Jaxon Kohler and Divine Ugochukwu each scored 16 points to lead No. Michigan State's balanced attack as the Spartans beat East Carolina 89-56 in the Fort Myers Tip-Off on Tuesday. Michigan State, which entered the game with four players averaging double-figure points, also got 13 from Coen Carr and 10 from Carson Cooper.
Warriors use practice to lean into game-plan discipline before Rockets showdown
Warriors use practice to lean into game-plan discipline before Rockets showdown originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – After multiple glaring defensive lapses in the first quarter on Monday against the Utah Jazz, the Warriors are reinforcing the emphasis on game-plan discipline.
At the top of the list for any defense is knowing your (opposing) personnel, generally referred to by the acronym KYP.
The Warriors took a 9-9 record into Monday’s game, a clear sign of struggle, and immediately failed the KYP test. Atop the defensive game plan for Utah were 7-foot-1 forward Lauri Markkanen, averaging 29.2 points per game and 6-foot-4 guard Keyonte George at 23.1.
George lit up the Warriors for 15 points in the opening quarter, making all four of his 3-point attempts, perhaps because defenders were otherwise occupied.
“That shouldn’t happen in this league,” Stephen Curry said after the game.
So, the Warriors, on Tuesday, watched video of their 134-117 victory that was built on the corrective action taken over the final three quarters. They muted the Jazz in the second quarter, with a 41-20 advantage, and rode the momentum to a rout.
“What I saw as that first quarter went on was a lack of focus defensively, in terms of knowing the game plan, trying to take out George and Markkanen and really be focused on them,” Kerr said after video review and practice at Chase Center. “And we let George get four open 3s in the first quarter.”
Kerr, who late in the first quarter lit into the team for its negligence, pointed out that the game shifted toward the Warriors behind the energy and focus of Pat Spencer and Will Richard, who came off the bench and provided an immediate spark that carried the team through the pivotal quarter.
Brandin Podziemski was guilty of KYP errors, posting a team-worst minus-10 in six first-quarter minutes, but Kerr didn’t point a finger. It was notable, though, that the third-year guard remained on the bench for the pivotal quarter.
Asked specifically about Podziemski, Kerr addressed his inconsistent offense but not his inconsistent defense.
But it was clear that the team’s session on Tuesday was about understanding game plans and making the effort to follow them.
“It’s all about having accountability, and that goes from No. 1 on the roster to No. 15,” Quinten Post said. “Before the game, you agree upon a game plan, and everybody has to be held accountable. Steve was on our ass somewhere in the first quarter, and we deserved it, where we just didn’t follow the game plan. People lost their assignments.
“But it’s never one individual. It’s always as a group.”
It’s one thing to adjust on the fly and put together a stirring comeback against perpetually rebuilding Utah, which came into the Chase on the second night of a back-to-back set with a 5-11 record.
It’s another thing altogether to put together four quarters good enough to take down the Houston Rockets, who haven’t played on back-to-back dates all season and come to the Bay Area on Wednesday having won 11 of their last 13 games. They’re without Kevin Durant, but they lead the NBA in offensive rating, rank fifth in defensive rating and first in rebounding.
And their coach, Ime Udoka, ranks first in cold, hard stares.
“They are an incredible team this year,” Kerr said. “Ime has done a great job there in the last couple of years, just kind of building an identity. The size, the physicality, the defense, and what they’ve added this year, obviously, is kind of picking up off that seven-game series we had where they just pummeled us on the glass.”
Golden State prevailed in that first-round playoff series last season, and Draymond Green was a big part of the formula. There is a chance, Kerr said, that he could be available after missing the Jazz game with a slight foot sprain.
How to watch LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday NBA doubleheader on Peacock starts at 8:00 PM ET when the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic. Then, at 11:00 PM, the LA Clippers take on the LA Lakers in a West Coast thriller.
Live coverage tonight begins at 7:30 PM. See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's game and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
LA Clippers:
The Clippers (5-12) are off to their worst start since the 2010-2011 season when they started 3-14. The team is coming off a 120-105 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday. Ivica Zubac finished with 33 points and 18 rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard (20 points) and James Harden (19 points) also finished in double figures.
