Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes has been identified as a player to add in fantasy basketball for the week ahead. This recommendation suggests he could provide valuable contributions to fantasy rosters, indicating a potential increase in playing time or production.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green expressed regret over his 2023 on-court altercation with Jusuf Nurkic, stating it cost him a chance at a third gold medal. The incident led to an indefinite suspension by the NBA, preventing him from participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Green, who won gold in 2016 and 2021, views this as his most regrettable moment, despite his general 'no regrets' philosophy. He noted the suspension followed an earlier incident with Rudy Gobert and required behavioral therapy.
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu missed Monday's practice due to a sprained thumb and is scheduled to see a doctor soon, according to coach Billy Donovan. He was previously sidelined for Friday's game against the Pacers but returned Sunday against the Warriors, where he struggled with 4 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds in 27 minutes. The Bulls' next game is not until Friday against Charlotte.
Davion Mitchell (groin) is expected to play Tuesday against the Orlando Magic. He participated fully in Monday's practice after missing Sunday's game, potentially due to maintenance. Mitchell is likely to return to the starting lineup for the Miami Heat. The team is also anticipating the return of other players for the upcoming game.
Zach Edey is making a significant impact for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks since his season debut. The Grizzlies have performed as a top-10 team with Edey on the floor, boasting a strong offense and elite defense. His interior presence, screening, and offensive rebounding are key factors. Edey's development in screening, passing, and interior defense shows potential for further growth, making him a crucial floor-raiser for the team.
The potential trade market for Giannis Antetokounmpo is analyzed, with hypothetical deals outlined for all 30 NBA teams. Hypothetical packages range from young prospects and multiple draft picks to established players, with varying impacts on team symmetry and rebuilding efforts. Deals are assessed based on salary matching, asset acquisition for the Bucks, and the potential fit for the acquiring team. Specific proposed trades include the Atlanta Hawks offering Jalen Johnson and picks, the Boston Celtics sending Jaylen Brown and picks, and the Brooklyn Nets proposing Michael Porter Jr. and multiple first-rounders. The analysis considers the financial and roster implications for both Milwaukee and potential trade partners.
Stephon Castle (hip) has been cleared to play in Monday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Castle confirmed he is feeling good and will return to the lineup after being sidelined since November 16. His return may impact playing time for teammates Julian Champagnie, Keldon Johnson, and David Jones Garcia. This marks his first game action in nearly a month, and he might face some restrictions.
T.J. McConnell of the Indiana Pacers is recommended as a strong waiver wire addition for Week 8, particularly in 9-cat and standard points leagues, according to Yahoo analyst Dan Titus. The Pacers are scheduled for three games this week, making McConnell a valuable streaming option. He offers efficiency, steals, and assists with minimal turnovers, providing a safe fantasy-point floor. His contributions across categories make him a reliable pick-up for fantasy managers navigating the NBA Cup schedule.
Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis is currently sidelined, leading to an expanded role for rookie Maxime Raynaud. Raynaud has emerged as the team's top backup center and will continue to start in Sabonis' absence. The 'Mad Max' rookie has seen a significant boost in playing time and production, averaging 16.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 0.8 triples across 25.5 minutes over his last four outings. He is expected to maintain meaningful minutes even upon Sabonis' eventual return.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly waiving 2025 second-round pick Alex Toohey to make room for Malevy Leons on a two-way contract. Toohey, an Australian forward selected with the No. 52 pick, played only two games in the G League with the Santa Cruz Warriors before undergoing season-ending knee surgery.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly signing 26-year-old Dutch forward Malevy Leons to a two-way contract, waiving Alex Toohey in a corresponding move. Leons, an undrafted free agent in 2024 who previously signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaged 13.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists on 48.9% shooting from the field and 40.4% from three-point range in 25 G League games (20 starts) for the Oklahoma City Blue.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has ended his early-season shooting slump, delivering a vintage 27-point performance (10-21 FG, 6 3PM, 5 AST, 3 BLK) in a recent win. White is averaging 14.8 PPG off pull-up jumpers (up from 8.1), shooting 53.7% FG and 46.9% 3PT on such attempts during the Celtics' 5-game win streak. He's made five 3-pointers in four of his last six games. White's resurgence has been key to Boston's 10-2 run, with the team 13.5 points per 100 possessions better with him on court.
The Golden State Warriors are reportedly expected to explore the trade market for forward Jonathan Kuminga in the coming weeks, with a potential split before the Feb. 5 trade deadline considered 'strong.' Kuminga, who recently experienced decreased playing time after a strong start and a DNP-CD, stated he's unsure how long the rotation change will last but will be ready when called upon. He averaged 17.2 points before bilateral knee tendonitis sidelined him for seven games. Since returning, he's averaged 7.7 points in limited minutes.
Jimmy Butler asserts his sole focus is winning with the Golden State Warriors, contrasting with past NBA experiences. He praises the organization's commitment to victory and player support, citing his daughter's allergy needs being met. Butler believes the Warriors' dedication to practice and their executive leadership align with his championship aspirations, despite recent team struggles. He emphasizes that any deviation from a winning focus would be met with his characteristic directness.
LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-108 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, contributing 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. James, who missed the previous game, scored 12 points in the fourth quarter, including five consecutive points to seal the win after the 76ers had tied the game at 105. He expressed feeling great and asserted himself offensively. The Lakers are now second in the Western Conference. James will turn 41 on December 30.
Chet Holmgren led the Oklahoma City Thunder with 25 points and 9 rebounds in a dominant 131-101 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday. The game, which marked the Thunder's 15th consecutive win (23-1 season record), was briefly interrupted when a smoke machine malfunctioned while Holmgren was at the free-throw line. Holmgren even managed a dunk before officials paused the game to address the issue.
Jalen Brunson powered the Knicks to a 106-100 victory over the Magic on Sunday, tallying 30 points (10-23 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 9-12 FT) and 9 assists in 38 minutes. Leading all scorers, Brunson recorded his second straight 30-point game and fifth in 10 contests since returning from an ankle issue, averaging 28.0 points, 6.3 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.5 threes during this stretch. He started strong with 16 points and 5 assists in the first quarter.
Yang Hansen, the 7-foot-1 rookie from China, is set to make his first career NBA start on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies. This marks a significant milestone for the young player as he enters the league. Hansen will be in the starting lineup with Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams unavailable, indicating he will receive substantial playing time. He will start alongside Sidy Cissoko, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, and Toumani Camara.
Scottie Barnes delivered a strong performance in Sunday's 121-113 loss to Boston, recording 18 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists over 37 minutes. This bounce-back effort followed a subpar outing on Friday. Barnes has now achieved 12 double-doubles in 25 games and is on pace for career-high averages in points and field goal percentage. He led Toronto in rebounds and assists, showcasing his all-around impact despite the team's defeat.
Josh Giddey scored 18 points on 6-of-15 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, adding three rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal in 35 minutes during Sunday's 123-91 loss to the Warriors. This outing marked an improvement from his previous game where he scored only nine points. Giddey matched his season high in blocks and recorded his seventh game with at least one steal and one block, demonstrating improved defensive activity.
