Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
James Harden has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Thunder due to a left calf contusion. The Los Angeles Clippers guard had played through the calf injury during Monday's loss to the Grizzlies. His status for Saturday's tilt against the Lakers is currently uncertain. In Harden's absence, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Jordan Miller, Kobe Sanders, and RayJ Dennis are candidates to see increased playing time.
RJ Barrett (knee) will not play in Thursday's game against the Bucks, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca. While the Toronto Raptors forward was slated to begin his return-to-play progression this week, he is not yet ready for game action. Saturday's matchup against Boston marks Barrett's next opportunity to play. During his continued absence due to a knee sprain, Ochai Agbaji and Jamal Shead could see enough playing time to warrant streaming appeal in deep leagues.
Anthony Edwards has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Memphis, marking his third consecutive missed contest due to soreness in his right foot. The Minnesota Timberwolves star is considered day-to-day and will have another opportunity to return Friday against OKC. In his continued absence, Bones Hyland is expected to draw another start, while Terrence Shannon and Jaylen Clark are anticipated to see increased action off the bench.
Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Denver due to a right shoulder contusion. His potential absence, alongside Franz Wagner (ankle) being inactive, could lead to increased playing time for teammates Jett Howard and Jonathan Isaac. An update on da Silva's status is expected closer to Thursday's tip-off.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs will miss Thursday's game against Denver due to a left hip contusion. The injury occurred during Saturday's loss to the Knicks, and his return timetable remains unclear, with Suggs currently considered doubtful for Saturday's contest in Utah. His absence opens up streaming consideration for Anthony Black in all formats, and Tyus Jones in deeper leagues.
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson is questionable for Thursday's game against the Magic, dealing with a right trunk contusion. He sustained the injury during Monday's win over Houston and did not return. Should Watson be sidelined, and with Tim Hardaway also questionable due to illness, Bruce Brown could potentially step into a starting role and see significant minutes. An update on Watson's status is anticipated closer to game time.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks admitted regret over his recent ejection and interaction with LeBron James, stating he needs to learn "how to stay in the game." Brooks received a second technical foul after confronting James following a late-game non-call bump. He believes James is a "social media junkie" who tracks his comments. In his first season with the Suns, Brooks is averaging a career-high 21.6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, currently in the third year of his $86 million contract.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Hawks as he continues to deal with an ankle injury. Ball has been sidelined for the past three contests. His potential return would likely see Sion James revert to a second-unit role. Further clarity on Ball's status is anticipated following Thursday's shootaround.
Jalen Brunson was named NBA Cup MVP on Tuesday after scoring 25 points and dishing 8 assists in the Knicks' 124-113 title win over the Spurs. He's having a career-high scoring year, averaging 28.8 points on 54.6% two-point and 37.6% three-point shooting. Under new coach Mike Brown, Brunson's offense has diversified, increasing his 3-point attempts to 10.3 per 100 possessions (up 1.7) and converting 46.4% of his catch-and-shoot threes. His isolation plays are down (13.8% vs 17.3%), contributing to higher efficiency and a career-low turnover rate.
Knicks F Josh Hart is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pacers due to an abdominal strain. New York has a lengthy injury report for the front end of a back-to-back, suggesting potential maintenance days for key players. If Hart is sidelined, Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Kolek, and Guerschon Yabusele are candidates for increased playing time. The team is managing player health ahead of a busy schedule.
Knicks F OG Anunoby is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pacers due to a left knee contusion. The team is reportedly considering maintenance days for several key players, especially with Thursday marking the front end of a back-to-back set against Indiana. Should Anunoby be sidelined, players such as Jordan Clarkson, Tyler Kolek, and Guerschon Yabusele are expected to receive increased playing time for New York.
Knicks C Karl-Anthony Towns is questionable for Thursday's game against the Pacers due to left knee soreness, an issue likely sustained during Tuesday's win over San Antonio. Given it's the first of a back-to-back, New York may hold him out. With Mitchell Robinson also questionable, the team could rely on Guerschon Yabusele and Ariel Hukporti at center. Towns recently celebrated the Knicks' NBA Cup title with Timothée Chalamet and Ben Stiller, marking the franchise's first trophy since 1973.
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine will miss at least one week after an MRI revealed a moderate left ankle sprain. LaVine sustained the injury during Sunday's 117-103 loss to the Timberwolves, limping off in the second quarter. He will be reevaluated in one week, sidelining him for upcoming games against the Trail Blazers (twice), Rockets, and Pistons. LaVine, who previously missed a Dec. 11 game with right thumb soreness, is averaging 20.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season. He could potentially return for the Kings' home game against the Dallas Mavericks on Dec. 27.
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant recently disclosed that he was not informed his calf strain during the 2019 NBA Finals could escalate into a torn Achilles, an injury he ultimately suffered in Game 5. Speaking on Fred Van Vleet's podcast, Durant stated he would have made a different decision if he had been aware of the risk. He had previously missed the entire Western Conference Finals and the first four games of the NBA Finals due to the calf issue.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (toe) did not practice Wednesday and has officially been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Nets. An MRI on Tuesday confirmed a bruised toe, and he is considered day-to-day. This will be Herro's second consecutive missed contest, with a quick turnaround for Friday's game in Boston. His absence will likely open up more playing time for Jaime Jaquez and Simone Fontecchio.
Miami Heat guard Norman Powell did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to left calf tightness and is now listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Nets. While the issue seems minor, the team may opt for caution given it's the front end of a back-to-back set. With Tyler Herro (toe) already ruled out, Powell could see an increased role if he is cleared to play.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has reclaimed the top spot in the MVP race, according to recent NBA futures odds. His team, the Thunder, are also heavily favored to repeat as champions, reflecting their strong performance and his individual impact this season.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama played in the NBA Cup championship game against the New York Knicks, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds, despite receiving news earlier that day that his grandmother had passed away in France. He was visibly emotional during his postgame press conference. Wembanyama continues to operate under a minutes restriction due to a strained calf, coming off the bench for the second straight contest.
Sacramento Kings rookie guard Nique Clifford, the No. 24 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, expressed his commitment to helping "build the ground up" for the team alongside fellow rookie Max Raynaud. Amid a tough start to the 2025-26 season and a likely rebuild, Clifford, 23, has played in 23 of 26 games, starting three due to injuries to star players. He's averaging 4.1 points and 2.5 rebounds in 16.6 minutes. Clifford and Raynaud are bonding through their rookie experience, anticipating increased playing time as veterans may be traded.
Sacramento Kings' Domantas Sabonis (knee) is scheduled for re-evaluation in the coming days, marking a month into his initial three-to-four week recovery window. Given the Kings' 6-20 record, the team is unlikely to rush the center back into action. While Sabonis remains sidelined, the Kings will continue to lean on Maxime Raynaud.
