, contributing 24 points (9-14 FG, 6-7 3Pt), including 18 in the first half. In 40 minutes, he also added 4 assists and 2 rebounds. Bridges provided a crucial spark by hitting back-to-back threes in the second quarter, with his efficient shooting from beyond the arc being key in turning around early first-quarter struggles. He and Jalen Brunson combined for 45 of the Knicks' 66 first-half points, helping improve the team's record to 20-8 on the season.
Jalen Brunson delivered a dominant performance for the New York Knicks, scoring a season and Madison Square Garden career-high 47 points (15-26 FG, 6-13 3Pt, 11-11 FT) with 8 assists and 3 rebounds in 38 minutes. He led the Knicks to a 132-125 win over the Heat, marking his 20th career 40-point game. Brunson was exceptionally efficient, pouring in 27 points in the first half with no turnovers. Coach Mike Brown praised his effort, stating it's 'what MVPs are supposed to do.' Brunson and Mikal Bridges combined for 45 of the Knicks' 66 first-half points, securing New York's 7th win in 8 games.
Trae Young delivered a season-high 35 points (10-15 FG, 7-8 3Pt, 8-9 FT), along with 9 assists and one rebound in 26 minutes during Sunday's 152-150 loss to the Bulls. This was only his second appearance since a late October knee injury, and his shooting performance, including more than doubling his three-point total (previously 5-for-31), is the strongest indication yet that the All-Star guard is fully healthy.
Bub Carrington compiled 21 points (7-11 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 turnover across 40 minutes during the Washington Wizards' 124-113 loss to the Spurs. This marks his sixth consecutive game reaching double figures in scoring and his second over the past three with at least one block. Since being re-inserted into the starting lineup, the second-year guard has averaged 17.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.0 triples per contest on 49.3 percent shooting.
