Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Wizards and remains out indefinitely. Young hasn't played since October 29 as he rehabs from a sprained left MCL. The Hawks announced a re-evaluation sometime in mid-December, making him doubtful for the NBA Cup consolation schedule until further information is available.
Miami Heat's Pelle Larsson is questionable to play Saturday against the Kings due to tightness in his right hip flexor. His status will be a game-time decision, potentially impacting the Heat's backcourt depth alongside other injured players.
Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell is questionable for Saturday's game against Sacramento due to groin tightness. With no shootaround scheduled, Mitchell's status will be a game-time decision. If he is unable to play, Dru Smith could see significant minutes as a starter for the Heat.
Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green is listed as questionable for Saturday's game in Detroit against the Pistons due to a shoulder injury. Green sustained the injury during Friday's loss to the 76ers, forcing him to exit the game. As Saturday's contest is the second of a back-to-back, the team will not hold a shootaround, making Green a game-time decision. This update was reported by Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
Giannis Antetokounmpo told NBA insider Chris Haynes that he is committed to making things work with the Milwaukee Bucks, stating, "I see a wall and I want to run through the wall, and make things work." Despite recent trade rumors, Antetokounmpo reiterated his focus on winning with the current team, echoing sentiments from media day. He is currently sidelined for 2-4 weeks with a calf strain. The Bucks will only consider trading him if he forcefully pushes for it.
Veteran center Al Horford acknowledged his slow start with the Golden State Warriors, telling The Athletic, "I haven’t been very good... I need to be better." Averaging career-lows of 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds, Horford cited injuries and adjusting to a new system as factors. He is focused on improving defensively and becoming more comfortable offensively to impact the team. Horford recently returned after missing two weeks due to sciatica.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr outlined areas for improvement for Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski. Kerr urged Kuminga to "run the floor, take care of the ball" and be the first one downcourt, noting a recent dip in his performance. For Podziemski, Kerr emphasized getting "off the ball early" and avoiding trying to make plays independently, highlighting Pat Spencer's effective ball movement. Kerr needs the young duo to step up in the absence of key veterans.
Sacramento Kings rookie Nique Clifford declared his teammate Russell Westbrook his "G.O.A.T. for point guard my whole life," citing his passion and impact. Clifford expressed admiration for Westbrook's sustained high level of play and professionalism in his 18th season. "He still has that burst to him... That's been super impressive," Clifford stated. Clifford is learning from the former MVP in his rookie year, averaging 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Dončić announced the birth of his second daughter, Olivia, on Saturday morning. He missed the team's last two games to be with his fiancée in Slovenia. Head coach J.J. Redick indicated Dončić could return for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Dončić, who leads the league in scoring (35.3 PPG) and ranks fourth in assists (8.9 APG), is crucial for the 16-6 Lakers.
Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points, hitting the milestone with a 10-foot jump shot in the first quarter of the Houston Rockets' 117-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The 37-year-old finished with 28 points, bringing his total to 31,024. Durant, a four-time scoring champion, signed a two-year, $90 million extension with Houston this offseason, continuing his prolific 19-year career.
Jamal Murray delivered his fifth double-double of the season, contributing 23 points (8-16 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 assists, five rebounds, two steals, and one block in 38 minutes during the Denver Nuggets' 134-133 win over the Hawks on Friday. Murray, who also scored 52 points in Wednesday's win over Indiana, continued his impressive shooting, hitting at least 50 percent from three-point range for a sixth consecutive game and scoring at least 23 points in five of those six outings.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's excellent play is a key factor in the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominant 21-1 record this season. The team boasts a record point differential and a cohesive locker room, establishing itself as a juggernaut. His performance is influencing other teams' trade considerations, as they weigh patience against the Thunder's current success.
Matas Buzelis delivered a strong performance for the Chicago Bulls in Friday's 120-105 loss to the Pacers, recording his third career double-double with 19 points (5-8 FG, 9-9 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal in 35 minutes. Despite a hot start where he scored 10 of Chicago's first 19 points and strong defense, Buzelis also tallied a season-high six turnovers as the Bulls extended their losing streak to six games.
Pascal Siakam led the Indiana Pacers to a 120-105 victory over Chicago on Friday, notching a new season-high with 36 points (13-24 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 5-7 FT). He also contributed 10 rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 31 minutes. After a scoreless first quarter, Siakam became unstoppable, powering the Pacers to snap a two-game skid and secure their first road win of the season.
Khris Middleton is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks. The Washington Wizards forward is dealing with right knee soreness and may miss the contest.
Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green was forced out of Friday's game due to a shoulder contusion. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI when the team arrives in Detroit on Saturday to determine the official diagnosis of his injury.
Kawhi Leonard logged 24 points (10-23 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block across 35 minutes in Friday's 107-98 loss to the Grizzlies. Despite struggling with three-point efficiency, Leonard led the Clippers with a game-high in points and a team-high eight rebounds. This performance extends his streak of scoring at least 20 points to five consecutive contests, during which he has averaged 30.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals over 31.6 minutes per game.
OG Anunoby returned to the New York Knicks' lineup after missing nine games (three weeks) with a hamstring injury, helping them to a 146-112 rout of the Jazz. He scored 11 points and added one assist in 23 minutes, contributing defensively from the start. Anunoby reported feeling good post-game but expects to need a couple of games to regain full game shape. Coach Mike Brown noted Anunoby looked good, despite limiting his minutes due to the large lead.
Kevin Porter Jr. delivered 20 points (5-13 FG, 9-9 FT), nine assists (game/season-high), seven rebounds, and two steals in 37 minutes during Friday's 116-101 loss to the 76ers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sidelined, Porter took on increased playmaking duties. This marks his third straight game with 20+ points. In four outings since returning from a 19-game absence due to meniscus and ankle injuries, the 25-year-old has averaged 22.3 points, 6.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in 32.0 minutes per contest for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cedric Coward recorded 23 points (10-18 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, and one steal over 28 minutes during Friday's 107-98 win over the Clippers. This marks his fourth career double-double and a new career-high in rebounds. Coward had been in a shooting funk in the three games prior, going just 11-for-34 from the floor, but delivered an efficient scoring performance for the Memphis Grizzlies. He will look to continue his strong play Sunday versus Portland.
