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NBA News

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

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Pascal Siakam Continues to Lead Pacers After Strong Season and Offseason Deal

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Pascal Siakam recently scored 30 points (10-19 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 5-6 FT), adding four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 36 minutes during a 129-111 loss to the Raptors. After beginning the 2023-24 season with Toronto, he was traded to the Indiana Pacers mid-season, where he played a pivotal role in leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals. Siakam solidified his future by signing a four-year deal in the offseason. With the Pacers, he averaged 21.3 points on 54.9% shooting, 7.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 0.8 steals in 41 regular-season games, and 21.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 35.5 minutes during the postseason. He recorded 13 30-point games combined, including a season-high 39 points with the Raptors, and his only triple-double (26 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists) with the Pacers. Siakam is expected to continue thriving in Indiana's fast-paced system alongside Tyrese Haliburton, building on a career that includes two All-NBA selections and the 2018-19 Most Improved Player award. His role expanded significantly after Fred VanVleet's departure from Toronto, making him a primary playmaker.

Donovan Mitchell Extends with Cavaliers, Continues Elite Scoring and Playmaking

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Donovan Mitchell recently posted 30 points, five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in a win over the Grizzlies. He signed a three-year, $150.3 million extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers over the summer. Despite missing time due to injuries (55 appearances last year, hasn't played 70 games since 2018-19), Mitchell made his fifth consecutive All-Star game, achieving career highs in assists (6.1), rebounds (5.1), steals (1.8), and blocks (0.5), complementing his 26.6 points and 3.3 threes. His 2022-23 season saw him average 28.3 points, 4.4 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 68 games, with a career-best 48.4% field goal percentage. Mitchell's role is expected to remain consistent within Cleveland's core. He's a consistent fantasy performer, ranking seventh last season. His playoff resume includes averaging 33.9 points, 5.2 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals over 17 games, with two 50-point outbursts. Drafted 13th overall in 2017, he quickly became a key player for Utah.

Evan Mobley Delivers Strong Performance, Continues Growth as Cavaliers' Two-Way Anchor

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Evan Mobley showcased a strong performance in Saturday's 108-100 win over the Grizzlies, recording 22 points (7-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 5-8 FT), 13 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in 35 minutes. The No. 3 overall pick from 2021, Mobley has solidified his role with the Cleveland Cavaliers, signing a five-year, $224 million extension. While his statistical stride has been gradual since his rookie year (15.0/8.3/2.5/1.7/0.8), he posted career-high shooting percentages last season (58.0/37.3/71.9) despite playing only 50 games. Mobley remains a premier defender, earning All-Defensive First Team honors in 2022-23 and garnering DPOY attention. Offensively, he continues to develop his mid-range and perimeter game, though his free-throw shooting remains an area for improvement. Despite offensive opportunities being impacted by Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell, Mobley is crucial for the Cavaliers' postseason aspirations and offers significant fantasy upside, projected as a middle-round pick with top-35 potential.

Pacers' Aaron Nesmith Sidelined for at Least a Month with Left Knee Injury

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Indiana Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith is expected to miss at least a month, likely four weeks, due to a left knee injury sustained in Thursday's loss at Phoenix. Coach Rick Carlisle confirmed the timeline on November 15, noting it's "very good news" as Nesmith avoided a major injury, is not in a brace, and is walking. Nesmith was averaging a career-best 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 11 games this season, including a career-high 31 points in the Pacers' lone win against Golden State on November 1. His absence adds to the Pacers' significant injury list, which includes Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Obi Toppin.

Bronny James Earns Second Career Start for Shorthanded Los Angeles Lakers

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Bronny James will make his second career start, and first of the current season, for the Los Angeles Lakers in their Saturday game against the Milwaukee Bucks. With LeBron James and other players still sidelined, the younger James joins Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia in the starting lineup. This opportunity comes as the Lakers navigate a shorthanded roster, as reported on November 16, 2025.

LeBron James Remains Sidelined as Lakers Start Son Bronny Against Bucks

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Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James remains out of the lineup, contributing to the team's shorthanded status for their Saturday game against the Milwaukee Bucks. His continued absence, reported on November 16, 2025, has opened up a starting opportunity for his son, Bronny James, who will make his second career start alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia.

Mark Williams Cleared to Return for Suns After Rest Day, Off Injury Report

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Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams is off the team's injury report and is set to return for Sunday's game against the Hawks after sitting out Thursday's win over the Pacers for rest, which was the second leg of a back-to-back. His return, reported on November 15, 2025, means Nick Richards is expected to move back to the bench. Williams, a 23-year-old center, was traded to the Suns in June 2025 after being drafted 15th overall by the Hornets in 2022. Over his last five outings, he has averaged 12.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 assists in 26.0 minutes per contest, contributing to his 2025 season stats of 11.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks.

