Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Mark Williams had a solid outing, scoring 22 points (7-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 7-9 FT) with seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 29 minutes during the Phoenix Suns' 108-105 win over the Timberwolves. Williams led the Suns in scoring on limited field goal attempts, reaching the 20-point mark by hitting a season-high nine free throws. He stepped up offensively alongside Collin Gillespie and Dillon Brooks in the absence of Devin Booker.
Andrew Nembhard led the Indiana Pacers to a 116-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings on December 8, 2025. Nembhard posted an impressive stat line of 28 points (10-18 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), four rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals in 33 minutes. This performance marked his first double-digit assist game of the season, surpassing his previous high of nine. He has also been active defensively, recording five steals in his last two games.
Russell Westbrook achieved a triple-double in the Sacramento Kings' 116-105 loss to the Indiana Pacers on December 8, 2025. Westbrook recorded 24 points (10-16 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 14 assists, 13 rebounds, two steals, and one block in 40 minutes. This was his fourth triple-double of the season, and he led Sacramento in scoring while posting game-high assists and rebounds. In his last five games, he's averaged 13.4 points, 10.8 assists, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.6 steals.
Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns briefly exited Monday's game against the Timberwolves with an undisclosed injury. He returned in the third quarter with 3:28 remaining and is expected to be a full participant for the remainder of the game. The nature of the injury remains unclear, but his quick return suggests it was minor.
Rudy Gobert was ejected from Monday's game against the Phoenix Suns after receiving a Flagrant 2 foul for a forearm check on Mark Williams during a dunk attempt. The incident occurred midway through the third quarter. Gobert finished with 15 points and eight rebounds in 21 minutes. Naz Reid is expected to absorb most of the center minutes.
Miles McBride has been ruled out of Tuesday's game in Toronto due to a left ankle sprain. He exited Sunday's win over Orlando, and though X-rays were negative, the injury is significant. McBride is averaging a career-best 11.6 PPG and 44.4% from three this season. The Knicks may increase Tyler Kolek's minutes or use a point-guard-by-committee approach in his absence. No return timetable has been set.
Herbert Jones (calf) is available for Monday's game against the Spurs, shedding his questionable tag. He returns after an eight-game absence due to a right calf injury. His return will likely send Bryce McGowens to the bench and reduce Micah Peavy's playing time. In 16 appearances this 2025-26 season, the 27-year-old forward has averaged 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.4 steals in 30.3 minutes per contest.
Victor Wembanyama (calf) will travel with the San Antonio Spurs for Wednesday's game against the Lakers, though his participation is not guaranteed, per coach Mitch Johnson. Wembanyama, who hasn't played since November 14 due to a left calf strain, was a full participant in Sunday's practice, signaling he is nearing a return. He is considered highly questionable for the NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup. If he remains sidelined, Luke Kornet is expected to start.
Ben Sheppard of the Indiana Pacers is set for an extended absence, expected to miss at least 10 more days due to a Grade 1 left calf strain. This injury comes after Sheppard averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 25.0 minutes per game in his first 22 regular-season appearances, including 11 starts. With Aaron Nesmith (knee) also sidelined, Ethan Thompson, T.J. McConnell, and Garrison Mathews are candidates for increased playing time.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier has formally pleaded not guilty in the ongoing federal gambling case. Rozier is one of the defendants, alongside Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, involved in the legal proceedings. All defendants are scheduled to appear back in court early next year for the next phase of the case.
Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Raptors due to left calf tightness. He was held out of Sunday's win over Orlando but participated in Monday's practice, which bodes well for his availability. If Towns is ultimately ruled out, Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti are candidates for increased playing time. His status for the NBA Cup quarterfinals matchup is uncertain.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs is not listed on the injury report for Tuesday's game against the Heat, indicating his recent leg injury is of minimal concern. Suggs, who left Sunday's loss to the Knicks with an apparent leg issue, is expected to face no limitations. He led the Magic with 17 points in that game and has averaged 16.8 points, 4.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals in 28.4 minutes over his last 12 games.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray is available for Monday's game against the Pacers, despite nursing right trapezius soreness. The issue is not expected to prevent him from suiting up or handling his normal workload. This season, Murray has averaged 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.0 steals, and 1.5 blocks in 37.9 minutes per game through eight appearances.
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for throwing a basketball at New York's OG Anunoby in an unsportsmanlike manner during Sunday's 106-100 loss to the Knicks. The incident, which resulted in a technical foul, marks the second such occurrence for Bane in two months. He finished the game with 16 points and is averaging 18.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season, his first with the Magic.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby was involved in an on-court incident where Magic guard Desmond Bane was fined $35,000 by the NBA for throwing a basketball at him in an unsportsmanlike manner. The event occurred during the Magic's 106-100 loss to the Knicks, after Bane launched the ball at Anunoby's back following a fast break. Anunoby responded by shoving Bane, but the two were quickly separated. Anunoby finished the game with 21 points and seven rebounds.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner was diagnosed with a high left ankle sprain on Monday, an injury sustained during Sunday's game against the Knicks after a hard foul. While the Magic haven't set a timetable, ESPN's Shams Charania reports he is expected to miss 2-4 weeks and the remainder of the NBA Cup. An MRI confirmed the high ankle sprain, thankfully avoiding more serious structural damage. Wagner, who averages 23.4 points and 6.2 rebounds, will be sidelined for Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the Heat.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Magic, signaling his expected return from a two-game absence due to a toe injury. Herro logged a full practice on Monday, confirming his readiness. With his return, Nikola Jovic could see his minutes heavily reduced, while Andrew Wiggins and Norman Powell might experience less usage.
Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett will be sidelined for at least another week after receiving a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his sprained right knee. Barrett has not played since November 23rd and remains without an official timetable for his return. The Raptors will be off until December 18th after Tuesday's game. In 17 regular-season appearances, Barrett has averaged 19.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 1.8 three-pointers.
The Boston Celtics are maintaining an elite offense and are considered one of the NBA's biggest overachievers this season, even without Jayson Tatum. Discussions include whether the Celtics could win 55-plus games if Tatum returns by March. The team's current performance highlights their depth and strategic adjustments in his absence.
Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard is gaining attention, with discussions comparing him to "the next Steve Nash" and highlighting his impact on the team. He has also been identified as a recommended fantasy basketball pickup for the upcoming week, suggesting an increasing role or performance.
