Tre White and Flory Bidunga each had 18 points and eight rebounds as No. 17 Kansas used balanced scoring to beat Davidson 90-61 on Monday night. Bryson Tiller added 11 points and Jamari McDowell scored 10. Melvin Council Jr. had 10 points, nine assists and seven rebounds.
NBA, FIBA to begin formally talking to teams about NBA Europe in January
Whatever is happening with domestic expansion, the NBA Europe league is moving full speed ahead.
The NBA and FIBA announced Monday that they "will in January move forward in their joint exploration of a new professional, pan-European men's basketball league by engaging prospective teams and ownership groups in the process to join the league." While for the last year there have been informal meetings with potential teams — and J.P. Morgan has looked into the financials of potential investors — things are now about to become much more formal.
The 12-16 team league is projected to have several "permanent" members — Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been mentioned as teams the league met with — but also will provide "a merit-based pathway" to qualify each year, either through FIBA's Basketball Champions League or another European league tournament. The new NBA league will need some big-name existing clubs to get the fan buy-in it seeks across Europe.
"[The NBA has met with] a combination of existing clubs, organizations that own clubs in other leagues, city officials, many of whom I've met with, as well, governmental leaders of states in terms of their interest," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in Las Vegas last week before the NBA Cup final. "I'd say we've heard a lot of very positive interest in our moving forward.
"I think we at the league office are still working on the economic model, want to make sure it makes sense. As I've said before, many of the cities we'd like to be in don't have a sufficient arena infrastructure, so that's something that we would need to work on in terms of private investment, maybe work with those municipalities, as well."
What the NBA will want is a formal salary structure (likely with a hard cap) to build out this league, and the NBA is banking on its business model — and ability to get some new arenas constructed — to turn this into a profitable venture for both the teams involved and the league.
With its announcement, the league also said both it and FIBA "plan to dedicate financial support and resources to the continued development of Europe's basketball ecosystem, including domestic leagues, club team academies, and the NBA and FIBA's existing programs to develop aspiring players, coaches and referees at all levels of the game."
The goal has been a fall 2027 launch for the new NBA Europe league.
Nets recall rookie Ben Saraf from G League after 40-point performance
After dropping a career-high 40 points in the G League on Monday afternoon, the Nets are recalling rookie Ben Saraf.
Saraf, one of Brooklyn's five first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft (No. 26 overall), was dominant for the Long Island Nets in their 116-97 win over the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League Winter Showcase.
The point guard shot 54 percent in the scoring outburst, going 14-for-26 from the field, including 6-for-10 from three. He also added in six rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
Saraf does have a right ankle sprain, but is being listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The rookie has played in just 12 NBA games so far with five starts. In those limited minutes (16.9 per game), he's averaging 5.4 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 rebounds per game.
With Cam Thomas still sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Saraf will look to make the most of his opportunities and hope his scoring can translate to the association.
First 40-Point Game for Ben 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wCVn0azWlQ
— Long Island Nets (@LongIslandNets) December 22, 2025
Latest Draymond-Kerr spat overshadows heroic Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler efforts
Latest Draymond-Kerr spat overshadows heroic Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler efforts originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – From the roster through the coaching staff and all the way up to the front office, the Warriors have longed for the kind of tag-team performance delivered Monday night by Jimmy Butler III and Stephen Curry.
They were terrific and timely, the baton going from one to the other, and it led directly to a 120-97 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Unfortunately for the Warriors, Butler, Curry and their dual glories had to share the spotlight with an inglorious moment in the third quarter between Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr.
“We got into it, obviously,” Kerr said. “And I took the timeout because I thought we lost our focus there a little bit. And we had it out a little bit. And he made his decision to go back to the locker room to cool off.”
It was during the timeout with 8:31 left in the third quarter that matters reached a boiling point. Kerr was facing the bench, within a couple feet of Draymond, and it became clear their blowup was escalating. Green left his seat on the bench and headed into the locker room, with player development coach Anthony Vereen on his heels.
“Tempers spilled over,” Green said. “And I thought it was best that get out of there. I didn’t think it was a situation where it was going to get better. So, it was best to remove myself.”
Though this was not the first or second or third time that Kerr and Green have clashed in their 11-plus years together, this was the most public display. Once Draymond went to the locker room, Kerr basically considered him done for the night.
“Well, he left, he went back to the locker room,” Kerr said. “We moved forward, and the guys played great. They helped win with a really good second half, and I’m very proud of the team.”
Both Kerr and Green insisted that the raw emotions will not linger, and maybe they won’t. They have, again, a history of tempestuous moments and have continued to be supportive of each other.
“We’ve been at this now for a long time,” Green said. “So, sometimes when you’re with people for a long time, there’s a level of comfort, and s–t happens. We move forward.”
What can’t be ignored is that this is the second consecutive game Golden State has flourished without Green. After he was ejected in the second quarter Saturday against Phoenix, the Warriors flipped a 10-point deficit into a six-point win. This time, the team’s response was even more emphatic, as they outscored the Magic 54-26 after Green left the game.
“There’s a sense of urgency when he’s not out there because our margin for error goes down without his presence,” Curry said. “So that’s the frustrating part about this whole thing. Being 15-15, we feel like we’re playing better than your record shows because we can respond. We were resilient.
“You know, being able to respond like we have these last two games doesn’t mean anything long term. I don’t know, but it makes it fun, because you have adversity, whether it’s from the other team or something self-inflicted and you’re able to respond the way that you need to, to get a win because it matters. And nobody’s letting go of the rope.
