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NBA News

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

Friday, November 14, 2025

Dillon Brooks Fined $25K for Lewd Gesture Amidst Career-Best Scoring Run

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Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for making a "lewd gesture" on the court during Thursday's 133-98 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The incident, described as a "crotch chop" from the floor after an off-balance shot, occurred with 54 seconds left in the first half. This marks Brooks' 105th career fine, though most are for technical fouls. Brooks had a standout performance in the game, scoring 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, continuing one of the best runs of his career. He is averaging 20.3 points in his first season with the Suns, who are off to an 8-5 start. Brooks joined the team last offseason in the Kevin Durant trade and has dealt with a core muscle strain this season.

Cooper Flagg's Mavericks Debut Overshadowed by Front Office Turmoil, Says Dirk Nowitzki

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Dallas Mavericks No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg's entry into the NBA is unfortunately starting under a "black cloud," according to franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki expressed his disappointment with the timing of former General Manager Nico Harrison's firing, stating it "should have probably happened this summer" to avoid negative energy surrounding the beginning of the "Cooper Flagg era." The Mavericks are currently struggling with a 3-9 record, and Nowitzki's comments highlight the turbulent environment Flagg is entering, following controversial trades and fan resentment towards the previous front office.

Dirk Nowitzki Criticizes Luka Dončić Trade to Lakers, Citing Franchise Setback and Fan Disappointment

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The controversial trade that sent five-time All-NBA first teamer Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis has drawn strong criticism from Mavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki. Nowitzki called the February deal "shocking" and stated it "made no sense" and "definitely set the franchise back," expressing that fans felt "robbed" of seeing Dončić develop into a champion in Dallas. At the time of the trade, Dončić was 25, and the Mavericks had built a competitive team around him, including adding Klay Thompson, and were 14-3 in their last 17 games before Dončić's injury, which marked his final game in a Mavericks uniform. Nowitzki even attended Dončić's first game with the Lakers, highlighting the significance of the move.

Jordan Poole's Quadriceps Injury Sidelines Him for Another Week, Pelicans Re-Assessment Looms

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Jordan Poole (quadriceps) will be re-assessed in approximately one week, the Pelicans announced Friday. Last season, Poole was a fantasy disappointment with the Wizards after being traded from the Warriors, struggling with efficiency (16.3 points, 40% FG from Oct-Feb) and even being benched. However, he found his rhythm in March and April, averaging 20.3 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in his final 21 appearances. Now with the New Orleans Pelicans, after being traded for Chris Paul, Poole is expected to be a go-to playmaker alongside Kyle Kuzma, offering a chance for major offensive numbers. Despite career highs of 20.4 points and 4.5 assists in a prior regular season, he posted a career-high 3.1 turnovers and a career-worst 33.6% from three. His bounceback potential is higher in points leagues.

Klay Thompson Responds to Patrick Beverley's Comments on His Relationship

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Klay Thompson is embroiled in a feud with Patrick Beverley following Beverley's podcast comments regarding Thompson's relationship with Megan Thee Stallion. Beverley speculated that Megan Thee Stallion had negatively impacted Thompson's on-court routine, attributing his struggles to the relationship. Thompson publicly expressed his strong disapproval on Instagram, stating, "How would y’all feel if I referred to your wives in such a way? @patbev21 … Do better fellas. Very disappointing.” Beverley's remarks notably overlooked Thompson's age (35), his recovery phase from an Achilles tear, and the broader team issues affecting his performance. Thompson's team is listed as the Dallas Mavericks in the provided data.

Patrick Beverley Arrested on Felony Assault Charge, Faces Legal and NBA Repercussions

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NBA veteran Patrick Beverley was arrested Friday in Texas on a third-degree felony charge of assault family violence/household impending breath, punishable by 2-10 years in prison. He has posted a $40,000 bond. Beverley hasn't played in the NBA since May 2, 2024, following a four-game NBA suspension (yet to be served) for an altercation with Indiana Pacers fans where he hit a woman with a ball. Pacers fans have filed a lawsuit against him. After his NBA stint, he played for Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli Basketball League, but was suspended and later parted ways. Currently a podcaster, Beverley recently faced criticism for comments about Klay Thompson's relationship with Megan Thee Stallion, speculating it affected Thompson's performance.

