Nobody stood a chance against Michigan at the Players Era Festival last week.
Men’s college basketball rankings after Week 4: Updated Coaches Poll, AP Top 25
Here's an updated look at the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 after Week 4 of the men's college basketball season:
Michigan basketball ranked No. 2 for first time since 2018 title game; MSU in top 10
After a dominant week, Michigan basketball is inside top five of USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll for first time in 5 years. Michigan State is in top 10.
College basketball rankings see Michigan soar in USA TODAY Sports coaches poll
A dominant performance in Las Vegas during the week of Thanksgiving has Michigan rising in the USA TODAY Sports men's basketball poll.
How to watch Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
The Phoenix Suns take on the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:00 PM ET in game two of tonight's NBA doubleheader on Peacock. The action starts in Orlando at 7:30 PM ET when the Magic host the Chicago Bulls. See below for additional information on how to watch both games 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!
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
Raphielle JohnsonPhoenix Suns:
The Phoenix Suns were defeated 130-112 by the Denver Nuggets on Saturday. It was the team's third loss in their last four games.
Dillon Brooks led the way for Phoenix with 27 points. In his first season with the Suns, Brooks is averaging career highs in scoring (21.5 ppg), shooting (45.1%), and steals (1.7 spg).
Devin Booker finished with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Royce O'Neale added 15 points.
In his first game back after missing the previous seven with a quad injury, Grayson Allen scored 10 points.
LA Lakers:
The Lakers earned their seventh straight win, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 133-121 last night at home. Luka Doncic scored 34 points in the win — 20 of them came in the first quarter. He also had 12 rebounds and 7 assists. Austin Reaves had a big night as well, adding 33 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds.
46 first quarter points for the squad -- the most points in a quarter this season pic.twitter.com/fPrcRo63Aj
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 1, 2025
After playing in the previous four games, LeBron James missed yesterday's game due to left foot injury management. He is currently listed as a game-time decision for tonight.
How to watch Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers:
- When: Tonight, Monday, December 1
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on tonight?
How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic:
- When: Tonight, Monday, December 1
- Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- 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 & 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.
Warriors waive Jackson Rowe, reportedly plan to add LJ Cryer on two-way contract
Warriors waive Jackson Rowe, reportedly plan to add LJ Cryer on two-way contract originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The Warriors are shifting their 2025-26 NBA roster around.
Golden State has waived two-way forward Jackson Rowe, the team announced on Monday.
Warriors waive Jackson Rowe: pic.twitter.com/HSWjySS79t
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) December 1, 2025
Rowe, who is currently nursing an ankle injury, made six appearances with Golden State last season, averaging 3.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists per game.
The 28-year-old forward signed a two-way deal with the Warriors on January 28 after multiple stints with Golden State’s G League affiliate in Santa Cruz.
The Warriors will bring in 24-year-old rookie point guard LJ Cryer to occupy the two-way slot, ESPN’s Anthony Slater reported, citing sources.
The Warriors plan to add guard LJ Cryer on a two-way contract, per sources. He's averaged 24.3 points in seven G-League games for Santa Cruz. Making 41.4 percent of his 12.4 attempted 3s per game.
To make room, the Warriors are waiving Jackson Rowe.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 1, 2025
Cryer originally signed with Golden State in the summer on an Exhibit 10 contract and spent the entire training camp and preseason with the team before being waived on Oct. 18, prior to the start of the season.
Cryer, who went unselected in this year’s NBA draft after a five-year college career at Baylor and Houston, averaged 24.3 points in seven G-League appearances for Santa Cruz.
With Seth Curry rejoining the team for the remainder of the season, the Warriors, who currently are the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with an 11-10 record, have 15 players on standard contracts and three on two-way deals.
Rumor: Utah may add around trade deadline, not ship Lauri Markkanen out
The conventional wisdom around the league has been that Utah would look to trade Lauri Markkanen at the February trade deadline. He is a 28-year-old All-Star-level player averaging 27.9 points and 6.3 assists a game this season, who is not on the timeline of the young stars they are rebuilding around. Also, a lot of teams could use him (hello Detroit!).
Except Utah may hold on to him and try to start winning sooner rather than later, Marc Stein reports in his latest Stein Line substack missive.
