Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
OG Anunoby (knee) is available for Thursday's game against the Indiana Pacers, despite dealing with a left knee contusion. With Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) ruled out, Anunoby is expected to see an uptick in usage for the New York Knicks. This season, Anunoby has averaged 16.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.9 steals in 31.3 minutes per contest across 16 games, demonstrating his consistent two-way impact.
Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Pacers, marking his second missed game this December. The injury was sustained during Tuesday's game against the Spurs, further depleting the Knicks' frontcourt alongside Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart. Despite this setback, Towns was recently selected to the NBA Cup All-Tournament Team, averaging 21.1 points and 10.9 rebounds, with double-doubles in six of seven tournament games, showcasing his consistent impact for the New York Knicks.
Anthony Edwards (foot) is questionable for Friday's game against the Thunder, making him a game-time decision and potentially missing his fourth consecutive outing due to a lingering foot injury. He has already missed three straight games for the Minnesota Timberwolves. His absence has led to an uptick in minutes for Bones Hyland, while Naz Reid has seen increased usage and emerged as a top-80 fantasy player during this period. The team is expected to provide an update closer to tipoff.
Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones is questionable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers due to left hamstring tightness. This is a new issue, but he is considered day-to-day. Over his last three outings, Jones has averaged 7.7 points, 7.0 assists, and 1.7 steals in 24.5 minutes per contest.
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is questionable for Friday's game against the Cavaliers. He has missed four of the last five games due to the thumb injury but remains day-to-day and is progressing towards a return. This season, Dosunmu is averaging 15.2 points, 3.2 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.9 three-pointers.
Luka Dončić, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, is playing at an MVP level for a team that sits third in the Western Conference. He was 'shockingly dealt' to the Lakers after Klay Thompson signed with the Dallas Mavericks in part to play alongside him. Dončić's departure was a significant factor in Thompson's current situation with the Mavericks.
The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly exploring Klay Thompson's trade market ahead of the deadline. Thompson, who has one guaranteed season left on his $50M deal, desires to play for a contender. He joined Dallas to play with Luka Dončić, who was later traded. Averaging 11.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists on career-low shooting, he's been moved to the bench but improved 3PT shooting to 40.3% recently. His future is uncertain, and recent on-court altercations have drawn concern from former teammates like Steph Curry and Draymond Green, though his friendships with them endure. Curry expressed openness to a Warriors reunion.
Hawks guard Trae Young (knee) is cleared to return Thursday night against the Hornets after missing 22 straight games since late October with a sprained right MCL. While his playing time will likely be monitored, his return provides a significant boost. Through his first five appearances, Young averaged 17.8 points, 7.8 assists, 2.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 27.8 minutes. His impending return is accompanied by ongoing speculation regarding his long-term future with the franchise.
Brandin Podziemski added 18 points off the bench for the Golden State Warriors in their 99-98 last-second loss to the Phoenix Suns. Despite his contribution, the Warriors' offense struggled in the second half, and the team committed 20 turnovers, leading to their third consecutive defeat and dropping their record to 13-15.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul for striking Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry in the midsection/chest area with 38 seconds left in Thursday's game. The incident occurred during the Suns' 99-98 victory, adding another chapter to Brooks' history of contentious run-ins with the Warriors.
De'Aaron Fox was named to the NBA Cup All-Tournament Team. He joins Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as selections to the prestigious tournament squad. This recognition highlights his strong performance during the NBA Cup.
Cooper Flagg has claimed the No. 1 spot in the fantasy basketball rookie report, emerging as the centerpiece of the Dallas Mavericks' offense and defense due to veteran injuries and underperformance. Over his past 10 games, Flagg has averaged 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, shooting 48% from the field. Just days ago, he became the youngest player in NBA history to score 42 points, breaking LeBron James' record, with his shooting struggles reportedly becoming a thing of the past.
Jalen Green (hamstring) will miss Thursday's game against the Warriors and remains week-to-week. He is targeting a return before the end of December, with the Suns' Dec. 26 game in New Orleans potentially being his earliest comeback date. Green has only played twice this season due to a strained right hamstring. Fantasy managers should expect him to be out for at least another week. Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, and Jordan Goodwin may see increased minutes in his absence.
Lakers forward Adou Thiero's vehicle was reportedly stolen, an incident that led to the arrest of Rams star Puka Nacua's brother. The report indicates the stolen car belonged to Thiero, making him the direct victim in this off-court event. This news, while not directly related to his on-court performance, places Thiero in a notable situation involving law enforcement and another professional athlete's family member. The details confirm the vehicle's ownership and the identity of the alleged perpetrator.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. is highlighted as a notable player in Eric Karabell's recent forecast. The article suggests expectations for Jackson Jr. and other key players, including those from the New York Knicks, in an upcoming analysis. While specific details of the forecast for Jackson Jr. are not provided in this snippet, his inclusion indicates he is a player of interest for performance predictions and future outlooks.
Austin Reaves is featured on a list of NBA players who could potentially become first-time All-Stars this season. His strong play and impact for the Los Angeles Lakers have put him in contention for this prestigious recognition.
Chet Holmgren has been recognized as a player who could deservedly earn his first All-Star selection this season. His inclusion on the list points to his significant contributions and development with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jamal Murray is among the NBA players identified as deserving of a first-time All-Star selection this season. His potential inclusion highlights his strong performance and impact on the Denver Nuggets' campaign.
Boston Celtics' President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens commented on the team's trade deadline plans, stating 'nothing is holding us back' as they assess the market. This comes as Jayson Tatum's potential return looms, with the team having a surprisingly successful season. The focus remains on strategic moves to further bolster the roster ahead of the deadline.
Ja Morant was involved in a viral, heated altercation with Klay Thompson last month, an incident that drew attention from former Warriors star Steph Curry. Curry expressed his dislike for seeing his old backcourt partner engaged in such a confrontation without his usual teammates, highlighting the intensity of the interaction between Morant and Thompson.
