Category: Main Rumors

LeBron James says he will likely play tonight

Dave McMenamin: LeBron James on if he’ll play the second leg of the back-to-back Saturday in San Antonio: “There’s a strong possibility I’ll play tomorrow. I just sat out two weeks … I’m good” Source: Twitter @mcten What’s the buzz on Twitter? Law …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Tyronn Lue compared doubling Nikola Jokic to doubling LeBron James, saying that they’ll pick you apart – 1:23 AM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
There was plenty of rust in LeBron James’ return after a 5-game absence. But in the fourth quarter when they needed composure, James helped provide.
“That changed the whole dynamic of the game … He certainly just turned it up to a whole nother level.”: ocregister.com/2022/11/25/lak… – 12:08 AM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
LeBron James on playing in back to back game for Lakers tomorrow: “Strong possibility I play tomorrow. I just sat out for two weeks.” – 11:01 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James on if he’ll play the second leg of the back-to-back Saturday in San Antonio: “There’s a strong possibility I’ll play tomorrow. I just sat out two weeks … I’m good” – 10:59 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
LeBron says there’s a “strong possibility” he plays tomorrow on the back-to-back in San Antonio. – 10:59 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron said there’s a “strong possibility” he plays tomorrow on the second night of a B2B. He feels good after rehabilitating for the previous two weeks. – 10:59 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
The Lakers’ LeBron James says there’s a “strong possibility’ he will play Saturday in San Antonio on the second half of a back-to-back after returning tonight.
More NBA from me: marcstein.Substack.com – 10:58 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LeBron said AD was playing like the best player in the league over the last several games when he was out.
Davis took only 13 shots tonight, but went for 25 and 15 with four assists and three blocks. – 10:58 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron and AD combined for 46 points tonight.
Myles Turner and Buddy Hield combined for 49. – 10:37 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Anthony Davis on LeBron: I think it was really good for us. It looked like he felt good out there, and hopefully he continues to feel good and he’ll be out there for us tomorrow. – 10:35 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Final: Lakers 105, Spurs 94
The Lakers win their first road game of the season to improve to 6-11. LA has won 4 of its past 5 games. AD had 25 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks. LeBron had 21 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in his return.
Up next: at San Antonio tomorrow. – 10:19 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers win, 105-94.
LeBron James with an rusty return in many aspects (9 turnovers, 8 for 17 shooting) but he helped the team collect its poise in the fourth when the Spurs were pushing. Four wins in their last five games for the Lakers. – 10:18 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron James finishes with nine turnovers, his most since January 26, 2018. – 10:17 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
It looked a little sideways at times but the Lakers closed out San Antonio with a solid 4th Q push to win 105-94 in LeBron James’ return to the lineup. Davis 25p on 10-of-13 15r 4a 3b; James 21p 8r 5a 2s 9tos; Lonnie 18p 3s; TBJ 10p; Schroder 9p 5a as starting PG. LAL now 6-11 – 10:17 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The fourth-quarter lineups with LeBron have not been perfect, but after ending the third on a slew of mind-bending ugly plays, having him on the floor feels like having an adult in the room: the Lakers have played more patient, more steady. He’s only had one turnover this quarter – 10:10 PM
Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
Watching Sochan grapple with LeBron there in the post for a bit was kind of fun. – 10:02 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Consecutive transition buckets from LeBron (17 points) restored LAL’s cushion, at 90-78.
The second came on a nice behind-the-back lay off from Reaves, as LAL reached 22 fast break points on the evening. – 9:57 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
Back-to-back fastbreak baskets for LeBron, first on a dunk (guess he’s healthy) then Reaves snags a steal and hits the trailer for a LeBron layup. Lakers back up 12 with 7:49 to go. – 9:56 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
20pt lead for the Lakers is gone, down to just 4…Already 17 turnovers for the LakeShow (8 from Bron) – 9:47 PM
Allen Sliwa @AllenSliwa
20pt lead is gone, just a 4pt leading going to the 4th…Lakers already have 17 turnovers (8 from Lebron) – 9:46 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
The Lakers didn’t score in the final 3:44 of the 3rd Q, as SAS ripped off an 8-0 run to trim the LAL lead to 4, with LeBron and AD on the bench.
LAL led by as many as 20 in the 1st half, before a 34-20 3rd Q for San Antonio nearly made it a new ball game. – 9:44 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
HALFTIME: Lakers 59, Spurs 41.
It’s not been the neatest half of basketball (see 6 LeBron turnovers) but that hasn’t mattered much against the outgunned Spurs. Lonnie Walker IV putting together quite a revenge game, with 15 points on 6 for 9 shooting. He’s been dynamic. – 9:03 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
LAL have pushed their lead to 20 at 59-39, with LeBron’s fast break finish coming courtesy of Westbrook’s 4th assist.
LeBron has 9 points on 4 of 8 FG’s, with 3 assists and 6 TO’s as he shakes off some rust after missing the last 5 games. – 9:02 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Another new LeBron 20 tonight, as @LeBron James returns 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/WclrIEMzsS – 9:01 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
A bit surprised to see Thomas Bryant getting no minutes so far. Maybe it’s a matchup thing, or a function of LeBron back and operating in part as a big. But Bryant’s been good since returning, so I didn’t expect this. AK – 8:58 PM
Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
Back-to-back 3-pointers from St. Mary’s/St. Vincent alumni.
LeBron sinks one for the Lakers. Malaki Branham follows for Spurs. – 8:40 PM
Jeff McDonald @JMcDonald_SAEN
LeBron is clearly out of sync after five games off, but it might not matter if the Spurs can’t figure some things out on offense.
Everything is a struggle for them, again. – 8:20 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
That LeBron handoff with a screen to Dennis coming around the corner along the baseline … well, it’s familiar, lol. – 8:19 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Strong start to the game in San Antonio for the Lakers, who take a 9-2 lead, with a pair of fast break finishes plus a LeBron J and Brown Jr. 3.
Spurs start 1 for 4 with 2 TO’s. – 8:17 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
I disagree with the decision to start Dennis Schroder over Austin Reaves. I get the thought behind it, but I think you want to maximize the minutes LeBron and Reaves spend together if you’re not gonna empower Reaves as a ball-handler (which you can’t off the bench with Russ here) – 8:12 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
LeBron James makes the first shot of the game. – 8:12 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
Lakers’ starters vs. the Spurs:
Dennis Schroder
Lonnie Walker IV
Troy Brown Jr.
LeBron James
Anthony Davis – 7:37 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers start Dennis Schröder in place of Patrick Beverley. Austin Reaves out of the starting lineup as LeBron returns. pic.twitter.com/wqYXZvkLIx – 7:34 PM

Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
Lakers starters:
Dennis Schroder
Lonnie Walker IV
Troy Brown Jr.
LeBron James
Anthony Davis – 7:30 PM
Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers say that Anthony Davis (low back tightness) and LeBron James (left adductor strain) have been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game at San Antonio. – 7:02 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both playing tonight in San Antonio, per the Lakers. – 6:56 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
After missing five games with a left adductor strain, LeBron James is available to play tonight. – 6:55 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers say LeBron James (left adductor strain) is AVAILABLE tonight in San Antonio, making his return after five games out.
Anthony Davis is also available. – 6:55 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James remains questionable about 90 minutes to tip-off here in San Antonio, according to Lakers coach Darvin Ham. – 6:34 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kevin Durant says ‘it’s cool to see’ LeBron break all-time scoring record nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/25/kev… – 6:06 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
FIFA World Cup 2022: Lakers star LeBron James jokes about lookalike on Cameroon’s national team
cbssports.com/nba/news/fifa-… – 2:21 PM
Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Lakers are favored by 3 tonight in San Antonio.
Earlier Spurs announced McDermott and Richardson are out (injuries).
Collins, Branham, and Hall are all available.
Davis listed as probable and LeBron questionable for LAL – 1:15 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
As KD continues working his way up the all-time scoring list, he does so with an appreciation for what LeBron has done to be on the cusp of breaking Kareem’s record. KD passed KG for 18th on the list during Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 12:15 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! Patrick Beverley suspended for three games! Fair? Plus, LeBron, off to a very inefficient start, is questionable to return vs. SAS. Will his return hinder Anthony Davis’ recent dominance? @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how… – 10:42 AM

More on this storyline

Right after helping the Lakers take the 105-94 victory over Gregg Popovich’s men, James quickly took to Instagram to share his delight. He finished with 21 points on top of eight rebounds and five assists, all while playing for 33 minutes in a clear indication that he is healthy once again. “MAN it felt good to be back out doing what I love but even more out there with the squad!! Let’s keep stacking men! Good W,” James wrote alongside a series of photos from the contest. -via Clutch Points / November 26, 2022
As Kevin Durant continues working his way up the all-time scoring list, he does so with a greater appreciation for what LeBron James is accomplishing as he approaches the NBA’s scoring record. “To be the No. 1 in anything, there’s 8 billion people in the world, we just figured that out last week, so to be the No. 1 of all time at scoring the basketball, I’m sure it’s going to be a range of emotions for him,” Durant said at Friday’s shootaround, in advance of a game against the Indiana Pacers. “But to be in an era where we see this live is pretty cool as well. You probably can’t even describe the emotions and feelings him and his family and his friends are going to go through, but it’s cool to see it up close.” -via ESPN / November 25, 2022

Myles Turner hiring new agent

Marc Stein: Pacers C Myles Turner is leaving BDA Sports after two years of representation and is expected to switch to CAA, league sources say. Turner is in the last year of his contract and oft-billed as a trade candidate before the Feb. 9 trade …

Marc Stein: Pacers C Myles Turner is leaving BDA Sports after two years of representation and is expected to switch to CAA, league sources say. Turner is in the last year of his contract and oft-billed as a trade candidate before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.