LaMelo Ball Returns to Play Friday Against Bucks After Ankle Absence

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LaMelo Ball (ankle) is set to play Friday against the Bucks, marking his return after a five-game absence. His return will likely shift Collin Sexton or Sion James back to the second unit and reduce Tre Mann's minutes. Ball's minutes might be monitored in his first game back, especially with a back-to-back, making him a risky daily fantasy option. The 24-year-old guard, who signed a five-year, $205.9 million extension in July 2023, boasts 2025 season averages of 23.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 9.8 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.2 blocks. Prior to the NBA, Ball played professionally in Lithuania and Australia, showcasing his versatile skillset.

Dereck Lively Returns Friday, Limited to 15-18 Minutes After Knee Sprain

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Dereck Lively is set to make his first appearance since October 26, returning to the court for Friday's game against the Clippers. The Dallas Mavericks center missed nine consecutive games due to a sprained knee and will be limited to 15-18 minutes. Lively is expected to share center duties with Daniel Gafford as he eases back into action.

Anthony Davis Sidelined Friday Against Clippers Due to Calf Injury

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Anthony Davis will not be available for Friday's game against the Clippers. The star player is dealing with a calf injury, leading to his absence from the lineup. This update comes from the Dallas Mavericks team, as reported by RotoWire.com.

P.J. Washington Out Friday's Game Against Clippers with Shoulder Injury

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P.J. Washington will not participate in Friday's game against the Clippers. The Dallas Mavericks forward is sidelined due to a shoulder injury, as confirmed by the team. This absence will impact the Mavericks' frontcourt rotation for the upcoming contest.

Christian Braun Out Six Weeks with Left Ankle Sprain, Key Nuggets Contributor

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Denver Nuggets forward Christian Braun will be re-evaluated in six weeks after sustaining a left ankle sprain during Wednesday night's win over the LA Clippers. The injury occurred when Clippers guard James Harden stepped on Braun's right foot, causing him to land awkwardly. Braun briefly returned in the second quarter but was hobbled and did not finish the game. A key contributor, Braun was averaging 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and three assists in Denver's first 11 games, and his absence will span 17 games before his re-evaluation around Christmas Day.

Cameron Johnson Sidelined for Saturday's Game Against Minnesota with Biceps Injury

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Cameron Johnson will not be playing in Saturday's game against Minnesota. The Denver Nuggets player is listed out due to a biceps injury. This absence will affect the team's lineup for the upcoming contest against the Timberwolves.

Isaiah Stewart Returns Friday from Ankle Sprain, Expected Significant Role

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Isaiah Stewart is available for Friday's game against Philadelphia, marking his return from a three-game absence due to an ankle sprain. The Detroit Pistons forward is expected to step into a significant role in the frontcourt, especially with Jalen Duren (ankle) sidelined. Stewart has averaged 13.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks in 24.8 minutes across three games as a starter this season.

Jalen Duren Out Friday with Ankle Injury, Questionable for Monday's Game

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Jalen Duren will not suit up for Friday's game against the 76ers due to an ankle injury, marking his second consecutive game on the inactive list for the Detroit Pistons. His absence is expected to lead to increased minutes for teammates Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed. Duren's next opportunity to play will be Monday against the Pacers, but he should be considered questionable for that contest, especially given it's the first game of a back-to-back set.

VJ Edgecombe Cleared to Play Friday Despite Back Spasms, Rookie's Production Cooling

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VJ Edgecombe has been upgraded to available and will play in Friday's game against the Pistons, despite previously being listed as questionable with back spasms. The Philadelphia 76ers rookie has yet to miss a game this season. However, after a strong start to the campaign, Edgecombe's performance has cooled significantly, as he's averaged just 8.8 points and shot 26.5 percent from the field across his past four appearances.

