NBA news covering game results, trades, free agency, draft picks, playoffs, standings, and professional basketball analysis.
LeBron James received a warm welcome from Cleveland fans during his first game with the Philadelphia 76ers at Rocket Arena on Friday. Jaylen Brown scored 20 points and Tyrese Maxey added 17 for the Sixers, but the Cavaliers defeated them 119-95, snapping Philadelphia's five-game winning streak despite LeBron's eight points.
Victor Wembanyama became only the second player in NBA history besides Wilt Chamberlain to score 50+ points, grab 20+ rebounds, and block 8+ shots in a single game. He sealed the win with 18 consecutive free throws, including the game-winner, despite battling a viral infection prior to the contest.
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis is stepping away from basketball due to POTS effects while remaining a usable trade chip for the team. The Warriors are withholding his salary but plan to trade him before the February deadline to seek salary-cap relief. This follows earlier indications in late September that he would be out indefinitely with a health issue.
Boston dominated Charlotte 119-80 behind Jayson Tatum's 34 points and a franchise-record 17 first-half three-pointers. Derrick White added 18 points as the Celtics improved to 7-2 on the season, sitting atop the East Group C standings in NBA Cup action.
Former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers criticized Giannis Antetokounmpo's basketball IQ and execution during a podcast appearance. Rivers stated the star forward plays at a "crazy downhill pace" and lacks "super IQ," despite his passing ability, following Giannis' trade to the Miami Heat.
Cooper Flagg scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the Dallas Mavericks' 112-100 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday. P.J. Washington led with 26 points, while Flagg and Irving combined for key points on a decisive late third-quarter run that extended Dallas' lead to 81-70.
Sports Illustrated provides a preview of the Memphis Grizzlies versus Oklahoma City Thunder matchup, detailing injury statuses, betting odds, and broadcast information. The piece outlines team dynamics, noting the Grizzlies' young core rebuilding after key departures and the Thunder's strong recent performance and roster adjustments ahead of their regular season encounter.
Former NBA star Chris Mullin argues that Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has significantly altered the team's trajectory, surpassing expectations for Rookie of the Year. He cites Lendeborg's high statistical output and efficiency as key factors in the Warriors' current standing.
Sports Illustrated analyzes key questions surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers versus Los Angeles Lakers NBA Cup game. The commentary examines the Lakers' recent performance under JJ Redick, Luka Doncic’s MVP candidacy, and the team's defensive improvements since their earlier loss to Portland.
The commentary argues that Andrew Wiggins' poor shooting performance is exacerbating spacing issues for the Miami Heat alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. It suggests Wiggins could be a valuable trade chip to address the team's lack of outside threat and improve offensive flow.