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NBA News

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

Friday, December 19, 2025

Isaiah Hartenstein Cleared to Play Friday After Calf/Rest Day

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Oklahoma City Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein is officially available for Friday's game against Minnesota, having been cleared from calf soreness and a rest day on Thursday. The big man is no longer on the injury report after getting maintenance time off. This season, Hartenstein has been a consistent contributor, averaging a double-double with 12.1 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His return is expected to bolster the Thunder's lineup.

Clippers Reject Trade Calls for Ivica Zubac, See Him as Core Future Piece

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Despite interest from other teams, the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly rejecting all trade inquiries for center Ivica Zubac, viewing him as a crucial part of their future plans beyond 2027. The team has "shoved away people calling," indicating a strong desire to retain the underrated big man. Zubac has been performing well this season, averaging 16.2 points, 11.5 rebounds (third most in the league), and shooting an efficient 61.3%, even as the Clippers' perimeter struggles lead defenses to collapse on him.

Dylan Harper Identified as Fantasy Basketball Riser

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Dylan Harper has been highlighted as a fantasy basketball player trending upwards, making him a key takeaway for managers seeking instant offense. He is listed among names to consider adding for their current performance trajectory.

Cam Spencer Trending Upwards as Fantasy Basketball Riser

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Cam Spencer has been highlighted as a fantasy basketball player trending upwards, making him a key takeaway for managers looking for instant offense. He is listed among names to consider adding for their current performance trajectory.

Tyler Herro Out for Friday's Game, Questionable for Sunday

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Tyler Herro (toe) will not play against Boston on Friday, marking his third consecutive game sidelined. The Miami Heat have labeled the star guard as day-to-day, making him questionable for Sunday's game against the Knicks. Fantasy managers should monitor updates on his status for the upcoming weekend.

Embiid (Illness) Ruled Out for Friday's Game vs. Knicks

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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid (illness) participated in Friday's morning shootaround but was subsequently ruled out for the evening's game against the Knicks. Despite his presence at shootaround, he couldn't shake the questionable tag. It's speculated the 76ers may be saving him for Saturday's game against Dallas, as he's cleared for only one game of back-to-back sets. Andre Drummond is anticipated to take on a considerable workload at center in Embiid's absence.

Stephon Castle Thriving in Year Two, Must-Start for Fantasy

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Stephon Castle has emerged as a must-roster player in all fantasy formats, demonstrating high-level production and a genuine leap in his second year. The Spurs have entrusted him with ball-handling responsibilities, allowing him to set up teammates and improve his shooting efficiency at the rim and from mid-range. With favorable matchups against Atlanta and Washington this weekend, and San Antonio playing at a high pace, Castle is poised for continued strong performance.

Avdija's 35 Points, Game-Winning Free Throws Secure OT Victory

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Deni Avdija delivered a stellar performance, scoring 35 points (12-19 FG, 10-12 FT), grabbing five rebounds, dishing out five assists, and adding one steal in 42 minutes during Thursday's 134-133 overtime win against Sacramento. He sealed the victory with two crucial free throws in overtime with one second left. This marks his eighth 30-point game this season. Avdija has been consistently strong, averaging 9.7 free throw attempts in December and maintaining at least 16 points, four rebounds, and five assists over his last 10 outings.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Focused on Health Amidst Trade Rumors

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Giannis Antetokounmpo stated he is 'locked in' on recovering from injury and supporting his teammates, downplaying reports of his agent discussing his future with the Bucks. He expressed unawareness of specific reports but affirmed his agent's autonomy. Antetokounmpo emphasized his current focus on rehabilitation and encouraging the team, with all other matters to be addressed later. Trade rumors persist, but teams like the Warriors, Spurs, and Thunder are reportedly not pursuing him, with the latter two focusing on their young cores.

Jordan Walsh Emerges as Defensive Force for Celtics

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Jordan Walsh has transitioned from the end of the Boston Celtics' bench to becoming a key defender capable of shutting down top NBA scorers. He recently shared with CBS Sports that his performance is fueled by 'a hunger to be the best,' highlighting his significant development and impact on the team's defensive efforts.

NBA Confirms Controversial Foul Call on Russell Westbrook in OT Loss

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The NBA confirmed Friday that the controversial foul called on Russell Westbrook with 1.5 seconds remaining in overtime, during the Kings' loss to the Trail Blazers, was correct. The Last Two Minute Report stated Westbrook initiated contact with Deni Avdija's arm, affecting his shot attempt, which resulted in the game-winning free throw. The Kings ultimately lost by one point.

