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Draymond Green perfectly claps back after Charles Barkley shades Warriors

Draymond Green perfectly claps back after Charles Barkley shades Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Charles Barkley wasn’t in the Christmas spirit on Thursday morning.

The “Inside The NBA” Grinch threw shade at the Warriors while welcoming Draymond Green to ABC’s telecast before the New York Knicks’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“We’re going to have you back here once the playoffs start,” Barkley told Green, signifying that he believes the Warriors will miss the first round of the NBA playoffs.

“Shaq, we’ll bring our rings and share them with Chuck,” Green said in response to Barkley.

Barkley is the most well-known Warriors detractor, and even after they won four NBA titles in the last 11 seasons — four more than he ever won — he still takes at them whenever he can.

But Green, a prolific trash-talker, has found a way to take shots at Barkley.

Green and Shaquille O’Neal, Barkley’s “Inside The NBA” co-host, have been doing a “Four Rings Handshake” ever since the Warriors won the 2022 NBA championship, a not-so-subtle jab at Barkley.

“It was always to pick on Charles … it’s so fun picking on Charles,” Green told former co-host Baron Davis on “The Draymond Green Show” in May. “And Chuck’s such a good sport about everything and funny as hell.”

Entering Thursday’s Christmas Day clash with the Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors hold the Western Conference’s No. 8 seed, which would mean they would have to escape the NBA play-in tournament to secure a playoff spot.

Green and the Warriors made it out of the play-in tournament last season and then upset the No. 2-seeded Houston Rockets before falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round after Steph Curry sustained a hamstring injury in Game 1 of that series.

If the Warriors can replicate that success this season, Green won’t join Barkley until at least May.

But if Green has it his way, in a dream scenario, he never joins Barkley in the studio this spring as he helps lead the Warriors on a magical run to a fifth NBA title.

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'A million choices': Lakers' defense will get a Christmas Day test vs. Rockets

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 20, 2025: Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23) pulls on the jersey of LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) near the basket in the second half at the Intuit Dome on December 20, 2025 in Inglewood, California.(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)
Forward LeBron James, guarding Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, and the Lakers have lost two games in a row for the first time this season, in part because of lackluster defense. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

It’s not the lineups, the injuries or necessarily the system. The cause of the Lakers' defensive demise is a thousand little decisions gone wrong.

“It comes down to just making the choice,” coach JJ Redick said after the Lakers gave up 132 points in a blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. “It's making the choice. There's shortcuts you can take or you can do the hard thing and you can make the second effort or you can sprint back or you can't. It's just a choice and there's a million choices in a game, and you're very likely not gonna make every choice correctly. But can you make the vast majority of 'em correctly? It gives you a chance to win.”

Coming off back-to-back losses for the first time this season, the Lakers (19-9) are ranked 28th in defensive rating in the last 14 games entering a Christmas Day showcase against the Houston Rockets at 5 p.m. PST at Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers, without any individual shutdown defenders, need a perfectly executed team defense to compete. But 15 different starting lineups in 28 games has delayed some of the team's ability to build continuity. The Lakers have had their full complement of 14 standard contract players for two games.

Forward Rui Hachimura (groin) and Luka Doncic (leg) could return Thursday. Guard Gabe Vincent, one of the team’s top defensive options on the perimeter, will miss his fourth game with lower-back soreness. Center Jaxson Hayes tweaked his left ankle in the second quarter of Tuesday’s loss and didn’t return.

The Rockets (17-10) limp into the Christmas Day blockbuster with their own struggles. The team thought to be one of the few who could challenge Oklahoma City in the West has lost five of its last seven games. Three of the losses were in overtime and four came against teams currently out of the play-in picture, including Tuesday’s loss to the Clippers.

Read more:Austin Reaves' return can't save Lakers from dismal defensive effort in loss to Suns

Led by Kevin Durant’s 25.2 points, the Rockets are a statistical anomaly in the sped up, possession-maximizing modern NBA. They have the third-ranked offense in the league despite being one of the slowest. They shoot the fewest three-pointers per game, but make them at a 40% clip that ranks second, and dominate the glass with NBA-leading 48.7 rebounds and 16.1 offensive rebounds per game.

Houston’s physicality and expertise on the boards could be especially worrisome for a team that still has to consciously choose defense on a possession-by-possession basis instead of consistently living up to a standard of playing hard.

“There's really no defense, no scheme we can do when we're giving up offensive rebounds in crucial moments like we are, our [opponents] are getting wherever they want on the court,” guard Marcus Smart said after Tuesday’s loss. “And there's no help, there's no resistance, there's no urgency. … It's on us.”

The Suns grabbed 12 offensive rebounds against the Lakers on 35 missed shots, an offensive rebounding rate of 34.3%. After the Suns scored a three-pointer by twice grabbing offensive rebounds off tipped balls, Lakers players had an animated discussion in a timeout with Smart was gesturing toward center Deandre Ayton about tipping rebounds. Ayton, who finished with 10 rebounds and 12 points, and Smart ended the timeout with a high-five.

“[I need to] just continue to talk to guys, even though sometimes they might not want to hear it,” said Smart, a free-agent addition the Lakers coveted for his leadership and tenacity on defense. “Especially when we losing, nobody wants to hear it, myself included, but also understand that it's integral for us to hear those things, to see and to be able to talk to one another and figure it out as players on the court, because we're the ones out there.”

Redick intentionally built in moments for players to connect and communicate during every timeout this season before coaches speak. The strategy was meant to encourage players to take a larger leadership role. “Championship communication” was one of the team’s three pillars.

Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, left, foulds Clippers guard James Harden on a layup.
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes, left, foulds Clippers guard James Harden on a layup during their game Saturday. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Along with “championship shape,” Redick also asked his team to build “championship habits.” Living up to the mantras is easier said than done.

“It's not the easy choice,” Redick said. “It's human nature. … We do it on a daily basis. We make easy choices cause it's comfortable. Comfortable doesn't win.”

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Fantasy Basketball Week 10 Injury Report: How much longer will Luka Dončić sit?

Christmas Eve means that the entire NBA is off for the first time since Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, one day isn't enough to help with the recovery of some of the league's most important players, leaving many fantasy managers to scour the waiver wire for help in the final days of Week 10. And while there are some key injuries, most notably Luka Dončić, other teams have already shifted into "injury management" mode, opening the door for some unheralded players to step up. Let's look at some key injuries heading into the second half of Week 10.

