Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stated that the Oklahoma City Thunder are "absolutely" aiming to achieve the NBA's all-time wins record of 73. He emphasized the team's desire to obtain every possible trophy and record, underscoring their competitive drive for the season.
Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt, a top defensive option, has played only three minutes in the last 10 games, largely benched since LeBron James' Nov. 18 return. He averaged 5.8 rebounds before being benched and made just 4-of-14 three-pointers in his first 14 games despite offseason offensive work. Coach JJ Redick cited a "numbers game" and tasks Vanderbilt "needed to do consistently." With the Lakers' defense ranking 28th in their last 10 games, Redick indicated Vanderbilt "will definitely get his opportunities" if struggles persist. He shot extra three-pointers after practice Friday.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is officially out for Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. This marks his third consecutive missed game due to the ankle injury, and there is currently no clear timetable for his return. His absence further depletes the Mavericks' frontcourt, which is already without Dereck Lively (foot). As a result, Davis is expected to start at center, with Dwight Powell and Moussa Cisse likely seeing increased playing time.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes will start in Friday's game against the Pacers, filling in for the absent Tyrese Maxey (illness). This marks Grimes' fifth start of the current campaign. In his previous four starts, he has averaged 13.5 points, 2.8 assists, and 5.5 assists per contest, indicating an increased role and potential for production in Maxey's absence.
Al Horford was unavailable for the Golden State Warriors' 127-120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, contributing to the team's exposed interior defense. A five-time All-Star and 2017-18 All-Defensive Second Team selection, Horford's absence, alongside Draymond Green's, was highlighted by Stephen Curry: "Draymond and Al understand how to make the impact... but we didn’t have them. We had to figure out a way to get it done, but we just didn’t." The Warriors struggled defensively without his presence.
Draymond Green was absent for the Golden State Warriors' 127-120 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving the team's interior defense exposed. A former NBA Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time All-Defensive Team selection, Green's absence was keenly felt, with Stephen Curry noting, "Draymond and Al understand how to make the impact... but we didn’t have them. We had to figure out a way to get it done, but we just didn’t." The Warriors' defense struggled, particularly in the paint, without him.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski is being recognized as a winning player who has now been around long enough to face significant exposure and scrutiny. The article suggests that expectations are contributing to current frustrations surrounding his performance.
Coby White (calf) is available for Friday's game against the Hornets, shedding his probable tag due to right calf tightness. The Chicago Bulls guard will suit up for his third consecutive game after a three-game absence. In his last two outings, White, 25, averaged 17.0 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 rebounds across 25.5 minutes per tilt.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey was sidelined for Friday night's 115-105 victory over the Pacers due to an illness. The Sixers managed to secure the win despite Maxey's absence, moving to 1-0 this season without him. He was one of several players out for the team, including Kelly Oubre Jr., Trendon Watford, and Hunter Sallis.
Anthony Edwards (foot) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Warriors. This marks his first missed game since November 3rd. With Edwards sidelined, the Minnesota Timberwolves anticipate increased usage for Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle. Additionally, Terrence Shannon, Bones Hyland, and Jaylen Clark are expected to see extended playing time. The team confirmed his inability to shake off a questionable tag, confirming his absence for the upcoming matchup.
Victor Wembanyama is expected to make his return in the NBA Cup semifinals against the Thunder. The San Antonio Spurs star has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a calf strain.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (groin) was a full participant in Friday's practice, as reported by Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic. The superstar is reportedly pushing to return to the floor for Sunday's game against the Lakers. Booker has missed three straight contests due to the groin strain, having been upgraded to questionable before being ruled out for Wednesday's matchup with the Thunder.
Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, 29, is reportedly prepared to remain with the team for the foreseeable future, despite significant trade interest from teams like the Wizards, Suns, and Bulls. Signed through 2027-28 with a substantial contract, a trade does not appear imminent. Sabonis has been sidelined since Nov. 19 with a partial tear of his left meniscus and is scheduled for re-evaluation next week. Prior to injury, he averaged 17.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.
Chris Paul's future with the Clippers is uncertain as the Charlotte Hornets have reportedly ruled out trading for the 40-year-old guard. NBA insider Marc Stein reports that a source close to the Hornets confirmed they are not expected to pursue Paul, despite his openness to new destinations for a "happier ending" to his 21st NBA season. Paul, eligible for trade on December 15, has his agent actively working with the Clippers to find a new team. However, other interested teams prefer to wait for a potential buyout to sign him as a free agent, given his limited bench role.
Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton is having arguably the best season of his career, highlighted by a recent second triple-double. He enters the weekend with favorable matchups against the Bucks and Mavericks, both ranking low in rebounding percentage and paint defense. While traditionally strong in rebounds, blocks, and field goal percentage, Claxton's "passing revelation" is driving his success this year. He's one of only three centers, alongside Nikola Jokic and Alperen Sengun, to average more assists per game, showcasing his expanded role and impact for the Nets.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade availability may be forthcoming as the Milwaukee Bucks struggle to secure a play-in berth. He reportedly met with the front office to discuss a trade, with a source telling ESPN's Shams Charania, 'The writing is on the wall.' The Knicks are his preferred trade destination, having engaged in discussions for 'multiple weeks in August.' New York could offer a package involving Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, plus draft picks. His calf injury and past playoff ailments are also noted.
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, a former UConn standout, has acquired a stake in men's and women's professional soccer franchises located in Connecticut. Castle joins the ownership group for the teams in the region where he previously starred during his college career.
The Milwaukee Bucks have conducted "recent due diligence" on Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, according to The Athletic's Sam Amick, following earlier reports of interest. LaVine, currently sidelined with a thumb injury, is in his first full season with Sacramento after a trade from the Bulls. He holds a $47.5 million cap hit this season and a nearly $49 million player option for 2026-27, making a trade challenging without draft assets. In 22 games, he averages 20.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
Fantasy analyst Steve Alexander highlights Ryan Nembhard as a player whose stock is trending upwards. Alexander recommends fantasy basketball managers add Nembhard, based on his analysis of names moving up or down in value and providing key takeaways for each. This positive outlook is part of a broader assessment of fantasy basketball trends, suggesting a significant increase in his fantasy appeal.
Fantasy analyst Steve Alexander identifies Jaren Jackson as a player whose stock is trending downwards. Alexander suggests fantasy basketball managers consider parting ways with Jackson, citing key takeaways from his analysis of names moving up or down in value. This assessment is part of a broader look at players whose fantasy outlook is shifting, indicating a potential drop in his overall fantasy value.