Difficult as it can be for rival teams to read the intentions of a front office that now houses Austin Ainge as well as Danny Ainge, more teams than not that we speak to are increasingly convinced that the Jazz are more likely to try to add to their Markkanen-led core this Trade Season rather than trade Markkanen away. Markkanen is averaging a career-high 28.5 points per game in his ninth season to build on a monster national team summer for Finland. It's true that the 28-year-old has still yet to log a single playoff minute in the NBA, but he unabashedly loves Salt Lake City. There is a strong case to be made, once you take it all in, for building around the 7-foot Finn.
A few quick thoughts on this:
• If a team were going to trade its biggest star at the deadline, this is exactly the vibe they would want to give off to maximize leverage. While it is definitely possible that ownership is pushing the front office to win more now and not all-out tank, I'm just saying (as Stein noted) that reading the intentions of Danny and Austin Ainge is next to impossible.
• How good is Utah, really, even with an addition or two? At 6-13 on the season, Utah sits 11th in the West as of this writing and is 1.5 games out of the final play-in spot. Promising young center Walker Kessler is out for the season. Even with a healthy Markkanen, breakout player Keynote George continuing his hot play, rookie Ace Bailey growing and improving over the course of the season, and a role player addition or two, is this team more than the No. 9 or 10 seed in the West? Is that what they should be pushing for, because....
• Utah owes its first-round pick to Oklahoma City, but it's top-eight protected. If the NBA Draft Lottery were today, the Jazz would be ninth heading in, with a 79.7% chance of losing their pick entirely (and enriching the 20-1 team at the top of the standings). Is making the play-in worth giving up a chance at a high pick in what is considered a deep draft at the top? Look, we remember how Jazz fans and team owner Ryan Smith felt after last season's draft lottery, where they had the worst record in the league and fell to fifth.
Woke up frustrated
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) May 13, 2025
Went for a run
Audibly screamed
Sun peeked over our mountains
Ran into a fellow disappointed Jazz fan
Remembered THIS IS UTAH.
So……
Getting back on the horse
With the best fans in the league
Because it’s what we do here
Goal doesn’t change.
Still, this is a rebuilding team, and what it needs is more young, high-level talent on the timeline of Kessler and Bailey, and the draft is how Utah is going to get that. Trading Markkanen, getting into the top eight is the path to that.
We'll see which path the Jazz take, but apparently holding on to Markkanen is on the table.
Suns vs. Lakers predictions: odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for December 1
The Phoenix Suns (12-9) travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers (15-4) Monday night. Luka Doncic and co. jumped out to a 46-27 lead and rolled to a 133-121 win over the Pelicans Sunday night while the Suns fell Saturday night at home to Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, 130-112.
Los Angeles will be playing its fourth back-to-back game of the season. The Lakers are 2-1 in this spot. LeBron James was unavailable for the first three, but he is expected to play tonight. The Lakers have won six in a row since LeBron returned to the lineup and seven in a row overall.
Phoenix has cooled off recently with just a single win in their last four games. This will be the Suns' third game in four nights. Devin Booker and co. were in OKC Friday and at home against the Nuggets as noted Saturday. Saturday at Oklahoma City and versus Denver.
Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to watch the Suns vs. Lakers live
- Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
- Time: 10 PM ET
- Site: Crpto.com Arena
- City: Los Angeles, CA
- Network/Streaming: Peacock
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game odds for the Suns at the Lakers
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
- Moneyline: LA Lakers (-198), Phoenix Suns (+164)
- Spread: Lakers -4.5
- Total: 234.5
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups for the Suns and the Lakers
Suns
PG Devin Booker
SG Grayson Allen
SF Dillon Brooks
PF Royce O’Neale
C Mark Williams
Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF Rui Hachimura
PF LeBron James
C Deandre Ayton
Injuries for the Suns and the Lakers
Suns
G Ryan Dunn (wrist) is probable for Monday's game
F Isaiah Livers (hip) has been ruled OUT for Monday's game
G Jalen Green (hamstring) has been ruled OUT for Monday's game
Lakers
F LeBron James (foot) is listed as questionable for Monday's game
G Marcus Smart (back) is listed as questionable for Monday's game
C DeAndre Ayton (knee) is listed as questionable for Monday's game
Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Suns at Lakers on Monday.