G Cam Thomas, Brooklyn Nets

Thomas has not appeared in a game since straining his left hamstring on November 5, but he is progressing in his recovery. As of Sunday, the guard was cleared to resume 5-on-5 activities, and Thomas went through a session the day prior without any issues. There still isn't a timeline for a return to game action, but Thomas's presence on the floor affects multiple Nets.

Terance Mann (three percent rostered, Yahoo!) may be the player most likely to move out of the starting lineup, even though he was a starter at the time of Thomas' injury. That's because of the development of rookie Egor Dëmin (eight percent), as it would clearly be in the Nets' best interest to let him develop in his current starting role. Dëmin's fantasy value remains relatively low, but he and Danny Wolf have been the Nets' most promising rookies thus far.

C Ryan Kalkbrenner, Charlotte Hornets

Kalkbrenner has missed the last two games with an elbow injury. Mason Plumlee (less than one percent) started the December 22 loss to the Cavaliers, but he did not play in Tuesday's win over the Wizards due to a groin injury. Moussa Diabaté (10 percent) received the starting nod, finishing with 12 points, 18 rebounds and one assist in 36 minutes. Even when he did not start against Cleveland, Diabaté was the superior streaming option with Kalkbrenner out. Behind him, the Hornets had to go small, with Tidjane Salaün (one percent) picking up additional minutes off the bench. Diabaté is the only player to consider if Kalkbrenner remains out.

F Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls

Buzelis exited Tuesday's win over the Hawks during the fourth quarter with an apparent leg injury and did not return. At the time of publication, no update was available on the second-year forward's injury or whether he will have to miss time. Josh Giddey (100 percent) re-entered the game after Buzelis' injury, but he clearly isn't available on waiver wires. If Buzelis has to miss time, Ayo Dosunmu (17 percent) and Kevin Huerter (12 percent) are the two players who stand to benefit most from additional opportunities and playing time.

F P.J. Washington, Dallas Mavericks

Washington did not play in Tuesday's win over the Nuggets due to right midfoot soreness, opening up a spot in the starting lineup for Jaden Hardy (less than one percent). He played 27 minutes against Denver, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal, shooting 5-of-9 from the field. Regardless of Washington's availability for Thursday's game against the Warriors, Naji Marshall (25 percent) is a player who should be more popular in 12-team formats. As for Hardy, there's no need to target him as a streamer if Washington remains out.

NBA: Houston Rockets at Sacramento Kings
Fantasy Basketball Stock Up Stock Down: Russell Westbrook and Brook Lopez back into fantasy relevance
Brook Lopez has an opportunity to produce for the Clippers and fantasy managers with Ivica Zubac sidelined.

F Cameron Johnson, Denver Nuggets

Johnson suffered a knee injury during Tuesday's loss to Dallas and was due to undergo an MRI on Wednesday. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, he has been diagnosed with a bone bruise and is expected to miss time. As was the case when Peyton Watson (18 percent) missed a few games, Tim Hardaway Jr. (eight percent) and Bruce Brown (10 percent) are the players who are likely to be first in line to fill the resulting vacancy in the starting lineup. Of course, the Nuggets are still awaiting the returns of Christian Braun and Aaron Gordon, who may not be available until early January.

F/C Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers

Jackson suffered a head injury during Monday's loss to the Celtics and was not available for Tuesday's loss to the Bucks. Starting center Jay Huff (29 percent) only played 21 minutes on Tuesday, but he would be the "best" option for fantasy managers willing to consider rostering a Pacers center. The team recently re-signed James Wiseman (less than one percent), and he played 12 minutes off the bench on Tuesday. The Pacers were also willing to go small at times, factoring into Jarace Walker (two percent) picking up a few additional minutes off the bench. Even with Huff as the starter, he's averaging only 19.6 minutes per game this season; there aren't any appealing options on the Pacers' roster.

C Ivica Zubac, LA Clippers

Zubac suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain during Saturday's win over the Lakers and has been ruled out for at least three weeks. Brook Lopez (15 percent) moved into the starting lineup for Tuesday's win over the Rockets, producing five points, six rebounds and four assists in 27 minutes. He's been challenging to rely on in fantasy basketball this season, and that's unlikely to change, even with Zubac's injury. First-round pick Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (less than one percent) played 15 minutes off the bench on Tuesday and is a better option for dynasty league managers who can afford to stash him than redraft leagues.

G Luka Dončić and F Rui Hachimura, Los Angeles Lakers

Dončić suffered a leg contusion during Saturday's loss to the Clippers and did not play in Tuesday's loss to the Suns, while Hachimura has missed the last two games with a groin injury. Nick Smith Jr. (less than one percent) and Jake LaRavia (seven percent) moved into the starting lineup, with the latter's four defensive contributions being most notable about their performances. While LaRavia would be worth a look in deep leagues if Hachimura remains out on Thursday against the Rockets, there's no need to consider Smith.

The expectation is that Luka is on track to play Thursday, so Smith may be headed to the bench regardless of what happens with Austin Reaves' minutes restriction. Reaves, who missed time with a calf injury, logged 22 minutes off the bench on Tuesday.

F/C Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies

By itself, Clarke's injury would not affect fantasy basketball. However, he was Zach Edey's replacement in the starting lineup before going down with a strained right calf. Jock Landale (12 percent) filled in for Clarke for the December 22 loss to the Thunder, but Santi Aldama (45 percent) received the nod for the December 23 win over the Jazz. And he went off, finishing with 37 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal and seven three-pointers in 34 minutes. While starting would make Landale worth a look in deep leagues, Aldama deserves consideration in 12-team formats, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

F Jaden McDaniels, Minnesota Timberwolves

McDaniels suffered an oblique injury during Minnesota's December 21 win over the Bucks and did not play two nights later against the Knicks. Mike Conley (one percent) moved into the starting lineup, finishing with eight points, one rebound, two assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers in 30 minutes. Even if McDaniels remains sidelined, Conley's production has not been good enough to merit rostering in most leagues. Bones Hyland (three percent) has earned rotation minutes recently, but there should be better options available on most waiver wires.