Leonard made his return on Sunday after missing ten straight games with sprains in his right ankle and foot.
However, two of the Clippers' key players are still sidelined with injury. Three-time All-Star Bradley Beal is out for the season after suffering a fractured hip on November 8. Derrick Jones Jr. suffered a sprained MCL to his right knee on November 16 and will be re-evaluated at the end of December.
LA Lakers:
The Lakers have won the last four straight games, including a 108-106 victory against the Utah Jazz on Sunday. LeBron James finished with 17 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds in his first road game of the season. The 23-season NBA veteran returned to action on November 18 after missing the first 14 games of the season with sciatica.
Luka Doncic finished with a game-high 33 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. He currently leads the NBA in scoring (34.5 ppg).
Tonight's game is the third of four NBA Cup group play games for both the Lakers and Clippers. They are each 2-0 in the NBA Cup and tied for the best record in West Group B.
A lot of focus on the NBA Cup this week, including the big game between the Clippers and Lakers on NBC and Peacock.
Kurt HelinHow to watch LA Clippers vs LA Lakers:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, November 25
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on NBC and Peacock tonight?
How to watch Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, November 25
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream:Peacock
Vaughn Dalzell breaks down the NBA’s MVP race as Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey have entered the conversation.
Vaughn DalzellHow 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.
Peacock ScoreCard:
Peacock ScoreCard turns the NBA into an interactive experience. Pick from a selection of premade cards based on what you think will happen during the game. Earn leaderboard points and see how you rank against other viewers in real-time. Click here to get started.
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 & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
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.
NCAA soccer men’s tournament Sweet 16 schedule, game times
It was carnage in the second round of the 2025 men's soccer NCAA tournament as five of the top six seeds lost. What does the Sweet 16 have in store?
Jonathan Kuminga out vs. Rockets, but Steve Kerr gives encouraging injury update
Jonathan Kuminga out vs. Rockets, but Steve Kerr gives encouraging injury update originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Warriors coach Steve Kerr had a more positive update on Jonathan Kuminga on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old forward, who will miss his seventh consecutive game on Wednesday due to bilateral knee tendinitis, got back on the court and is making progress.
“He did 3-on-3 before practice and that went well,” Kerr told reporters after practice on Tuesday. “And then he took part in all of practice. Tomorrow, he will scrimmage. He won’t play in the game tomorrow but he will take part in a 5-on-5 scrimmage tomorrow evening before our game. And that will give us a good gauge for where he is.”
For the Warriors, a 5-on-5 scrimmage typically is the last hurdle before a player is cleared to return to game action.
Kerr said Warriors’ director of sports medicine and performance, Rick Celebrini, will watch Kuminga scrimmage and they will talk afterward to see how he feels.
Kuminga already has had a rollercoaster 2025-26 NBA season. He started the first 12 games of the season and averaged 17.2 points during that span. But his production tailed off in the last four games he played before being sidelined with the knee injury, as he averaged just 6.0 points in those contests.
Kerr’s previous comments regarding Kuminga’s status raised some eyebrows.
“He’s got to tell you where he is,” Kerr told reporters when asked about Kuminga’s activity on Sunday (h/t ClutchPoints’ Kenzo Fukuda). “He didn’t do anything. We didn’t do scrimmages, but we did live drill work, and he barely did any of that. So, [he’s] not moving well, so the training staff [is] working with him. I have no idea what he’s doing.”
But after a couple of days and a productive day of practice, it appears Kuminga is on the right track.
As for Draymond Green, the veteran forward also practiced Tuesday after missing Monday’s game because of a foot injury.
“He said he’s feeling better,” Kerr told reporters. “We’ll list him as questionable for tomorrow but he’s definitely trending upward.”
The Warriors could use Green against the 11-4 Rockets, who have one of the biggest lineups in the NBA, even without Kevin Durant, who will miss Wednesday’s game to attend to a family matter.