- The OVER has cashed in 13 of the Lakers' 19 games this season (13-6)
- The OVER has cashed in 10 of the Suns' 21 games this season (10-11)
- The Lakers are 13-6 ATS this season
- The Suns are 14-7 ATS this season
Rotoworld Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans LeBron’s point total Over and the Lakers to cover:
"LeBron James has increased his minutes in almost every game and has played a minimum of 30 minutes per contest. LeBron scored 11 in his season debut, going Under his total, but went Over in two of his past three with 17, 25, and 13 points. After sitting out Sunday's game and expected to suit up against a Suns' team that ranks 19th in defensive rating on the road compared to 10th at home, I like LeBron to score at least 15 points and go Over his points prop.
The Lakers may be playing without rest, but they're in a better spot than the Suns. Phoenix played at Oklahoma City on Friday, then hosted Denver on Saturday. Going to Los Angeles to play the Lakers on Monday is not an ideal stretch for any team as the Thunder, Nuggets, and Lakers all rank top three in the West and Top 5 in the NBA. I like the Lakers to cover."
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Suns & Lakers game
- Moneyline: Lakers ML (high confidence)
- Spread: Lakers (medium confidence)
- Total: Under (low confidence)
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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 & 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
Bulls vs. Magic predictions: odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for December 1
The Chicago Bulls (9-10) and Orlando Magic (12-8) link up for the first of two in a double-header on Peacock!
Chicago has lost three straight games and four of the last five. In addition, this will be the third game in four days for the Bulls who have now fallen below .500. This will be the second meeting of the season between these teams and their second in Orlando. Chicago won the first game, 110-98, outscoring the Magic 27-18 in the fourth quarter.
Orlando looks to even the season series with Chicago and it comes at a good time. Paolo Banchero (groin) remains sidelined, but having not played since last week and only twice in the last seven days, the Magic are still healthier and more rested than the Bulls. With two straight wins and a 5-1 record in the past six outings, the Magic are in a good spot at home.
Let’s dive into tonight’s matchup and find a potential sweat or two! We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff. Odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to watch the Bulls vs. Magic live
- Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Site: Kia Center
- City: Orlando, FL
- Network/Streaming: Peacock
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game odds for the Bulls at the Magic
The latest odds as of Monday courtesy of DraftKings:
- Moneyline: Orlando Magic (-345), Chicago Bulls (+275)
- Spread: Magic -8.5
- Total: 239.5
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups for the Magic and the Bulls
Magic
PG Jalen Suggs
SG Desmond Bane
SF Franz Wagner
PF Tristan da Silva
C Wendell Carter Jr.
Bulls
PG Josh Giddy
SG Coby White
SF Ayo Dosunmu
PF Matas Buzelis
C Nikola Vucevic
Injuries for theMagic and the Bulls
Magic
F Paolo Banchero (groin) has been ruled out of tonight's game
F Mo Wagner (knee) has been ruled out of tonight's game
Bulls
F Isaac Okoro (back) has been ruled out of tonight's game
F Julian Phillips (illness) is questionable for tonight's game
F Jalen Smith (hamstring) has been ruled out of tonight's game
Important stats, trends and insights ahead of Bulls at Magic on Monday
- Orlando is 11-9 ATS this season
- Chicago is 9-10 ATS this season
- The OVER has cached 12 times in Orlando's 20 games this season (12-8)
- The OVER has cashed 10 times in Chicago's 19 games this season (10-9)
Rotoworld Best Bet
Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) leans the Magic to cover:
"Orlando is in a much better spot than Chicago. The Magic have played two games since Monday and had Saturday and Sunday off to relax and watch some college football and NFL. How nice? For Chicago, well this will be the third game in four days, but at least they had Sunday off. This is a Magic or pass spot at home. Orlando has won the past two and five of the last six, while Chicago is 0-3 in the previous three and 1-4 over the last five."
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Magic & Bulls game
- Moneyline: Magic ML (high confidence)
- Spread: Magic (low confidence)
- Total: Under (low confidence)
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
- Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
- Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
- Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
- Trysta Krick (@Trysta_Krick)
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 & 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
How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
The Chicago Bulls go head-to-head with the Orlando Magic tonight on Peacock at 7:30 PM ET. Tonight's game marks the second of four meetings between the two teams this season. The Magic won the first contest 110-98 on October 25.
