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NBA News

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

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Mamukelashvili Explodes for 24 Points, Six Triples in Raptors Loss

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Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili delivered a standout performance in Saturday's 112-96 loss to the Celtics, recording 24 points (9-13 FG, 6-9 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist, and one block in 30 minutes. He swished a season-high six three-pointers and co-led the Raptors in scoring. Mamukelashvili started his second consecutive game due to Jakob Poeltl's back injury and could make a third start Sunday against the Nets, as Poeltl remains day-to-day.

Pritchard Nears Triple-Double with 33 Points, 10 Assists for Celtics

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Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard stepped up significantly in Saturday's 112-96 win over the Raptors, registering 33 points (13-24 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 10 assists, and eight rebounds in 36 minutes. Thrust into a larger role due to Jaylen Brown's illness, Pritchard scored 19 of his game-high points in the third quarter. This marks his third 30-plus point game this season, and he narrowly missed his second career triple-double. With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) also sidelined, Pritchard is having a career-best start, averaging 17.0 points, 5.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 threes.

Jalen Suggs Ruled Out for Saturday's Game with Hip Injury

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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs has been officially ruled out for Saturday's game in Utah due to a hip injury. This marks his second consecutive game on the sidelines, having initially been listed as doubtful. His absence is expected to result in increased playing time for teammates Anthony Black and Tyus Jones, who will pick up the slack in the backcourt.

Grimes to Start Saturday vs. Mavericks Amidst Key Injuries

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Quentin Grimes will join the Philadelphia 76ers' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Mavericks. He steps in due to the unavailability of Paul George (knee) and Joel Embiid (knee), which is expected to increase his shot opportunities. The first unit will also feature Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, and Andre Drummond. This marks a significant opportunity for Grimes to contribute more offensively.

Grant Sits Out Saturday's Game vs. Kings with Achilles Soreness

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Jerami Grant (Achilles) will be sidelined for Saturday's game against the Kings, marking his second absence of the season. The veteran forward is dealing with soreness in his left Achilles. His absence is expected to create increased opportunities for teammates Rayan Rupert, Sidy Cissoko, and Kris Murray. Grant's next potential return to play is scheduled for Monday against Detroit, which is the first game of a back-to-back series.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns to Practice Amid Calf Injury Recovery

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Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) participated in Saturday's practice, marking a significant step in his recovery. He strained his right calf on December 3rd and was given a 2-to-4 week timetable for return. While the extent of his participation is unclear, the team is expected to be cautious with his return due to the nature of the injury. Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, and Bobby Portis have seen increased roles in the frontcourt during his absence.

Joel Embiid Ruled Out for Saturday's Game vs. Mavericks Due to Illness, Knee

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Mavericks due to an illness and right knee injury management. This marks his second consecutive missed game and both ends of the 76ers' back-to-back set. Andre Drummond is expected to start at center in his absence, with Adem Bona serving as the primary backup. Embiid's next opportunity to play will be Tuesday against Brooklyn.

Will Richard Shines with 20 Points in Return to Warriors Rotation

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Warriors rookie Will Richard returned to the rotation after nearly two weeks, delivering a standout performance with 20 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes during Saturday's 119-116 win over the Suns. Richard was highly efficient, making his first six shots, including a perfect 4-of-4 from beyond the arc, and contributing a clutch putback. His extended playing time came as Buddy Hield was a healthy scratch, ending Hield's 199-game consecutive game streak. Coach Steve Kerr and Steph Curry lauded Richard's "unbelievable performance" and "presence," noting he stayed ready through consistent workouts.

Jaylen Brown Ruled Out for Saturday's Game vs. Raptors Due to Illness

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Boston Celtics star wing Jaylen Brown has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Raptors due to an illness, making him unavailable for the second half of a back-to-back. He may return for Monday's game against the Pacers. In his last outing, Brown recorded 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists over 35 minutes. With Brown sidelined, Derrick White, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser are expected to see increased roles, with Hauser potentially spot-starting.

Anthony Davis Cleared to Play Saturday vs. 76ers Despite Illness

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Dallas Mavericks player Anthony Davis (illness) has been cleared to play in Saturday's game against the 76ers. He will play through a probable tag, having also played through the same illness in Thursday's game. There are currently no reported limitations on his minutes for the upcoming contest.

