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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Kon Knueppel Leads Hornets in Scoring with 28 Points, Shows Promising Rookie Form

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Kon Knueppel led the Hornets in scoring with 28 points (11-20 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 1-1 FT), adding eight rebounds and seven assists in 42 minutes during Wednesday's 127-118 loss to the Pacers. This marks his fifth game with at least 24 points in 15 appearances, and his seven assists were his second most in a game this season. The rookie forward has seen increased playing time, logging 34 or more minutes in six of his last seven games, averaging 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during that stretch. Knueppel, a 20-year-old sharpshooter, signed a two-year, $20.53 million contract with the Hornets in July 2025. He played one season at Duke, where he averaged 14.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, showcasing his three-point shooting (41%) and playmaking potential, though his defense and finishing around the rim are still developing.

Tyrese Maxey Shines with Five Triples, Solidifying Role as 76ers' Second Option

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Tyrese Maxey delivered a strong performance Wednesday against the Raptors, recording 24 points, nine assists, three steals, one block, and two rebounds, including five three-pointers, in 39 minutes. This follows a significant leap in 2023-24 where he averaged career-highs of 25.9 points and 6.2 assists, earning his first All-Star selection and a five-year, $204 million max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey is expected to remain the No. 2 offensive option behind Joel Embiid, even with Paul George's arrival. While his field-goal percentage remains a slight concern, his solidified leading role makes him a valuable middle-round fantasy target.

Dereck Lively Returns to Starting Lineup for Mavericks Against Knicks

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Dereck Lively, the 21-year-old Dallas Mavericks center, is set to return to the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. After taking a maintenance day on Monday during a back-to-back, his starter designation indicates that his minutes restrictions have been lifted. He will join Brandon Williams, Klay Thompson, Max Christie, and P.J. Washington in the first unit. Lively, who signed a two-year, $9.79 million contract in July 2023 with team options exercised through 2026-27, is averaging 4.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 2025. A former five-star recruit and Duke standout, he is known for his defensive anchoring, lob threat ability, and willingness to pass, projecting as a traditional pick-and-roll big with potential to develop into a starter.

Klay Thompson Starts for Dallas Mavericks, Aims to Re-establish Elite Scoring Role

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Klay Thompson is confirmed to be in the Dallas Mavericks' starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. Having joined Dallas in the offseason after parting ways with the Warriors, Thompson will play alongside Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, seeking to prove he remains an elite perimeter scorer and a top three-point shooter. While his defensive lateral movement has regressed, his value now primarily hinges on points, threes, and free-throw percentage, making him more of a specialist. Last season with the Warriors, his scoring dipped to 17.9 PPG in 77 games. Thompson's career has been marked by significant injuries, including a torn ACL in the 2019 Finals and a torn Achilles before the 2020-21 season, sidelining him for two-and-a-half years. Despite a challenging return in January 2022 with inconsistent shooting, he previously enjoyed five All-Star seasons, averaging 21.6 PPG and setting career-bests in three-pointers made. His fantasy outlook remains cautious due to age and injury history, with potential for rest in back-to-backs and a gradual increase in minutes.

Tre Jones Sidelined for Third Straight Game with Ankle Injury; Day-to-Day Status Continues

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Tre Jones will miss his third consecutive game on Wednesday against the Trail Blazers due to a left ankle injury, remaining day-to-day with his next potential return slated for Friday versus the Heat. The 25-year-old Chicago Bulls guard, who signed a three-year, $24 million contract in June 2025, has been averaging 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.2 blocks. Jones, a former Duke standout, earned 2020 ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors in his sophomore season before declaring for the NBA Draft.

Tyler Herro Targets Monday Return from Ankle Injury Against Mavericks

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Tyler Herro is targeting Monday's matchup against the Mavericks for his potential return from an ankle injury. The Miami Heat guard has been prone to injuries, playing only 42 games in the 2023-24 campaign, where he averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 0.7 steals, and 3.1 three-pointers when healthy. Herro, the 2021-22 Sixth Man of the Year, has consistently been a significant offensive contributor for Miami since being drafted 13th overall in 2019, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking, including a career-high 35-point game.

Shaedon Sharpe Ruled Out for Wednesday's Game Due to Calf Injury

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Shaedon Sharpe has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Bulls due to a calf injury. This adds to his recent injury history, as his status for the start of the current campaign was previously in doubt due to a training camp shoulder injury. In his second year, the Portland Trail Blazers guard averaged career-highs of 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 0.9 steals across 33.1 minutes in 32 appearances. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe showed significant potential in his rookie season, particularly when given extended minutes, posting 23.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in the final 10 games.