It was Curry and Butler who had the tightest grip on this night. As Curry struggled through an abysmal first half, Butler’s obscene efficiency kept the Warriors afloat against the lengthy and pesky Orlando Magic. He took six shots and turned them into 16 points.
When Curry – who scored eight points on 13 field-goal attempts in the first – came out of halftime with a 15-point third quarter on 6-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-3 from deep. Butler subtly slid over so the franchise player could open the door to a 120-97 victory that put the Warriors back at .500 (15-15).
It was as if Butler and Curry had swapped capes at halftime.
“Two of the best players in the league when we got Jimmy last year, that’s what it looked like,” Kerr said. “Two stars, carrying the team. Draymond at center, holding down the defense. We go 23-8 and win a round in the playoffs. We’ve seen this. It’s just that here in the early part of this season, we haven’t been able to capture that same momentum.
“But I’ve been saying this for weeks. I’m very confident in this group, and I think we’re going to we’re going to find it. And I think you saw, you know what, what that can look like tonight.”
There is a hitch in the comparison to last season’s late surge. Draymond played fewer than 18 minutes, and the Warriors did their best work without him. On a night when Kerr and Green were snapping at each other, Butler and Curry held it down. It worked splendidly in this game. If only that would assure that the next few days and games will be free of drama.
Lakers' Deandre Ayton expected back Tuesday, Austin Reaves injury status upgraded
As Lakers coach JJ Redick talked after practice Monday about the long list of players who would be listed as day-to-day for Tuesday night’s game at Phoenix, he at least knew that center Deandre Ayton will be back after missing two games because of left elbow soreness.
Redick said Luka Doncic (left leg contusion), Austin Reaves (mild left calf strain) and Rui Hachimura (right groin soreness) were day-to-day. Gabe Vincent (lower back tightness), however, is expected to be out longer.
A few hours later, Reaves was upgraded to questionable, while Doncic, Hachimura and Vincent were officially ruled out for the Suns game.
Redick said Doncic was injured when he was kneed by Clippers guard Bagdan Bogdanovic during Saturday night’s loss at Intuit Dome.
Redick said the Lakers have noticed that Doncic, who leads the NBA in scoring (34.1) and is fourth in assists (8.8), gets hit in his lower leg a lot during games.
Read more:Lakers ask officials for consistency as technical fouls pile up in loss to Clippers
“It could just be the de-ce. I don’t know,” Redick said, alluding to the way Doncic decelerates with the ball in his hands. “The way he uses his body? I don’t know. … We’re talking about looking into ways to potentially protect against these, so sort of like, collisions.”
Reaves, who's 10th in scoring at 27.8 points, missed the last three games. He was on the court shooting after practice Monday, and Redick was asked what it will take for his guard to get back in games.
"Given the nature of that area, I think it’s when he feels 100% confident and he doesn’t feel it hurting,” Redick said. “It’s fun, guys. It’s fun. It’s fun. It’s a fun day to talk about injuries.”
Redick said there was no real update on Hachimura’s injury, but that Ayton was a full participant in practice.
Ayton, who is second in the NBA in field-goal percentage (71%) and is averaging 15.3 points and 9.0 rebounds, was asked if he was playing against his former team the Suns. He averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds in the first two matchups.
"Most definitely,” he said. “I'm straight. Most definitely."
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
What we learned as Steph Curry's big third quarter fuels Warriors' win vs. Magic
What we learned as Steph Curry's big third quarter fuels Warriors' win vs. Magic originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – It was one month ago when the Magic beat the Warriors by eight points without Paolo Banchero. The former No. 1 pick was on the court Monday night for Orlando, but this time it was down Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Tristan da Silva, all three of whom started when these two teams last battled each other.
The Warriors took advantage of an undermanned Magic team five weeks later, closing the first half on a 5-0 run and cruising in the second half for a 120-97 win at Chase Center. After leading by one point at halftime, the Warriors outscored the Magic 62-40 in the second half.
Steph Curry, after a slow start, scored a game-high 26 points and dished a team-high six assists. Jimmy Butler only needed nine shot attempts to reach 21 points, and Moses Moody (20 points) gave the Warriors three different 20-point scorers.
This wasn’t a win from one, two or even three Warriors. A plethora had their hands in the victory as the bench outscored Orlando’s reserves 36-21.
Here are three takeaways from a Warriors win that got them back to .500 with a 15-15 record.
Steph Finds His Second-Half Groove
Any sign of discomfort for Curry is an automatic reason for all of Dub Nation to hold its breath, which is what happened early in the second quarter. Curry twisted his left ankle near the Warriors’ bench, began limping and bent over to talk with the coaches as Gary Payton II was whistled for an offensive foul.
But Curry stayed in the game and drained a deep 2-pointer that originally was listed as a 3-pointer on the Warriors’ next offensive possession. He only scored eight points in the first half on 3-of-13 shooting and missed all six of his 3-point attempts as the Warriors struggled from deep as a team.
At the 8:20 mark of the third quarter, Curry finally got a 3-pointer to land on his seventh try. And then he made a 30-foot stepback, followed by a 15-foot stepback mid-range jumper. He didn’t make consecutive shots once in the first two quarters, and then was a perfect 6-of-6 shooting and 3 of 3 from 3-point range in the third quarter.