Source: Twitter @TheSteinLine

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Tony East @TEastNBA
23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks for Myles Turner tonight, who had far and away his worst game of the season against Brooklyn team 25 days ago. – 12:57 AM
Dan Favale @danfavale
oh, hey, myles turner just casually posting a 71.1 ts% this season pic.twitter.com/uyOmpZM3mD – 12:00 AM

Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
LeBron and AD combined for 46 points tonight.
Myles Turner and Buddy Hield combined for 49. – 10:37 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
16 points (and counting) for Bennedict Mathurin in the fourth quarter. Pacers have 4 20+ points scorers tonight: Mathurin, Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, and Tyrese Haliburton. – 10:29 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Pacers C Myles Turner is leaving BDA Sports after two years of representation and is expected to switch to CAA, league sources say.
Turner is in the last year of his contract and oft-billed as a trade candidate before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
More NBA: marcstein.Substack.com – 9:28 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Another great half from Myles Turner – who has 15 points. But the Pacers defense wasn’t good enough and they trail 65-57 at the break. Haliburton has 7 assists. – 9:04 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
“I blacked out for a second,” Myles Turner says of his dunk over McDaniels. He said the team got away from some of their defensive principals, especially with regard to their low man, too much tonight. – 9:49 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Timberwovles beat the Pacers 115-101. Myles Turner had 31 points and 7 rebounds, but no other Pacer shot above 50%. McConnell and Mathruin were the only others above 40%. Not enough offense for the Pacers to overcome 74 points in the paint for Minny.
Pacers win streak ends at 5. – 9:26 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Timberwolves win 3 of 4 quarters en route to 5th straight win, 115-101. Ends Pacers’ 5-game win streak.
Wolves got mostly what they wanted in the painting, outscoring IND 74-38
Myles Turner hit 7 3s, scored 31pts. Mathurin had 21
Up next: Final home game for 2wks — Fri. v BKN. – 9:24 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Myles Turner has eclipsed the 30 point mark. He has nearly 1/3rd of the team’s points. The only thing working for the team for much of tonight. – 9:17 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Wolves close the third quarter strong and lead by 10 heading into the fourth. Pacers fell apart somewhat in the final four minutes of that quarter and scored just 5 points. Myles Turner had a brilliant quarter with 15 points and 2 rebounds. – 8:52 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
GET OUT OF MYLES TURNER’S WAY 😱
pic.twitter.com/s4ZXWskPkt – 8:49 PM

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
SHEESH, MYLES TURNER 😤 pic.twitter.com/91r5z6KvV5 – 8:46 PM

Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Why not Kyle Anderson on Myles Turner? – 8:41 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Myles Turner ERUPTS for a one-handed dunk on McDaniels. Wow.
He’s got 22pts, 3rd time in 5 games with at least 20. – 8:36 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
10 point third quarter from Myles Turner (and counting) to keep the Pacers in it. Pacers still down 7, but would be much more without Turner’s quarter. – 8:34 PM

More on this storyline

With the team’s trajectory trending south, sources indicate the front office is unlikely to attach those picks to a potential trade out of concern that such a transaction would not significantly change the course of the season. It is not universally believed internally that a trade for Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner and sharpshooter Buddy Hield would move the needle to title contention, sources say. -via Bleacher Report / November 10, 2022

Luka Doncic on his defense: ‘I think this year I’ve really taken a big step’

Doncic in his fifth season quietly has transformed into a well-above-average defensive player. Dare we even pronounce him a good defender? “People are not going to admit it, but I think this year I’ve really taken a big step,” he said. “I don’t need …

Doncic in his fifth season quietly has transformed into a well-above-average defensive player. Dare we even pronounce him a good defender? “People are not going to admit it, but I think this year I’ve really taken a big step,” he said. “I don’t need people to believe; I believe in myself. I think I’ve been playing defense way better than the first four years and I think I’ve taken a huge step forward.”

