Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young was part of an ESPN mock trade scenario that would send him and Luke Kennard to the Sacramento Kings. In this proposed deal, the Kings would acquire the four-time All-Star, known for his clutch moments, in exchange for Zach LaVine, Devin Carter, Doug McDermott, and draft picks. This move would provide Sacramento with a younger solution at point guard without giving up any draft assets.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook delivered 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists during the team's 136-105 blowout defeat against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Westbrook's performance came as the short-handed Kings, missing Zach LaVine, Dennis Schroder, and Domantas Sabonis, struggled to contain Nikola Jokić's dominant effort. This loss extended Sacramento's miseries, dropping their record to 6-19, their second consecutive defeat and 14th in 17 games since early November.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is officially out for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a personal reason. His absence means the Warriors will continue to be without their full roster, even with Steph Curry's return.
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) has been cleared from the injury report and is set to return for Friday's game against Minnesota, ending a five-game absence due to a quadriceps injury. Head coach Steve Kerr previously indicated he was trending toward returning after Thursday's practice. This season, Curry has averaged 27.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 31.1 minutes per night over 16 games. His return will likely translate to fewer minutes for Pat Spencer and Will Richard.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, seven months after tearing his Achilles, has returned to playing one-on-one, posting a video on Wednesday and "soon" on Instagram. A return this season appears increasingly likely, with coach Joe Mazzulla stating the timeline is "all up to him." The Celtics are 15-9 and third in the East, and Tatum's potential return for the playoffs would make them a significant threat.
Victor Wembanyama could return for the San Antonio Spurs' Emirates NBA Cup semifinal game this weekend against the Thunder. He underwent an intense workout and responded well. Wembanyama has been sidelined with a calf strain since Nov. 16. The Spurs have gone 9-3 without him, but his return would bolster the team as they face the defending champions.
Ayo Dosunmu will not play Friday against the Hornets due to a Grade 1 thumb sprain. He has not practiced and is not traveling with the team to Charlotte. The severity of his injury (day-to-day or week-to-week) remains unclear.
LeBron James scored 19 points, but it wasn't enough as the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup. Luka Doncic led the Spurs with 35 points. The Lakers' defensive struggles are being questioned as a potential hindrance to their success.
Tre Jones is expected to play Friday against Charlotte after recovering from an ankle injury. He has practiced fully for two consecutive days and has missed the last three games. With the Bulls currently shorthanded, Jones is anticipated to return to a significant role.
Dallas Mavericks center Anthony Davis is a central figure in ESPN's latest NBA mock trades, with one scenario sending him and Mason Plumlee to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, and a 2026 first-round pick. Another proposed deal would send Davis to the Atlanta Hawks. Davis, a 10-time All-Star, has an extensive injury history that has worsened since his move to the Mavericks. The Warriors would reportedly consider the move for the 'massive offensive upgrade' despite concerns.
Eric Karabell forecasts Jaren Jackson Jr. as a notable player for the upcoming season. The Memphis Grizzlies forward is highlighted among key players to watch, with expectations for his performance discussed in a broader outlook on the league's top talents.
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride has suffered an ankle injury and will be sidelined for at least one week, with a re-evaluation scheduled for December 18, 2025, according to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News. This injury rules him out of Saturday's game against Orlando and any potential NBA Cup Final. While a return against the Pacers on Dec. 18 isn't entirely ruled out, it is considered unlikely.
Kevin Porter Jr. is highlighted in the daily Fantasy basketball picks for Thursday, Dec. 11, according to SportsLine's Mike McClure. McClure, a seasoned daily Fantasy professional with over $2 million in winnings, provides his optimal NBA DFS lineup advice.
Pat Spencer has rapidly ascended for the Golden State Warriors, earning praise from Steph Curry and coach Steve Kerr. Curry, who was rehabbing a quad contusion, noted Spencer's '120 percent confidence' and leadership. Kerr stated Spencer's energy and competitive spirit have 'changed our team.' Spencer, re-signed on a two-way contract, is averaging 16 points on 59.1% FG and 75% 3P with a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio over his last four games. He's now the primary backup point guard and is expected to receive a standard NBA contract.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been included in an NBA trade rumor roundtable as the trade season draws near. The discussion, which also featured other notable players, focused on the possibility of 'league-altering moves' occurring this winter, with various scenarios being explored by sports writers.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero has made his return to the lineup, delivering a great game on Tuesday. His minutes per game over the last 3, 5, and 10 games have been a consistent 25.6. Banchero's return is a positive development for the Magic, especially as teammate Franz Wagner suffered an ankle injury almost immediately after, which is expected to sideline him for up to a month. This situation highlights Banchero's crucial role in the team's rotation amidst recent roster changes.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker sustained a groin injury last week and is projected to be sidelined until at least the end of next week. This significant absence is impacting the team's rotation, creating opportunities for other players. Specifically, Collin Gillespie is seeing increased minutes, and Mark Williams has stepped into a larger role, delivering 13.4 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game over his last five contests. The team will rely on these players to fill the void during Booker's recovery.
Brandin Podziemski (Golden State Warriors) is embracing the intense guard competition, stating it 'brings the best out of people.' He recently shone in a 123-91 win, recording 21 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Warriors extended his team option in October 2025, and he has seen interchangeable starting minutes during Steph Curry's quad injury absence. With Curry slated to return Friday, Podziemski aims to maintain his strong play for continued minutes.
Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg has distinguished himself as the leading candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, being recognized among the NBA's top five rookies. He plays a significant role in the team's rotation, evidenced by his minutes per game averaging 32.1 over the last three contests, 33.5 over the last five, and 33.7 over the last ten games. Flagg is actively figuring out his game, positioning him as a standout performer in his rookie season.
Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel maintains a consistent role in the team's rotation, with his minutes per game averaging 33.1 over the last three games, 34.2 over the last five, and 34.3 over the last ten. While recognized as a top rookie in the NBA, current rankings indicate he is not the favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, with Cooper Flagg positioned ahead of him.