Curry enjoyed the final seven-plus minutes from the bench. Starting slow and catching fire in the third quarter, 18 of Curry’s 26 points came in the second half, including all four of his threes. He now has scored at least 25 points in nine of his last 12 games.
Different Kind of Aggressive Butler
In Butler’s own words, after Saturday night’s win, the reasoning behind his second straight big scoring game was as simple as can be: He got the ball. Warriors coach Steve Kerr and his players have spoken about the need to get Butler into a rhythm offensively, and their intentions are clear.
Strength on strength, power vs. power. The matchup between Butler and Banchero was one to keep your eyes on, with both muscling their way to the basket. Butler, in the previous two games, averaged 28 points and 19 field goal attempts.
He didn’t need to reach those numbers for the Warriors to get their second straight win. Butler was the Warriors’ leading scorer going into halftime with 16 points on just six shots with only one miss. His aggressiveness also was seen in Butler going 6 of 7 on free throws in the first half.
Butler took just one shot in the third quarter, swishing a one-legged three from the left corner at the end of the shot clock. He took two more in the fourth quarter, bringing him to 21 points on nine shots and seven free throw attempts. An aggressive Butler game can come in a handful of ways.
Respect The Hustle
Like an out-of-control 8-year-old child, Brandin Podziemski sometimes needs a reminder to take a deep breath and relax. There were instances on Monday night where a nudge to do so was needed. But his hustle couldn’t be denied.
Look at how his willingness to dive on the floor led to a chaotic Curry three in the third quarter.
When Podziemski truly is impacting a game, it’s felt, and that was the case against the Magic. His plus/minus met the eye test. Podziemski was a game-high plus-36 in 28 minutes off the bench, doing a bit of everything with 16 points, four rebounds and five assists.
Both Payton and Moody had similar influences on the win. Moody was second to Podziemski as a plus-23 while scoring 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting and making three 3-pointers. Payton threw down multiple dunks and tallied seven points, four rebounds and five assists.
The dynamic duo of Curry and Butler led the Warriors to their second straight win. They couldn’t get it done, though, without the effort of an energetic Podziemski-Payton-Moody trio.
NBA power rankings 2025-26: Thunder, Knicks on top as we hand out Christmas gifts to every team
The weather outside is frightful (well, maybe not in Miami and Los Angeles, but most places) so let's focus on seeing what's in Santa's bag for the 30 NBA teams.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
(25-3, last week No. 1)
The hardest person to buy gifts for is the person you know who has everything. What Oklahoma City really wants for Christmas is not handed out until June. Do they also want to win 73 or more games this season and challenge the Warriors' record? "Absolutely," Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Winning matters, and no matter what form it looks like to me. So absolutely." SGA is also in the mix for another MVP award because of all those wins and how he is playing — he has scored 30+ points in less than 30 minutes of play 10 times this season, already an NBA record (and he's played in just 27 games).
2. New York Knicks
(20-8, last week No. 2)
What the Knicks want for Christmas can't be handed out until June — a ring. A championship they would actually host a banner for. That said, the NBA Cup title showed why this team has to be considered the favorite to come out of the East. It's not simply that they have Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, it's that when Towns' calf is sore, he takes an extended rest in the game, Mitchell Robinson comes in and grabs 10 offensive boards. It's the Spurs' length keeping Brunson in relative check much of the night (although he fully deserved the Cup MVP award), it's Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek coming in with energy and big games off the bench. The Knicks showed real depth and grit, which is exactly what they will need in May and June. Jalen Brunson dropped a personal MSG-best 47 on the Heat on Sunday. New York is once again playing the opening game on Christmas Day, taking on Cleveland.
JALEN BRUNSON NEW CAREER HIGH AT MSG
— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2025
47 PTS (MSG career-best)
8 AST
6 3PM
Knicks get their 7th win in 8 games! pic.twitter.com/fcI9B1znra
3. Detroit Pistons
(22-6, last week No. 3)
Do the Pistons need one more ball handler and shot creator for Christmas? Cade Cunningham has taken a step forward and looks like a guy who could end up on the MVP ballot this season — 27 points, 9.2 assists and 6.5 rebounds a game — while Jalen Duran is now a lock All-Star in the East and earned himself a big payday this summer. This team has stars. But come the playoffs, when good defenses load up on Cunningham, do they have the guy who can step up and be the secondary shot creator they will need? Or, do they need to make a trade? Lauri Markkanen would be a perfect fit on paper, but Utah may not be willing to part with him (or at least at a fair price). Is there anyone else? Detroit can be patient in looking for that player, because this already looks like a team ready for a deep playoff run.
4. Denver Nuggets
(20-7, last week No. 5)
All the Nuggets want for Christmas is to get healthy, but credit the team for going 8-4 with Christian Brian and Aaron Gordon sidelined. The team had won six in a row before falling to Houston over the weekend (the Rockets and Nuggets split two games last week. Denver remains the team that is the biggest threat to Oklahoma City this season, but it needs to be healthy in May to have a shot. Usually, you can bank on the massive advantage the Nuggets have in their mile-high arena, except Denver is 12-2 on the road this season and just 8-5 at home. It will be interesting to see how that plays out the rest of the season.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
(19-10, last week No. 6)
The Timberwolves are finding their footing and playing well of late (9-2 in their last 11), but could use a point guard for Christmas. We're not talking about a big, expensive and ball-dominant one (not Ja Morant, Trae Young, James Harden or LaMelo Ball), but just a floor general who can help organize the offense at times and hit a few shots. The question is, where is that guy? Derrick White would be perfect, but Boston isn't giving him up. Coby White's name comes up, as does Darius Garland (although his health and play this season are a concern), but in an unforgiving West Minnesota feels like it needs one more guy to have a shot at returning to the conference finals (or beyond).
