Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dallas Mavericks' forward Anthony Davis has been sidelined with a calf strain since October 29. He is reportedly not bothered by recent trade rumors that have emerged. Davis is now eyeing a potential return to the court, with Friday's game against the Lakers being a possible target date for his comeback from the injury. His re-entry would provide a much-needed boost for the Mavericks as they look to improve their performance.
The Milwaukee Bucks recalled Kevin Porter from their G League affiliate on Wednesday. Porter has been recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee, an injury sustained while rehabbing from an ankle issue. He is reportedly closing in on his return and may join the Bucks in New York on Friday to face the Knicks. Due to the lengthy layoff, Porter could be limited initially, potentially coming off the bench, as Ryan Rollins has starred at the starting point guard position.
Norman Powell (groin) is available for Wednesday's game against the Bucks, making a quick recovery from a groin strain that cost him just one game. The Miami Heat swingman is not expected to face any restrictions. This month, Powell has averaged 25.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 30.4 minutes per contest over 11 games.
Miami Heat's Andrew Wiggins (hip) has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday's game against the Bucks. He appears likely to return from a three-game absence, with the team nearing full strength. The Heat may monitor his minutes in his first game back.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper is expected to make his return to action on Wednesday against Portland. Harper has been sidelined for 10 games while recovering from a strained left calf injury.
New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet is sidelined due to a right shoulder sprain. Sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania that Shamet will be re-evaluated in four weeks. This injury marks a significant setback for the Knicks, impacting their backcourt depth for the foreseeable future.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey delivered a stellar performance this month, scoring 54 points in a single game. His impressive offensive display has garnered significant attention, including a text from Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who reportedly called Maxey a 'filthy bastard' in admiration of his scoring prowess. Maxey continues to be a focal point for the 76ers' offense.
Paul George (ankle) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, a positive sign for his return. He was initially probable for Tuesday's game but was ruled out. His full participation Wednesday suggests a strong chance of playing Friday against the Nets. This update comes from Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid (knee) was restricted to an individual strength and conditioning session on Wednesday, not participating in team practice. This is a concerning development as he had joined team activities recently. Embiid has missed eight consecutive games, including Tuesday's contest against Orlando. His availability for Friday's game against the Nets is highly questionable. Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported the details.
Denver Nuggets' center Nikola Jokić is prominently featured in the early NBA MVP rankings for the 2025-26 season. As the league approaches its fifth week of play, the competition for the coveted award is already heating up significantly. Current analyses indicate that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) of the Oklahoma City Thunder presently holds a notable edge over Jokić in the initial MVP projections. Experts are widely anticipating this season's MVP race to develop into one of the most compelling and memorable in NBA history, promising intense competition among the league's top stars.
Luka Dončić expressed significant frustration with the NBA Cup courts, specifically after scoring 43 points in a win against the Clippers. He is advocating for the league to implement changes to the court designs, citing safety reasons as his primary concern. Dončić believes the current court conditions pose a danger to players and is pushing for immediate action to ensure player well-being during tournament games.
Fantasy basketball analyst Eric Moody has highlighted Mikal Bridges as a key player to watch, specifically noting his exceptional durability and consistent production while playing for the New York Knicks. Moody's insights emphasize Bridges' reliability and offensive output, making him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues. This assessment focuses on his sustained performance and ability to remain on the court, contributing significantly to his team.
Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett's MRI on his right knee revealed no structural damage, but he has been diagnosed with a sprain. He is expected to be sidelined for at least one week and will be re-evaluated in seven days. If cleared, a return in the first week of December is conceivable. Barrett sustained the injury in Sunday's win over the Nets, with Ja'Kobe Walter stepping into the starting five in his absence.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves delivered a stellar performance in Tuesday's 135-118 win over the Clippers, recording 31 points (11-16 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 7-7 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals in 35 minutes. This marks his 10th game with at least 25 points in 14 outings this season. Since returning from a groin strain, Reaves has averaged 24.6 points, 6.3 boards, 4.7 assists, 1.9 threes, and 1.4 steals, shooting 50.9 percent from the field.
Austin Reaves poured in 31 points, significantly contributing to the Los Angeles Lakers' impressive fifth consecutive victory against the Clippers. Reaves' high-scoring effort was crucial alongside Luka Doncic's 43 points and LeBron James' 25 points, propelling the Lakers to extend their winning streak.
LeBron James delivered 25 points, playing a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Lakers' dominant victory over the Clippers. This win marks the Lakers' fifth straight, with James' scoring effort complementing Luka Doncic's 43 points and Austin Reaves' 31 points to secure the team's impressive streak.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs was ejected from Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers with 27 seconds left in the first half after receiving two technical fouls. Suggs, weighing 205 pounds, intervened in an altercation between Andre Drummond and Wendell Carter Jr., shoving the 280-pound Drummond. He then shifted his attention to Jabari Walker, shoving him as well. Suggs watched the remainder of the Magic's blowout win from off the court.
Andre Drummond was involved in a heated altercation during Tuesday's Magic-76ers game. The 280-pound center squared off with Orlando's Wendell Carter Jr. before Jalen Suggs intervened, shoving Drummond. Drummond initially reacted but then laughed as Suggs backed away. He received an offsetting double technical foul for his role in the fracas, which also saw Suggs ejected from the game.
Anthony Black notched a career-high 31 points (12-17 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three assists, one rebound, and one steal in 28 minutes during the Magic's 144-103 win over the 76ers. The 21-year-old third-year guard, who scored 20 of his points in the first half, provided a spark off the bench after starting Sunday. He has now scored in double figures in six consecutive contests, demonstrating consistent impact for Orlando.
Tyrese Maxey registered 20 points (7-15 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), one rebound, four assists, and one steal in 32 minutes during the 76ers' 144-103 loss to the Magic. Maxey led Philadelphia in scoring with an efficient performance from the field, though it was a down night compared to his recent average of 35.0 points over his previous five appearances.
