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.

NBA: Emirates Cup-Semi Finals-San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
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.

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.

NBA: Dallas Mavericks at Utah Jazz
Flagg’s brilliance wasn’t enough, the Mavericks fell to the Jazz in overtime.

The 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.

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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.

NBA: Miami Heat at New York Knicks
Ware had an outstanding Week 9, culminating with a 28-point, 19-rebound effort against the Knicks.

Priority 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.

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%)

Bulls beat Hawks 152-150 in highest scoring game in NBA this season (and they didn't need overtime).

Defense? Who needs it?

Not the Chicago Bulls or Atlanta Hawks, who combined to score 302 points in regulation on Monday, a 152-150 win — just the eighth time in NBA history teams scored more than 300 points in regulation.

Trae Young scored 35 points and nine assists to lead the Hawks in the loss. Jalen Johnson added 36 points with 11 rebounds and nine assists.

"It's kind of tough winning games when you give up 80 points in the first half," Johnson told the Associated Press. "It's kind of embarrassing in a sense. …. Hopefully we cut down on some of the things we're doing."

The last time a team scored 150 points in a game was November of 2023 — and it was Atlanta then, too.

Chicago was led by Matas Buzelis, who scored 28 points, but it was a balanced attack with nine Chicago players in double figures. Josh Giddey had 19 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds, one short of a triple-double.

How to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game

Head to Peacock tonight for an exciting NBA doubleheader. The action starts at 7:00 PM ET with a Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers showdown. Then, at 9:30 PM, it's the Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder. 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!

nbc_roto_johnson_251219.jpg
Christmas Week is always somewhat awkward in fantasy basketball because of the unusual schedule.

Memphis Grizzlies:

The Grizzlies are coming off a 130-122 loss to the Washington Wizards on Saturday. Santi Aldama led the way for Memphis with a career-high 37 points and 10 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Cam Spencer added 19 points and 11 assists.

Memphis has been hampered by injuries this season, with Zach Edey and Ty Jerome expected to miss several more weeks.

Oklahoma City Thunder:

The Thunder fell 112-107 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, picking up their third loss of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 35 points, finishing with 7 assists and 5 rebounds in the loss. Jalen Williams added 17 points and 7 boards, while Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell each added 14.

Despite the loss, the Thunder are off to the best 28-game start that the league has seen since the 2015-16 Warriors (27-1), who won an NBA-record 73 regular-season games.

How to watch Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder:

  • When: Tonight, Monday, December 22
  • Where: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
  • Time: 9:30 PM ET
  • Live Stream:Peacock
NBA: Emirates Cup-Semi Finals-San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
There are five marquee matchups featuring four of the past six league champions.

What other NBA games are on tonight?

Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers - 7:00 PM ET on 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.

How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game

Tonight's Peacock NBA Monday doubleheader tips off at 7:00 PM ET when the Charlotte Hornets head to Rocket Arena to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Then, at 9:30 PM, the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Memphis Grizzlies. 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!

nbc_roto_johnson_251219.jpg
Christmas Week is always somewhat awkward in fantasy basketball because of the unusual schedule.

Charlotte Hornets:

The Hornets are looking to bounce back after falling 112-86 to the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel each scored 19 points in the loss. Knueppel, who was drafted fourth overall by the Hornets in 2025, is currently second on the team in scoring and leads all rookies with 19.4 points per game.

The Hornets (9-19) are 12th in the Eastern Conference and look to avoid their ninth losing season.

Cleveland Cavaliers:

The Cavaliers have lost their last three straight games, most recently falling to the Chicago Bulls in back-to-back contests last Wednesday (127-111) and Friday (136-125). Cleveland has had to adjust for much of the season while dealing with injuries to several key players. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarett Allen have only played together in 4 of 29 possible games this season.

Mitchell, who leads the Cavaliers with an average of 30.7 points per game, missed Friday's game with an illness and will be a game-time decision tonight.

How to watch Charlotte Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers:

  • When: Tonight, Monday, December 22
  • Where: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
  • Time: 7:00 PM ET
  • Live Stream:Peacock
NBA: Emirates Cup-Semi Finals-San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder
There are five marquee matchups featuring four of the past six league champions.

What other NBA games are on tonight?

Memphis Grizzlies vs Oklahoma City Thunder - 9:30 PM ET on 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' Draymond Green shades Wizards while recalling courtside trash talk

Warriors' Draymond Green shades Wizards while recalling courtside trash talk originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Draymond Green will never back down from a little trash talk.

In his latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” Green responded to some fan mailbag questions. One asked: “What’s the best back and forth you’ve had with a fan courtside?”

He pointed to one game at the Washington Wizards.

“I think one of the best had to be in DC a few years back. I was sleepwalking, and them guys got me going,” Green said. “I finished the game with 24 or something like that. We went on to win.”