Brunson Hits Game-Winner, Earns MVP Praise & Votes Amidst Strong Play

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New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson delivered a game-winning step-back three with 4.4 seconds left against the Pacers, securing a gutsy comeback victory. He finished the night with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Coach Mike Brown lauded his performance, stating, 'That’s what real MVP’s do.' This clutch play follows recent news that Brunson has garnered MVP votes in a media straw poll, placing him among prominent contenders like SGA and Jokic, underscoring his impactful performance and rising status among the league's elite players.

NBA Confirms Controversial Foul on Moses Moody Was Correct Call

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The NBA's Last Two Minute Report confirmed Friday that the controversial foul called on Moses Moody with less than one second remaining in regulation, which led to a game-winning free throw for Suns guard Jordan Goodwin, was correct. This call sealed the Warriors' 1-point loss to the Phoenix Suns, a decision that left coach Steve Kerr expressing disbelief.

Malik Monk Benched in Kings' OT Loss; Coach Cites Guard Logjam

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Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk received his first DNP-CD (Did Not Play, Coach's Decision) of his Kings tenure in Thursday's overtime loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Coach Doug Christie explained the decision was defensive, citing a "guard logjam" that saw Keon Ellis play a season-high 32 minutes (10 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals). Despite trade rumors, the benching was not trade-related, with Christie stating "Nothing is permanent" as the 6-21 Kings search for solutions.

Pelicans Bench Zion Williamson, Hinting at Future Lower-Minutes Role

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The New Orleans Pelicans have initiated a strategy of bringing forward Zion Williamson off the bench, a decision that analysts suggest offers a glimpse into his potential long-term future with the team. This shift indicates that a lower-minutes role is likely considered the most beneficial approach for Williamson's sustained performance and overall career longevity, aiming to optimize his impact while managing his workload effectively.

Curry Wears Booker's Shoes, Scores 15 in Warriors' Loss to Suns

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Stephen Curry, now a "shoe free agent," sported Devin Booker's Book 1 sneakers during warmups and the game against the Phoenix Suns, later signing his pregame pair for Booker. Curry finished with 15 points on 3-for-13 shooting as the Golden State Warriors fell 99-98 to the Suns. Booker confirmed Curry requested the shoes after his Under Armour deal ended, and expressed hope Curry would join Nike. Curry's defense also offered a glimpse of upcoming Book 2s.

Booker Scores 25, Receives Signed Shoes from Stephen Curry

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Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns with 25 points in their 99-98 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Post-game, Stephen Curry autographed the "Chevy" Book 1 sneakers he wore during warmups and returned them to Booker. Booker expressed appreciation for Curry wearing his signature shoes, noting Curry had requested pairs after ending his Under Armour partnership. Booker also voiced his desire for Curry to join the Nike family.

Dillon Brooks Vows "Soul Searching" After Second Flagrant Foul on Steph Curry

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Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks stated he needs to do "some soul searching" following his Flagrant 1 foul on Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry, marking his second such incident. Brooks struck Curry in the midsection/chest area during a 3-point shot attempt, claiming he was "running, trying to get the rebound" and had "been lifting too much." Curry, however, described Brooks' actions as "bush league." Brooks acknowledged the need to "figure it out for the next game so I don’t do something that will put our team in a bad spot."

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Uncharacteristic Play: Draymond Green's Turnovers Draw Scrutiny for Warriors

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Draymond Green's recent play has drawn scrutiny, with the Warriors veteran exhibiting uncharacteristic carelessness. He committed five turnovers in a loss to the Suns and eight in a prior defeat to the Trail Blazers, totaling 13 over two games. Coach Steve Kerr believes Green is "trying too hard" and needs to "slow down." Green admitted to "bad reads, bad decisions" and vowed to be more decisive. Despite these on-court struggles, Green's long-standing friendship with Klay Thompson remains strong, highlighted by a recent "cathartic dinner" with Thompson and Steph Curry, where Thompson was processing his Warriors departure.

Dylan Harper Hits Career-High 24 Points, Faces Spurs' Guard Depth Challenge

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San Antonio Spurs' Dylan Harper impressed with a career-high 24 points in Thursday's win over the Wizards. Despite his intriguing production and playing at least 22 minutes in five of the past six games (scoring 30+ fantasy points in three), his long-term playing time remains a concern due to the team's guard depth, including De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson. Harper is considered a risky but talented short-term fantasy addition.