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NBA News

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

Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Cavaliers' Darius Garland Limited in Camp, Set to Miss Early Season After Toe Surgery

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland, who recently underwent surgery on his injured big toe, is expected to be a limited participant in the upcoming training camp. The recovery timeline for the All-Star guard indicates that he is still anticipated to miss at least the first month of the regular season. This update, published on September 23, 2025, highlights a cautious approach to his rehabilitation, ensuring a full recovery before he returns to full team activities and game action. Garland's absence will impact the Cavaliers' early-season lineup.

Jayson Tatum Focused on Full Recovery from Torn Achilles, Eyes 2025-26 Return

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is prioritizing a "full recovery" after suffering a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The injury, reported on September 23, 2025, occurred during a critical playoff game, impacting the Celtics' postseason run. Despite the significant nature of the injury, Tatum has not ruled out a potential return during the 2025-26 season. His current focus remains entirely on rehabilitation to ensure he is completely healthy before stepping back onto the court, emphasizing a cautious approach to his recovery process.

Thomas Bryant Secures One-Year Deal with Cleveland Cavaliers

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Free agent center Thomas Bryant has officially finalized a one-year agreement to join the Cleveland Cavaliers. The deal was reported by Mark Bartelstein and Zach Kurtin of Priority Sports to ESPN on September 23, 2025. This signing brings a new big man to the Cavaliers' roster, adding depth at the center position. Bryant's commitment to Cleveland marks a significant move for both the player and the team as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.

Lonzo Ball Cleared for Training Camp After Impressive Workout

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Lonzo Ball has been cleared to participate in training camp following a positive update on his wrist injury. Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson confirmed on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, that Ball "looked great" during a workout conducted on Monday. This encouraging report, as detailed by Danny Cunningham, indicates a significant step forward in Ball's recovery and readiness for the upcoming season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Josh Hart Reaggravates Finger Injury, Plans to Play Entire Season Without Surgery

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New York Knicks guard Josh Hart has confirmed he reaggravated a right finger injury. Despite the setback, Hart stated his intention to play the entire upcoming season without undergoing another procedure. This update, reported on September 23, 2025, indicates that Hart plans to manage the injury throughout the season, providing clarity on his immediate playing status and his approach to rehabilitation. His commitment to playing through the injury is a key development for the Knicks as they prepare for the season.

Saddiq Bey Declares Full Health, Ready for Opening Night After ACL Tear

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey has announced he is 100 percent healthy and ready to play for Opening Night of the upcoming season. Bey missed the entire 2024-25 season due to a torn left ACL, making this a significant recovery update. His declaration on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, signals a successful rehabilitation process and provides reassurance regarding his availability as the new season approaches. This news is crucial for the Pelicans, as Bey's return will add depth and scoring to their roster after a lengthy absence.

Kyrie Irving Joins NBA 2K26 Old School Program Alongside Shaq

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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving is set to be featured in the upcoming NBA 2K26 Old School program. The star player will join the virtual court alongside NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, specifically the Orlando Magic version of the Hall of Famer, and WNBA star Swin Cash. This inclusion highlights Irving's status among basketball's notable figures, bringing his distinctive style to the popular video game's classic roster. The announcement was made on September 23, 2025, indicating his participation in this special game mode.

Egor Demin Sidelined by Plantar Fascia Tear, Brooklyn Nets Confirm Foot Issue

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Brooklyn Nets player Egor Demin is currently dealing with a plantar fascia tear, an issue affecting his foot. Nets general manager Sean Marks confirmed the injury on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as reported by Lucas Kaplan of NetsDaily.com. This diagnosis clarifies the nature of the foot issue that has been limiting Demin. The team's statement indicates Demin is actively managing this condition. Additional analysis regarding this update can be found on RotoWire.com.

Reed Sheppard's Role to Expand as Rockets Cope with VanVleet Injury

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Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard is expected to see an expanded role on the team following the unfortunate ACL tear suffered by veteran guard Fred VanVleet. The injury, reported on September 23, 2025, necessitates the Rockets to rely more heavily on their promising young talents, with Sheppard being a key beneficiary of this shift. This situation provides a significant opportunity for Sheppard to gain valuable experience and showcase his skills earlier than anticipated, as the team looks to its developing players to step up in VanVleet's absence.

Amen Thompson Expected to See Increased Role After VanVleet's Injury

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Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson is anticipated to take on a significantly increased role following the news of teammate Fred VanVleet's ACL tear. With VanVleet sidelined due to the injury, reported on September 23, 2025, the Rockets will be compelled to lean harder on their young players, including Thompson, to contribute more extensively. This development presents a substantial opportunity for Thompson to demonstrate his capabilities and accelerate his development, as the team will rely on his emerging talent to help fill the void left by the veteran guard's absence throughout the season.

Fred VanVleet Suffers ACL Tear, Rockets to Rely More on Young Talent

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Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has reportedly suffered an ACL tear, a significant injury that will have considerable ripple effects for the team. This development, reported on September 23, 2025, means the Rockets will be forced to lean more heavily on their young players, specifically Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard, to fill the void. VanVleet's absence due to the torn ACL will undoubtedly impact the team's veteran leadership and playmaking, placing increased responsibility and opportunity on the shoulders of the team's emerging talents as they navigate the upcoming season.