Green said it was after the Warriors beat the Celtics in the Finals, so that would point to Golden State’s 127-118 win over Washington on Jan. 16, 2023. Green finished with 18 points.

Although his point estimate was a bit off, Green did turn it on in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 of the Warriors’ 34 points in the final frame.

He made sure the Wizards’ fans who were talking to him knew he was grateful for the motivation in an arena that wasn’t giving him much in the first place.

“They were like, ‘Draymond, you’re a bum, you’re this, you’re that.’ Like, oh really? Thank you for getting me going in this dead ass gym – that is the Washington Wizards’ home arena,” Green explained. “Thank you, I’m about to bust y’all’s ass now, and I politely did, and they shut the hell up and they did not want to talk anymore.”  

“And it was absolutely incredible. I mean every play – offensively and defensively.” 

Even Warriors owner Joe Lacob chimed in on the trash talk

“That was right after we beat Boston in the Finals. And then Joe Lacob was like, ‘Alright, guys, we’re going to Boston next, I’m [going to] put you on a plane to Boston, let’s go,’” Green recalled. 

The Wizards had an eight-point lead with 9:30 remaining in the game, but the fans’ trash talk might have doomed their team by waking up Green and company.

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Hugo Gonzalez by the numbers: Inside the rookie's early impact with Celtics

Hugo Gonzalez by the numbers: Inside the rookie's early impact with Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

With more than a third of the 2025-26 season in the rearview mirror, the Boston Celtics sit third in the Eastern Conference, outkicking most pundits’ expectations after the team’s summer overhaul to a championship core and with Jayson Tatum sidelined to start the new campaign.

But if you take a step back, perhaps the most important development through the first two months of the season has been the positive gains from Boston’s stable of young wings.

From third-year wing Jordan Walsh emerging as a starter-caliber lockdown defender, to second-year Baylor Scheierman making good things happening in small doses, to 19-year-old rookie Hugo Gonzalez being an absolute energy-shifter in his floor time, the three players drafted highest by Brad Stevens over the past three years all look like they can be contributors for Boston’s next version of a title chaser.

Walsh changed the entire tenor of the season while kicking down the playing time door early in the season, and Scheierman has played in 16 straight games after a rash of DNPs in early November.

Playing time is earned not given under Joe Mazzulla, but the rookie Gonzalez has basically demanded more time given the way his play has inspired some of Boston’s best basketball over the past month.

Let’s crunch the numbers on Hugo:

+19.9

That’s the team-best net rating the Celtics have posted during Gonzalez’s 305 minutes of court time. The number that pops: Boston’s defensive rating plummets to a team-best 103 with Gonzalez on the court, or 11.7 points per 100 possessions better than the team’s season average.

+111

That’s the raw number that Boston has outscored opponents by this season with Gonzalez on the court, which is best among all rookies. Gonzalez is comfortably ahead of Philadelphia’s VJ Edgecombe (+94) and San Antonio’s Dylan Harper (+80), both of whom were top-three draft picks.

3 percent

That’s the percentage of defensive plays that Gonzalez is generating steals on, which ranks in the 98th percentile among all wings, per Cleaning the Glass data. Only Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace and Sacramento’s Keon Ellis have higher rates at that position. Gonzalez ranks in the top 10 in steal percentage among all positions.

16.2 percent

That’s the percentage of opponent misses that Gonzalez is rebounding this season. He’s tied for seventh among all wings, with teammate Walsh. Gonzalez has tied or bested his season high in rebounds in each of the last three games, culminating with his first double-double of the year when he snagged 10 rebounds on Saturday in Toronto.

50 percent

That’s our crude estimate on the percentage of time that Gonzalez has defended a former — or soon-to-be — All-Star this season. His most-frequent matchups read like an Eastern Conference All-Star ballot: Cade Cunningham, Franz Wagner, Bam Adebayo, Brandon Ingram, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Scottie Barnes, Tyrese Maxey and Donovan Mitchell. He’s also taken turns against West stars like Lauri Markkanen, Kevin Durant, and Austin Reaves.

Over at BBall Index, they have Gonzalez graded at an A- for overall matchup difficulty (62nd out of 501 players) and an A+ in defensive positional versatility (9th out of 501 players). Gonzalez has spent nearly as much time on centers (18.5 percent) as he has defending shooting guards (22.6 percent).

Hugo GonzalezDavid Butler II-Imagn Images
Hugo Gonzalez consistently guards the other team’s top players.

1

Loud poster dunk produced by Gonzalez this season, when he threw down over Toronto’s Sandro Mamukelashvili on Saturday night. It ranked 11th in Dunk Score by a Celtics player this season.

2

Tommy Awards won by Gonzalez on consecutive nights during Boston’s weekend back-to-back. Gonzalez now has three Tommy Awards this season.