Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
Anthony Davis, who missed Monday's game against the Jazz due to a left calf contusion, is now questionable for Thursday's game against the Pistons. He logged a full practice Wednesday, which bodes well for his status. Over his last four appearances for the Dallas Mavericks, Davis has averaged 18.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.8 blocks. While Daniel Gafford started in his absence, Davis's return could be imminent.
Draymond Green openly stated the Warriors have "f—king sucked so far," attributing their 13-14 record to turnovers, for which he takes personal blame (including 8 in his return game), and defensive lapses preventing consistent scoring runs. On his podcast, Green discussed the team's lack of rotation consistency, though coach Steve Kerr plans to stick with a starting five of Curry, Moody, Butler, Green, and Post. Despite the struggles and owner Joe Lacob's justified frustration, Green expressed "zero doubts" the team will resolve its issues. In other news, Green's comment calling Kenyon Martin an "underachiever" drew a strong rebuke.
Celtics president Brad Stevens detailed the rigorous steps Jayson Tatum must complete before returning from his Achilles injury, suffered in May. Tatum needs to meet strength thresholds, followed by weeks of progressive play, from small group drills to 5-on-5, and re-conditioning. The Celtics' decision not to apply for a Disabled Player Exception signals optimism about his recovery, though he won't return until 110% healthy. Tatum is eager to play but understands the need to meet every threshold. Jaylen Brown has excelled in his absence, averaging 29.3 points on 50% shooting.
Austin Reaves has joined the list of players sidelined by calf strains and is due for re-evaluation later this week. Marcus Smart replaced him in the Lakers' starting lineup, providing assists and defensive stats but limited scoring. Smart is a viable option in deeper leagues needing those categories.
Evan Mobley has been diagnosed with a strained left calf and is expected to miss two to four weeks. His absence has coincided with Jarrett Allen's return. Dean Wade started in Mobley's place, but Jaylon Tyson is considered the superior fantasy option for the Cavaliers at forward, even coming off the bench.
Golden State Warriors rookie Will Richard is currently out of the team's rotation, a decision coach Steve Kerr attributed to Richard's rookie status and a desire to honor veteran players. Despite this, Kerr expressed being a "huge fan and believer" in Richard, who has averaged 8.0 points in 23 of 27 games this season. Richard previously started four games in Stephen Curry's absence, averaging 5.2 points in 22.0 minutes, and Kerr believes he could earn a starting role later in the season.
Jonathan Kuminga is set to rejoin the Golden State Warriors' rotation Thursday night against the Suns, as coach Steve Kerr praised his hard work after three consecutive games on the bench. Kuminga, 23, the team's most athletic player, had been sidelined with bilateral knee tendinitis earlier this season and struggled in limited action upon his return, leading to his recent benching. Kerr emphasized, "He needs to be back out there," as the Warriors lost two of three games without him. Kuminga signed a 2-year, $48.5 million contract and remains in potential trade discussions.
Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun spent the offseason 6,000 miles apart as they worked to reach a new level this season, with the duo hoping to lead the Houston Rockets to a championship.
Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson spent the offseason apart, working to elevate their game for the upcoming season with the Houston Rockets, aiming to lead the team to a championship.
OG Anunoby scored 28 points, including five three-pointers, as the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 in the NBA Cup final. This victory ends the Knicks' 52-year trophy drought. Jalen Brunson was named the NBA Cup's Most Valuable Player with 25 points. The Knicks came back from an 11-point deficit in the third quarter. This win marks the Knicks' sixth consecutive victory and tenth in their last eleven games, though it does not count towards regular-season standings.
Paolo Banchero is recommended as a buy-low target in fantasy basketball. After returning from a groin injury, his minutes were initially limited but have since increased, reaching 35 minutes with 25 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Despite lower shooting percentages (26.6% 3PT) and scoring (20.5 PPG) compared to last season, his health is improving. With teammates Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs sidelined, Banchero is poised for increased production and is considered a rare opportunity to acquire at a discount.
Lauri Markkanen is flagged as a sell-high candidate in fantasy basketball due to potential rest-day issues and the Utah Jazz's struggling 10-15 record. Despite averaging 27.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.9 three-pointers on improved efficiency (46.9% FG), his fantasy value might decline if the Jazz pivot to tanking. This advice comes after a dominant 33-point, 16-rebound double-double in a recent OT win, highlighting his current high performance but also the risk of future load management.
Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his 19th double-double of the season, finishing with 16 points (6-12 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 30 minutes during Tuesday's 124-113 victory over San Antonio. He briefly exited the NBA Cup Championship game in the second quarter due to a left knee scare but was cleared to start the second half. Post-game, Towns appeared to suffer a calf issue, remaining on the bench late in the fourth quarter, adding to weeks of ongoing calf concerns. Fantasy managers should monitor his status.
Dylan Harper led the San Antonio Spurs with 21 points (7-14 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and seven rebounds in 28 minutes during Tuesday's 124-113 loss to New York. This marked his most playing time since returning from injury, signaling a potentially significant role despite a healthy roster. His offensive output was encouraging, making him a player to consider in standard leagues if he maintains this production.
Jalen Brunson was named the 2025 NBA Cup MVP after leading the New York Knicks to a 124-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the championship game. In the final, Brunson recorded 25 points (11-27 FG, 1-5 3Pt), 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 block in 41 minutes. He averaged an impressive 33.5 points and 6.5 assists on 55% shooting throughout the tournament, also posting 33.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds over the last three Cup games. Brunson credited his teammates for their collective effort in securing the title.
Victor Wembanyama played in the NBA Cup Final against the Knicks, which the Spurs lost 124-113. He remained on a minutes restriction and came off the bench for the second consecutive game, following a 12-game absence due to a left calf strain. While his coach hinted at increased minutes, Wembanyama previously delivered a strong performance with 22 points (6-11 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 9-12 FT), 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal in an upset victory over the Thunder. He views the Cup as a crucial stepping stone for the Spurs' future success.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the 'unprecedented' situation surrounding Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who remains on the team's books while facing gambling charges. Silver confirmed that the league is actively exploring options to provide the Miami Heat with 'satisfactory relief' regarding Rozier's contractual status and the implications of his ongoing legal situation. The exact nature of the potential relief has not yet been specified.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves after tweaking his ankle during the fourth quarter of Monday's win over the Clippers. His status remains uncertain. Should Morant be unable to play, Vince Williams is expected to step in as the de facto point guard, with Cam Spencer (personal) already ruled out. The star guard's availability is a key concern for the Grizzlies as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Grizzlies due to a foot injury. Edwards has already missed the past two games for Minnesota and remains day-to-day, indicating a cautious approach to his return. Should he be unable to return to the lineup, Bones Hyland could continue to see increased playing time, with Terrence Shannon and Jaylen Clark also potentially getting more run in his absence, impacting the team's rotation significantly.