Cooper Flagg's Rookie Fantasy Outlook Debated by Experts Ahead of Draft

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NBA experts are currently debating the fantasy outlook for rookie Cooper Flagg, specifically addressing whether he warrants a third-round draft pick. Analysts are weighing in on the type of fantasy production they anticipate from Flagg during his inaugural season. This discussion provides crucial insights for fantasy managers considering his potential impact. Flagg, associated with the Dallas Mavericks, is a focal point of pre-draft analysis as experts project his immediate contributions and long-term value in fantasy leagues, offering their expectations for his performance.

Monday, September 22, 2025

Fred VanVleet Suffers Torn ACL, Potentially Sidelining Rockets' Key Guard for Entire Season

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Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has suffered a torn ACL during an unofficial team workout in the Bahamas, an injury that could sideline him for the entire upcoming NBA season. This contact injury, reported on September 23, 2025, is a significant blow to the Rockets, who had re-signed VanVleet to a two-year, $50 million contract this summer. Expected to undergo surgery in Houston later this week, VanVleet was considered the 'glue' at the point guard spot, crucial for a team with championship aspirations. Last season, he averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists, with the Rockets performing 3.3 points per 100 possessions better with him on the court. His absence places increased pressure on second-year guard Reed Sheppard and veteran Aaron Holiday, impacting the Rockets' title hopes in a competitive Western Conference.

Kevin Durant's Offseason Trade to Houston Rockets Initiates Suns' Rebuilding Phase

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Kevin Durant was traded to the Houston Rockets during the offseason, a move that has been identified as the catalyst for the Phoenix Suns entering a rebuilding phase. This significant transaction, which occurred prior to September 22, 2025, is cited as the backdrop for the Suns' recent organizational changes. The aftermath of Durant's departure to the Houston Rockets is a key factor in the Suns' decision to bring back franchise great Steve Nash as a senior advisor, with the aim of defining the team's future for years to come.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Poised for Another MVP-Caliber Season with Thunder

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ranked as the top fantasy basketball guard for 2025-26, is expected to deliver another dominant season for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The reigning MVP posted career-highs in points (32.7), assists (6.4), and three-pointers (2.1) last season, alongside 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.0 block. With the Thunder's rotation remaining consistent, Gilgeous-Alexander is anticipated to maintain his elite offensive production and defensive contributions. His well-rounded statistical output and consistent availability make him a top-three draft pick, cementing his status as one of the league's premier offensive talents and a strong contender for the top spot in fantasy basketball.

Derik Queen Continues Conditioning, Return Timeline from Wrist Injury Remains Uncertain

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New Orleans Pelicans player Derik Queen is currently participating in conditioning activities as he recovers from a wrist injury, according to a report from Jim Eichenhofer of the Pelicans' official site on September 22, 2025. Despite his engagement in conditioning, a definitive timeline for Queen's return to play has not yet been established. The team continues to monitor his progress as he works towards full recovery, with no immediate update on when he might be cleared for game action.

New Orleans Pelicans' Dejounte Murray Continues Achilles Rehab Without Set Return Date

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New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is making positive strides in his recovery from an Achilles injury, with his rehabilitation process reportedly going well. However, despite the encouraging progress, there is currently no definitive timetable established for his return to active play. This update, reported by Erin Summers of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, indicates a cautious approach to Murray's recovery. The Pelicans are monitoring his rehab closely, but fans and fantasy managers will need to await further announcements regarding when the key player might rejoin the team on the court.

Herbert Jones Scrimmaging Non-Stop, Fully Cleared for Pelicans Training Camp

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New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president Joe Dumars has confirmed that Herbert Jones is a full go ahead of the upcoming training camp. According to a report by Will Guillory of The Athletic on September 22, 2025, Jones has been actively participating in scrimmages non-stop for the past couple of weeks. This positive update indicates that Jones is in prime condition and ready to fully engage with the team as they prepare for the new NBA season, alleviating any potential concerns regarding his readiness.

Trey Murphy Fully Recovered from Shoulder Injury, Scrimmaging Ahead of Pelicans Camp

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Trey Murphy is officially a full go for the New Orleans Pelicans' training camp, as announced by executive vice president Joe Dumars. Murphy, who recently recovered from a torn labrum and partial rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder, has been actively scrimmaging non-stop for the past two weeks. This significant development, reported by Will Guillory of The Athletic on September 22, 2025, confirms his successful rehabilitation and readiness to return to full participation without limitations, providing a major boost for the Pelicans.

Payton Pritchard's Starting Role or Sixth Man Impact Debated for Celtics Opening Night

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Payton Pritchard's potential role for the Boston Celtics' opening night starting five is a central topic of debate among analysts. While the article's own panel predicts Pritchard starting alongside Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta, leveraging their familiarity and shooting, concerns about defense and rebounding persist for this undersized unit. Other panelists, including Darren Hartwell, Michael Hurley, and Kayla Burton, advocate for Pritchard to remain a 'super-sub' or 'spark off the bench,' believing he thrives in that capacity and can effectively lead the second unit. Josh Canu, Kevin Miller, and Adam Hart, however, project Pritchard as a starter, emphasizing shooting or the existing team construction. The Celtics' coaching staff will need to evaluate these considerations as training camp progresses to balance the rotation.