Players Era headlines list of Thanksgiving-week offerings on the college basketball slate
Rick Barnes didn’t have long to enjoy 17th-ranked Tennessee’s lopsided win against Rutgers. Not with No. 3 Houston awaiting as part of a loaded field at the Players Era.
How to watch Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
Don't miss tonight's exciting Coast 2 Coast Tuesday NBA doubleheader on Peacock. The action starts at 8:00 PM ET when the Philadelphia 76ers host the Orlando Magic. Then, at 11:00 PM, the LA Clippers take on the LA Lakers in a West Coast showdown.
Live coverage tonight begins at 7:30 PM. See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's game and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock. Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the course of the 2025-2026 season.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Orlando Magic:
The Magic fell 138-129 to the Boston Celtics on Sunday, putting an end to their three-game win streak. Jett Howard scored a season-high 30 points, while Jase Richardson and Desmond Bane each added 18 points. Franz Wagner, who currently leads Orlando in scoring (23 ppg), finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win.
The Magic are still without their star forward, Paolo Banchero, who suffered a left groin strain on November 12. He is second on the team in scoring (21.7 ppg) and leads the Magic in rebounding (8.7 rpg). There is no timetable for Banchero's return.
Philadelphia 76ers:
The 76ers are coming off a 127-117 loss to the Miami Heat on Sunday. Tyrese Maxey led the way for Philadelphia with 27 points, while Trendon Watford added 19 points and 9 rebounds off the bench.
Maxey has scored at least 20 points in all 16 games this season. He is second in the league in scoring with 33 points per game, behind only Luka Doncic (34.5 ppg).
Joel Embiid has missed the last seven straight games due to knee soreness. He is currently listed as questionable for tonight's game.
A lot of focus on the NBA Cup this week, including the big game between the Clippers and Lakers on NBC and Peacock.
How to watch Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, November 25
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on NBC and Peacock tonight?
How to watch LA Clippers vs LA Lakers :
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, November 25
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
Vaughn Dalzell breaks down the NBA’s MVP race as Cade Cunningham and Tyrese Maxey have entered the conversation.
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.
Peacock ScoreCard:
Peacock ScoreCard turns the NBA into an interactive experience. Pick from a selection of premade cards based on what you think will happen during the game. Earn leaderboard points and see how you rank against other viewers in real-time. Click here to get started.
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 & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
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.
Kansas State’s P.J. Haggerty is AP men’s player of the week after averaging 31.7 points in 3 games
The 6-foot-4 junior guard had a huge week, averaging 31.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists in three games. The Big 12 player of the week started with 31 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Tulsa, becoming the first Wildcats player to post a 30/10 double-double since freshman star Michael Beasley in 2008.
LeBron James reportedly undecided on if this will be his final NBA season
LeBron James has only been back on the court for two games this season, his record 23rd in the NBA, and already the talk is about whether there will be a 24th season for the legend. And if that would be with the Lakers.
The prevailing theory in league circles has been that he would play one more season, kind of a farewell tour, then step away — but LeBron himself remains undecided on playing another season, reports Dave McMenamin of ESPN. The focus of the story is LeBron's record 21-year streak of making an All-NBA team (which is in jeopardy, he can miss only two more games this season and still qualify under the 65-game rule), but it also touches on his future.
At the same time, if James believes this could be his last season -- something that sources close to James have insisted that he remains undecided about -- he might feel even more responsibility to suit up for every game on what would then be a retirement tour.
After missing the first 14 games of the season due to sciatica on his right side, part of LeBron's decision on another season will be physical — how does he feel after this season? Does he believe his body can handle one more? However, nobody in the league takes better care of their body than LeBron. The bigger question is one other legends in sport have discussed, including the Lakers' own Kobe Bryant: At age 41, will he want to put in all the work it will take to physically and mentally play another season? While his love of the game can't be questioned, there comes a point when the greats know it's time to walk away.
Only LeBron can answer if he is there yet, and he very well may not have that answer until this season ends for him and the Lakers, whenever that might be.
If LeBron decides to play another season (or more), he will be a free agent this summer and will have to decide whether that final year is with the Lakers or somewhere else — one more return to Cleveland? New York? Golden State? But before that speculation can get serious, LeBron will have to make a call on that farewell tour, or if this season — with the All-Star Game in Los Angeles (and on NBC and Peacock) — is the time to step away.