See below for additional information on how to watch tonight's Bulls vs Magic 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.
Don't miss tonight's Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers matchup on Peacock at 10:00 PM ET.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
Chicago Bulls:
The Chicago Bulls have lost their last three matchups, most recently falling 103-101 to the Indiana Pacers on Saturday. Josh Giddey, who signed a four-year $100 million contract with the Bulls in September, finished with 17 points and 11 rebounds in the loss.
The fifth-year guard leads Chicago in scoring (20.5 ppg), assists (9.3 apg), and rebounding (10.0 rpg), and is on pace for career-highs in all three categories.
Gimme the hot sauce @JoshGiddey | @CHSN__pic.twitter.com/wwTnBXzyfF
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 30, 2025
Tre Jones also added 17 points, while Nikola Vucevic finished with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Orlando Magic:
The Magic are coming off back-to-back wins against the Philadelphia 76ers (Nov. 25) and the Detroit Pistons (Nov. 28), which helped Orlando win its NBA Cup group. Desmond Bane finished with 37 points and 8 rebounds in Friday's win. He's now scored at least 15 points in each of his last 10 games and is third on the team in scoring (18.3 ppg).
that's tuff @DBane0625pic.twitter.com/FlUq7TE66C
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) November 29, 2025
Franz Wagner added 21 points and 7 rebounds against the Pistons, while Anthony Black scored 16 off the bench.
Orlando is still without star forward Paolo Banchero, who suffered a left groin strain on November 12. The Magic have not given a timetable for his return.
How to watch Chicago Bulls vs Orlando Magic:
- When: Tonight, Monday, December 1
- Where: Kia Center, Orlando, Florida
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on tonight?
How to watch Phoenix Suns vs LA Lakers:
- When: Tonight, Monday, December 1
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- 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 & 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.
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Zach Edey breaks out
As Week 6 wraps up and we head into December, the waiver wire is chock full of serviceable options for fantasy basketball managers.
Houston’s second-year sharpshooter is enjoying a breakout campaign, and he won’t be available for much longer.
Frontcourt injuries continue to plague the Mavericks and 76ers, and the Pacers are still searching for options to fill their depleted roster. A pair of Grizzlies appear in this week’s column, and a Pelicans forward has stepped up in a big way.
Here are the top fantasy basketball waiver wire adds for Week 7.
Curry should be re-evaluated toward the end of Week 7, but it’s unknown when he’ll be able to return.
Priority Adds
1. Zach Edey
2. Reed Sheppard
3. Saddiq Bey
4. Neemias Queta
5. Peyton Watson
6. Jaylen Wells
7. Jay Huff
8. Jaylon Tyson
9. Naji Marshall
10. Miles McBride
11. T.J. McConnell
12. Adem Bona
Zach Edey, Memphis Grizzlies (48 percent rostered)
Not counting the game in which he played only six minutes, Edey has averaged 15.3 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.6 swats across 28 minutes this season. Edey has been even better over the last week. Across his last three games, Edey has averaged a whopping 19.3 points, 17 rebounds and 3.3 swats across 32 minutes. His stellar week culminated with a career-high 32 points on Sunday to go with 17 boards and five blocks in a win over the Kings. The second-year breakout is real, and it’s time to add Edey while you still can.
A DOMINANT SHOWING FROM ZACH EDEY!
— NBA (@NBA) December 1, 2025
32 PTS (career-high)
17 REB
4 BLK
Grizzlies win their 3rd in a row. pic.twitter.com/zIDq9md9yp
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets (44 percent rostered)
Sheppard has been tremendous throughout his second season, yet he’s still available in nearly 60% of Yahoo! leagues. He finished with a 7/1/5/3 line on Monday and bounced back with a monster 31/9/5/1/2 line with four triples on Wednesday. Sheppard capped off his week with a modest offensive performance (nine points, six rebounds, four assists), but he chipped in four steals and two swats in the process. He won’t be this widely available for much longer, so add him now.
Neemias Queta, Boston Celtics (34 percent rostered)
Queta posted a strong 16/12/3 line with a block on November 21 before sustaining a sprained ankle in his next game and sitting out Wednesday. Queta returned to the lineup on Saturday and provided a monster 19/18 line with two swats. He got a rest day on Sunday for the second leg of Boston’s back-to-back set, but he should be good to go moving forward. The Celtics’ starting center is starting to heat up, and fantasy managers should scoop him up while they still can.
