Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Paolo Banchero (groin) will not play Wednesday against the Spurs, marking his 10th consecutive game on the shelf. The Orlando Magic forward has yet to be cleared for contact and remains without a timetable for his return.
Norman Powell (sprained left ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas, as reported by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. The Miami Heat swingman's availability will be decided after pregame warmups. If Powell is unable to play, Jaime Jaquez and Dru Smith are expected to see increased playing time.
Khris Middleton (knee) will not play in Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, taking the night off for maintenance as it's the second half of a back-to-back for the Washington Wizards. The veteran forward is expected to return to the lineup on Friday against the Celtics. In Middleton's absence on Tuesday, Cam Whitmore and Justin Champagnie are anticipated to take on larger roles for the team.
LeBron James has been the subject of a direct challenge from Dillon Brooks, who declared he won't 'bow down' to him. This statement followed Brooks' impressive 33-point performance against James' Los Angeles Lakers.
Dillon Brooks has publicly stated he won't 'bow down' to LeBron James, a declaration underscored by his 33-point performance against the Lakers. His breakout season is a significant factor in fueling the Phoenix Suns to an impressive 13-9 record.
Trey Murphy (elbow) is available for Tuesday's game against Minnesota, ending a two-game absence due to his elbow injury, as reported by Will Guillory of The Athletic. With Zion Williamson (adductor) questionable for the same game, Murphy could see massive usage. This season, Murphy has averaged 19.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest over 19 games.
Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham is a featured player in NBA 2K26 Season 3. Gamers can acquire special versions of Cunningham, alongside Paige Bueckers and Anthony Edwards, as part of the new season's offerings. This update provides players with unique opportunities to enhance their in-game rosters by collecting these exclusive player cards.
Veteran forward Danilo Gallinari has announced his retirement from the NBA after a 14-season career. The former Knicks lottery pick last appeared in the league during the 2023-24 season, concluding a notable tenure that saw him play for multiple teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Chet Holmgren was sidelined for three months last season due to a fractured pelvis. After recovering from the injury, Holmgren is now focused on the current season, stating he is 'chasing for more.' His comeback journey follows a significant period of recovery, with the player now aiming for a strong performance.
Phoenix Suns guard Dillon Brooks delivered a standout performance on Monday night, scoring 33 points in a 125-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Brooks not only led his team in scoring but also reignited his infamous rivalry with LeBron James, agitating both James and the Lakers crowd. This confrontation echoed their past heated exchanges during the 2023 playoffs, marking a significant moment in the ongoing competitive dynamic between the two players.
LeBron James delivered a 'dud' performance for the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, accumulating just 10 points (3-10 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT) and three assists in 31 minutes during their 125-108 loss to the Suns. This outing broke the Lakers' perfect 4-0 record with James in the lineup. The 23-year veteran has scored more than 20 points only once across his last five games, suggesting a potential trend of lower scoring totals, though his low assist totals are considered an anomaly.
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray sustained a right ankle sprain during Monday night's 131-121 loss to the Mavericks. The team has expressed concern regarding Murray's condition following the incident.
Davis supplied 32 points (13-23 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal in 32 minutes during Monday's 131-121 win over the Nuggets. After sitting out Saturday's win over the Clippers, Davis returned to the hardwood with a dominant showing, leading all players in scoring and grabbing a team-high 13 boards. This marks his fifth double-double across seven regular-season games. He has also swatted multiple shots in back-to-back games, averaging 1.6 blocks per game thus far.
Nembhard closed Monday's 131-121 win over the Nuggets with 28 points (12-14 FG, 4-5 3Pt), 10 assists, and three rebounds in 35 minutes. Getting the starting nod for a third consecutive game, Nembhard delivered a dominant performance, becoming the first undrafted rookie in NBA history to record 25 points and 10 assists with zero turnovers. He was the team's second-leading scorer and dished out a team-high 10 dimes. He'll likely continue to see meaningful playing time and could earn a standard contract.
Alperen Sengun delivered a stellar performance for the Houston Rockets in Monday's 133-125 loss to Utah, racking up 31 points (12-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-8 FT), eight rebounds, 14 assists, five blocks, and two steals in 38 minutes. Sengun efficiently reached the 30-point mark, achieved double-digit assists for the first time in 18 appearances this season, and recorded a season-high five blocks. He combined with Kevin Durant for 63 of the team's 125 points.
Kevin Durant tallied 32 points (10-25 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 10-12 FT), nine rebounds, and five assists in 40 minutes during Monday's 133-125 loss to the Jazz. Playing for the Houston Rockets, Durant was effective as a scorer, falling just one rebound shy of his first double-double of the 2025-26 campaign. Despite his strong scoring, he committed a team-high five turnovers. Durant has now scored 20 or more points in eight of his last nine matchups.
Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker left Monday night's game against the Lakers early in the first quarter due to a right groin injury, scoring 11 points before his exit. Head coach Jordon Ott had no immediate details but hoped for more information Tuesday. Booker, who also had three assists and two rebounds, has averaged 25.7 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds this season. This marks the third December in four years he has sustained a groin injury, having missed 20 games in December 2022 and five last season.
The IRS has released an $8.2 million tax lien against Terry Rozier, which his attorney Jim Trusty stated was due to an e-filing error. Rozier reportedly owed only $3,000 in unpaid 2021 taxes, which has since been paid. This development comes as Rozier, the only active NBA player implicated, faces charges in a massive illegal gambling scheme. He is under investigation for allegedly leaving a March 2023 game early due to a foot injury, causing 'under' bets to win, after reportedly telling a friend he would do so. Rozier is currently on leave and is due in court December 8 in New York.
Desmond Bane exploded for 37 points (12-17 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 10-10 FT), adding 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 34 minutes during Monday's 125-120 win over Chicago. This marks a continuation of his blistering form, having totaled 74 points on 25-for-42 shooting across his last two games. Bane's strong play has been crucial for the Orlando Magic, powering their current three-game winning streak and six wins in their past seven, particularly with Paolo Banchero (groin) out. Orlando seeks its fourth straight victory Wednesday against the Spurs.
Matas Buzelis delivered a strong performance, netting 21 points (7-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 5-6 FT) along with six rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in 36 minutes during Monday's 125-120 loss to Orlando. This outing marked a significant turnaround for Buzelis, who had struggled in his previous two games, shooting just 6-for-17 from the field and failing to reach double-digit scoring. He successfully got his game back on track and will aim to maintain this momentum in Wednesday's favorable matchup against the Nets.