Source: Brad Townsend @ Dallas Morning News

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

StatMuse @statmuse
Giannis tonight:
38 PTS
9 REB
6 AST
Only Luka has more 35/5/5 games this season. pic.twitter.com/QGfgp9jKuo – 10:21 PM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
“He did things different than the other kids,” Raptors forward Juancho Hernangomez didn’t know Mavs star Luka Doncic was on a fast track to being the world’s best player when they were hanging as teenagers in Madrid, but he knew his friend was special: sportsnet.ca/nba/article/ra… – 6:20 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Luka and Juancho, just a couple of teens hanging out
thestar.com/sports/raptors… – 4:39 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Numbers suggest Luka Doncic is now good defender; he says ‘I’ve taken a huge step forward’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 3:26 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Numbers suggest Luka Doncic is now good defender; he says ‘I’ve taken a huge step forward’ dallasnews.com/sports/maveric… – 3:24 PM
Eric Koreen @ekoreen
Luka Doncic: Third in usage percentage, fourth in touches, first in time of possession (by 29 minutes!) and first in time per touch. – 2:50 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Top 4:
Luka Doncic
Joel Embiid
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Anthony Davis
Guess the stat. pic.twitter.com/pVe2evv6vb – 2:32 PM

Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
The Wolves have sent Luka Garza, Josh Minott and AJ Lawson back to Iowa. But somewhat notably, Wendell Moore Jr. stays up with the NBA club — as guard/wing depth, with Jordan McLaughlin and Taurean Prince set to miss tonight’s game, and Kyle Anderson listed as questionable. – 10:38 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players to average 30/8/8 in a season:
— Oscar Robertson
— Michael Jordan
— Russell Westbrook
— Luka this season pic.twitter.com/14sakbVLbG – 10:09 AM

Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
#Celtics #Mavericks takeaways on All Access.
On Brown’s challenging year: youtu.be/YhwQ9Ij3PJg
On Tatum surmounting Luka: youtu.be/GhlB-bVqsD4 – 12:17 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Jayson Tatum when defended by Luka Doncic:
15 PTS, 5-8 FG, 1:57 matchup time
Luka when defended by Tatum:
2 PTS, 1-2 FG, 2 TO, 1 BLK, 1:12
Defensive data is imperfect. But NBA tracking had Celtics scoring 31 points on 12-19 FG vs Luka. Tatum allowed 6 points on 3-5 FG, 2 BLK – 9:56 AM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
☘️🎙️ NEW POSTGAME POD 🎙️☘️
Jayson Tatum outshines Luka Doncic in an MVP showdown and getting wayyyyy too excited about Robert Williams’ potential December return with @Abby Chin
Take us on your Thanksgiving commute. 🦃 🚗
https://t.co/nroPps0oEk pic.twitter.com/mH7f1jfS0M – 9:47 AM

Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Jayson Tatum revealed his friendly banter with Luka Doncic after his fourth quarter block of the Mavs star: “I told him I had to block it because I didn’t want him to dunk on me.” masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 9:02 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Doncic praises Tatum and Brown: Best duo in NBA eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 7:30 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Luka Doncic is commited to bring the championship to Dallas 👏 pic.twitter.com/tb5VFTYk0I – 6:31 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Luka Docic’s 42 points are not enough for Dallas 🎥 eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/14… – 5:06 AM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
“I told him I had to block it because I didn’t want him to dunk on me. He looked at me and was like, ‘You thought I was going to dunk it?’”
In a battle of MVP candidates, Jayson Tatum, and Luka Dončić both shined. But Jaylen Brown was the difference. theathletic.com/3930550/2022/1… – 1:21 AM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
BSJ Game Report: Celtics 125, Mavericks 112 – Tatum, Brown combine for 68 to hold off Luka Doncic bostonsportsjournal.com/2022/11/24/bsj… – 1:03 AM
Jay King @ByJayKing
Jayson Tatum said he told Luka Doncic he had to block him because he thought Doncic was going to dunk on him. Said Doncic replied, “You thought I was going to dunk it?”
Lol. – 11:04 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
Jaylen Brown said Jayson Tatum was gonna play tonight “the whole time.” Said Tatum knew who the Celtics were playing — Luka Doncic — and had that matchup circled. – 10:58 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
What a response from Luka. 2nd straight time he posts 42 after a 22 pt game. Great response from Wood w/26 and 12 after thr mysterious night vs DEN. But Mavs still get overrun. Tatum and Brown 37 and 31 and 17-34 3pt is tough to beat – 10:31 PM
A. Sherrod Blakely @ASherrodblakely
Full Court Press Newsletter: Celtics’ 1-2 Punch Good Enough To Beat Luka and the Mavs, Keep Celtics Atop the NBA standings sherrod.substack.com/p/celtics-1-2-… – 10:27 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Kidd when I asked how effective Doncic-Wood were in 4th: “Look at what they did. They have a great connection. They did a good job against considered one of the best teams in the league. So hopefully we can grow from this and we cna have those two out there in Toronto.” – 10:21 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
I asked Jason Kidd if he is still hard-and-fast about bringing Wood off the bench. “I’m not hard and fast about anything,” he said. Kidd said Doncic and Wood played well together in the fourth quarter, which was obvious to everyone. “They have a great connection,” he said. – 10:15 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Joe Mazzulla explains moving Derrick White back into the starting lineup for Grant Williams, saying he is looking at the season in 5 game blocks and felt White was the right fit for the defensive matchups coming up. He guarded Luka a lot tonight. – 10:11 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Celtics manage massive Luka Doncic performance to beat Mavs 125-112 https://t.co/4XXQe1aYvw pic.twitter.com/rdaCuROloA – 10:03 PM

Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
MVP showdown lived up to the hype.
Lasting image though will be Tatum blowing past Luka and a double team for a dunk after Mavs got within 10, followed by the Tatum blocking Luka at the rim soon after. – 10:00 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics win 125-112
Tatum – 37/13/5, 2 blocks
Brown – 31/4/4, 2 steals
Horford – 14/5/4
Smart – 13/9
Brogdon – 13 points
White – 12 points
Celtics – 53.6% FGs
Celtics – 17-34 3Ps
Celtics – 12 TOs
Doncic – 42/8/9
Wood – 26/12
Dinwiddie – 15/4/4
Mavs – 53.7% FGs
Mavs – 11-31 3Ps – 9:58 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Mavericks manhandled in Boston, despite another crazy game from Luka Doncic.
mavs.com/celtics-top-ma… – 9:58 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Celtics beat #Mavericks 125-112, after a 27pt lead is cut to 9. Tatu, 37 and 13 rebs, Brown 31, Horford 14 (4-4 3pt), Smart 13, Brogdon 13, White 12: Luka 42 pts, 8 rebs 9 ast; Wood 26, Dinwiddle 15. – 9:57 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Four takeaways as Jayson Tatum and the Celtics get the best of Luka Doncic and the Mavericks on Wednesday night after a starting lineup shift masslive.com/celtics/2022/1… – 9:57 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Final: Celtics 125, Mavericks 112.
Luka Doncic was sensational, finishing with 42-8-9 on 17-for-28 shooting, but it wasn’t enough to overcome another terrific set of performances from Jayson Tatum (37-13-5), Jaylen Brown (30-4-4) and Boston’s shooters (17-for-33 from 3). – 9:55 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Luka finishes with 42-8-9 on 17-28 shooting.
Celtics about to close it out and go to an NBA best 14-4. pic.twitter.com/eX1XPkxaD8 – 9:54 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
40/8/8 games this season:
3 — Luka Doncic
3 — Everyone else combined pic.twitter.com/IVcY7xN6Lu – 9:54 PM

Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Congrats to Luka for the 42-9-8 but Tatum was the best player in that game. – 9:53 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Jayson Tatum screamed “I told you!” at Luka Doncic after rejecting him at the rim. – 9:52 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Celtics responding with some big buckets and a block from Tatum on Luka to extend lead to 17 with 1:55 left. Luka has been stellar but BOS is fighting off the DAL charge. – 9:50 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Jayson Tatum blocks a Luka Doncic drive at one end, and then Jaylen Brown buries a 3 at the other. Now both Tatum and Brown have eclipsed 30 on the night, Boston is up 17 and this one is over. – 9:49 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Jayson Tatum looked like he had a few words for Luka Doncic after that block. – 9:49 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Doncic had 1 assist until the 3:57 mark of the 3rd quarter. Since then, about 1 full quarter now, he’s had 7 – 9:46 PM
Doug Smith @SmithRaps
Kind of a Groundhog Day Raptors game.
Bunch of guys forced into roles they don’t usually play, play hard, have their moments, can’t shoot 3s to save their souls
Benches emptied, Nets will win, Luka Madness here Saturday at the (non) traditional 5 p.m. start time – 9:42 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Well, MFFLs finally are getting a large dose of Doncic and Wood together and it’s pretty effective — although to be fair there’s a garbage-time element to this. – 9:42 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Jaylen whip out some ridiculous dribble move from time to time, and that was one of them, behind the back crossover to get past Luka for the and-1. That was something – 9:40 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Luka Doncic has been spectacular tonight – now up to 42-7-6 – but thought he got fouled by Marcus Smart and let it impact his defense on Jaylen Brown at the other, creating an and-one. Boston’s lead is now back up to 15. – 9:40 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Luka going for a necessary 50 in Boston – 9:39 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic has 42 points. It’s the 19th time he has scored 40 or more in a regular-season game. Including playoffs he now has 27 games of 40+ points. – 9:39 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Celtics have executed a solid gameplan covering Luka Doncic tonight, and he still might have a 50 point triple double. – 9:39 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics lead 101-85 after three
Tatum – 29/11/3
Brown – 22 points
Smart – 13 points
White – 12 points
Horford – 11/4/3
Celtics – 54.5% FGs
Celtics – 15-28 3Ps
Celtics – 11 TOs
Doncic – 35/5/5
Dinwiddie – 15 points
Wood – 13/9
Mavs – 54% FGs
Mavs – 9-27 3Ps
Mavs – 12 TOs – 9:28 PM
Gary Washburn @GwashburnGlobe
#Mavericks end 3Q on a 16-5 run in the final 3:57, cut #Celtics lead to 101-85. Tatum 29, Brown 22, Smart 13, White 12, Horford 11, Brogdon 11; Luka 35, Dinwiddle 15, Wood 13. – 9:25 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Doncic dodging defenders, sets himself and finds Wood going toward the basket from nearly half court. He’s on a roll, up to 35-5-5 on 15/22 FG late in the 3rd. Mavs within 16. – 9:23 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka Doncic has 31 points, but only three rebounds and just one assist. Very atypical game for him. The Celtics, who were outrebounded 51-38 Monday in Chicago, are beating the Mavericks 29-18 on the boards. – 9:12 PM
Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Celtics up 91-67.
Luka has 31.
But he averages 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
He’s got 3 and 1 tonight, midway through the 3rd. – 9:11 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Luka Doncic is playing great, but he’s clearly frustrated with his teammates tonight. – 9:10 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Luka Doncic has 29 points on 12-for-17 shooting and Dallas is shooting 55 percent from the field with 65 points early in the third quarter, and yet Boston is up by 24 thanks to getting 17 points off turnovers, shooting 58 percent overall and 14-for-24 from 3-point range. – 9:08 PM
Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
It’s ugly. BOS 70-49 at the half knocking down 11-21 3ptrs to just 4-17 for Mavs. Tatum and Luka both with 23. Tatum though getting help from Brown with 13 and White with 12. No other Mav in DF. Dinwiddie with 9. 2nd half soon @971TheFreak – 8:47 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics lead 70-49 at the half
Tatum – 23/8/2
Brown – 13 points
White – 12 points
Horford – 8/4/3
Celtics – 54.5% FGs
Celtics – 11-21 3Ps
Celtics – 6 turnovers
Doncic – 22 points
Dinwiddie – 9 points
Wood – 7 points
Mavs – 50% FGs
Mavs – 4-17 3Ps
Mavs – 8 turnovers – 8:45 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Halftime: Celtics 70, Mavericks 49.
Luka Doncic had 22 points on 9-for-13 shooting and Dallas shot 50 percent from the field, but the Celtics shot 54 overall, 11-for-21 from 3, went 11-for-13 from the FT line got 23 points from Jayson Tatum in 18 minutes & forced 8 turnovers. – 8:42 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
And it’s 70-49 Celtics at halftime as the Mavericks have gotten 22 points from Luka, one fewer than Jayson Tatum has for the Celtics. – 8:42 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Give me 2022-23 Jayson Tatum over Luka Doncic @John_Zannis @Jimmy_Toscano – 8:40 PM
Eddie Sefko @ESefko
With 2 minutes left in the half, the Celtics have blasted out to a 68-43 advantage. Luka scored to quiet the crowd, but this is getting rough to watch. – 8:39 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
MVP sequence from Jayson Tatum:
-Hits a three over Doncic before double could get there
-Blocks Finney-Smith at the rim
-Draws a foul on transition three – 8:39 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Non-Luka minutes not going great for the Mavs. – 8:19 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Sloppy finish to first quarter by Mavs. Celtics’ Brogdon misses a layup, Wood gets the rebound but has a 3-foot pass to Doncic stolen by Williams. Williams misses a 3, but Wood and Doncic tip the rebound away from one another. Brown makes a layup to end the quarter.
Fitting. – 8:14 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics lead 34-23 after one
Brown – 13 points
Tatum – 7 points
Brogdon – 6 points
Celtics – 56.5% FGs
Celtics – 4-9 3Ps
Celtics – 2 turnovers
Doncic – 15 points
Bullock – 3 points
Mavs – 47.4% FGs
Mavs – 2-9 3Ps
Mavs – 5 turnovers – 8:13 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Can’t ask for a much better first quarter. Put up 34, hold them to 23, Six guys on the board, 8 assists & just 2 turnovers, JT and JB combine for 20. Dallas can’t score outside of Luka right now – 8:11 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
15 PT quarter for Luka, whose leaner falls again past Hauser. – 8:10 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Pair of Brogdon pull up 3s paxcing the #Celtics as Luka and Hardaway score inside against Boston’s bench unit. Early Luka look over Hauser falls off glass. 32-21 BOS – 8:09 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Celtics lead 26-14, and given the fact they are 10-of-15 from the field they don’t show any indication of let-up.
Mavs, conversely, look a step slow. Maybe two steps. Doncic has 10 of Dallas’ points. – 8:04 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
That was a pretty move by Smart. He Eurostepped right around Luka for the lefty finish. – 8:02 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
This game has just been Tatum and Doncic going iso for 10 minutes straight – 7:54 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Luka Doncic, who entered the game with an already absurd 38 percent usage rate, is up to 10 points and an assist (on the only other made field goal Dallas has) so far in this game. – 7:54 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Derrick White told me this morning a lot of what the #Celtics have seen on film from themselves defensively comes down to individual efforts. Luka is going at everyone one on one right now. Smart got a stop on a jumper that JUST rimmed out. Already 10 PTS and an AST for Luka. – 7:54 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Tatum earns an early pair of trips to the FT line while Luka gets going with 3 straight jump shots. Fun one early at the Garden. – 7:51 PM
Jay King @ByJayKing
The Tatum-Doncic matchup is fun. – 7:47 PM
Mark Followill @MFollowill
Luka does everything including letting us know during the broadcast open that our monitor went out for a few seconds. 🤣🤣🤣🏀📺 pic.twitter.com/vA3PAyjuno – 7:42 PM

Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Mavericks at Celtics – TD Garden – November 23, 2022 – Starters
Boston – Smart, White, Brown, Tatum, Horford
Dallas – Luka Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, Reggie Bullock, Dorian Finney-Smith, Christian Wood
OUT: Boston: R. Williams, Gallinari Dallas: Kleber pic.twitter.com/QTSiwLS8qk – 7:17 PM

Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Mavs starters: Bullock, DFS, Powell, Dinwiddie, Doncic
BOS starters: Tatum, White, Horford, Brown, Smart
6:45 tip @971TheFreak – 7:10 PM
Chris Forsberg @ChrisForsberg_
Luka or Tatum? @PhilAPerry putting me on the spot on Early Edition before this MVP showdown. pic.twitter.com/8VPTNUNnpd – 7:09 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Celtics starters tonight:
Al Horford
Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown
Derrick White
Marcus Smart
Mavericks starters:
Dwight Powell
Dorian Finney-Smith
Reggie Bullock
Spencer Dinwiddie
Luka Doncic – 7:07 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Which is more interesting: Watching Doncic come out for warmups? Or watching everyone watching Doncic come out for warmups? pic.twitter.com/6dRCF5UF5k – 6:42 PM

Eddie Sefko @ESefko
Luka making sure the threads are sharp before beginning workouts. pic.twitter.com/1SaP3963bA – 6:41 PM

Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Kidd on Luka’s defense: “Huge step. Luka can play both sides of the ball … what he understands is the opponent is going to bring him up in the pick and roll or put him in the post … he can do both .. we need him … we’re gonna cover each other, but now he’s participating.” – 6:05 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
My plan for the Celtics tonight?
Be up by more than 1 or 2 points before Dallas’ last possession. Otherwise, it’ll be Luka magic time. We’ve seen that story before. – 5:51 PM
Bobby Manning @RealBobManning
Joe Mazzulla on Luka: “Know what you need to live with and know what you need to take away … he can (score) in a lot of different ways.” – 5:47 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
New ESPN story: Ahead of tonight’s showdown with the Celtics here in Boston on @espn, Luka Doncic had high praise for his opponents, saying Boston is the best team in the league and Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are its best duo. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 2:54 PM
Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic when asked if he gets up more for games like tonight: “They’re probably the No. 1 team in the league and they probably have the best duo (Tatum and Brown) in the league, too. And we’re in the Garden, so it’s always special.”
Why does he think Tatum/Brown best duo? pic.twitter.com/qv0Px72HAf – 12:19 PM

Brad Townsend @townbrad
Doncic was asked after shootaround today which team he’s picking/rooting for in World Cup: “Serbia, since Slovenia isn t playing.” With Germany and Argentina losing, Doncic was asked whether Kleber or Campazzo is taking their loss harder. “Facu because he is a huge fan.” – 12:04 PM
Matt Williams @StatsWilliams
Luka Doncic is averaging 11.7 points in the 1st quarter this season.
That is on pace to be the most by any player in any quarter in a season over the last 25 years. – 11:38 AM
Henry Abbott @TrueHoop
10/27: Durant dunks to tie the game, leaving Luka and the Mavericks 8 seconds to win it. Was it a tactical error not to hold for the last shot? @David Thorpe and I bickered, then called in @SethPartnow to referee, which @jshector made a podcast out of. https://t.co/Daw0DmWvel pic.twitter.com/UoPtrb7akb – 11:17 AM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
Nov. 23 RPR MVP standings:
1. Luka Doncic: 16.9
2. Jayson Tatum: 16.0
3. Kevin Durant: 15.8
4. Stephen Curry: 15.6
5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 15.4
6. Joel Embiid: 14.5
7. Donovan Mitchell: 14.4
8. Devin Booker: 13.7
9. Anthony Davis: 12.8
10. Lauri Markkanen: 12.5 pic.twitter.com/EcDWNTcksf – 10:55 AM