Saddiq Bey, New Orleans Pelicans (32 percent rostered)
With Herbert Jones (calf) on the shelf, Bey has stepped up as a starter for New Orleans, and he’s a strong add heading into Week 7. Injuries continue to rack up in the Big Easy, and Bey is one of the few Pelicans seeing consistent playing time. In five games since joining the starting five, Bey has averaged 19.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.6 triples.
CONTROL. pic.twitter.com/LIimzZU2TN
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 30, 2025
Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets (26 percent rostered)
Watson was curiously absent in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s win over the Suns, despite other starters getting run as the Nuggets pulled away late. Saturday’s strangeness aside, Watson has posted strong numbers over his last eight games as a starter. With averages of 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.9 blocks and 2.0 triples across 33.1 minutes in that span, Watson is well worth an add in all formats.
Jay Huff, Indiana Pacers (20 percent rostered)
The journeyman center has found his groove in Indiana, and he may be the team’s answer at center this season. Over his last six appearances, Huff averaged 12 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 3.3 blocks across 24.3 minutes. He’s not a big-time scorer, but he’s reached double-digit points in four straight and five of six. Huff’s speciality is shot-blocking, and after a productive two weeks, he leads the Association in total blocks at 45.
JAY HUFF SCORED THE PACERS' FIRST 14 POINTS pic.twitter.com/OFm6VXsIGN
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 30, 2025
T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers (19 percent rostered)
Despite numerous backcourt injuries, McConnell hasn’t started for the Pacers this season, and it’s likely he remains a key reserve option moving forward. Over his last six games, McConnell has averaged 13 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 61.7% from the floor and committing just 1.2 turnovers. He’s logged just 20.2 minutes per game in that span, but that’s all McConnell needs to be relevant in standard fantasy leagues.
Jaylen Wells, Memphis Grizzlies (18 percent rostered)
Wells has posted top-30 value over the last week, and he should continue to be a reliable source of fantasy production for as long as Ja Morant is sidelined. Wells has been a full-time starter all season, but his numbers have gotten a boost with the superstar on the shelf. The second-year man isn’t going to rack up a ton of rebounds or assists, but he’ll score, knock down triples and offer solid shooting percentages.
Naji Marshall, Dallas Mavericks (14 percent rostered)
Dallas’ frontcourt injuries seem never-ending, and P.J. Washington turned his ankle in pre-game warmups Saturday before sitting out the game. Marshall got the start and posted an 18/8/3/3 line with a pair of triples. The strong game wasn’t a one-off, as Marshall averaged 14.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.5 triples over 28.5 minutes across his last six games.
Miles McBride (12 percent rostered)
OG Anunoby (hamstring) remains sidelined, which means we should continue to see more of Deuce in the starting five. McBride can provide serviceable production in a number of categories, he’ll see big minutes, and he commits few turnovers.
MILES MCBRIDE ON FIRE FROM DEEP!
— NBA (@NBA) November 30, 2025
He's got 4 3PM in under 6 minutes
TOR-NYK on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/HPzFHfdKDXpic.twitter.com/LfzfUXFbRf
Jaylon Tyson, Cleveland Cavaliers (12 percent rostered)
Tyson has been the consummate backup this season, filling in for a number of injured Cavaliers this season. With Jarrett Allen (finger) on the shelf for at least a week, Tyson could stick with the first unit. Tyson started Sunday's game against the Celtics and posted a well-rounded 17/1/5/2/2 line with five triples across 34 minutes.
Adem Bona, Philadelphia 76ers (9 percent rostered)
Joel Embiid (knee) returned to action Sunday following a nine-game absence, and Andre Drummond suffered a hyperextended knee on Saturday. Drummond played six minutes on Sunday before exiting the game, and Bona logged 22 and 23 minutes on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. He’s worth a look in standard leagues given the potential for an even bigger role if Embiid and/or Drummond are forced to miss time moving forward.