6. Houston Rockets
(17-9, last week No. 4)
What Houston wants for Christmas is to start taking better care of the ball. This was the biggest concern after point guard Fred VanVleet went down — Houston turns the ball over 16.3 times a game, second most in the league (to Portland), and their 13.8 turnover rate is seventh in the league. This is why the Rockets are mentioned in point-guard trade talks, but don’t expect them to go after a ball-dominant one (such as Ja Morant or LaMelo Ball). If they make a move, it will be more low-key than that. What I want for the Rockets for Christmas came after two great showdowns last week — especially Monday's amazing game (on Peacock) — I want Denver and Houston to finish as the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the West, setting up a second-round playoff series between Alperen Sengun and Nikola Jokic. Catch the Rockets on Tuesday night on Coast 2 Coast on NBC and Peacock when they travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers.
7. San Antonio Spurs
(21-7, last week No. 8)
What the Spurs want for Christmas is just more time. Becoming the team the Spurs want to be — a championship team — is a process. One that requires patience (and not a quick fix at the trade deadline). The NBA Cup final four showed all of that for San Antonio, starting with the impressive win against Oklahoma City, where Victor Wembanyama provided a spark. Then, in the title game, they looked more inexperienced, not taking advantage of their superior play through most of the first three quarters and lost to the gritty Knicks. “Playing really competitive games against really, really good teams…” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said of what the Spurs took away from Las Vegas. “I'm not sure about all the Cup experience of all teams. But to be able to feel those games, work those games, be in the moment in those games, I think is a valuable experience." Another valuable experience comes this week in two games against those Thunder — Tuesday night on NBA Coast 2 Coast on NBC and Peacock, and then again on Christmas Day.
8. Boston Celtics
(17-11, last week No. 7)
Celtics fans may have to wait a few more weeks — until after the All-Star break — but it looks like they are going to get their Christmas wish: Jayson Tatum back on the court. Behind the best season of Jaylen Brown's career, the Celtics sit third in the East, have won 7-of-10, have a top-five offense. This is a good team in a relatively wide-open conference, adding its best player and... Celtics fans can dream for Christmas.
9. Los Angeles Lakers
(19-8, last week No. 9)
What the Lakers want for Christmas is a high-level point-of-attack defender who can also hit some 3-pointers. Jarred Vanderbilt returning to the rotation helps, but it's just a start. This is a team with an elite offense when healthy — and with Austin Reaves out the last three games LeBron James has stepped up and averaged 30 points a night — but it's the defense, particularly against teams with attacking guards (such as recent losses to Phoenix and San Antonio) that do them in. The problem is 3&D wings are in high demand around the league. Herb Jones would be perfect, but the Pelicans' asking price is outside what the Lakers will pay. Keon Ellis with the Kings has been linked to the Lakers, but he is in demand, and the price may be higher than expected for him.
10. Philadelphia 76ers
(16-11, last week No. 12)
What the 76ers want for Christmas may be just to get (and keep) Joel Embiid and Paul George healthy enough to make this team a playoff threat. Tyrese Maxey is playing at an All-NBA (maybe even bottom of the MVP ballot) level this season and the backcourt with him, VJ Edgecombe, Quentin Grimes and Jared McCain is one of the best in the league. Embiid and George can help this team's defense — Philly's defense is 9.3 points per 100 possessions better this season with George on the court — and any offense is a bonus. If Philly is healthy, this is a very tough out in the postseason for any team in an open East.
11. Orlando Magic
(16-12, last week No. 10)
Can Santa have something, anything in his bag that can help the Magic keep their stars healthy? Desmond Bane can hit some game winners, as he did in Utah, but until we get a lengthy stretch with both Franz Wagner (out with a high ankle sprain) and Paolo Banchero together, it's hard to get a great read on this team's ceiling. The Magic are 2-2 since Wagner went down with this latest injury, and that latest win is thanks to Bane.
WILD OVERTIME ENDING IN UTAH!
— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2025
KEYONTE GEORGE 4-POINT PLAY.
DESMOND BANE GAME-WINNER.
ORLANDO WINS A THRILLER ON THE ROAD! pic.twitter.com/extDt5UVKm
12. Toronto Raptors
(17-13, last week No. 14)
What Toronto wants for Christmas is some help in the front court. It has been linked in trades to Anthony Davis and Daniel Gafford from Dallas, as well as Nick Richards in Phoenix and Domantas Sabonis in Sacramento. Both Sabonis and Davis have injury histories and more expensive contracts, which make a trade for Gafford or Richards (or another solid but less pricey big) more likely. The big issue in Toronto is the offense, which has been the worst in the league over the last 11 games when Toronto is 3-8. RJ Barrett's injury is part of that, as is Jakob Poeltl being in and out of the lineup due to injuries. Good test in Miami on Tuesday for the Raptors.