Daniel Gafford Confirmed to Play Wednesday, Eyeing Consistent Role with Mavericks

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Daniel Gafford (ankle) is confirmed to play Wednesday against the Knicks. His availability is a positive sign for the Mavericks, where he carved out a starting role after a midseason trade. Despite a breakout performance last season, finishing as the 38th-ranked player in standard leagues with averages of 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 3.0 combined steals and blocks, his minutes have fluctuated due to Dereck Lively being viewed as the center of the future. Gafford's per-minute fantasy production remains elite, especially for blocks and rebounds, but his impact could be limited if his playing time drops below 20-22 minutes. Historically, he has averaged 9.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks as a starter.

Zach LaVine Returns to Starting Lineup for Kings Against Thunder

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Zach LaVine is confirmed to be part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Thunder, a reversal from an earlier report indicating he would come off the bench. LaVine's previous season was cut short to just 25 games due to a right foot injury, resulting in his lowest per-game ranking since 2017-18, with averages of 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers. Despite ongoing trade rumors, LaVine is expected to open the 2024-25 season with the Sacramento Kings. Before his injury-plagued year, he was a consistent top-50 player for four consecutive seasons, known for his offensive masterclass, including five straight seasons with over 20 points on at least 45 percent shooting.

Kelly Oubre Jr. Out Two Weeks with Left Knee LCL Sprain

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. is expected to miss at least two weeks after being diagnosed with a sprained ligament (LCL strain) in his left knee. The injury, which will be reevaluated in two weeks, occurred last Friday during a game in Detroit when he suffered a hyperextension. Oubre, 29, had started all 12 games this season, averaging 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 34.8 minutes per game. The 11-year veteran is in his third season with Philadelphia, having also played for Washington, Phoenix, Golden State, and Charlotte. The 76ers are also currently without Joel Embiid and Paul George due to knee injuries.

Lakers' Deandre Ayton Recalls Second Alley-Oop from LeBron James, Reflects on 2014 Camp Lob

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Deandre Ayton, 27, recently received an alley-oop from LeBron James during a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Utah Jazz, marking his sixth point. Ayton revealed to James, 40, that it was their second such connection, with the first occurring in 2014 when Ayton was a 16-year-old rising sophomore at James' camp in Las Vegas. James, making his season debut after missing 14 games due to sciatica, posted up Cody Williams before delivering the pass. Ayton finished the game with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while James contributed 11 points and 12 assists in the Lakers' 140-126 victory. This interaction highlighted a unique connection between the two, spanning from Ayton's youth camp experience to their current roles as NBA teammates.

LeBron James Returns from Injury, Throws Alley-Oop to Deandre Ayton, Recalling 2014 Camp Connection

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LeBron James, 40, made his season debut for the Los Angeles Lakers after missing 14 games due to sciatica, contributing 11 points and 12 assists in a 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz. During the game, James threw an alley-oop to Deandre Ayton, prompting Ayton, 27, to share that it was their second such connection. The first occurred in 2014 when Ayton was a 16-year-old rising sophomore attending James' camp in Las Vegas. James, who posted up Cody Williams before delivering the pass, laughed and inquired about the past play, acknowledging the unique history with his new teammate.

Aaron Gordon Sidelined Wednesday for Injury Management, Reflects on Evolving Role with Nuggets

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Aaron Gordon will miss Wednesday's game against the Pelicans due to injury management. The 28-year-old forward has evolved from an Orlando star to a crucial "sidekick" for the Denver Nuggets, adapting his game around Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. In 2023-24, he averaged 13.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and 0.5 threes on 56% shooting, his lowest since 2016-17. He was a key piece of the Nuggets' championship run, averaging a career-high 16.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 56.4% shooting in the 2022-23 season, though his free-throw shooting remains a challenge (60.8%). His role in Denver emphasizes defense and athletic cuts, with his offensive usage decreasing from his time in Orlando where he was a primary scorer. Despite a low fantasy ceiling in standard leagues, his high floor and consistent minutes make him a valuable asset in deeper formats, especially if punting free throws.

Kel'el Ware Shifts to Bench Role as Adebayo Returns for Heat

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Kel'el Ware will move to the second unit for Wednesday's game against the Warriors, as Bam Adebayo (toe) is back and rejoining the starting lineup. This change occurred on November 19, 2025. As a reserve this season, the 21-year-old center has averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.7 three-pointers, 1.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks per contest. Ware, who signed a two-year, $9.54 million contract with the Heat in July 2024, had a breakout collegiate campaign at Indiana in 2023-24, averaging 15.9 points and 9.9 rebounds. He possesses a highly-coveted skillset, capable of stretching the floor offensively and providing rim protection defensively.