It sounds like LeBron hasn't yet decided what he plans to do.
Fantasy Basketball Stock Up Stock Down: Andre Drummond stepping up in Joel Embiid's absence
Week 5 is in the books, and a full month of NBA action is now officially in the rearview.
We take a look at which players are rising and which are slipping ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
→ Watch the NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock: In Emirates NBA Cup Group Play, the Magic take on the 76ers at 8pm ET, followed by Clippers and the Lakers at 11 pm ET. Both games are available on Peacock. Check your local listings for the NBC game in your area.
Check out the latest fantasy basketball rankings update as December approaches.
Raphielle JohnsonSTOCK UP
Naz Reid - PF/C, Timberwolves
A slower start to the season could have been anticipated for Reid, but he’s been significantly more productive over the past couple of weeks. He’s averaging 17.5 points,7.3 rebounds and 2.7 three-pointers since the middle of the month, with a couple of huge performances sprinkled in. He offers a high ceiling almost every time he steps on the floor, given his shooting and scoring versatility at the position. What continues to stop Reid from really taking off is the fact that he plays behind a productive starting frontcourt. Still, he’s a double-double threat each time he takes the floor, with the potential to take a leap should an opportunity present itself for Reid to log more minutes over an extended period. Regardless, he’s a nice depth option at his position in fantasy leagues.
Andre Drummond - C, 76ers
Given Drummond’s track record as a big-time rebounder and play finisher around the rim, and Joel Embiid’s struggles to stay on the floor, it's easy to be sold on Drummond’s potential moving forward. He won’t consistently secure north of 20 rebounds, as he did in the Sixers’ most recent game against the Heat when he totaled 24 boards. However, it’s not far-fetched to imagine that the veteran center will pull in numbers that rival his November averages of 10.6 points and 12.7 rebounds per game — in seven starts this season, those numbers jump to 12.0 points and 14.0 rebounds. Drummond is rostered in fewer than half of Yahoo! leagues currently. He could serve as a reliable roster addition for those fantasy managers looking for rebounding and field-goal percentage.
Drum three ball‼️ pic.twitter.com/W5kYu66imz
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 18, 2025
Ayo Dosunmu - SG/SF, Bulls
I’m here for the Ayo Dosunmu takeover. He’s been a good player throughout his career, but he’s been at his best this season from a production standpoint, and it’s been fun to follow. He’s averaging a career-high in points per game despite his production coming in his fewest minutes per game since his sophomore season. Everything is trending in the right direction for Dosunmu at the moment: He’s fresh off a season-high 28 points in the Bulls’ most recent game, has scored at least 20 points in three of the past five games, and has started the last three. Finding a way to consistently contribute in other ways aside from scoring will take his fantasy value to the next level. Still, stock up.
The Clippers star will reportedly return from injury on Sunday, which is great news for fantasy managers.
STOCK DOWN
Isaiah Hartenstein - C, Thunder
Since his career-best 33-point, 19-rebound performance in Sacramento against the Kings earlier in November, Hartenstein’s numbers haven’t necessarily popped. He’s averaged a modest 11.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in the eight games that followed, which are fine, but nothing breathtaking. Surely he’s remained an impactful player for the Thunder, as they continue to win games and prove they are the best team in the league. But when examining the recent numbers from the point of view of a fantasy basketball manager, it’s easy to want more production.
Jaren Jackson Jr. - PF, C, Grizzlies
It’s been a strange season in Memphis, and it's made for unspectacular fantasy production for some of their top guys. Ja Morant’s struggles were highlighted in one of our most recent pieces, so now we turn our production to the next decorated player. Jackson Jr.’s scoring has dipped, the defensive stats from a blocks and steals standpoint are no longer special, and rebounding remains a part of his game that hasn’t developed. But what’s been most notable to me is how the former DPOY and player with superstar potential hasn’t been able to elevate his game in the absence of other star players around him. He’s made it to the 20-point mark three times this season, and has yet to reach double figures as a rebounder. From a strictly fantasy standpoint, I’ve been waiting for the numbers to pop — such a thing doesn’t appear imminent.