G/F Herb Jones, New Orleans Pelicans

Jones has been banged up recently, first developing a migraine after taking a hit to the face during Saturday's win over the Pacers. He was able to play two nights later against the Mavericks, but then the Pelicans wing sprained his right ankle. Jones did not play in Tuesday's loss to the Cavaliers, resulting in Bryce McGowens (one percent) moving into the starting lineup. In 31 minutes, McGowens recorded eight points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals and one three-pointer.

If Jones has to miss more time, fantasy managers would be better off targeting Saddiq Bey (36 percent), especially as he continues to start over Zion Williamson. Williamson's minutes limit will disappear at some point, but Bey has played well enough to continue figure prominently in the rotation, even if he's pushed to the bench.

G Jalen Brunson and F OG Anunoby, New York Knicks

Neither Brunson nor Anunoby traveled with the team for Tuesday's loss to the Timberwolves, staying back in New York to get a little more time off for injury maintenance reasons. Both should be fine for Thursday's game against the Cavaliers, with Brunson already cleared and Anunoby listed as probable. Tyler Kolek (three percent) and Mitchell Robinson (16 percent) moved into the starting lineup, with the former recording career-highs in points and rebounds. Kolek isn't worth holding onto when Brunson is available, but his recent performances have made the second-year guard a player worth keeping in mind for nights when the Knicks rest their star point guard. And with the Knicks not having more than one day off at any point until January 14, it would be unsurprising if starters not named Mikal Bridges get an occasional night off.

G Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder

Mitchell did not play in Tuesday's loss to the Spurs after entering the league's concussion protocol following Monday's win over the Grizzlies. While he may not be a starter, the second-year guard has played well enough to put himself on the radar of some standard leagues despite coming off the bench on most nights. The minutes that would have gone to Mitchell were spread among multiple players, including Cason Wallace (25 percent), Alex Caruso (nine percent) and Isaiah Joe (five percent). While Joe boasts the highest scoring average of the trio, Wallace's 2.3 steals per game have made him the best option for category league managers.

G Grayson Allen, Phoenix Suns

Allen has been out since December 14, missing the last three games due to right knee injury management. Royce O'Neale (15 percent) has returned to the starting lineup, averaging 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.3 three-pointers in 28 minutes per game. He's mainly worth a look for those needing steals and three-pointers, but that's about it. And it's always a good time to target Collin Gillespie (31 percent), especially with Jalen Green unlikely to return from his hamstring injury until sometime in January.

F Jerami Grant, Portland Trail Blazers

Grant has missed Portland's last three games with a sore Achilles tendon. While this isn't believed to be an injury that will sideline the forward for an extended period, it does affect the Trail Blazers' rotation. Kris Murray (one percent) moved into the starting lineup, averaging 9.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in 30.7 minutes. While the playing time is encouraging for the former first-round pick, the production isn't enough to make Murray a player worth streaming if Grant remains out.

F Keegan Murray and G Zach LaVine, Sacramento Kings

Unfortunately, Murray's name was added to the long list of players who have suffered calf injuries this season. The Kings' forward had to exit Tuesday's loss to the Pistons after playing 20 minutes, having appeared to tweak his right calf. Rookie Nique Clifford (one percent) was the replacement, and he finished with 14 points, two rebounds, two steals and two three-pointers in 25 minutes. With Zach LaVine also sidelined, the rookie wing's playing time increased even before Murray's injury.

Clifford isn't someone to target if Murray misses time, but he is worth tracking. Something else to watch in Sacramento is Malik Monk's (19 percent) playing time. He played 14 minutes off the bench on Tuesday and five two nights prior against the Rockets. The veteran guard picked up two DNP-CDs before then, with injuries getting him back onto the fringe of the Kings' rotation. If Murray has to miss time, Monk would be a better streaming option, provided he receives rotation minutes.

C Jakob Poeltl, Toronto Raptors

The lower back injury that first became a problem for Poeltl during the preseason flared up recently, sidelining him during Toronto's December 21 loss to the Nets. The 7-footer did not play at all in Tuesday's win over the Heat, with Sandro Mamukelashvili (11 percent) moving into the starting lineup. In 27 minutes, Mamu tallied 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists, one steal and four three-pointers.

And he wasn't the only Raptors frontcourt player to provide solid value in Poeltl's absence. Rookie Collin Murray-Boyles (two percent) recorded his first double-double, finishing with 11 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, one block and one three-pointer in 25 minutes off the bench. While Mamu is the superior streaming option if Poeltl remains out, Murray-Boyles is worth keeping an eye on.

F Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

It looks like we're at the point in the season when the Jazz begin to sit some of their established players for "injury management" reasons. Neither Markkanen nor Jusuf Nurkić played in Tuesday's loss to the Grizzlies, resulting in Utah starting Kevin Love (one percent) and Kyle Filipowski (24 percent). Filipowski, who can probably be rostered even when Markkanen and Nurkić are available, finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two three-pointers in 35 minutes.

Deeper into the rotation, Taylor Hendricks (one percent) may be a "silly season" option in deeper leagues where Filipowski has already been claimed after the trade deadline. He recorded a line of 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, three steals and two three-pointers in 27 minutes off the bench.

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NBA Christmas 2025: Five things to watch across five NBA Christmas games

While the NFL has entered the arena, Christmas Day remains one of the biggest days on the NBA calendar — the biggest stars in some of the best matchups. It is a showcase day for the league.

That showcase happens across a slate of five games — Cavaliers at Knicks, Spurs at Thunder, Mavericks at Warriors, Rockets at Lakers, Timberwolves at Nuggets — and here is what to look for in each of those contests.

Can Cavaliers slow Brunson, Knicks offense?

Christmas Day in New York City is one of the NBA's great traditions, and this year Spike Lee and the Knicks faithful are going to get the present of offensive fireworks.

In the last four games Jalen Brunson has played, the New York Knicks have a 121.6 offensive rating, third best in the NBA for that stretch— and that doesn't even count their NBA Cup championship game. Brunson has been the spark in those contests, scoring 40, 25, 22 and 47. Ignore Miike Brown's way-too-early argument that Brunson should be the MVP, but know that he's not wrong in making the case for the Knicks' guard has to be considered one of the best offensive players in the game.

