Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe stated Sunday that Alex Sarr (right adductor strain) has not progressed enough to do live practice work, indicating a potential extended absence. Sarr has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pacers, marking his sixth consecutive missed game. There is currently no clear timeline for the second-year center's return.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (left calf soreness) has been cleared to play against the Wizards on Sunday, as confirmed by head coach Rick Carlisle. Despite initially drawing a questionable tag, Nembhard has been given the green light. Since December 1st, Nembhard has been on a strong run, averaging 19.6 points, 7.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 three-pointers, and 1.2 steals over 32.2 minutes per game across his last five outings.
Tyrese Maxey (illness) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Hawks, marking his second consecutive missed contest. Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports the update. Quentin Grimes is expected to remain in the starting lineup, while Jared McCain should take on a larger role in Maxey's absence. Maxey's next opportunity to play will be Friday against the Knicks, which is the first leg of a back-to-back.
Mitchell Robinson is in the final year of his contract without an extension, fueling speculation about a potential trade. His health is a significant concern, as he hasn't played a 60-game season since 2022, and his defensive impact has reportedly declined, with the Knicks allowing 114.2 points per 100 possessions with him on court versus 110.3 off. Despite these issues, Robinson remains a dominant offensive rebounder and the team's best backup center, with his salary aligning with potential trade targets like Donte DiVincenzo or Dennis Schroder. The Knicks are reportedly exploring all avenues to maximize playoff runs.
Victor Wembanyama (calf) returned from a 12-game absence on Dec 13, 2025, posting 22 points (6-11 FG), nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal in 21 minutes during the Spurs' 111-109 win over the Thunder. Coming off the bench for the first time, he led the Spurs in rebounding and recorded a game-high two blocks, contributing to a game-best plus-21 differential. His performance snapped the Thunder's 16-game winning streak and secured the Spurs' spot in the NBA Cup final against the Knicks. His minutes restriction will be monitored.
Paolo Banchero contributed 25 points (10-22 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 35 minutes during Saturday's 132-120 loss to the Knicks. Despite an abysmal 0-for-7 from deep, he was Orlando's second-leading scorer. This was Banchero's fourth game back after a 10-game absence due to a groin strain, and he appears to be past his minutes restriction, logging 67 minutes over his last two outings with 43 points and 15 rebounds.
OG Anunoby recorded 24 points (8-13 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block across a season-high 40 minutes during Saturday's 132-120 victory over the Magic. This was his fourth appearance following a nine-game absence due to a left hamstring strain, marking his best game since returning. He finished as New York's third-leading scorer and tied the team-high in steals, recording multiple swipes in three consecutive contests.
Karl-Anthony Towns delivered an efficient performance, finishing with 29 points (9-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 9-10 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal over 37 minutes during Saturday's 132-120 win over the Magic. This outing marked a strong bounce-back from a 4-for-11 shooting effort earlier in the week. Towns has now scored at least 29 points in three of his five December appearances, averaging 25.0 points and 11.6 rebounds this month.
Jalen Brunson erupted for a season-high 40 points (16-27 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 6-9 FT), along with eight assists, four rebounds, and one steal in 39 minutes during Saturday's 132-120 win over the Magic. His dominant performance, including 25 points in the first half, secured the Knicks' spot in the NBA Cup final on Tuesday. This marks his first 40-point game of the season and his fourth consecutive game with 30+ points, shooting 55.8% from the field. The Knicks have won five straight.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs exited Saturday's game against the Knicks after suffering a left hip injury in the third quarter. Suggs had a spectacular 25-point first half before attempting to play through the injury, which ultimately forced him out of the game. He is now awaiting further medical tests to determine the full extent and severity of the injury, with updates expected following the diagnostic process.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Warriors due to a right calf strain. Holiday has been sidelined since November 14th and currently has no timetable for his return to action. The veteran point guard is also considered doubtful for Thursday's upcoming game against the Kings as the team awaits further updates on his status.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace will not start against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday, as reported by Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com. With the Thunder's starting five now at full strength for the first time this season, the 22-year-old will move to the second unit. Over his last five outings, Wallace has averaged 6.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 steals, and 2.4 assists across 23.2 minutes per contest.
Donovan Clingan (lower leg contusion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Warriors, potentially snapping a three-game absence. If the second-year center is cleared to play, Kris Murray is expected to return to the second unit. Over his last five appearances, Clingan has averaged 9.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks in 23.8 minutes per contest.
Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley is expected to miss 2-4 weeks after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 left calf strain. He exited Friday's 130-126 win over the Wizards after feeling tightness, having recorded 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists in 36 minutes. Mobley, who leads the Cavs in rebounds (9.3) and blocks (1.6) and is second in scoring (19.1), now joins a lengthy injury list. His absence could impact his eligibility for end-of-season awards due to the 65-game rule.
Draymond Green is off the Warriors' injury report and will return for Sunday's game against Portland. He is coming back from a three-game absence due to personal reasons and a right mid-foot sprain. The veteran big man has averaged 8.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 28.2 minutes across 20 regular-season appearances this season.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lakers due to left Achilles soreness. This potential absence would mark his first missed game since November 6. Should Brooks be ruled out, Ryan Dunn, Jordan Goodwin, and Nigel Hayes-Davis are candidates who could see increased playing time in the rotation.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Lakers. Booker was a full participant in Friday's practice, aiming to end a three-game absence caused by a right groin strain he sustained on December 1. If the star guard is cleared to play, Jamaree Bouyea and Jordan Goodwin could see their minutes dip. In 22 regular-season games thus far, Booker has averaged 25.0 points, 6.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 0.9 steals across 34.7 minutes per contest.
Zach LaVine (thumb) is off the Sacramento Kings' injury report and is set to return for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves. He missed Thursday's loss to Denver due to a right thumb issue. In his last five appearances, the veteran swingman averaged 22.6 points, 2.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals, shooting 43.2 percent from beyond the arc on 7.4 attempts per game.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves is expected to be sidelined for approximately a week after suffering a mild Grade 1 left calf strain. He played against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night but was subsequently diagnosed with the injury. His absence creates an opportunity for other players, such as Jarred Vanderbilt, to potentially re-enter the rotation and contribute, particularly to the Lakers' struggling defensive efforts. The team will monitor his recovery closely.
Jarred Vanderbilt is eager for an opportunity to help the Lakers' struggling defense, which ranks 18th in points given up. He has played only three minutes in the last 10 games, falling out of the rotation after LeBron James' return due to offensive deficiencies (4-15 from three-point range in 15 games). With Austin Reaves sidelined for approximately a week with a Grade 1 left calf strain, Vanderbilt sees a potential path back into the rotation to address the team's defensive woes.
