Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
De'Anthony Melton of the Golden State Warriors saw his potential game-tying or winning shot blocked by Tyrese Maxey in the final seconds of Thursday night's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey's crucial defensive play ultimately sealed a narrow 99-98 victory for the 76ers, preventing Melton from impacting the outcome and securing the win.
Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers secured a crucial 99-98 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Maxey executed a game-saving block on De'Anthony Melton in the final seconds, directly preserving the win for the 76ers and ensuring their narrow lead held until the final buzzer.
New Orleans Pelicans' Trey Murphy contributed 21 points (7-17 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in 34 minutes during Thursday's 125-116 loss to Minnesota. Murphy showcased excellent playmaking, notching a new season high in assists with only two turnovers. Despite an 0-for-5 performance from three-point range, the New Orleans marksman is expected to bounce back in the next matchup against Brooklyn, a team known for its defensive struggles.
Minnesota Timberwolves' Julius Randle logged 28 points (9-18 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 8-8 FT), nine rebounds, and three assists across 36 minutes during Thursday's 125-116 victory over the Pelicans. Randle was highly aggressive in the rematch, scoring 10 points in the first quarter of play. He also saw more shots falling his way and bounced back from three-point range after missing all three of his trey-balls in the previous outing, contributing significantly to the team's win.
Lauri Markkanen scored 30 points, including crucial baskets in a dominant fourth quarter, to lead the Utah Jazz to a 123-110 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. He combined with Keyonte George (29 points) to outscore the Nets in the final period. The Jazz overcame a 15-point deficit, with Markkanen's offensive output being key in their significant fourth-quarter scoring outburst.
Keyonte George has shown considerable offensive improvement for the Utah Jazz, averaging 22.8 points per game with increased efficiency in drives and mid-range scoring. His aggression and improved shooting percentages have made him a focal point of the Jazz's offense. Despite defensive limitations, George's offensive development is a bright spot for the team.
Jose Alvarado suffered a left elbow stinger and briefly left Thursday's game against the Timberwolves but returned to finish with 13 points (5-8 FG, 3-5 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and two turnovers in 22 minutes. The New Orleans Pelicans guard has now scored in double figures and hit multiple triples in three consecutive games.
Noah Clowney delivered a team-high 29 points (8-15 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 10-12 FT), adding four rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in 34 minutes during the Brooklyn Nets' 123-110 loss to the Jazz. He started strong with 14 first-quarter points and has averaged 16.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 2.9 threes, 1.0 blocks, and 0.8 steals as a starter since November 5.
Scottie Barnes delivered a strong all-around performance, registering 23 points (8-16 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 11 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and three blocks in 36 minutes during the Toronto Raptors' 123-120 loss to the Lakers. He fell just one assist shy of his first triple-double of the season and has averaged 24.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.8 blocks over his last five matchups.
Austin Reaves delivered a stellar performance with 44 points and 10 assists, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors. His scoring outburst was crucial in overcoming the absence of Luka Doncic and the end of LeBron James' record 1,297-game double-digit scoring streak. Reaves' offensive firepower was the primary driver of the Lakers' win.
Rui Hachimura hit a corner three-pointer at the buzzer off an assist from LeBron James to give the Lakers a 123-120 win over the Raptors. This dramatic finish occurred as James' record streak of 1,297 consecutive games scoring 10+ points ended. Hachimura's clutch shot, coupled with Austin Reaves' 44 points, secured the victory despite James' uncharacteristic eight-point performance.
Draymond Green suffered a right foot injury during the Warriors' game against the 76ers and was ruled out, joining Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler as key players sidelined by injury. Green's absence adds to the Warriors' injury woes as they begin a three-game road trip, impacting their rotation and depth significantly.
Derrick White delivered a season-high 30 points (12-21 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 1-1 FT), nine assists, seven rebounds, and one steal in 29 minutes during the Boston Celtics' 146-101 win over the Wizards on Thursday. Stepping into a larger role due to Jaylen Brown's absence (illness), White nearly achieved his first triple-double of the season, falling short by one assist and three rebounds. He is expected to maintain a significant workload against the Lakers on Friday if Brown remains sidelined.
Jimmy Butler was ruled out of the Warriors' game against the 76ers due to left knee soreness, adding to the team's injury concerns alongside Steph Curry. While the injury is not believed to be serious, Butler's absence impacts the Warriors' depth as they start a three-game road trip, with the team opting for caution.
Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann exited Thursday's game after colliding with a Jazz player and landing hard on the floor, suffering an undisclosed injury. He remained in to shoot free throws before heading to the locker room. Mann had just returned from a two-game absence due to a rib issue, and it remains unclear if this new incident aggravated his previous injury.
Grayson Allen (illness) is officially off the injury report and expected to play in Friday's game against the Rockets. Allen sat out Monday's matchup due to illness but will make his first December appearance. He averaged an impressive 19.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.0 steals across eight contests in November, setting him up for a strong return to the Phoenix Suns' lineup.
Al Horford is set to return to the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the 76ers, ending a four-game absence. With key Golden State Warriors players Stephen Curry (quad) and Jimmy Butler (knee) unavailable, Horford is expected to take on a more significant role in the offense. He will join Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, Will Richard, and Draymond Green in the first unit.
Coby White (left calf) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Pacers. The guard has been dealing with a persistent left calf issue, which has caused him to miss the Chicago Bulls' last three matchups. The team expects to provide further clarity on his availability for Friday's contest closer to tipoff, impacting their backcourt rotation.
Andre Drummond will return to the bench for Thursday's game against the Warriors, as Joel Embiid (knee) is back and starting for the Philadelphia 76ers. This shift places Drummond back into a reserve role, where his value is expected to dip. As a member of the second unit this season, Drummond has averaged 5.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. The move comes as Embiid was cleared to play after initially being listed as doubtful, as reported by Austin Krell of OnPattison.com.
Joel Embiid remains a question mark for the 76ers due to ongoing right knee issues, making his availability unpredictable. With a history of injuries and the team being fined for injury reporting standards, managers face constant uncertainty. A weekend return seems unlikely, making Embiid a risky fantasy asset with his week-to-week status.