Meanwhile, without Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley for the last five games (and he will be out on Christmas, too, due to a calf strain), the Cavaliers have had a bottom-five defense in the league. While Cleveland won its last two games, it was because the Cavs' offense exploded for 139 and 141 points.

All of which sets up a high-scoring, entertaining first game of the Christmas Day showdown (of what we thought would be the two best teams in the East, but Cleveland has not lived up to the hype). The challenge for Cleveland is whether it can get enough stops to stay close.

One other thing to watch: Brown has the Knicks playing faster, and with that, both teams want to run, while neither is particularly good at stopping opponents in transition. The team that gets the most easy buckets by winning the transition battle may take the game.

Can the Spurs upset the Thunder for a third time?

Welcome to the best game of the day — and the NBA's best budding rivalry.

Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs have made the Thunder look human, beating them twice in the last week. Do that a third time and we're going to have some serious questions. For both teams.

Not many teams have the perimeter athleticism to match up with Oklahoma City, but San Antonio does, with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell. The Spurs look like a legitimate top-four team in the West that can host a playoff round, which is way ahead of schedule for this young roster.

One big X-factor in this game: Luke Kornet. Signed last summer as Wembanyama's backup, he remains the starter even with Wemby back (Wembanyama is coming off the bench as the Spurs try to limit his minutes). Kornet has thrived and proven to be a problem for the Thunder this season.

Oklahoma City doesn't need to make a statement in this game — they remain the clear team to beat in the NBA and even with the losses are on a 71-win pace — but on their home court after a couple of losses don't be surprised if they come out looking to remind everyone why this team started 24-1, and just how suffocatingly dominant their defense can be.

OKC is led by reigning MVP (and current frontrunner to repeat) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams taking turns on any given night to see who is the second-best player on the team. They bring lockdown defenders like Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace off the bench.

Don't be surprised if the Thunder looks every bit that dominant team on Christmas… but underestimate these Spurs at your own peril. The Thunder won't.

Curry who? Come to watch the future: Cooper Flagg

If there has been a theme in the NBA in 2025, it's been the changing of the guard. While Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant are still high-level players and big draws (especially for casual fans), the league itself has started to move on.

Enter Cooper Flagg.

The No. 1 pick out of Duke has found an offensive comfort level and is thriving this season in Dallas. He looks like a future top-five player in the league. Just ask the Nuggets.

One thing to watch in this game is how Flagg handles what will be physical defense from Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. The Warriors are going to try to knock the rookie off his game. Literally.

The X-factor in this game may be Dallas center Anthony Davis — if he is dominant in the paint, as he was against Denver Tuesday, he's going to find room to operate and put up numbers. Maybe Steve Kerr adjusts and puts Green on Davis, but that just provides chances for Flagg to do his thing.

Also, while there will be a lot of chatter around the latest spat between Green and coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors have already moved on – they have been there, done that with these fights and just look past it. That will not impact them in this game. Flagg is the much bigger problem.

Durant vs. LeBron? Sure. But which team can get stops?

The first thing to watch with this game: Luka Doncic is expected to play after missing the last two Lakers games with a leg contusion. It's a safe bet he takes the court (and shows off his new signature shoe), but it's something to at least monitor.

Houston in Los Angeles got the prime time slot on Christmas Day because it's Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James. It's the first time these two future Hall of Famers have faced off on Christmas Day since 2018, and it's always a show when they do.

The KD/LeBron matchup also might be the fourth-most interesting thing about this game.

At the top of the list of things to watch is a question about the defenses – both teams are struggling on that end to get stops of late.

"The theme with our team, these young teams that move, we just can't move. It's like we're stuck in mud," Lakers coach J.J. Redick said Tuesday, calling out his team's defense in a blowout loss to the Suns. The Rockets are a young team that can move.

The Lakers have the 28th-ranked defense in the NBA over the last seven games — and the Rockets are 27th. Houston is 2-5 in those games because their defense can't get stops, as evidenced by Kawhi Leonard torching them for 41 points on Tuesday. Whichever team gets stops should take this one.

For fans who just start watching the NBA at Christmas, there's going to be a lot of, "Who is this Sengun guy?" Kevin Durant might have asked that when he got to Houston, but not anymore — Durant and Sengun, both locks to be All-Stars, have developed real chemistry. Sengun is averaging 23 points, 9.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists a night as the hub of the Houston offense.

"The way Kevin plays, he's a good fit with anybody," Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of Durant. "With his hands on the basketball, whether it's catch-and- shoot, whether it's pick-and-roll with him and Sengun, whatever it may be, when you have a great talent like that, he can fit around anyone."
One Xs and Os thing to monitor: The Lakers switch more on defense than any team in the league, and surprisingly, the Rockets have struggled against teams that switch a lot.

Can Anthony Edwards grab the spotlight?

The best player walking the face of the earth is in this nightcap game. Nikola Jokic is again averaging a triple-double — 28.9 points, 12 rebounds and 10.9 assists a game — and playing like an MVP.

However, the story to watch is the guy in the other uniform: Anthony Edwards.

Denver has beaten Minnesota twice this season already, and in the one game Edwards played he put up 26 points, but on 8-of-23 shooting. The Nuggets' defense, with Aaron Gordon, can make Edwards work for his points.

Except Gordon is out with a hamstring injury. The Edwards assignment may have fallen to Cameron Johnson, but he suffered a knee bruise on Tuesday night that will keep him out for a while (though it looked like it might have been worse; the Nuggets will take the bruise). A third starter, Christian Braun, is also out.

All of this leaves this season's Nuggets looking too much like last season's Nuggets — Jokic is brilliant, but there isn't enough around him.

Which gives Edwards a chance to be the superstar in this game.

"I don't think it's no pressure. I don't think I'm under a spotlight. I don't really think I'm a superstar," Edwards said recently. "I think to some people I may be. But to myself, I'm really not. So I don't really put no pressure on myself. They got other guys in the league for that."

He may not feel the pressure, but he is that guy.

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James Nnaji, whose draft rights are owned by Knicks, joins Baylor with immediate college basketball eligibility: reports

James Nnaji, whose NBA Draft rights are owned by the Knicks, enrolled at Baylor University with immediate eligibility to play college basketball this season, according to multiple reports Wednesday. Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress first reported the news, citing Nnaji's agents at Gersh Sports.