Joel Embiid - C, 76ers
Embiid has missed the last seven Sixers games, but even when he eventually makes his return, there’s no telling how productive he’ll be, or what his workload will look like. The former league MVP is averaging fewer than 20.0 points per game for the first time in his career and is pulling down a career-low 5.5 rebounds on average. Getting through the regular season in good health for a playoff run likely is the priority for Embiid and the Sixers’ organization alike. And with the group playing solid basketball in his absence, he may have a bit more time to trust the process. However, those fantasy managers who have Embiid on their roster should consider picking up Andre Drummond as an insurance option.
Mazzulla gives curious update on Neemias Queta's ankle injury
Mazzulla gives curious update on Neemias Queta's ankle injury originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
If you’re looking for the latest on Neemias Queta’s injured ankle, Joe Mazzulla apparently is the wrong person to ask.
Queta suffered a sprained left ankle in the first quarter of the Boston Celtics’ win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday and didn’t return. Since the Celtics don’t play again until Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons and didn’t practice Monday, we hadn’t received many updates on the 7-foot big man since Sunday.
And when Mazzulla was asked about Queta’s status after Tuesday’s practice at the Auerbach Center, he played mysteriously coy.
“I haven’t seen him,” Mazzulla told reporters, before repeating that phrase when asked if Queta had gone through practice. When asked a third time if he had any update on Queta’s outlook, the Celtics head coach responded:
“I haven’t seen him or spoken to him.”
Less than an hour after Mazzulla spoke, however, Queta strolled through the Auerbach Center court.
What seems likely is that Queta didn’t participate in practice, and could have been getting treatment on his ankle while the Celtics were practicing. But it’s still a bit odd that Mazzulla claimed he had no communication with Queta before or during practice.
The C’s will put out an injury report later in the day Tuesday, so we should have more clarity on Queta’s status shortly.
Queta has made an outsized impact on winning for Boston this season, averaging 9.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game as the Celtics’ starting center. The C’s are outscoring opponents by an average of 16.4 points per 100 possessions when Queta is on the floor, which is the best mark on the team.
If Queta can’t play Wednesday against the 15-2 Pistons, Mazzulla could insert backup big man Luka Garza into the starting lineup to contend with Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart and a physical Detroit frontcourt. Mazzulla also could opt for a “small ball” lineup that features Josh Minott as a big, or lean on depth options Xavier Tillman and Chris Boucher.
Tip-off for Celtics-Pistons is set for 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
2025-26 NBA MVP ladder, race: Odds, power rankings, frontrunners including Jokic, Cunningham, Maxey
For the second straight week, Nikola Jokic is the odds leader for MVP, but I'm headed in a different direction. Victor Wembanyama and Alperen Sengun saw the biggest shift in odds, while Tyrese Maxey and Cade Cunningham continue to play at elite levels, keeping their names in the hat.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Vaughn Dalzell‘s Week 6 MVP Rankings
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder (+190)
Points Per Game: 32.2 (3rd)
Assists Per Game: 6.6 (16th)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.9 RPG (94th)
Assists Per Game: 6.6 (16th)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.9 RPG (94th)
In 11 out of 18 games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has played 30 or fewer minutes, including six of the past seven games. Despite the lower minute output, SGA has a 32.7% usage rate, which ranks the fifth-highest. A great examine if how dominant SGA has been, he scored 31 points in 30 minutes on 9-of-14 field goals, three-of-three from deep, and 10-of-12 free-throws. Not many players can be that efficient and it's one of the many reasons why SGA is regarded as the best bucket-getter on the planet — and his team is an NBA-best 17-1.
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+130)
Points Per Game: 29.6 (6th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.8 (2nd)
Assists Per Game: 11.1 (1st)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.8 (2nd)
Assists Per Game: 11.1 (1st)
In November, Nikola Jokic has six triple doubles over 12 games and 11 consecutive performances of 26 or more points until last night! Denver is 13-4 after going 3-2 over the past five games, but still good enough for the second-best record in the West behind the Thunder and third overall (OKC, DET).
