Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Duncan Robinson exited Thursday's game against the Bucks in the third quarter due to a leg injury, which was later specified as a knee injury. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the game and is now in jeopardy of missing Saturday's contest against the Hornets. In his absence, teammates Jaden Ivey, Caris LeVert, and Ronald Holland are expected to step into larger roles for the Detroit Pistons.
Norman Powell (calf) returned to action, upgraded to probable, and delivered a strong performance for the Miami Heat. He posted 24 points (8-14 FG, 3-5 3Pt), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in 33 minutes, helping the Heat snap a five-game losing streak with a 106-95 victory over the Nets. Powell started hot, hitting his first five field goals and a half-court heave. With Tyler Herro out, Powell's increased usage and larger role were evident, contributing to a team-best plus-14 differential.
Brandon Miller continued his strong offensive play in Thursday's 133-126 victory over the Hawks, totaling 26 points (9-15 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 5 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 block, and 3 steals in 35 minutes. This marks his second consecutive game with 25 or more points, highlighted by scorching shooting from beyond the arc, where he's made 9 of 17 attempts over this brief stretch, indicating he's firmly back on track after a slow start to December.
Nic Claxton delivered a near triple-double performance in Thursday's 106-95 loss to Miami, contributing 16 points (8-9 FG), 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals over 35 minutes. He matched his previous game's total of 10 points by halftime and finished as the second-leading scorer for the Nets. Claxton also significantly impacted the defensive end, racking up five defensive stats after being shut out in his last outing. He aims to continue this strong play Sunday against the Raptors.
Bam Adebayo recorded a dominant performance on the glass in Thursday's 106-95 win over Brooklyn, pulling down a new season-high 17 rebounds. Despite struggling offensively with 8 points (4-13 FG), he also contributed 1 assist, 3 blocks, and 1 steal in 31 minutes. Adebayo had double-digit rebounds by halftime and finished with a team-leading plus-12 differential, proving to be a beast on the boards for the Miami Heat.
Scottie Barnes posted a double-double with 24 points (10-14 FG, 2-3 3Pt), 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in 36 minutes during the Raptors' 111-102 win over the Bucks. Despite 5 turnovers and 3 missed free throws, he led both teams in rebounds and was second in scoring. This marks his 14th double-double of the season, with four coming in his last six games. Over his last 10 outings, Barnes has averaged 20.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.5 threes, 1.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals.
Brandon Ingram delivered a game-high 29 points (9-18 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 7-8 FT), along with 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals in 35 minutes during the Raptors' 111-102 win over the Bucks. This marks his fourth consecutive game with at least 28 points, showcasing a significant improvement in his three-point shooting, going 16-for-25 from deep over this span compared to his earlier 30.2% clip. Since December 2, Ingram has averaged 23.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.6 threes per game.
LaMelo Ball (ankle) returned to action Thursday against the Hawks, ending a three-game absence due to a left ankle bone bruise. Despite an expected minute restriction, Ball played 29 minutes, recording an impressive double-double with 28 points (10-16 FG, 8-11 3Pt), 4 rebounds, 13 assists, and 1 steal in the 133-126 win over Atlanta. His strong showing suggests his ankle is feeling good, and he averaged 19.4 points, 8.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds in 16 games prior to his absence.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 28 points (11-18 FG, 4-9 3Pt), 8 rebounds, and 2 assists in 34 minutes during Thursday's 133-126 loss to Charlotte. Despite moving back to a bench role following Trae Young's return, his offensive production remained strong, marking his fifth time in seven December appearances with 20 or more points. Alexander-Walker is expected to continue seeing significant offensive opportunities even with Young back in the lineup for the Atlanta Hawks.
Jalen Johnson delivered his best scoring performance of the 2025-26 campaign in Thursday's 133-126 loss to the Hornets, racking up 43 points (16-27 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 7-7 FT), 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal in 39 minutes. He dominated across the board, leading the Hawks in points, rebounds, and assists, falling just one assist shy of a triple-double. Johnson notably benefited from the return of Trae Young, showcasing a strong synergy for the Atlanta Hawks.
Pascal Siakam delivered a strong bounce-back performance in Thursday's 114-113 loss to the Knicks, tallying 26 points (9-22 FG, 2-6 3Pt), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks in 38 minutes. He showcased his prowess on both ends of the floor, tying his season highs in both blocks and steals, and finished second on the Pacers in scoring. Since December 1, Siakam has averaged 23.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 threes, and 1.3 steals over 33.0 minutes per game.
Precious Achiuwa is slated to start for the Sacramento Kings in Thursday's game against Portland. This move comes as Zach LaVine is sidelined with an ankle injury. Achiuwa will join Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, Maxime Raynaud, and Keegan Murray in the starting five. In his six previous starts this season, Achiuwa has averaged 8.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, providing key contributions in LaVine's absence.
Tony Bradley will not return to Thursday's game against the Knicks due to a sore right thumb. He finished the evening with two points (0-2 FG, 2-2 FT) and three rebounds in four minutes. The Indiana Pacers center should be considered questionable for Saturday's game in New Orleans as he deals with the injury.
Drake Powell will not return to Thursday's game against the Heat after suffering a right ankle sprain. He went to the locker room with a serious limp, tweaking the same ankle that caused him to miss six games earlier this season. The severity of this new sprain is unclear, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Brooklyn Nets forward misses Sunday's matchup against the Raptors, potentially opening up more minutes for Jalen Wilson.
Daniel Gafford will come off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks in Thursday's game against the Pistons. This move is due to the return of Anthony Davis (calf) from a one-game absence. Gafford had started in Monday's loss to the Jazz, playing 13 minutes and recording two points (1-1 FG), two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.
Giannis Antetokounmpo stated he is "locked in" on getting healthy, reiterating that his agent, Alex Saratsis, handles all discussions regarding his future with the Milwaukee Bucks, without his direct input during the season. He denied directly discussing trade speculation. Antetokounmpo confirmed his injury is a soleus strain, suffered on December 3rd, with an estimated 4-to-6 week return timeline, placing his comeback in January. He also clarified that recent social media changes were for privacy, not a slight against the team.
Peyton Watson has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Orlando due to a right trunk contusion, marking his first missed game of the 2025-26 regular season. The Denver Nuggets forward has started in each of the team's last 14 games, and his absence could open up starting minutes for Tim Hardaway or Zeke Nnaji. Watson's next opportunity to play will be Saturday against the Rockets.
Zion Williamson will be deployed off the bench for Thursday's game against Houston, marking his second consecutive game in a reserve role. This decision is part of the team's strategy to ease him back into action following a right adductor strain. Saddiq Bey will draw another start at power forward as a result, though his time with the first unit is expected to be limited.
Victor Wembanyama will remain on a minutes restriction and come off the bench for Thursday's game against the Wizards. This marks his third consecutive game as a reserve, following a left calf strain. He logged 25 minutes off the bench in the NBA Cup title game Tuesday. Head coach Mitch Johnson indicated they would be "mindful" of his minutes, especially with a back-to-back. Luke Kornet will continue to start in his place as the Spurs monitor his return.
Ryan Rollins will come off the bench for Thursday's game against Toronto. This move comes as head coach Doc Rivers shakes up the starting unit following the Bucks' recent 45-point loss to the Nets. Rollins' minutes have been in the mid-20s over his last three games, and his playing time in a reserve role will be closely watched.