The 21-year-old center was on the Knicks' 2025 Summer League team and played in all five of New York's games. He averaged 3.2 points and 3.6 rebounds in 12.9 minutes.

Nnaji, whom the Knicks' Summer League roster listed at 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds, spent the past five years and change playing overseas.

The Detroit Pistons selected Nnaji with the 2023 NBA Draft's No. 31 overall pick -- the first selection in the second round -- and traded his rights to the Charlotte Hornets.

The Knicks acquired his rights in October 2024 when they made their three-team trade with the Hornets and Minnesota Timberwolves, which brought Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.

The Makurdi, Nigeria, native's playing career continues on a Baylor team that is 9-2 overall entering Monday's game against Arlington Baptist. The Bears open Big 12 Conference play next Saturday, Jan. 3, at TCU.

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Fantasy Basketball Christmas Day Slate Breakdown

Christmas Day delivers an NBA feast, with five marquee matchups featuring playoff implications, star power and plenty of fantasy basketball intrigue. From a bruising Eastern Conference showdown at Madison Square Garden to a heavyweight clash between San Antonio and Oklahoma City, this slate offers no shortage of storylines.

[It's not too late to create or join a High Score league, a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring]

Injuries loom large across several games, creating potential value swings and unexpected rotation changes. Superstars like Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards and Donovan Mitchell headline the action, while emerging contributors could swing outcomes. Here’s a game-by-game breakdown of what to watch as the NBA takes center stage on Christmas.

New York leads this season series 1-0. It's 7-3 over its past 10 games and it is 14-2 at home. Cleveland is 5-5 over its past 10 and is 6-6 on the road.

Like many of the games on this Christmas Day slate, there’s a notable injury report. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby are both questionable, while Evan Mobley remains sidelined. Potential absences to Brunson and Anunoby could lead to more minutes for Tyler Kolek and Jordan Clarkson, plus Mitchell Robinson and wing players like Ariel Hukporti.

For the Cavs, Dean Wade has been starting in place of Evan Mobley, and Sam Merrill is coming off a great performance and will help with the team’s offensive punch. Jaylon Tyson and Jarrett Allen should also continue seeing expanded roles. Donovan Mitchell has been Cleveland’s best performer, averaging 31.9 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.0 steals this month.

Brunson has been New York’s best player, but know for sure that Karl-Anthony Towns will be available. In December, he’s producing 23.6 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.0 steals.

The Spurs lead this season series 2-0. They’re 9-1 over their past 10, winning seven straight and are 10-5 on the road. OKC is 7-3 over its past 10 and is undefeated at home.

This game has a much cleaner injury report than Cavs/Knicks, though Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell are notably questionable. Their potential absences could create more opportunities for Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso and others. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to produce at an MVP level, averaging 32.4 points, 6.5 assists, 4.9 rebounds, 1.4 steals and 1.0 blocks in December.

For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama has come off the bench for five straight games and produced 17.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 blocks in 20.6 minutes. It’s unclear if he’ll rejoin the starting five and see a minutes increase for Christmas Day.

This is the first time these teams have faced off this season. The Mavericks are 3-9 on the road but are 6-4 overall across the past 10 games. Golden State is 9-4 at home and 5-5 across the past 10 games.

Dallas has a handful of role players questionable for this game, and one starter in PJ Washington. Cooper Flagg is coming off an excellent performance, with 33 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal and 1 block against the Nuggets. Anthony Davis has rounded back into form as well, averaging 26.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks across his past six games.

For the Warriors, Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler continue to be the team’s go-to options offensively. Curry is averaging 31.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.4 steals over his past five. During that same stretch, Butler is averaging 21.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals.

This is the first matchup of the season for these squads. Houston is 9-8 on the road and 4-6 across the past 10. The Lakers are 7-4 at home and 5-5 over the past 10.

Luka Dončić and Rui Hachimura are questionable for this one, as is Jaxson Hayes. That means we could see expanded roles from Austin Reaves and LeBron James as the Lakers’ primary creators, while Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart could see extra run. Reaves played 22 minutes in his return from a calf strain on Tuesday but should be at full strength for Christmas. In his prior 10 games, he averaged 27.2 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists.

Over LeBron’s past six games, he’s putting up 26.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.0 steals. The Rockets are being led by Alperen Şengün, who is having a career year with 23.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks.

Denver leads this season series 2-0. It's 9-5 at home and 7-3 across the team's past 10 games. Minnesota is 8-5 on the road and is 8-2 over the past 10 with a three-game win streak.

For Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels is questionable. His potential absence could lead to more minutes for Jaylen Clark and Terrence Shannon. Anthony Edwards continues to lead the way with averages of 28.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.3 steals.

Denver could be even more shorthanded than usual as Cam Johnson suffered a knee sprain Tuesday against the Mavericks. Assuming he is sidelined, more minutes should be in store for Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones. Nikola Jokić is putting up MVP numbers with 28.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 10.8 assists and 1.4 steals in December.

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Warriors superstar Steph Curry is GOAT of this NBA era, Kevin Garnett declares

Warriors superstar Steph Curry is GOAT of this NBA era, Kevin Garnett declares originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steph Curry and LeBron James have dominated the last two decades of NBA basketball.

But deciding which one is the best player of this era of NBA basketball is in the eye of the beholder. Curry and James are all-time greats who have made immense impacts on the game.

Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett has taken sides in the debate.

“I think all the young stars of our league are starting to come into their own,” Garnett told Paul Pierce on their podcast, “Ticket and The Truth with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce” on Tuesday. “I’ve said this countless times. I think that we’re in the Curry era. He is the GOAT of this era. When we talk about the long ball and the 3 ball, you got to talk about the messiah of that long ball, you understand, and that’s how I look at it.

“So in this era right here, I’m watching [the Thompson] twins, those twins, [Amen and Asaur], we didn’t see them come out of no … you know what I’m saying. We got stars that are just blossoming out of this league. Look at Cade Cunningham. Cade Cunningham, [the Detroit Pistons] are the number one team in the East. We wouldn’t have, you know, but if you watch their trajectory and you watch that Knicks series, you see what you’re seeing, right?”

Garnett went on to praise the young crop of players who just entered the NBA and those who will join the league next summer.