13. Miami Heat
(15-14, last week No. 13)
Miami wants the return of its pace and mojo from early in the season for Christmas. The Heat's pace has fallen off significantly of late, and with that, so has the offense, which is 25th in the league over the last five games. Miami is 1-7 in its last eight games and is sliding down the East standings (they currently sit eighth). The one bright spot is Kel'el Ware, who has started the team's last three games and averaged 24.7 points and 15 rebounds a night.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
(15-14, last week No. 11)
What do the Cavaliers need for Christmas? How about some intensity against the Knicks on Christmas Day? Part of why the Cavaliers have stumbled out of the gate — and why there are people watching how hot the seat of coach Kenny Atkinson gets (although the organization is being patient right now, it's still a cool chair) — is because the Cavaliers look uninspired and listless on the court most nights, then ask Donovan Mitchell to do too much to bail them out. It's never just one thing that leads to a disappointing season like the one in Cleveland, it's always more of a perfect storm. There are injuries causing Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen and Max Struss to miss time (and in Garland's case, his play has fallen way off when on the court, he is not healthy). There is the shooting — last season the Cavaliers were second in the league shooting 38.3% from beyond the arc, this season that has fallen to 33.9%, 27th in the league. There is Evan Mobley being good but not taking the step forward this franchise needed (he is on the bubble to make the All-Star team this season). Can the Cavaliers find that intensity and turn things around?
15. Phoenix Suns
(15-13, last week No. 15)
What the Suns want for Christmas is to get Devin Booker and the offense back on track. The Suns have gone 2-4 in their last six and have the second-worst offense in the league over the last five games. This is more of just a slump (in part because Booker missed a few games) but it's a concern, as is this team's weakness on the glass. Starting the day after Christmas, the Suns head out for four on the road.
16. Golden State Warriors
(14-15, last week No. 17) 1-1
For Christmas, the Warriors just want to give Stephen Curry one more chance at a ring. Right now, this team is not close to that and Curry will be the first to say so, as he did after a loss last week to the Suns: “We're obviously not a good team right now because of what our record says and the fact that we found ourselves in these kind of positions.” It's going to take a roster change to make that Christmas wish a reality, which is why Golden State is being active on the trade market, dangling Jonathan Kuminga in trade talks looking for a player that better fits their needs and can change the tide of this season. But for a team hard-capped at the second apron and with little financial wiggle room, that change may be hard to come by.
17. Memphis Grizzlies
(13-15, last week No. 18)
Can Santa bring the Grizzlies some wins against good teams? Memphis is 2-12 this season against teams over .500 (and 11-3 against teams below that mark). The Grizzlies only play one team over .500 this week, but it's a team way over that mark in the Thunder (a game you can watch on Peacock NBA Monday). Also, Santa, bring Brandon Clarke some health luck — he made his season debut on Wednesday and now is going to be out three weeks (at least) with a calf strain.
18. Chicago Bulls
(13-15, last week No. 24)
Can Santa bring the Bulls some defense? This was a concern about this roster entering the season and giving up 150 to Atlanta (in a win) Sunday is just the tip of the iceberg. The Bulls have the 25th-ranked defense in the league this season and have allowed 110+ points in each of their last nine games (their D is 26th-ranked over the last two weeks). That said, the Bulls are finally fully healthy, have won three in a row, and would be in the play-in if it started today.
19. Atlanta Hawks
(15-15, last week No. 16)
For Christmas, can we all give Jalen Johnson some more love? He should not be on the bubble for the Eastern Conference All-Stars, he should be a lock. He's averaging 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 8.2 assists a game this season, recently had a run of four-straight triple-doubles, and has had 7+ points, rebounds and assists in 17 straight games. Trae Young is back and dropped 35 on the Bulls in a loss Sunday, and the Hawks have dropped three straight. The Hawks are home against the Bulls, Heat and Knicks this week.
20. Portland Trail Blazers
(12-16, last week No. 20)
Can Santa get Deni Avdija on the All-Star Team? If he were in the East, his averages of 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.4 assists a game would make him a lock, but in the deep West he's on the bubble. In recent games he has been getting downhill (as has Shaedon Sharpe) which has sparked the offense. Portland sits 10th in the West but has a home-heavy stretch of the schedule coming up that could help them move up the standings into a more secure play-in spot. That home stretch this week includes the Pistons, Magic, Clippers and Celtics.
21. Dallas Mavericks
(11-18, last week No. 19)
Christmas came early to Dallas in the form of Cooper Flagg, and while what it could really use this holiday is depth at the point guard spot Ryan Nembhard has at least plugged that hole until Kyrie Irving returns. Anthony Davis is going to grab the headlines here and elsewhere heading into the trade deadline — right now, he is the best player actually available — and there will be talk about Klay Thompson, but the reality is that a Daniel Gafford trade is far more likely.
22. Milwaukee Bucks
(11-18, last week No. 21)
There are times someone you know asks for a gift you wish you could get for them, but know you can't. What Bucks fans want for Christmas is an end to Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors, and while that's a fair thing to ask for, it's not happening. The only way it does happen is if Antetokounmpo agrees to sign an extension with the team next summer, and he has said before he reconsiders his position with the franchise every offseason, so no decision along those lines comes until then. What we can wish for in the short term is a few wins while he remains out with a calf strain, and then a trade that vaults this team back up to being a threat in the East (once Antetokounmpo gets healthy).