Others to consider:Jusuf Nurkic (47%), Kevin Porter Jr. (40%), Quentin Grimes (40%), De'Andre Hunter (34%), Vince Williams (23%), Julian Champagnie (21%), Yves Missi (14%), AJ Green (11%), Adem Bona (9%)
Jordan Walsh emerging as the ‘violent defender' Celtics were promised
Jordan Walsh emerging as the ‘violent defender' Celtics were promised originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Our favorite play from the Boston Celtics’ gritty win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday night?
Early in the fourth quarter, with Boston clinging to a four-point lead as Cleveland whittled away what had been a 21-point advantage, Anfernee Simons misfired from the wing and De’Andre Hunter appeared to secure the rebound from the mosh pit of bodies in front of the Boston basket.
A quick swipe from Payton Pritchard forced Hunter to fumble the ball, and Jordan Walsh pounced from the opposite side. Walsh’s goal, he later suggested, was to force a tie-up. Instead, he basically wrestled the ball away from Hunter and immediately got fouled trying to go up for a layup.
Coming off his first real dud since elevating to the starting lineup when he struggled to make a positive impact in Saturday’s loss in Minnesota, Walsh posted career highs on Sunday night while piling up 14 points and 11 rebounds.
But it’s Walsh’s defense that continues to distinguish him.
Before the Celtics selected Walsh with the 38th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Arkansas coach Eric Musselman routinely described his teenage forward as a “violent defender.”
Musselman later told NBC Sports Boston: “It’s about violently jumping in passing lanes, violently going after rebounds, and rebounding the ball outside of his area. He can crash into bodies, he’s not afraid of contact. And hence the phrase, ‘Violent defender.’”
With Walsh finally breaking down the door to consistent playing time this season, we’re starting to see the violence that was promised. Walsh has been an elite defender — we’re resisting the urge to start the All-Defense campaign that will eventually arrive if he maintains his on-ball impact — and he’s routinely embraced the challenges of defending the opposing team’s top offensive threat.
On Sunday, Walsh logged six minutes, 47 seconds of matchup time against Donovan Mitchell, defending the Cavs star for a game-high 43 total possessions. Mitchell scored four points on 2-of-8 shooting with two turnovers when Walsh was his primary defender, per NBA tracking data.
Walsh’s defensive metrics have been excellent, even as Joe Mazzulla dispatches him against some of the NBA’s elite. Among the 78 players 6-foot-7 and under who have defended at least nine shots per game with 10-plus games played, Walsh ranks second in the NBA while holding opponents to 7.2 percent below expected output.
Opponents are shooting just 40.2 percent against Walsh (47.4 percent expected). He sits one spot ahead of All-Defense stalwart Draymond Green (-7.1 percent), and only Derrick Jones Jr. (-10.8 percent) has a better mark from that group.
That 7.2 percent below expected field goal percentage number isn’t just good among high-volume players; it slots Walsh in the 96th percentile among all players. Yes, he needs to drive down his foul totals, but that might simply be a byproduct of his defensive tenacity.
Walsh is generating 3.8 Stocks (steals + blocks) per 100 possessions this season. Among all wings, he ranks in the 85th percentile in block percentage (1.2 percent) and 88th percentile for steals (2.4 percent), per Cleaning the Glass data.
Perhaps most importantly for a Celtics team thin on size, Walsh has been relentless chasing rebounds. He ranks in the 95th percentile while chasing down 15.3 percent of opponents’ misses when he’s on the floor, per Cleaning the Glass data.
On Sunday night, when the Celtics were playing without center Neemias Queta, Walsh was credited with a staggering 25 rebound chances (based on proximity to an available rebound). For context, Domantas Sabonis lead the NBA with 22.9 rebound chances per game, and Queta tops the Celtics at 16.7. Walsh is throwing himself into the fray at every chance lately.
Rebounding might have opened the door to Walsh gaining more playing time when he first came off the bench and got active on the glass against Washington in early November. Walsh shuffled up to the starting lineup a week later and has showed no signs of giving up that spot.
The Celtics are 6-2 in Walsh’s eight starts this season. Thin on size, the C’s have often utilized Walsh in small-ball lineups where either him or Josh Minott is basically the center on the floor.
Cleaning The Glass data suggest Walsh has logged 11 percent of his minutes at the power forward spot, and the Celtics have outscored opponents by a staggering 38.9 points per 100 possessions during that admittedly small sample. What’s more, opponents are shooting 13.9 percent below expected output at the rim when Walsh is the primary defender, which is a center-like number.
