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NBA News

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

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Poeltl Aggravates Back Injury, Ruled Out for Remainder of Sunday's Game

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Jakob Poeltl (back) was confirmed in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Nets, returning from a two-game absence due to back soreness. However, he aggravated his back issue during the first half and has been ruled out for the remainder of the game. Coach Darko Rajakovic had previously stressed recovery time to prevent the injury from lingering. Sandro Mamukelashvili is expected to see increased playing time in Poeltl's absence. The Raptors may manage his workload cautiously upon his next return.

Bobby Portis Earns Starting Role for Bucks Against Timberwolves

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Bobby Portis will be in the Milwaukee Bucks' starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves. This marks his third start of the season and first since November 22. Portis has earned this opportunity with strong recent play, tallying 20-point double-doubles in two of his last three games. In his previous start against the Pistons, he recorded 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists over 25 minutes.

Brandon Ingram Cleared to Return After Tweaking Right Ankle vs. Nets

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Brandon Ingram tweaked his right ankle during Sunday's game against the Nets and initially went to the locker room for evaluation. This raised concerns due to his history of ankle issues. However, he has since been cleared by medical staff to return to the game. Ingram will continue to serve as the Toronto Raptors' focal point on offense, especially with RJ Barrett (knee) currently sidelined.

Ivica Zubac Diagnosed with Grade 2 Ankle Sprain, Out for Several Weeks

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Clippers center Ivica Zubac sustained a Grade 2 left ankle sprain during Saturday's 103-88 win over the Lakers, landing on LeBron James' foot in the first quarter. He did not return to the game and is now expected to miss at least three weeks, potentially several weeks, sidelining him through mid-January. Zubac had 5 points and 2 rebounds in 11 minutes before exiting. He has been a consistent performer for the Clippers this season, averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. His absence opens the door for Brook Lopez to start and Kobe Brown to see increased minutes.

LeBron James Scores Season-High 36 Points in Lakers' Loss to Clippers

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LeBron James delivered a season-high 36 points, along with four rebounds and three assists, in the Lakers' 103-88 loss to the Clippers. James shot 15-of-28 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, leading a shorthanded Lakers squad. He aggressively attacked the paint, especially after Ivica Zubac's exit, who sustained an ankle injury after landing on James' foot. James fueled a 15-0 run to cut a 22-point deficit and has averaged 30 points over his last three games, shooting 50% from the field, having overcome an early-season sciatica injury.

Ja Morant Remains Sidelined with Ankle Injury, Out for Monday's Game

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Ja Morant (ankle) will not play Monday against the Thunder, marking his third consecutive game sidelined. He is considered highly questionable for Tuesday's game against the Jazz, as he has yet to return to practice for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jones Questionable for Monday After Head Injury

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Herbert Jones (head/migraine) is questionable for Monday's game against the Mavericks. He sustained a shot to the face during Saturday's game against the Pacers and was unable to return. Jones is considered day-to-day and is expected to be re-evaluated after Monday's morning shootaround. If he misses time, Jordan Poole, Micah Peavy, and Karlo Matkovic could see increased minutes for the New Orleans Pelicans.

Mitchell Probable for Monday Return from Illness

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Donovan Mitchell (illness) is probable for Monday's game against Charlotte, signaling his expected return to action after missing Friday's game against the Bulls. The Cleveland Cavaliers guard has been a strong performer, averaging 32.2 points, 5.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 4.3 three-pointers over his last three appearances. He is set to rejoin the team for the upcoming matchup.

LaMelo Ball Probable for Monday Despite Wrist Soreness

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LaMelo Ball is probable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers, despite dealing with right wrist soreness. His wrist was a factor in Saturday's game against the Pistons, where he shot just 3-of-14 from the field in 23 minutes before fouling out. Monday's contest marks the front end of a back-to-back set for the Charlotte Hornets, but Ball is expected to play through the discomfort.

Kalkbrenner Questionable for Monday with New Elbow Sprain

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Ryan Kalkbrenner is questionable for Monday's game against the Cavaliers due to a new left elbow sprain. As Monday's game is the first leg of a back-to-back set, the Charlotte Hornets may exercise caution with the rookie center. Should Kalkbrenner be sidelined, Moussa Diabate is expected to see an increase in playing time to cover his absence.