23. Charlotte Hornets
(9-19, last week No. 22)
For Christmas, Charlotte could use some players to go around Kon Knueppel. The No. 4 pick leads all rookies in scoring at 19.4 points per game, and he's already second on the team in scoring. As noted by the NBC Sports research team, Knueppel is on pace to become the first rookie in Hornets franchise history to average 19+ points per game since Alonzo Mourning averaged 21 in the 1992-93 season. By the way, the LaMelo Ball trade rumors are not going to go away, but there isn't much of a market for him at his salary (with his injury history and lack of production this season).
24. Utah Jazz
(10-17, last week No. 23)
You have to love what LeBron James said about what is different about Keyonte George this season after he dropped 34 on the Lakers: "Confidence." Sorry to say this Jazz fans, but as great as George has been he is not likely to make the All-Star team in an insanely deep West where a lot of good players are going to miss that cut. Utah continues to shoot down teams calling about trades for Walker Kessler and Lauri Markkanen, we'll see if the Markkanen part changes closer to the deadline, but the Kessler part will not.
25. New Orleans Pelicans
(7-22, last week No. 29)
Give this team a direction for Christmas. Maybe we started to see that last week, when the Pelicans won four straight, including coming from 16 points down in the fourth quarter to beat the Rockets in overtime — all of that comeback with Zion Williamson on the bench and healthy. Interim coach James Borrego chose to sit Zion when the team thrived without him on the court, and one has to wonder whether we are starting to see that the franchise is recognizing the direction it should take next. While trade rumors swirl around Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, league sources told NBC Sports that the Pelicans' asking price is high. Very high.
26. Brooklyn Nets
(8-19, last week No. 25)
What do the Nets want for Christmas? One of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer. The Nets are looking ahead to the draft but have been good enough this season to have "only" the sixth-worst record in the league (and with that a 27.6% chance at a top-three pick). Brooklyn is 5-3 so far in December, largely due to improved defense and rebounding.
27. Los Angeles Clippers
(7-21, last week No. 27)
Everyone has that one person they don't know what to get for Christmas, so you fall back on gift cards to a favorite spot. That's the Clippers. They can't tank because OKC controls their pick, and while people love the rumors, the logistics of a James Harden or Kawhi Leonard trade at the deadline are next to impossible. Several teams are interested in Ivica Zubac, but the Clippers are shooting down those calls. Zubac is now out for a few weeks with a sprained ankle, which means Brook Lopez is back in the rotation as the starting center. The Clippers are a team that is going to try to turn it around and make the postseason, with Tyronn Lue this week laying out the path for the team to finish .500 at the end of the season (which would mean the Clippers going 34-20 the rest of the way).
28. Washington Wizards
(5-22, last week No. 30)
What do the Wizards want for Christmas? Same as Brooklyn and some other teams in this range: One of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer. The Wizards have the worst record in the league so far, although in the last three years, the team with the worst record came out of the lottery with the No. 5 pick. There are good young players on this roster, such as Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Bilal Coulibaly, but this team needs a No. 1 option, and they are going to have to get that through the draft.
29. Sacramento Kings
(7-22, last week No. 28)
Can Santa bring some hope to the deserving Kings fans? It was good to see them celebrate a dramatic win over the Rockets Sunday (Houston's Tari Eason is not going to enjoy the next team film session after sagging off Dennis Schroder for no good reason), and the team does have the easiest remaining schedule in the league (although not this week with the Pistons and Lakers coming up). What the Kings could use is a young star, and if the season ended today they would have a 38.6% chance at a top-three pick.
DENNIS SCHRÖDER WINS IT FOR THE KINGS
— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2025
SACRAMENTO SECURES THE THRILLER IN OVERTIME! pic.twitter.com/6UWo79Up7a
30. Indiana Pacers
(6-22, last week No. 26)
Can Santa bring Rick Carlisle his 1000th win as an NBA coach? The future Hall of Famer is stuck on 999 and has been for four games as the Pacers' offense has struggled (again), and the team has dropped four straight. The team that couldn't seem to miss from 3-point range during last season's playoff run is shooting 32.3% as a team from beyond the arc this season, dead last in the league.
How to watch Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers: TV/live stream info, preview for Tuesday's game
After a two-week hiatus, NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday continues with a doubleheader featuring two star-studded showdowns.
In the 10:30 p.m. ET game, the Houston Rockets and 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant will continue their six-game road trip with their second matchup against 11-time All-Star James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers, who just snapped a five-game losing streak Saturday with a 103-88 victory over the Lakers.
It's the second of five games between the teams. On Dec. 11, Houston won 115-113 at home after Amen Thompson's three-point play with 17.2 seconds left put the Rockets ahead.
In the 8 p.m. ET tipoff Tuesday night, the Dallas Mavericks and No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg will try to snap the road winning streak of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, who have won a team-record 11 consecutive games away from home. It's second of two meetings for the teams; Dallas won 131-121 at Denver on Dec. 1.
See below for additional information on how to watch both games and a breakdown of the Rockets-Clippers matchup.
How to watch Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers:
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Where: Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
Houston Rockets storylines:
The Rockets (17-9), who have the third-best offense in the league, are led by Durant, eighth on the all-time scoring list with more than 31,000 points, and Alperen Sengun, who became a first-time All-Star last year.
In its third season under head coach Ime Udoka, Houston has emerged as the league's best team on the boards and ranks first in rebounds, offensive rebounds, rebound margin and second chance points. Steven Adams ranks second in the NBA in offensive rebounding.
There are five marquee matchups featuring four of the past six league champions.