Cade Cunningham Ruled Out Friday with Hip Issue; Pistons' Offensive Future Hinges on Year 4 Growth

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Cade Cunningham has been ruled out for Friday's game against the 76ers due to a hip issue. This comes after a 2023-24 season where he showed significant growth in his third year, averaging career highs in points (22.7) and assists (7.5) with improved shooting splits (44.9/35.5/86.9), bouncing back from a shin injury that sidelined him for most of 2022-23. He was shut down in early April 2024 due to left knee tendinopathy, missing the final seven games, but had scored 32+ points in three consecutive appearances prior. Despite his statistical improvements, Cunningham has yet to crack the top 50 in eight-category fantasy leagues. The Detroit Pistons have bolstered their roster this offseason with the No. 5 overall pick Ron Holland and veterans Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, and Tim Hardaway, aiming to provide increased floor spacing and support for Cunningham, who is expected to remain the offensive focal point in his fourth season. The 2021 No. 1 overall pick earned All-Rookie First Team honors, and the team's depth has grown significantly since his draft.

Bennedict Mathurin Out for Saturday's Game with Persistent Toe Sprain, Return Timeline Unclear

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Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin is officially ruled out for Saturday's game against Toronto due to a toe sprain and remains without a clear timeline for his return. He is tentatively considered doubtful for Monday's game against Detroit. In his 2025 season, Mathurin has been averaging 31.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. While he recovers, Ben Sheppard and Jarace Walker are expected to continue seeing increased minutes and remain viable streaming candidates for the Pacers. Mathurin, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, signed a two-year, $13.5 million contract with the Pacers in July 2022, with team options exercised for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons.

Darius Garland Ruled Out for Saturday's Game with Toe Injury, Cavaliers Backcourt Impacted

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland has been ruled out for Saturday's matchup against Memphis due to a toe injury. Garland, who is set for his sixth NBA season, is expected to continue shining alongside Donovan Mitchell as a top-tier backcourt duo. His 2023-24 season was marked by a six-week absence due to a fractured jaw, but he still averaged 20.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 1.6 steals in his first 20 games, finishing the regular season with 16.6 points and 6.9 assists over his final 37 appearances. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 21.6 points, 7.8 assists, and 1.2 steals, playing a secondary role to Mitchell. His breakout 2021-22 campaign saw him make his first All-Star team, averaging career-highs of 21.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 1.3 steals, shooting 46.2% from the field.

Cedric Coward Doubtful for Saturday's Game Due to Right Foot Soreness

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Cedric Coward is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game in Cleveland due to right foot soreness, an issue that analysts suggest could be contributing to his recent cold shooting from distance. Time off is anticipated to help the 22-year-old guard recover and regain his form. With Coward sidelined, the Memphis Grizzlies expect Cam Spencer, Vince Williams, and John Konchar to see increased minutes. Coward, who signed a two-year, $11.72 million contract with the Grizzlies in July 2025 (including a team option for 2027-28), has averaged 14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks in the 2025 season. His collegiate career, spanning Willamette, Eastern Washington, and Washington State, highlighted his potential as a prototypical 3-and-D wing with a reliable 3-point shot (career 38.8 3P%) and versatile gameplay.

Ja Morant Cleared for Saturday's Game, Absent from Injury Report

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Ja Morant is notably absent from the injury report for Saturday's game in Cleveland, indicating he is cleared to play after previously dealing with an ankle issue. Morant's career has been a mix of superstar performances and significant challenges, including a 25-game suspension for off-court conduct that delayed his 2023-24 season. Upon his return, he averaged 25.1 points, 8.1 assists, 5.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks across nine games before a shoulder injury required season-ending surgery. The Memphis Grizzlies, who finished 27-55 last season, are banking on Morant to lead them back to playoff contention. His 2022-23 season saw him earn a second All-Star selection, but also included a nine-game suspension and a playoff wrist injury. The 2019-20 Rookie of the Year is recognized for his exceptional athleticism and playmaking, serving as the clear No. 1 option for Memphis, despite past inconsistencies in efficiency and an underdeveloped jumpshot.