Jokic has been the odds on leader for MVP two weeks now, but I still sit him at No. 2. The team success for Oklahoma City (17-1 record) has been more impressive with a target on their backs, but if Jokic finds a way to elevate his game — I may come around to The Joker being No. 1.
3. Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers (+400)
Points Per Game: 34.5 (1st)
Assists Per Game: 8.9 (4th)
Rebounds Per Game: 8.8 (18th)
Assists Per Game: 8.9 (4th)
Rebounds Per Game: 8.8 (18th)
Luka Doncic did not see his odds shift a single cent over the past week. It wasn't his scoring though, because Doncic has been on fire. In the past four games, Doncic has scored 24, 41, 37, and 33 points with three double-doubles. Doncic has had a turnover and efficiency problem.
In those four games, Doncic has 20 total turnovers and shot 50% from the floor once in that span. He's attempted 41 triples as well, nailing 13 of them (31.7%). With LeBron James back in the mix, the cohesion of the Lakers offense will look a little different, so Doncic's odds may not change much in the next month, if anything, drop back to +500 or +600.
4. Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons (+5000)
Points Per Game: 27.1 (14th)
Rebounds Per Game: 6.0 (T-55th)
Assists Per Game: 9.6 (2nd)
Rebounds Per Game: 6.0 (T-55th)
Assists Per Game: 9.6 (2nd)
Detroit has now won 13 straight games and owns the best record in the East and second-best in the NBA! Cade Cunningham has been the driving force for the Pistons as he's played in 10 of those 13 games.
Cunningham scored at least 30 points in five of those 10 and double-doubled in eight with one triple double. He's on a tear and with Boston, Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, and Milwaukee in the next five games — Detroit will be tested with some of the best competition in the Eastern Conference outside of Cleveland or New York.
5. Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers (+4000)
Points Per Game: 33.0 (2nd)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.6 (T-106th)
Assists Per Game: 7.8 (6th)
Rebounds Per Game: 4.6 (T-106th)
Assists Per Game: 7.8 (6th)
Tyrese Maxey continued his reign of terror on opposing defenses by dropping 54 points on the Bucks in a 123-114 OT win. Maxey put up 30 field goal attempts, making 18 of them (60%), to go along with 12 made free-throws and 6-of-15 from three (40%).
Maxey is a walking bucket and is currently averaging 32.0 points per game in 11 November games. Maxey scored at least 30 points in six of those contests, but the 76ers are 5-6 in that span. Despite Philadelphia's losses stacking up, Maxey's MVP odds continue to shorten.
Stock Up
2. Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets (+130)
Points Per Game: 29.6 (6th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.8 (2nd)
Assists Per Game: 11.1 (1st)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.8 (2nd)
Assists Per Game: 11.1 (1st)
Nikola Jokic has now held strong as the MVP favorite in terms of odds for two weeks, but I still prefer SGA. However, Jokic ranks top six in points, rebounds, and assists so far on 62/41/85 shooting splits. Jokic has put together 44 and 55-point efforts over the last six games and 11 consecutive performances of 26 or more points.
Stock Down
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs (+10000)
Points Per Game: 26.2 (14th)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.9 (2nd)
Blocks Per Game: 3.6 (1st)
Rebounds Per Game: 12.9 (2nd)
Blocks Per Game: 3.6 (1st)
Alperen Sengun went from +8000 to +20000 over the past week, but that wasn't the biggest drop in stock — that was Victor Wembanyama. Amid his injury news, Wemby went from +750, meaning $10 wins $75, to +10000, $10 wins $1,000!
With concerns of Wembanyama hitting the league minimum of 65 games played to win an award. He's only missed four games so far, but Wembanyama could miss multiple weeks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks (+1600)
Points Per Game: 31.2 (4th)
Rebounds Per Game: 10.8 (8th)
Assists Per Game: 6.8 (14th)
Rebounds Per Game: 10.8 (8th)
Assists Per Game: 6.8 (14th)
Giannis Antetokounmpo shifted from +900 to +1600 as he missed the past three games after suffering a low-grade left groin strain. He was expected to miss 1-2 weeks and already missed one. Through 13 games, Antetokounmpo is averaging the most points (31.2), assists (6.8), and highest field goal percentage (62.9%) of his career this season. If he misses another week, there won't be many more he can miss in order to win MVP.