RJ Barrett Resumes On-Court Activities in Recovery from Knee Sprain

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Toronto Raptors player RJ Barrett (knee) has been cleared to participate in on-court activities, marking a significant step in his recovery from a right knee sprain sustained in late November. The next steps involve live work against coaches, followed by a return to practice and eventually live scrimmages. While this is positive progress, it remains uncertain how quickly he will advance through these hurdles, and a December return may not be feasible.

Jakob Poeltl Ruled Out for Saturday's Game with Back Injury, Day-to-Day

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Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Celtics due to a back injury. Head coach Darko Rajakovic stated the injury is not serious, and Poeltl is considered day-to-day. He previously missed Thursday's game and was initially questionable for Saturday. Poeltl is expected to miss the front end of the Raptors' back-to-back set, with his next chance to play coming Sunday at Brooklyn. Sandro Mamukelashvili is likely to start at center, with Collin Murray-Boyles also seeing minutes.

Lakers' Marcus Smart Fined $35K for Obscene Gesture Towards Officials

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart was fined $35,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture towards officials at halftime of Thursday's 143–135 win over the Utah Jazz, following a technical foul. Smart, 31, was assessed a technical foul for the action. He finished the game with 17 points, four rebounds, and shot 5-of-9 from three-point range in 28 minutes, scoring nine points in the fourth quarter. Smart, who has started the last two games due to Austin Reaves' calf sprain, averages 10.6 points, 2.9 assists, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 17 games this season and will start Saturday vs. Clippers.

Dillon Brooks Scores 22 Points Amidst Kerr's Criticism

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Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks scored 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting in 32 minutes during Saturday's game, despite facing a physical challenge from the Warriors. Golden State coach Steve Kerr publicly criticized officials for not ejecting Brooks earlier in the week for punching Stephen Curry, drawing a comparison to Draymond Green's ejection. The Warriors, including Trayce Jackson-Davis who leveled Brooks with a screen, played with a chippy edge against him, aiming to limit his impact to the stat sheet rather than letting him get under their skin.

Ayo Dosunmu Probable for Sunday's Game vs. Hawks with Thumb Injury

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Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is probable for Sunday's game in Atlanta. He recently returned to action on Friday, logging 14 minutes off the bench. His workload for Sunday's contest remains to be seen, and official confirmation on his status is expected closer to tip-off.

Coby White Questionable for Sunday's Game vs. Hawks with Ankle Soreness

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White is questionable for Sunday's game against the Hawks due to new left ankle soreness. The questionable tag suggests he is considered day-to-day. If White is unable to play, the Bulls are expected to rely on Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kevin Huerter, with Josh Giddey also potentially seeing increased usage.

Trae Young Off Injury Report, Set to Return Sunday vs. Bulls

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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (knee) is not listed on the injury report for Sunday's matchup with the Bulls, indicating his return to action. Young sat out Friday's back-to-back game for load management but is expected to play Sunday afternoon, potentially with slightly more minutes in his second game back from the knee injury. His return will likely move Nickeil Alexander-Walker back to the second unit and could remove Keaton Wallace from the rotation.

Grayson Allen Ruled Out for Saturday's Game with Knee Soreness

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Grayson Allen (knee) has been officially ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors, marking his second consecutive absence due to right knee soreness. Initially questionable, his absence will likely elevate Royce O'Neale into the starting lineup, with Ryan Dunn and Jordan Goodwin also potentially seeing increased minutes. Allen's next opportunity to return to action is scheduled for Tuesday against the Lakers.

Davion Mitchell Questionable for Sunday's Game with Ankle Injury

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Davion Mitchell (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Knicks. He remains day-to-day after missing Friday's contest against Boston. Should Mitchell be unable to play, Kasparas Jakucionis is expected to receive extended minutes, following a productive outing on Friday where he recorded 17 points in 36 minutes.

Andrew Wiggins Questionable for Sunday's Game with Back Injury

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Andrew Wiggins (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Knicks. He missed Friday's game against Boston, marking his first absence since November 24. The forward remains day-to-day, and a final decision on his availability may come after shootaround or warmups. If Wiggins is unable to play, Jaime Jaquez and Kel'el Ware could see increased involvement for Miami.