“Yeah, man, I’m so excited about what the future is,” Garnett told Pierce. “The rookies that’s coming, that came into the league this year, [Kon Knueppel], f—–g [Cooper] Flagg, [Derik] Queen … and all these guys. Then we got another rookie class coming in [2026]

“We’re gonna look at [Jayson] Tatum. We’re gonna look at [Jaylen] Brown. We’re gonna look at all these certified superstars, and we got all these young hungry wolves just, man, bro, the league is gonna be in a really good place, bro.”

Curry, a two-time NBA MVP, has a legitimate case as the best player of this generation, having led the Warriors to four NBA championships while changing the game with his 3-point shooting.

James, on the other hand, routinely is mentioned along with Michael Jordan as the two greatest NBA players ever.

But Garnett has made it clear he believes this era belongs to Curry, and The Big Ticket won’t find much argument in the Bay Area.

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Ben Simmons has gone fishing, buys controlling stake in professional sport fishing team

Sometimes in our modern age, stories gain traction where your first thought turns to, "Is this AI slop?" Then, it turns out to be legit.

Former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons has purchased a controlling stake in a professional sports fishing team, the South Florida Sails Angling Club, the Sports Fishing Championship announced.

Simons was born in Australia and grew up in Newcastle, New South Wales, where he developed a love of fishing, he said in a statement.

"I have always believed that investing in what you love means you have a responsibility to help move it forward," Simmons said in a statement. "Sportfishing has given me incredible experiences, and SFC is creating a platform that treats offshore fishing like the elite sport it is."

The Sports Fishing Championship is a 16-team professional offshore saltwater fishing league with 16 tournaments a year. Simmons is not the only big name to invest in the Championship, with golfer Scottie Scheffler, Las Vegas Raiders running back and kick returner Raheem Mostert, and NASCAR driver Austin Dillon among the other investors.

Simmons, 29, a three-time NBA All-Star, played 51 games between the Nets and Clippers last season and was solid enough on the offensive end in Los Angeles to get looks from a few teams, but no contract was forthcoming. He is still trying to catch on with an NBA team this season or get a chance next season.

In the meantime, he has fishing.

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J.J. Redick calls out Lakers effort after loss, 'It comes down to just making the choice'

The Lakers trailed the Suns by 10 at halftime Tuesday night. When asked what happened that turned a game they were into a blowout Phoenix win, JJ Redick was blunt.

"They scored on the first 13 possessions of the second half," the Lakers coach said of the Suns.

The Lakers went on to lose consecutive games for the first time this season, getting blown out by the Suns 132-108. Los Angeles was without Luka Doncic, but the Lakers have a respectable 116.2 offensive rating when Doncic is off the court this season (which would rank 11th in the league overall). What Redick called out is the Lakers' defense — which is bottom 10 in the league whether Doncic is on the court or not — and particularly the effort on that end of the floor.

"The theme with our team, these young teams that move, we just can't move. It's like we're stuck in mud," Redick said.

When asked if the Lakers had enough players who are inherently good defenders and give a full effort on that end, Redick was blunt.

"No."

He laid the blame for the defensive effort at the players' feet.

"It comes down to just making the choice. It's making the choice," Redick said. "There are shortcuts you can take or you can do the hard thing and you can make the second effort or you can sprint back or you can't. It's just a choice. And there's a million choices in a game, and you're very likely not going to make every choice correctly. But can you make the vast majority of them correctly? It gives you a chance to win."

Los Angeles' defense will be tested by another young team that can move on Christmas Day when the Lakers host the Rockets. It's a game in the national spotlight because of LeBron James and Kevin Durant, but the winner will come down to which team can defend (the Rockets have struggled on that end of late).

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Klay Thompson back in Bay for Warriors game, takes Megan Thee Stallion on boat

Klay Thompson back in Bay for Warriors game, takes Megan Thee Stallion on boat originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Klay Thompson is back in the Bay Area, and on Wednesday, the former Warriors guard did one of his favorite activities.

Thompson posted two videos on his Instagram stories showing him driving his boat around the San Francisco Bay.

And the current Dallas Mavericks guard had two special guests: His girlfriend, Megan Thee Stallion, and her dog, Foe Thee Frenchie.

Thompson and the Mavericks are in the Bay Area to take on Steph Curry and the Warriors on Christmas Day at Chase Center.

After 13 years and 11 full seasons with the Warriors, Thompson is in his second campaign with the Mavericks, who are 12-19 and floundering after trading superstar Luka Dončić last season.

The 35-year-old Thompson is putting up some of the worst numbers of his career, as his role with the Mavericks has fluctuated.

After starting the first seven games of the season, he has come off the bench in 20 of 21 games he has played in since. In 28 total contests, Thompson is averaging a career low 11.1 points on 36.9 percent shooting from the field and 35.3 percent from 3-point range.

But none of that will matter on Thursday when Thompson takes on his former team in front of Dub Nation, which adores him.

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Knicks Mailbag: Is there any truth to NY's reported interest in Donte DiVincenzo?

It's another edition of Knicks' Mailbag with SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley ready to answer your questions surrounding the team. Let's get started...

@Kameel888 -- I am wondering, was there any truth to the Knicks being interested in Donte DiVincenzo? Has there been any movement in that regard? Thank you, Ian!

Hey Kameel, I’m sure the Knicks would love to have Donte DiVincenzo on the team. They hated losing him in the Karl-Anthony Towns trade, and he was part of the fabric of the 2023-24 team. With regards to any movement, I’ve checked around on this for the past few days and haven’t heard about any significant movement. People on all sides of a potential trade see it as highly unlikely. I’m not questioning the ClutchPoints report on DiVincenzo and the Knicks, but I don’t think there is anything happening there.

The Knicks would have to trade either Josh Hart or Mitchell Robinson to make a deal work. They aren’t trading Hart. I don’t see how they can trade Robinson; if they did trade him, it wouldn’t make sense to get a non-big in return.

@tru_zoom -- When will Shamet and McBride get reevaluated again?

I think we’ll have an update on Landry Shamet by the end of the month. At the time of the shoulder injury, there was a strong belief/optimism that Shamet could avoid surgery. I believe that is still the case. Shamet continues to rehab the injury but hasn’t needed a surgical procedure. That’s a good sign for a Knick team that leaned on Shamet before he got hurt.