Follow my plays for the season on X @VmoneySports, Instagram @VmoneySports_ and Action App @vaughndalzell.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & team props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
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.
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NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
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Why the beloved Maui Invitational faces an uncertain future
The aptly named Players Era Festival and its millions in NIL payouts has replaced the Maui as college basketball’s premier early-season tournament.
Sixers downgrade Embiid and George to out for Magic game
Sixers downgrade Embiid and George to out for Magic game originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Sixers made several midday injury status changes Tuesday before their meeting with the Magic.
The team downgraded Joel Embiid (right knee injury management) and Paul George (right ankle sprain) to out. Tyrese Maxey was upgraded from probable with a right shoulder sprain to available.
Embiid was present after the Sixers’ morning shootaround, wearing a blue practice jersey and taking free throws and jumpers. He’d been listed as questionable on Monday night.
The Orlando game will be Embiid’s eight consecutive absence. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Monday that Embiid is “still day-to-day.”
“Just waiting for doctors to clear him,” Nurse said.
George had first been listed as probable. He appeared in his third game of the season Sunday in the Sixers’ defeat to the Heat, logging 20 minutes and posting 10 points on 3-for-10 shooting, five assists, two rebounds, a steal and a block. The most George has played since returning from offseason arthroscopic surgery on his left knee is 25 minutes last Thursday in an overtime win over the Bucks.
“I think we’ve just got to continue to grow his time on the floor,” Nurse said Monday. “The minutes restriction thing has to grow. Hopefully, it keeps heading in the right direction. … I think he’s moving good and the opportunity to get him going and get him some shots is going to be important. … I think conditioning and more minutes and all that stuff just takes a bit of time.”
On top of Embiid and George, the Sixers won’t have VJ Edgecombe (left calf tightness), Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee LCL sprain) and Adem Bona (right ankle sprain) vs. the Magic.
'Who is No. 12?' NBA is discovering Jake LaRavia, who has found a comfort zone with Lakers
Countless fans around the league this season have found themselves exactly where Anthony Edwards did — asking, "Who is this No. 12 on the Lakers?"
Timberwolves fan: "Who is number 12?"
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 30, 2025
Anthony Edwards: "That's what I'm saying! I don't know!"
Jake LaRavia's stat line in the Lakers' win last night:
27 points
8 rebounds
10-of-11 FG
5-of-6 3PTpic.twitter.com/mBT2fOrPT4
"I heard everything. I heard the dude in the crowd, first off, say 'Who's number 12?' I saw Anthony Edwards do his little throw both arms up, like, 'I don't know,'" the Lakers' Jake LaRavia said of his viral moment. "And then, if you saw the video, I put my arms up at the free throw line, so just kind of like playing along with it.
"But I just find that kind of stuff funny. It's amusing to me. It is what it is. I just continue to do what I do."
What LaRavia does is just hoop.
The rest of the nation is about to see what No. 12 can do up close when the Lakers take on the Clippers Tuesday night on NBA Coast 2 Coast on NBC and Peacock — in what will be a critical NBA Cup game.
It’s all about that fit
What matters for role players in the NBA, as much as talent or skill, is fit.
LaRavia brings a well-rounded and a bit of an old-school game that is a hand-in-glove fit in Los Angeles, where he has quickly become a critical cog in the Lakers' attack. While
"The way that we play, and me being able to play off-ball and read when cut, and just when to space the floor and be able to get catch and shoot 3s, and reading closeouts and stuff like that, I definitely feel very comfortable," LaRavia said.