Los Angeles Clippers storylines:
The Clippers (7-21) are trying to avoid their first losing season since 2010-11 — a streak of 14 consecutive winning years that is best among active teams. Tyronne Lue, who coaches the oldest team in the league, has set a goal of ending the year on a 35-19 run to finish with a winning year (at 42-40).
Los Angeles is among three teams with multiple players averaging more than 24 points with Harden (25.8 points per game) and Kawhi Leonard (25.2) both topping that mark.
What other NBA game is on Peacock tonight?
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks:
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Where: American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
No. 2 Michigan closing gap on No. 1 Arizona in AP Top 25, Duke falls out of top five
Arizona is still No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, but No. 2 Michigan is closing the gap.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks: TV/live stream info, preview for Tuesday's game
After a two-week hiatus, NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday continues with a doubleheader featuring two star-studded showdowns.
In an 8 p.m. ET tipoff, the Dallas Mavericks and No. 1 draft pick Cooper Flagg will try to snap the road winning streak of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, who have won a team-record 11 consecutive games away from home. It's second of two meetings for the teams; Dallas won 131-121 at Denver on Dec. 1
In the 10:30 p.m. ET game, the Houston Rockets and 15-time All-Star Kevin Durant will continue their six-game road trip with their second matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers and 11-time All-Star James Harden.
Flagg’s brilliance wasn’t enough, the Mavericks fell to the Jazz in overtime.
Kurt HelinThe Mavericks will be appearing on NBC for the first time since Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference semifinals (a 115-113 defeat to the Sacramento Kings on May 11, 2002).
See below for additional information on how to watch both games and a breakdown of the Nuggets-Mavericks matchup.
How to watch Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks:
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Where: American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
Denver Nuggets storylines
The Nuggets (20-6) are off to their best start in franchise history, outdoing a 19-7 start to the 2009-10 season (which ended in a first-round loss to Utah).
Ranked first in the league in points (125.6 per game) and offensive rating (124.4), the Nuggets remain led by the star tandem of Jamal Murray (on track for career highs in scoring at 25.2 points per game and assists at 6.6) and Jokic, who is averaging a triple-double with 29.6 ppg (fifth in the NBA), 10.9 assists (first) and 12.3 rebounds (first). The Serb is trying to become the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967-68 to lead th league in assists and rebounds.
Head coach David Adelman, who is in his first full season, earned his first ejection for confronting the officials during a 115-101 loss Saturday to Houston (which snapped a six-game winning streak for Denver).
Dallas Mavericks storylines
The Mavericks, who were 6-2 in their past eight games entering Monday night, have bounced back from a 5-15 start with the return of Anthony Davis, who missed the first three weeks of November with a left calf strain.
Davis has been averaging more than 18 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks since his return, and the Mavericks are above .500 when he plays (though Davis has missed 37 of 58 games since his acquisition from the Lakers in February).
Dallas coach Jason Kidd also has benefited from the improvement of Flagg, who turned 19 on Sunday. The budding superstar out of Duke is averaging more than 25 points and shooting more than 50% from the field over his last eight games. Dallas also is 6-3 since Kidd began starting Ryan Nembhard at point guard. The undrafted rookie leads all first-year players with 5.3 assists per game.
What other NBA game is on Peacock on Tuesday night?
How to watch Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Clippers:
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 23
- Where: Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California
- Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC (check local listings)
- Live Stream: Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC and Bravo hits on Peacock for whatever suits your mood.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
Why Jimmy Butler hilariously doesn't want fans to vote him to NBA All-Star Game
Why Jimmy Butler hilariously doesn't want fans to vote him to NBA All-Star Game originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Jimmy Butler hasn’t been an NBA All-Star since 2022, and the Warriors forward doesn’t want that streak to end this season.
The Warriors, on Monday, began their social media campaign to get Butler to the 2026 NBA All-Star Game at Inuit Dome in Los Angeles.
But Butler commented on the post, telling fans he’d rather go on a tropical vacation than go to LA for the midseason showcase.
“Don’t vote for me guys,” Butler wrote on Instagram. “Instead somebody create a gofundme to send me to Barbados. ❤️❤️❤️. Thanks in advance. GO WARRIORS.”
Butler is having a solid season, averaging 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 25 games this season, but in a deep Western Conference, he likely faces an uphill battle to make the All-Star roster.
If Warriors fans rock the vote and send Butler to LA, he surely can plan a Caribbean vacation for next summer.
Men’s basketball AP poll: Arizona holds onto top spot as Duke finally slips with shocking loss to Texas Tech
Duke was the only team inside the top 10 to drop a game last week.
Men’s college basketball rankings after Week 7: Updated Coaches Poll, AP Top 25
Here's an updated look at the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 after Week 7 of the men's college basketball season:
Knicks open to moving Guerschon Yabusele ahead of 2025 NBA trade deadline
The Knicks are open to moving Guerschon Yabusele ahead of the 2025 NBA trade deadline, as first reported by James L. Edwards of the Athletic.
SNY’s Ian Begley has confirmed the report.
Yabusele’s time in the Big Apple hasn’t quite started as planned.
The big man has struggled to find his footing over the first two months, averaging under 10 minutes per game after being the Knicks’ biggest free agent addition this summer.
He’s seen his numbers drop off on both ends of the floor, producing just 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds on 39.4 percent shooting from the field through 26 games.
Yabusele is making $5.5 million this season and has a club option for next year.