Grayson Allen Sidelined with Quadriceps Injury; Reflecting on Career-Best Season and Future Role with Suns

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Grayson Allen is currently out for Sunday's game against the Hawks due to a quadriceps injury. This comes after a career-best 2023-24 season where he averaged 13.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and led the league with 46.1 percent three-point shooting. Despite being a third or fourth offensive option, he thrived alongside Phoenix's talent. His future role is uncertain with the addition of Tyus Jones, potentially moving him to the bench. Allen has been a consistent role player, showing fantasy value even off the bench, though he's often seen as a late-round or streaming option due to a lack of high upside and past injury concerns, having missed 20+ games in three professional seasons. His journey includes stints with the Jazz, Grizzlies, and Bucks, where he was traded as part of the Damian Lillard deal to Milwaukee.

Anthony Davis Doubtful for Sunday with Calf Issue Amidst Career-Long Injury Narrative

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Anthony Davis is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers due to a calf injury. Despite a career marked by health concerns, Davis had one of his healthiest seasons recently in 2022-23, playing 76 games and earning All-NBA Second Team and All-Defensive First Team honors with averages of 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals. His fantasy value, though elite, is consistently tempered by his inability to stay on the court, having played 56, 40, and 36 games in the three seasons prior. Historically, Davis has showcased MVP-caliber talent, leading the league in blocks in 2014-15 and finishing as a top fantasy player in 2019-20. He remains the clear No. 2 option for the Dallas Mavericks, with his role alongside LeBron James being critical for team success, but his health continues to be the primary risk factor.

P.J. Washington Probable for Sunday's Game, Solidifying Mavericks' Frontcourt Role

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P.J. Washington is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Portland due to a shoulder injury. After a mid-season trade to the Dallas Mavericks, Washington played a key role in their run to the NBA Finals, averaging 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.2 regular season minutes, improving to 13.0 points and 6.6 rebounds in the playoffs. His starting position in the Mavericks' frontcourt is secure, though he is expected to be a complementary offensive piece behind Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson, valued primarily for his defensive contributions. Prior to joining Dallas, Washington signed a three-year deal with the Hornets, where he averaged 15.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers in 2023-24, but his role was expected to decrease with other returning players. He was an All-Rookie Second Team selection in 2019-20 after being drafted 12th overall.

Domantas Sabonis Questionable for Spurs Game with Rib Contusion, Continues Elite Rebounding and Playmaking

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Domantas Sabonis is questionable for Sunday's game against the Spurs due to a left ribcage contusion. Despite this minor setback, Sabonis has been a paragon of durability, missing only two regular-season games in the last three years and never fewer than 62 games in his eight NBA campaigns. In 2023-24, he led the NBA in rebounds and further developed his playmaking, making him a consistent triple-double threat and a top-10 fantasy player in eight-category leagues for two consecutive seasons. As the primary offensive hub for the Sacramento Kings, his role remains central, even with the addition of DeMar DeRozan. In 2022-23, he achieved career highs with 19.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists on 61.5% shooting. Sabonis, a two-time All-Star, continues to be a high-floor fantasy option due to his unique combination of elite rebounding and assist numbers from the center position.

Collin Sexton Returns to Starting Role for Jazz, Poised for Increased Usage

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Collin Sexton is back in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Thunder, signaling a significant role increase for the Utah Jazz guard. After an injury-riddled 2022-23 season where he averaged 14.3 points in 48 games, Sexton averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 1.6 threes last season. His best performances came as a starter, averaging 21.1 points and 5.6 assists in 51 starts. Acquired in the Donovan Mitchell trade and signing a 4-year, $72 million deal, Sexton is projected to start ahead of Jordan Clarkson and is expected to be a primary scorer and playmaker for the rebuilding Jazz, potentially becoming the team's No. 1 option. He is fully recovered from a torn meniscus that limited him in a prior season.

Former NBA Guard Patrick Beverley Arrested on Felony Assault Charge in Texas

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Former NBA guard Patrick Beverley, 37, was arrested early Friday, November 15, 2025, in Rosharon, Texas, facing a felony assault charge in a "family violence" incident. The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office set his bail at $40,000. Beverley took to social media, urging people not to believe everything online and asking for prayers, while also reposting a statement suggesting he was concerned after finding his minor sister with an 18-year-old man. The statement implies the incident's description is disputed and will be addressed in court. Beverley last played for the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, having a 12-year career with teams including the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers.

