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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Powell Leads Heat in Loss with 21 Points, Extends Scoring Streak

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Norman Powell paced the Miami Heat with 21 points (8-19 FG, 4-12 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists in 34 minutes during Tuesday's 117-108 loss to the Magic. Despite an inefficient shooting night, he led the team in points and triples. Powell has now scored 18-plus points in five consecutive games, averaging 25.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game during that productive span for the veteran swingman.

Chris Paul 'At Peace' Following Messy Clippers Departure

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Chris Paul stated he is 'at peace' in his first public comments since the Clippers unexpectedly parted ways with him last week, derailing his planned retirement tour. The veteran guard's exit from the team occurred abruptly in the middle of the night.

Smart Returns to Practice, Aims for NBA Cup Game Return

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Marcus Smart returned to practice on Tuesday and intends to play in Wednesday's NBA Cup game against the Spurs. He has been sidelined for the last six games due to a back injury, making his potential return a significant boost for the Lakers.

Wembanyama Ruled Out for NBA Cup Quarterfinal vs. Lakers

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Spurs star Victor Wembanyama (calf) has been officially ruled out for Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the Los Angeles Lakers, marking his 12th consecutive missed contest due to a left calf strain. While he was a full participant in Sunday's practice, indicating a return is near, he will remain on the shelf. Luke Kornet and Kelly Olynyk are expected to see increased minutes in his absence.

Shead Earns First Start for Raptors in NBA Cup Quarterfinal

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Jamal Shead is set to make his first start of the regular season for the Toronto Raptors in Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Knicks, as reported by Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic. Shead steps into the starting lineup due to the absence of Immanuel Quickley (illness). This season, Shead has averaged 5.8 points, 5.1 assists, 0.18 rebounds, and 1.2 steals over 19.3 minutes per game.

Towns Cleared to Play in Knicks' NBA Cup Quarterfinal

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Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) has been officially cleared to play in Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Raptors, as reported by Steve Popper of Newsday. Towns participated in pregame warmups with the intention of playing in the Knicks' elimination match. This season, the veteran center is averaging 22.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.9 threes, 0.8 steals, and 0.7 blocks over 33.1 minutes per game.

Immanuel Quickley Ruled Out for Tuesday's Game Due to Illness

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Immanuel Quickley (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Knicks. A late addition to the injury report, Quickley will miss his first game of the season. With the 26-year-old point guard unavailable, Jamal Shead, Ja'Kobe Walter, and A.J. Lawson are candidates for increased playing time, while Scottie Barnes could take on increased playmaking duties for the Raptors.

Hartenstein Out for Wednesday's Game with Calf Injury; Re-evaluation Pending

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Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) is officially out for Wednesday's game against the Suns. The 27-year-old is not ready for game action, and the Thunder expect to re-evaluate him in the near future. His next potential game is Dec. 17 against the Clippers. Jaylin Williams is expected to see increased minutes for Oklahoma City in Hartenstein's absence.

Booker Upgraded to Questionable for Wednesday's NBA Cup Quarterfinals

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Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (right groin strain) has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinals game against the Thunder. He sustained the injury on Dec. 1 against the Lakers. If cleared to suit up, Jamaree Bouyea and Jordan Goodwin could see reduced minutes. In his five games before the groin injury, Booker averaged 21.2 points, 6.2 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals while shooting 36.4 percent from the field in 37.8 minutes per contest.

Gilgeous-Alexander Cleared to Return Wednesday After Elbow Bursitis

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (left elbow bursitis) is not listed on the injury report and is set to return for Wednesday's game against the Suns. He missed Sunday's win over the Jazz due to the injury. The MVP candidate's return should move Ajay Mitchell back to the bench. This campaign, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 32.8 points, 6.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 33.3 minutes per contest over 23 games.

Black Steps into Magic Starting Role; Wagner Out with Ankle Sprain

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Anthony Black is confirmed to be in the Orlando Magic's starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Heat. This move comes as Franz Wagner is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, potentially giving Black an extended run with the first unit. In his four previous starts this season, Black has demonstrated strong performance, averaging 15.0 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 31.6 minutes per contest.

Warriors Coach Kerr Confirms Pat Spencer Will Retain Key Role Post-Curry Return

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Warriors coach Steve Kerr confirmed Pat Spencer will retain significant minutes even with Steph Curry's return, envisioning them playing together. Spencer, 29, stepped up during Curry's absence, starting the last two games and averaging 15.5 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.5 rebounds on 13-of-22 shooting (3-of-4 from three). Kerr praised Spencer's competitive spirit and impact on winning, calling him a 'real player' who is making the most of his opportunity, with rotations to be matchup dependent.

Warriors' Draymond Green Expected to Practice Wednesday, Return from Foot Injury Imminent

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Warriors forward Draymond Green, sidelined for two games with a right foot injury sustained last Thursday when Dominick Barlow rolled on his leg, is making strides toward a return. Coach Steve Kerr stated Green is scheduled to practice Wednesday and scrimmage Thursday. While his availability for Friday's game against Minnesota is uncertain, Kerr is eager to pair him with De’Anthony Melton. Green's injury occurred in the second quarter of a 99-98 loss to the 76ers, leading to Trayce Jackson-Davis replacing him.

Davion Mitchell Cleared to Play Tuesday vs. Magic

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Davion Mitchell (groin) is available for Tuesday's game against the Magic after missing Saturday's contest. Over his last six outings, the guard has averaged 7.8 points, 8.5 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 30.3 minutes per game. He is playing through right groin tightness.

LeBron James' Agent Confirms He'll Finish Season with Lakers

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Rich Paul, LeBron James' agent, stated on "Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul" that LeBron will finish the season with the Lakers and is not expected to be traded. Paul also expressed doubt about the Lakers' current roster being contenders in the West. Trade rumors are unlikely due to LeBron's contract and potential destinations' cap situations. The focus shifts to his free agency this summer.

Jarrett Allen Practices Fully Tuesday

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Jarrett Allen (finger) fully participated in practice on Tuesday, according to reporter Danny Cunningham. This indicates he is trending positively after a five-game absence. The Cavaliers' next game is Friday against the Wizards, providing additional time for Allen to recover.

Gordon's Return from Grade 2 Hamstring Strain Not Expected Before Christmas

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Aaron Gordon (hamstring) is not expected to return before Christmas, per Vinny Benedetto. The Nuggets announced on Nov. 23 that Gordon suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain, with a re-evaluation set for 4-6 weeks. Fantasy managers should anticipate his absence until early January. Peyton Watson is expected to see increased involvement for the Denver Nuggets during this period.

Jayson Tatum Shows Rapid Recovery from Torn Achilles in Workout Videos

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has posted workout videos on Instagram, showing him looking 'spry' on court and playing 1-on-1 without apparent Achilles discomfort. This indicates a rapid recovery from his torn Achilles suffered in May, which was initially expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season. Tatum also teased fans with a 'Soon' message, suggesting an earlier-than-anticipated return to action for the Celtics.

Jordan Poole Set for Full Practice Wednesday; Thursday Return Possible

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Jordan Poole (quadriceps) is scheduled for a full practice Wednesday, according to Will Guillory. Coach James Borrego noted Poole was a limited participant Tuesday and could ramp up to full activity. A return against the Trail Blazers on Thursday has not been ruled out for the New Orleans Pelicans guard.

Alperen Sengun Returns to Practice After Illness, Nearing Return

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Alperen Sengun (illness) was back at practice Tuesday, per Lachard Binkley. After missing the past two games for the Houston Rockets, Sengun is trending towards a return. With the Rockets not playing again until Thursday, he has an additional 48 hours to fully recover.