League executives told Edwards that the Knicks will likely have to give up other assets for another team to take on his contract.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Bub Carrington showing out
We’re heading into the last full week of 2025, and there are plenty of useful options available on the waiver wire.
Washington’s second-year PG has emerged as a multi-faceted producer, while another young guard in Orlando has stepped up with multiple teammates sidelined.
Backup guards are the theme of this week’s waiver wire column, and guys in Utah, Houston, Sacramento and Memphis have offered strong numbers off the bench.
Big men get some love this week too, as Brook Lopez is back in our plans with Ivica Zubac on the shelf for the next three weeks and Jock Landale filling in admirably for Zach Edey.
→ Watch the NBA on Peacock on Monday night, as the Cavaliers host the Hornets at 7 p.m. ET before the Grizzlies and Thunder square off in Oklahoma City at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Here are the top fantasy basketball waiver wire adds for Week 10.
Ware had an outstanding Week 9, culminating with a 28-point, 19-rebound effort against the Knicks.
Raphielle JohnsonPriority Adds
1. Bub Carrington
2. Anthony Black
3. Isaiah Collier
4. Reed Sheppard
5. Dennis Schroder
6. Cam Spencer
7. Jake LaRavia
8. Brook Lopez
9. Jock Landale
10. Dominick Barlow
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets (42 percent rostered)
Sheppard is still available in nearly 60% of Yahoo! leagues, and he should be added wherever he can be found. Over his last four contests, he’s averaged 17 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.8 blocks and 4.0 triples across 30.8 minutes. Sheppard has a secure role as one of Houston’s first guys off the bench, and he’s shown that he’s more than just a three-point specialist.
Anthony Black, Orlando Magic (30 percent rostered)
Black has been great over his last 10 games, seeing an expanded workload with multiple key players injured. In that span, he’s averaged 16.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.7 blocks and 1.2 triples across 33.2 minutes. Black has started four straight, and he should be in line for more run with the first unit until Franz Wagner or Jalen Suggs return.
Dennis Schroder, Sacramento Kings (30 percent rostered)
Schroder has been coming off the bench in favor of Russell Westbrook at starting PG, but the former has been a strong option off the bench. Over his last two, Schroder has averaged 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists, and he hit the game-winning triple in Sunday’s overtime victory against the Rockets. With Zach LaVine sidelined, Schroder should continue to see meaningful minutes off the bench.
Cam Spencer, Memphis Grizzlies (25 percent rostered)
Spencer has been tremendous in recent games, averaging a whopping 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 4.0 triples across 29.2 minutes. He started Saturday after returning from a one-game absence and delivered a 19/4/11 line across 37 minutes. Spencer may see his role reduced when Ja Morant and/or Vince Williams return from their respective injuries, but he’s done enough to earn additional playing time and should retain standalone value when that happens.
Bub Carrington, Washington Wizards (19 percent rostered)
Carrington has taken on a substantial workload for the Wizards, starting six straight games and logging 37 minutes a night. In that span, he’s averaged a healthy 17.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 3.0 triples. Washington may start to get healthy, but even when that happens, the Wizards would be wise to prioritize development over winning. Carrington has done enough to earn big minutes moving forward, and fantasy managers should add him now.
Bub is HOOPIN' from three
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 22, 2025
15 PTS 4-4 3PM pic.twitter.com/IyT88BkQbV
Isaiah Collier, Utah Jazz (15 percent rostered)
Collier should continue to come off the bench behind breakout Keyonte George, but the former has been great off the bench. As of late, he’s been particularly effective, posting averages of 12.8 points, 2.3 rebounds and an eye-popping 9.5 dimes across 27.8 minutes. He’ll likely continue coming off the bench, but he’s an excellent source of assists for managers in need of that scarce category.
Jock Landale, Memphis Grizzlies (12 percent rostered)
Over his last five games, Landale’s production has ticked up in the absence of Zach Edey. In that span, the backup big man has averaged 11.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and 1.2 triples. He should stay involved in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt for as long as Edey is sidelined, making him a worthwhile addition in standard fantasy leagues.
Dominick Barlow, Philadelphia 76ers (10 percent rostered)
Barlow has been a regular member of the Sixers’ starting five all season, but he’s picked up his production over his last four outings. In those contests, Barlow has averaged 13.3 points, 5.8 boards, 1.3 dimes, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks and 0.5 triples. Philadelphia is one of the most injury-riddled teams in the Association, and Barlow should continue to see opportunities for as long as he’s available.
Jake LaRavia, Los Angeles Lakers (4 percent rostered)
LaRavia posted a double-double on Saturday night, as he and LeBron James were the lone bright spots in an ugly Lakers loss. Luka Doncic went down with a leg injury in that game, and now he, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura are banged up. LaRavia could be in line for big minutes if any of the three are forced to miss time moving forward. Marcus Smart remains a savvy add, too.
Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Clippers (4 percent rostered)
Ivica Zubac left Saturday’s win over the Lakers with a left ankle injury, and Lopez saw a season-high 25 minutes. In his expanded time on the court, BroLo finished with 11 points, five rebounds, two blocks and three triples. Zubac is expected to miss at least three weeks, and Lopez should be a useful option thanks to his three-point shooting and shot-blocking abilities.
Other options:Wendell Carter Jr. (36%), Saddiq Bey (35%), Maxime Raynaud (28%), Jaylon Tyson (28%), Mitchell Robinson (16%), Robert Williams III (7%), Noah Penda (1%)