If developing younger talent and identifying players who can be key contributors long-term was a primary goal for the Celtics, then tapping into Walsh’s violent defensive tendencies this early was a huge win in the Jayson Tatum-less portion of the season.
Walsh needs to remain a willing shooter, especially when he gets open looks from the perimeter. He also needs to be more careful with the ball. He pickpocketed Mitchell at one point early in Sunday’s game but turned it right back over trying to push a pass ahead.
Walsh won’t turn 22 until March 3. The Celtics have him on the books for cheap money next season and can ponder a potential budget extension down the road.
Walsh’s energy and defensive grit has helped steady this team after a rocky start to the 2025-26 season. His ability to consistently impact the game like he did on Sunday might help the Celtics find even more consistency moving forward.
Lakers try to fight the boredom of seventh straight win
The Lakers cruised to their seventh consecutive win Sunday, taking down the overmatched New Orleans Pelicans 133-121 at Crypto.com Arena, but the play has not always been as impressive as the team's strong 15-4 record.
Against a team missing nearly all of its star players, including Zion Williamson, the Lakers let a 26-point second-quarter lead shrink to 11 by the third quarter. Instead of resting ahead of another game on Monday against the Phoenix Suns, Austin Reaves played 40 minutes, finishing with 33 points and eight assists. But with ice bags wrapped around both knees and both feet submerged in an ice bath, Reaves was still encouraged by the Lakers' rise to the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference.
“You're not always going to win in the prettiest way,” Reaves said. “Some games you're going to have to muck it up and win ugly games. And I feel like we've won in a variety of ways, which speaks to the character of everybody in this locker room and on the staff.”
Here are three takeaways from the win:
Lakers trying to become ‘process team’
JJ Redick had seen this story before. Riding high with a 7-2 record and playing against an undermanned and seemingly overwhelmed team, the Lakers got boat raced by Atlanta on Nov. 8.
With the Pelicans (3-18) missing nearly all their star players and the Lakers with seven wins in their previous nine games entering Sunday's matchup, Redick didn’t want to see another shocking upset.
So the coaching staff challenged the players before the game. Get off to a strong start, Redick implored. Players responded by piling on a season-high 46 points in the first quarter. Luka Doncic had 20 by himself.
But playing their seventh consecutive game against teams that are currently below .500, the Lakers let bad habits slip back in.
“I hate saying this, but teams can get a little bored,” Redick said of building such a commanding lead. “And that's what we're trying to get away from. [Our focus] is just continuing to be a process team and didn't think we were great with that tonight.”
The Pelicans shot 57.6% from the field in the final three quarters after the Lakers held them to eight of 25 shooting (32%) in the first quarter. Bryce McGowens led the Pelicans with 23 points while Saddiq Bey had 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Luka Doncic-Austin Reaves machine keeps churning
Doncic is, by Redick’s estimation, “one of the greatest offensive engines to ever play basketball.” His running mate Reaves, in the midst of a career year, is “one of the greatest offensive engines in this year’s NBA.”
The Lakers’ star guards went into overdrive to power the Lakers without LeBron James on Sunday, combining for 67 points and 15 assists as James missed the game with a right foot injury.
Doncic entered the game as the NBA’s leading scorer, averaging 35.1 points per game, but was also ranked second in assists per game with 9.4 assists per game. He had his sixth consecutive 30-point game with 34 points Sunday, adding seven assists, 12 rebounds and just two turnovers despite being double-teamed nearly every time he had the ball. In fact, Doncic invited double teams, beckoning extra defenders toward him as he surveyed the court.
“The gravity that he has on the court, it's impossible to guard him any certain way because [of] his ability to pass the ball, his unselfishness and his shot-making ability,” Reaves said. “Then, once you blitz him, then you have advantage basketball and we like our chances.”
Doncic said after dishing 11 assists with 35 points against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday that if he gets blitzed by extra defenders, it’s a sign he did his job. Playing four-on-three is “the easiest basketball you can play,” he said proudly.