Jaylen Brown Questionable for Sunday's Game vs. Pacers with Illness

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Jaylen Brown (illness) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Pacers. Brown remains day-to-day after missing Saturday's contest versus Toronto. The Celtics could be shorthanded on the wings, as Jordan Walsh (illness) is also questionable, potentially leading to increased roles for Sam Hauser and Hugo Gonzalez.

Andrew Wiggins Cleared to Play Sunday vs. Knicks After Back Pain

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Andrew Wiggins (back) has been cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Knicks. The veteran forward missed the Heat's Friday loss to the Celtics due to lower-back pain but is now available. His return, alongside Davion Mitchell, means Jaime Jaquez and Kasparas Jakucionis will likely move back to bench roles for Miami.

Davion Mitchell Returns Sunday vs. Knicks After Ankle Injury

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Davion Mitchell (ankle) is good to go for Sunday's game against the Knicks. He is set to return after missing Friday's contest versus Boston. With Mitchell cleared to play, Kaspasas Jakucionis is likely to move back to the bench for Miami.

Mavericks' Cooper Flagg Questionable Monday with Back Contusion

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Cooper Flagg is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Pelicans due to a back contusion. The No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft may have sustained the injury during the Mavericks' 121-114 loss to the 76ers on Saturday, where he played 37 minutes and recorded 24 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one block. If Flagg is unable to play, Max Christie (illness), Klay Thompson (knee), Naji Marshall, and Caleb Martin could see increased roles.

Tari Eason Returns Sunday vs. Kings After Mid-November Absence

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Tari Eason (leg) is good to go for Sunday's game against the Kings, marking his return after not playing since mid-November. The Rockets may ease him back into the rotation with a modest workload. For the season, Eason has made 11 appearances, averaging 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 2.5 three-pointers per game.

Coby White (Ankle) Cleared to Play Sunday, Averaging Career Highs

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (left ankle soreness) has been officially cleared to play in Sunday's game against Atlanta. His availability was confirmed after he was upgraded from questionable to probable earlier in the day, indicating that his participation was expected. White, who had been tending to left ankle soreness, is currently enjoying a standout season, averaging career highs with 21.2 points and 5.2 assists per game, making his presence crucial for the Bulls.

Middleton Out Sunday with Right Knee Injury Management

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Khris Middleton will sit out Sunday's game against the Spurs due to right knee injury management, marking the second half of a back-to-back. The veteran forward recently battled a right knee injury, which cost him four games before he returned to play in Saturday's win over the Grizzlies. Middleton's next chance to play will come Tuesday at Charlotte. Expect Justin Champagnie and Will Riley to see some additional run Sunday.

Coulibaly Sidelined Sunday with Sprained Left Ankle

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Bilal Coulibaly is out for Sunday's game against the Spurs due to a sprained left ankle. This will be his second consecutive absence, coming shortly after he had just returned from a lengthy layoff with an oblique strain. The versatile forward's absence, in addition to Khris Middleton (knee) sitting out, should allow Justin Champagnie to command streaming attention in all fantasy formats against San Antonio.

Sarr Out Sunday with Adductor Injury Management

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Alex Sarr is out for Sunday's game against the Spurs due to an adductor injury. The Wizards are exercising caution on the second half of their back-to-back, as Sarr recently had an extended absence with a right adductor injury. The second-year big man should be available for Tuesday's clash against the Hornets. Marvin Bagley (calf) and Tristan Vukcevic are in position to handle the center minutes Sunday.

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Bane Explodes for 32 Points, Six Rebounds in Overtime Win

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Desmond Bane delivered a strong bounce-back performance for the Orlando Magic, scoring 32 points (13-21 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 3-4 FT) with six rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block in 39 minutes during Saturday's 128-127 overtime victory against the Jazz. This follows a six-point outing in his previous game. Over the past month, Bane has maintained solid form, averaging 21.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 triples per contest, flirting with top-50 value.