Marcus Smart Sidelined by Illness, Reflecting Injury-Plagued First Season with Lakers

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Marcus Smart has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Bucks due to an illness. His first season with the Los Angeles Lakers was significantly impacted by ankle and finger injuries, limiting him to just 20 games. When healthy, Smart averaged 14.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.1 steals, and 2.1 three-pointers on 43.0% shooting, with an uptick in offensive production when Ja Morant was sidelined. Traded from Boston in 2023-24, Smart was expected to lead the backcourt during Ja Morant's suspension, recording a career-high 6.3 assists, 11.5 points, and 1.5 steals. Throughout his career, including his DPOY season in 2021-22 with Boston, Smart has been known for his elite defense, averaging 1.7 steals and 0.4 blocks over three seasons, often guarding multiple positions. Despite being an inefficient, low-volume scorer, his defensive prowess and moderate assist/three-point upside make him a viable fantasy asset.

Victor Wembanyama Questionable for Sunday's Game with Calf Tightness

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Victor Wembanyama is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Kings due to left calf tightness. The 21-year-old center has played in all 12 of the Spurs' regular-season games so far this season. In November, he has averaged 23.3 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.7 blocks, and 0.9 steals over 35.1 minutes through seven games. If Wembanyama is ruled out, Luke Kornet would likely step into the starting lineup, with Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo absorbing additional rotational minutes off the bench. Wembanyama, who signed a two-year, $24.93 million contract with the Spurs in July 2023 and had team options exercised for 2025-26 and 2026-27, is known for his unique skillset and high ceiling. His 2025 stats include 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 3.6 blocks.

Ja Morant Exits Cavaliers Game Early Due to Right Calf Soreness

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Ja Morant has been ruled out for the remainder of Saturday's game against the Cavaliers due to right calf soreness. This adds another injury concern for Morant, whose 2023-24 season was cut short after just nine games due to a shoulder injury requiring surgery, following a 25-game suspension for off-court conduct. In those nine games, he averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks. Morant has faced multiple suspensions in his career, including a nine-game suspension in March 2023 and a 25-game suspension for the start of the 2023-24 season. Despite these setbacks, he has shown flashes of superstar potential, with a 49-point outburst, eight triple-doubles, and 12 double-doubles in the 2022-23 season. His high-flying, reckless style contributes to injury risk, but he remains the clear No. 1 option for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Bennedict Mathurin Nearing Return from Toe Injury, Progressing Well

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Bennedict Mathurin is not yet ready to return from his toe injury but is "getting close" and "moving in a good direction," according to head coach Rick Carlisle. Mathurin completed a simulated game-type workout on Saturday and went through some prep activities, indicating the Pacers anticipate his return in the near future. His next opportunity to play will be Monday against the Raptors, though it's uncertain if he'll be ready by then. The 23-year-old forward, who signed a two-year, $13.5 million contract in July 2022 with options exercised through 2025-26, was the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. His 2025 stats show averages of 31.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Mathurin was a Consensus All-American Second Team and Pac-12 Player of the Year in his sophomore year at Arizona.

Jonathan Kuminga's Commitment and Injury Revealed by Draymond Green Amidst Role Criticism

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Jonathan Kuminga, who recently signed a two-year extension with the Golden State Warriors, has been defended by teammate Draymond Green against critics of his role. Kuminga started the first 12 games of the season but was later benched, leading to speculation he was upset. However, Green revealed that Kuminga was actually dealing with bilateral knee tendinitis and was questionable to play due to sore knees, explaining his absence from the second half of a game against the Spurs. Green emphasized that Kuminga is "one of the most bought-in guys on the team all year" and is determined to fulfill his All-Star potential, naturally feeling upset as a competitor when things don't go his way. Green dismissed "scapegoat" narratives, stating the coaching decision was a necessary adjustment for the team.

Bilal Coulibaly Sidelined with Calf Injury, No Timetable for Return

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Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly (calf) is officially out for Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets, with no timetable set for his return from a left calf injury. The 21-year-old, who is projected to return around December 1, 2025, has averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.0 block in 2025. Coulibaly, a 2023 draft cycle addition and former teammate of Victor Wembanyama, signed a two-year, $13.56 million contract in July 2023, with the Wizards exercising team options for 2025-26 and 2026-27. Known for his athleticism, defensive upside, and ability to attack the rim, his shooting development will be key to his NBA comparison, with Tari Eason sharing similarities. His next chance to play will be against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Tre Jones Questionable for Sunday with New Left Ankle Impingement

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Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (left ankle impingement) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Jazz. This is a new injury for the 25-year-old, who is considered day-to-day. Given Sunday's game is the front end of a back-to-back and the Bulls play five times in a week, a maintenance day or two could be likely. Jones signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bulls in June 2025. In 2025, he has averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 2.1 steals, and 0.2 blocks. Jones, a former Duke standout and ACC Player of the Year, is joined by Coby White (calf) and Josh Giddey (ankle) on the questionable list for Sunday.