Mavericks Rookie Cooper Flagg Sidelined by Illness, Misses First NBA Game

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg has been ruled out of Wednesday's home game against the New York Knicks due to an illness, marking the first game he will miss in his NBA career. The No. 1 overall pick was added to the injury report Wednesday morning and did not participate in the team's shootaround. Flagg, 18, had started every game for the 4-11 Mavericks despite previously dealing with left shoulder soreness and a sprained right thumb that required a splint. He is currently averaging 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game. Naji Marshall and Klay Thompson are expected to see increased opportunities in his absence, and Flagg is considered day-to-day.

Justin Edwards to Start Wednesday for 76ers, Showcasing Promising Skills

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Justin Edwards, the 21-year-old forward, is set to join the Philadelphia 76ers' starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, as reported by Ky Carlin of USA Today. He will start alongside Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Dominick Barlow, and Andre Drummond. Edwards, who signed a three-year, $7 million contract in July 2025, is currently averaging 6.1 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 2025. A consensus five-star recruit from the 2023 class, he previously averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds as a freshman at Kentucky. Known for his ideal size, length, and athleticism, Edwards is a reliable spot-up shooter who can attack closeouts and finish strong in transition. Defensively, he uses his length to bother shooters and create turnovers, projecting as a capable scorer and versatile defender who complements a primary playmaker. He is considered a low-end streamer in deep leagues.

Kawhi Leonard Remains Sidelined with Foot/Ankle Injury, Misses Thursday's Game

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Kawhi Leonard (foot/ankle) will not play in Thursday's game against Orlando, according to Law Murray of The Athletic, continuing his battle with injuries. Leonard's career has been marked by significant injury setbacks, including an ACL tear in 2020-21 that cost him the entire 2021-22 season, and a torn meniscus suffered in the first postseason game last year, which required an offseason clean-up procedure. Despite being expected to recover for training camp, he is anticipated to periodically sit out games to prevent further issues, having not played more than 60 games since 2016. When healthy, Leonard remains an elite performer, averaging at least 23.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 steals for five consecutive campaigns (excluding his missed season). Last season, he averaged 23.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and a career-high 41.6 percent from three. With Paul George now in Philadelphia, Leonard and James Harden are expected to take leading roles for the Los Angeles Clippers, making his availability crucial despite his known fantasy risk.

Mike Conley Returns to Starting Lineup for Timberwolves' Wednesday Game

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Mike Conley is slated to start at point guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Wednesday's game against the Wizards, as reported by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. Entering his 18th NBA season, the 37-year-old veteran is expected to be the starting point guard for the 2024-25 campaign. In the 2023-24 season, Conley's scoring average declined for the third consecutive year, as he primarily operates as a facilitator alongside Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle. He contributed 5.9 assists per game and shot 44.2 percent from three-point range. While some regression in shooting is anticipated, Conley is projected to remain a competent floor general for one of the Western Conference's top teams. Historically, after being traded to Minnesota, he averaged 14 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers over 24 starts, providing eighth-round fantasy value. He is considered a decent mid-to-late round fantasy target.

Jaren Jackson Doubtful for Thursday, Grizzlies Star's Season Marked by Injury and Evolving Role

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Jaren Jackson is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Kings due to a sprained right ankle. This adds to a history of health concerns, including a stress reaction in his right foot requiring surgery with a 4-6 month recovery, potentially sidelining him until January. His 2023-24 season was a mixed bag, averaging career highs in points (22.5), assists (2.3), and steals (1.2), but seeing drops in rebounding (5.5) and blocks (1.6). Coming off a 2022-23 breakout as DPOY and All-Star with 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks, his role may shift back to rim protection with a healthy Grizzlies roster, potentially impacting offensive numbers. Despite not being an elite rebounder, his mix of three-point shooting (1.6 3PM) and defensive stats (0.9 steals, 2.3 blocks) offers high fantasy upside if minutes increase beyond his usual 27.

Tre Mann Ruled Out for Wednesday, Hornets Guard Faces Bench Role After Breakout Stretch

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Tre Mann has been ruled out for Wednesday's game in Indiana due to an ankle injury. After a trade from Oklahoma City to Charlotte, Mann seized an opportunity in the 2023-24 season, starting 28 consecutive games and averaging 11.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 three-pointers in 31.0 minutes, achieving top-130 fantasy numbers. However, with LaMelo Ball expected to be fully healthy for the 2024-25 season, Mann is projected to return to a bench role, likely as the primary backup ahead of Vasilije Micic. This shift is expected to limit his sustainable fantasy value, making him a non-target in standard leagues unless Ball's health issues resurface. His previous season with OKC saw him average 7.7 points in 17.7 minutes, struggling for consistent playing time amidst a deep young core.