Jake LaRavia shot LIGHTS OUT in the @Lakers' win tonight
— NBA (@NBA) October 30, 2025
27 PTS | 10-11 FGM | 5-6 3PM pic.twitter.com/2cVyuHFTIC
While he's averaging 10.3 points and 4.3 rebounds a game, what makes him invaluable is his willingness to do the little things. He's been a physical and opportunistic defender. He also has consistently played with pace, getting downcourt and finishing plays in transition — occasionally on highlight reel look-ahead touchdown passes from Doncic or Reaves.
Most impressively, he has shown some secondary playmaking skills we haven't seen much from him before.
LaRavia said he played his same game in Memphis and Sacramento (his first stops around the NBA), but the fit is just more natural in Los Angeles. LaRavia's jack-of-all-trades game can get glossed over by scouts and front offices — "But what is he elite at?" — and when the Lakers signed him this summer to fill the shoes of Dorian Finney-Smith, most pundits saw it as a downgrade.
It hasn't been. Not that all those comments ever fazed LaRavia — it's the only way he knows how to play.
"It's kind of just the way I grew up playing," LaRavia said. "I'm from Indiana, kind of Midwest ball, fundamental basketball, cutting, like playing off two feet, all that kind of stuff. It's kind of just, it came, it comes kind of natural."
Coming to the big stage of the Lakers — and playing with Luka Doncic and LeBron James — didn't change his game.
"To be honest, like, my, my whole career has kind of been that," LaRavia said. "Just like, even in college, I wasn't the number one scoring option, but I, but I was the guy that kind of was able to complement that number one scoring option [Note: G-League star Alondes Williams led Wake Forest in scoring LaRavia's final year].
"And it's kind of the same thing here. I play, I play so well off of AR, Luka, and Bron to where, if they're not open, I can still be that kind of secondary shot creator. I'm still able to create my own shot, still able to catch and shoot three, still able to drive and attack the paint and get to the rim."
Playing with Doncic, LeBron
LaRavia said the biggest adjustment coming to the Lakers was playing with Doncic, and now LeBron.
"Just playing off-ball so much, the amount of attention that they draw offensively — with their passing ability — just makes the game so much easier," LaRavia said. "My defender is pulled in or guarding him and I can get cuts to the basket, and they can find me. It's like, even when I don't think I'm open, they see it before I'm even there."
Like on this play from LeBron's first game back
LEBRON JAMES IS DROPPING DIMES RIGHT NOW
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) November 19, 2025
WHAT A FIND TO LARAVIA pic.twitter.com/zN3pxsJSKz
"It was right out of a timeout, and he literally came up to me," LaRavia said of LeBron. "He told me, he said, 'Just cut behind him.' He said, 'Cut behind him and I'll find you.' So when he got the ball on the post, my guy was just not even looking at me, so I just cut behind him."
LaRavia was not even two years old when LeBron made his NBA debut, and getting to play with someone he idolized growing up was special.
"It was dope to finally get on the court with him," LaRavia said. "He brings something to this team that I don't think we really had, just another level of passing ability that he's able to do, and just the force he is on offense, in transition, and when he has the ball in his hands."
What's evident being around these Lakers — something that wasn't always there the past few years — is a genuine connection between the players off the court. These guys like each other.
"The vibes are really high," LaRavia said. “We all get along with each other really well off the court. You see it on the court when we're playing, just what our chemistry is. Yeah, it's a really good group of guys."
NBA Cup
Tuesday night, when the Lakers take the court against the Clippers, it will be a critical NBA Cup game that could decide West Group B — win and the Lakers advance to the quarterfinals, one win away from a trip to Las Vegas for the semifinals and finals. The game is the second of the Coast 2 Coast Tuesday NBA doubleheader on NBC and Peacock.
Don't question the players' motivation for these games.
"I think $500,000 will motivate just about anyone," LaRavia said. "I think half a million dollars is still a good, amount of money to be able to motivate you to want to win games."
These NBA Cup games are regular-season games, as well, so there is motivation there already, LaRavia noted, but added that having a target like a mid-season tournament adds a little something.
"It is cool to just be able to play for something in the middle of the season and be able to get a nice little bonus," LaRavia said.
If the Lakers get that bonus, it will be in no small part due to LaRavia finding his role, his comfort zone on a team that needed him.
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.