Doncic and Reaves are the fourth pair of teammates in 50 years to each record 30 or more points in three consecutive games, according to the NBA. Powered by the sudden return of his three-pointer, Reaves scored 31 points against the Clippers last Tuesday and 38 against the Mavericks on Friday. He has made 12 of 19 three-point attempts (63.1%) in the last three games after getting off to a 31.1% mark from beyond the arc this season.
Deandre Ayton roars to double-double
Deandre Ayton warmed up for Sunday’s game wearing a black T-shirt with a photo of half of his face printed next to half of a lion’s. Before games, the 7-foot center drinks a specially mixed energy drink that has the message “unleash the beast” written on the bottle in black ink.
On Sunday, the Lakers’ lion roared to 22 points and 12 rebounds with a season-high four blocks. He continued his efficient shooting by making seven for nine shots from the field and going eight for eight from the free throw line.
Ayton, averaging 16 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, is shooting a career-best 71% from the field. Unlike the team’s leader in field-goal percentage Jaxson Hayes (75%), Ayton is not doing the majority of his scoring on sure-fire dunks. He is shooting 61% on shots between five and 14 feet from the rim, tied with Nikola Jokic for best among centers who have taken 20 or more such shots.
“I'm really impressed just with his touch,” Redick said. “When he gets the ball in that pocket, or he collects a loose ball or rebound, or he gets a post up in that sort of, like, nine- to 12-foot area, just got a great touch. And it's another weapon we have, him scoring the basketball at a high efficiency in that area.”
Ayton left the game with 7:25 remaining after tweaking his right knee while contesting a shot from Pelicans rookie Derik Queen. He immediately signaled toward the bench for a sub and walked gingerly back to the sideline while grabbing toward his right knee. Ayton missed one game because of a right knee contusion suffered in the first half against Utah on Nov. 23, but said it felt fine after cooling down.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Michigan’s big statement leads winners, losers from college hoops holiday week
Michigan put itself at the front of the national championship race with an outstanding showing in the Player's Era Festival.
Sharks star Macklin Celebrini responds to ‘great' Steph Curry's heartfelt advice
Sharks star Macklin Celebrini responds to ‘great' Steph Curry's heartfelt advice originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Up-and-coming Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini is grateful for the advice he received from Warriors legend Steph Curry about being patient while maintaining joy.
San Jose’s prized 19-year-old responded to Curry’s heartfelt intel in a sit-down with NBC Sports California’s Alan Hoshida.
“Something to take to heart for sure,” Celebrini said. “Something to listen to. I mean, he’s one of the all-time greats.”
Curry extended a long message to Celebrini, the son of Golden State’s beloved director of sports medicine and performance, about the trials and tribulations of being an up-and-coming, local icon with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Monte Poole and Bonta Hill on the latest edition of “Dubs Talk.”
“Patience is the hard thing for a young guy coming into a tough situation, where your team hasn’t won in a long time, [and it’s] trying to figure out the right identity, the right combination of guys that could get to that next level, become a playoff team and take the necessary steps,” Curry said.
“But don’t lose your joy though it all, because it’s tough in the beginning when all you want to do is win,” Curry added. “It’s kind of out of your control, but if you can keep getting better through it.”
Celebrini, whom the Sharks selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, is the key piece in San Jose’s rebuilding phase. And while the Sharks definitely are one of the NHL’s more fun teams, the franchise still has a way to go before it can bring home the coveted Stanley Cup.
The second-year NHL star explained why Curry’s advice means so much to him.
“I think it’s the way he is as a person,” Celebrini said. “You ask anyone how well he treats people. For him being who he is and accomplishing all that he’s done and just being a great person through it all, I think that’s the most important thing.
“And as an athlete, just his work ethic and his drive, even now, when he’s done all you can do in the game of basketball and he wants to just keep winning and keep driving the team.”
When Curry speaks, Celebrini listens, as the NBA sharpshooter knows what it takes to be part of both a rebuilding team and a dynasty.
Curry’s emphasis on maintaining a love for playing also stuck with Celebrini.
“Like anyone, you get frustrated,” Celebrini said. “The game’s not perfect, and you go through hard times and there’s ups and downs. But whenever I’m having fun and enjoying myself, that’s usually when I’m playing my best.”
The Sharks, led by Celebrini, are on a promising trajectory. And Curry, earlier in his 17-year NBA career, was in a similar position, which is why the pair of Bay Area stars greatly respect and admire each other.