With regards to Miles McBride, he has been working vigorously on the court with Knicks coaches. I don’t know if he is fully sprinting yet, but he has been cleared for contact; he just hasn’t had the chance to take contact in a scrimmage setting because the Knicks haven’t practiced (NBA teams rarely practice during the heart of the regular season). But based on the available information, I would guess that McBride is back before the end of the calendar year.

@AndrewA59778512 -- Ian, for Jalen Brunson, is it more rest for him?

@DylanBackerESM -- Do you think OG’s injury is anything serious, or are they mainly just resting him? Seems like they’re just resting Brunson.

Six games in 10 days for the Knicks, going back to the NBA Cup Final in Las Vegas, plus the early start on Christmas Day. I think this is all in the name of resting Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby. I assume this was all about giving Brunson and Anunoby a night off (Tuesday at Minnesota) amid a tough stretch of the season.

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Steve Kerr acknowledges the Warriors' grim reality as a ‘fading dynasty'

Steve Kerr acknowledges the Warriors' grim reality as a ‘fading dynasty' originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – Steve Kerr on Wednesday acknowledged the obvious but unspoken truth within the Warriors.

The golden days of yore are over. And they’re not coming back, because that’s not how the aging process works.

“We are no longer the ‘17 Warriors, dominating the league,” Kerr said. “We are a fading dynasty.

“We know that. Everybody knows that.”

The 2016-17 Warriors were an all-time great squad featuring four All-Stars: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. That team posted a 67-15 record in the regular season and went 16-1 in the postseason.

Those Warriors took a 27-4 record into a Christmas Day game against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The current Warriors have been a middling bunch, with Curry as the only certain All-Star. Taking a 15-15 record into their Christmas Day game against the Dallas Mavericks, they’re aiming for a third consecutive victory – which would tie their longest streak of the season.

Moreover, they’re two days removed from a win over the Orlando Magic that was blighted by a heated public squabble between Kerr and Green.

“We have issues, just like every other team has issues,” conceded Kerr, who said he and Green apologized to each other and that each apologized to the team. “But we have to work through them. And I believe that this was a major step in that happening. And I feel really good about where our team is on the floor, about where we’re heading. I see the potential to do exactly what we did last year, to really go on run and give ourselves a chance and where we are as a team, as an organization.

“The most important thing for me is for guys to recognize that there’s beauty in the struggle. There’s beauty in what we’re trying to accomplish right now.”

The Warriors have 52 games to pull themselves together and rise from eighth place in the Western Conference into at least the top six; they’re 3.5 games behind sixth-place Houston. Their preseason goal was to finish among the top four, and they are five games behind the fourth-place Lakers.

“What is up to us? How do we carry ourselves, night to night? How connected are we? And can we give ourselves another swing at the plate?” Kerr said. “We did that last year. I was really proud of the team last year, despite the loss against Minnesota. (Without) the injury to Steph, who knows how far we would have gone?

“But we gave ourselves a chance, and that’s the goal here. We know where we are. We’ve got to know who we are. We got to know what’s possible, and we have to take pride in the struggle, because this is part of life.”

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Draymond Green open to coming off Warriors bench; Steve Kerr not interested

Draymond Green open to coming off Warriors bench; Steve Kerr not interested originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – There is a growing sentiment that Warriors coach Steve Kerr might consider asking Draymond Green to take the path once tread by Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson.

Leave the starting lineup and come off the bench.

Green, according to Kerr, would not oppose such a move.

“He’s told me,” Kerr said Wednesday after practice. “He told me, this year, ‘I’ll go to the bench if you need me to.’ I know what Draymond is about. He’s about winning.” 

The thought of such a move is based mostly on the dynamic between Jimmy Butler III and Green. Each is most valuable with the ball in his hands and, naturally, each is diminished when playing off the ball. When both are on the floor with Stephen Curry, ball distribution sometimes gets stifled.

Another factor that makes it conceivable to bring Draymond off the bench is that neither he nor Butler is a spot-up shooter. Butler is an opportunistic shooter, and Green is a pass-first ballhandler who sometimes is a reluctant shooter.

But Kerr is not ready to make any such change.

“That’s not even a consideration for me right now,” he said, “Because I’m really excited about this starting lineup: Steph, Draymond, Moses (Moody), (Quinten Post), Jimmy, I think it’s a great starting lineup for us, because we get the size and shooting of Quentin next to Dray, which takes the pressure off of him. And Dre is at his best next to Steph. He should play most of his minutes with Steph. Those two guys are incredible together.

“So, the idea of bringing him off the bench, I understand it in theory, like, well, maybe we can get this or get that. That’s all we do as a staff is think about this stuff. All day long. And we’ve had every discussion about how to make our team the best. I’m convinced it’s with what we’re doing right now.”

Kerr persuaded Iguodala to come off the bench in 2015-16 because his two-way versatility and intellect were better suited for the second unit than Harrison Barnes. Iguodala made only 25 starts over his final seven seasons, with two teams.

Kerr’s decision to have Thompson come off the bench, much to Klay’s chagrin, was in hopes of finding a game-changing scorer with the second unit. That lasted only 14 games.

Though Kerr acknowledges that Green has spent more time working on his 3-point shooting from the corners – a reliable threat from the corners would an ideal asset for lineups featuring Curry and Butler – he’s not ready to make any adjustments.

Golden State’s current starting lineup is 2-1 and will play its fourth game on Thursday, Christmas Day, against the Dallas Mavericks.

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Warriors' Steve Kerr shoulders blame for heated Draymond Green bench incident

Warriors' Steve Kerr shoulders blame for heated Draymond Green bench incident originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The incident between Draymond Green and Steve Kerr is water under the bridge.

A video surfaced online during the Warriors’ 120-97 win over the Orlando Magic on Monday that showed a heated discussion between Green and Kerr on the team’s bench in the third quarter that concluded with the veteran forward walking off into the locker room.

Both Green and Kerr addressed the incident after the game, admitting that tempers boiled over, but expressed confidence that they would be able to move past it.

It appears they have.

Kerr spoke to local reporters on Wednesday, and shared where things stand between him and Green while shouldering the blame for the incident.

“We talked today, we had a great chat,” Kerr said. “Frankly… Monday night was not my finest hour. That was a time I needed to be calm in the huddle. So I regret my actions in that exchange. I apologized to Dray, he apologized to me, we both apologized to the team. These things, they happen. Especially when you get two incredibly competitive people like Dray and me. Over the 12 years we’ve been together, this has happened occasionally. I’m not proud of it. We had a great chat.

“I care so much about Draymond. And the relationship we have is like family. And like family, you go through ups and downs. My number one goal, honestly, is for him to finish his career as a Warrior, with us, fighting — metaphorically, not literally — and competing together. Until we’re both done. And I believe that’s going to happen. Because I believe in Draymond and I believe in myself, and I believe in everything we’ve built for the last 12 years.” (h/t The San Francisco Standard’s Danny Emerman)

Kerr revealed that both he and Green also discussed the incident with the team and apologized for it and said he expects “the very best” from Green in Thursday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks at Chase Center.

“I do,” Kerr said when asked if he thought the air within the team was clear now. “I think there’s always going to be dynamics within a team, any team, that exist all season long. And it’s the coach’s job and the leaders of the team’s job to help guys through those circumstances. We have issues just like every other team has issues. But we have to work through them.

“I believe this was a major step in that happening. I feel really good about where our team is on the floor, about where we’re heading. I see the potential to do exactly what we did last year. To really go on a run and give ourselves a chance.”

There has been plenty of outside speculation surrounding Green’s future with the Warriors, especially since Monday night’s incident. However, Kerr believes it’s clear that Green wants to finish his illustrious NBA career with one team and one team only: The Warriors.

“Oh yeah. One of the things I love about Draymond is his loyalty … He’s loyal to the Warriors. Loyal to me. Loyal to Steph [Curry]. He wants to be here his whole career. I want nothing more than that. I love Draymond, love everything he’s meant to me, to the organization, to the Bay. He’s a complicated guy.

“He’d be the first to admit that. He’s very complex. But he’s undyingly loyal and passionate and I will go to bat for him as long as I’m coaching him here. Honestly, I’d go to bat for him 20 years from now when we haven’t been together. That’s how strongly I feel about him. And that’s how I want this thing to end with us, whenever that is.”

With the incident now behind them, Green, Kerr and the Warriors will re-focus and look to extend Golden State’s current winning streak to three games on Christmas Day against former Warriors guard Klay Thompson and the Mavericks.

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The Celtics' biggest holiday gift? Being ahead of schedule

The Celtics' biggest holiday gift? Being ahead of schedule originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Merry Christmas, Celtics fans. Boston doesn’t have a game on the NBA’s marquee day for the first time in a decade, but we suspect it will only be a one-year holiday hiatus. Heck, if the league could flex the Celtics into the Cavaliers’ spot on Thursday, they probably would.

Instead, you can spend the 25th savoring the strides these Celtics have made since a jarring summer overhaul. Think about how hazy the future appeared after all the summer changes, and contrast that with the optimism that flows about where this team is headed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the wins and losses — the fact that Boston sits seven games over .500 and in third place in the Eastern Conference with a third of the season in the rearview is encouraging on its own — but the real victory here is just how bright the future appears.

Jaylen Brown has muscled himself into the MVP conversation while making 30-point nights seem routine. Jayson Tatum has attacked his rehab from Achilles surgery and has a chance to at least ponder a return in a season most thought he’d miss entirely. Boston’s entire cluster of young wings, including recent draftees Jordan Walsh, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez, have all impacted winning far more than anyone could have expected to this point.

Joe Mazzulla is pushing all the right buttons, and while he’d be the first to suggest that nobody cares, he deserves to be in the way-too-early conversation for Coach of the Year. And if they keep their foot on the accelerator heading into calendar year 2026, the Celtics could give president of basketball operations Brad Stevens even more motivation to seek big man help that would bolster the roster for a stretch run.

The Celtics are 18-11 with the sixth-best point differential in the NBA (+5.9). They’d be on pace to hit Phil Jackson’s 40/20 rule (40 wins before 20 losses) if not for a couple stumbles against inferior opponents. They still might get there given a favorable strength of schedule through the early portion of 2026.

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But again, taking a step back: Even if Boston does throw itself into contention more than most expected this season, the longer-term future is even more tantalizing. It’s fair to daydream about what a Tatum/Brown combo is capable of when, 1) Tatum has fully shaken rust from his Achilles rehab and 2) Teams can’t load up on Brown again with Tatum back on the floor.

Big man Neemias Queta has thrived in increased minutes. Walsh has been a revelation, looking like an All-Defense stalwart whom opposing coaches and players can’t stop gushing about. And then there’s 19-year-old Gonzalez, with his limitless motor, who makes the kinds of winning plays that endeared Marcus Smart to fans throughout his Boston tenure.

There were so many questions surrounding this team entering the season. Could Brown thrive in the 1A role? Could Mazzulla get the most out of an overhauled roster that lost a ton of talent? Could Queta fill the big-man role after the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet? Would any of Boston’s young wings emerge as viable rotation options in the long term?

The answer to each questions has basically been an emphatic, “Yes.” Beyond some long-distance shooting slumps for Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, there hasn’t been much to fret for these Celtics through the first two months of the new season.

A lot has to continue to go right this season for the team to be truly competitive this season. But it feels OK to daydream, given both the wide-open nature of the East and Tatum’s potential return. Nothing about what the Celtics are doing feels fleeting. In fact, it feels like the team can be even a bit more consistent in all facets of the game.

The Celtics have already posted wins over all their top East rivals. They’ve beaten Orlando, Detroit, Cleveland, New York, Toronto and Miami while going 13-4 since November 12. Boston owns both the No. 2 offensive rating and the No. 2 net rating (+9.8) in the NBA in that span.

If Santa Stevens can leave another big man under Boston’s tree — even if it doesn’t happen until January or early February — the team could further shore up the rebounding woes that have conspired against its middling defensive rating.

It’s often said that the NBA season doesn’t start until Christmas. But that would diminish what the Celtics have accomplished lately. There could still be some bumps in the road this season and it’s fair to tread cautiously with expectations. But it doesn’t seem far-fetched to think that Boston could re-emerge as a legit title contender no later than the 2026-27 campaign.

So, enjoy a quiet Christmas. It’s probably the last one without the green team for a while. The Celtics feel ahead of schedule. And that’s the best gift they could have given their fans this holiday season.