More on this storyline

If not for Doncic fine-tuning his diet and body, his defensive uptick would not be possible, but it’s all attributable to a change in mindset this offseason, as he simultaneously trained for Slovenia’s World Cup-qualifying and EuroBasket runs and the 2022-23 NBA season. “The start of last season for me was very bad,” he said. “I was out of shape. It just wasn’t me. I didn’t play good. So I took that as a motivation for this season.” -via Dallas Morning News / November 26, 2022
With Doncic’s immense talent, some fans worry about him possibly leaving the team in search of a more suitable place for a championship run. However, the Slovenian superstar assures that it’s not going to happen, at least not in the upcoming years. “I don’t think they [should] worry about it. I have five years left here so I don’t think they should be worried about it,” the player told WFAA’s Joe Trahan in an interview. “That’s everything,” Luka said about wanting to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy with the Mavs. “Everybody wants to win the championship. I want to win the championship here. It’s our goal. It’s the same every season. It’s a lot of work to do. There are so many great teams in the league. Anybody can beat you at this point. You have to be really ready.” -via BasketNews / November 24, 2022
Tim Bontemps: Luka Doncic on playing against Jayson Tatum: “It’s always the best. He’s an amazing player. He’s top 10, in the MVP (conversation) … he’s shown he’s not a future face of the league, but he already is, & he’s an amazing player & it’s always fun to play with those kind of guys.” -via Twitter @TimBontemps / November 24, 2022

Gordon Hayward’s wife blasts Hornets: ‘I’m over them not protecting players’

“He actually has a fractured scapula… that they had him play with last game… that’s why he couldn’t move his arm up in the last game,” she wrote. She later added: “I’m gonna stop here and not get into prior things” before continuing on a subsequent …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Hornets’ Gordon Hayward out with fractured left shoulder sportando.basketball/en/hornets-gor… – 3:48 AM
Jeff Stotts @InStreetClothes
Re: Gordon Hayward: Scapula fractures are pretty uncommon in the NBA. The average time lost is seven weeks in a very small sample size. The injury is a bit more frequent in baseball and the average time lost there is closer to eight weeks. – 12:01 AM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Gordon Hayward is out indefinitely with a fractured shoulder, which his wife said the Hornets had him play through.
➡️ https://t.co/NUSSDLDxNL pic.twitter.com/BDAI8Wex1g – 11:51 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Charlotte Hornets forward Gordon Hayward will be evaluated week-to-week on his return from a fractured left shoulder, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @Priority Sports tells ESPN. – 11:29 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Another Hornets injury: Hayward out indefinitely with fractured shoulder nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/25/ano… – 11:06 PM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Theo Maledon has been Charlotte’s most efficient PnR ball handler all season at 1.07ppp, quite some way ahead of Rozier, Hayward and Oubre – 5:32 PM
Rod Boone @rodboone
We’ve got Jalen McDaniels starting for Gordon Hayward against, well, his brother Jaden McDaniels. Should be an All in the Family kinda night. – 4:38 PM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Clifford on Hayward “His shoulder was really, really bothering him and he took another hit on it.”
McDaniels will start – 3:21 PM

More on this storyline

On Friday evening, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that Hornets forward Gordon Hayward will be out indefinitely with a left shoulder fracture, and Hayward’s wife, Robin, agrees. But that’s not how the Hornets framed it. The Athletic report surfaced shortly after the Hornets listed Hayward as out Friday against the Timberwolves — won 110-108 by Charlotte — with a left shoulder contusion, a significantly lesser ailment than what Charania reported. But Robin disputed the contusion claim on her Instagram Story, noting the injury is significantly worse than the team’s claim. -via New York Post / November 26, 2022
Shams Charania: Sources: Charlotte’s Gordon Hayward will be sidelined indefinitely due to a fracture in his left shoulder. Hornets expect Hayward to miss time and he is undergoing further evaluations. -via Twitter @ShamsCharania / November 25, 2022

Gordon Hayward suffers shoulder fracture, out indefinitely

Shams Charania: Sources: Charlotte’s Gordon Hayward will be sidelined indefinitely due to a fracture in his left shoulder. Hornets expect Hayward to miss time and he is undergoing further evaluations. Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania What’s the buzz …

Shams Charania: Sources: Charlotte’s Gordon Hayward will be sidelined indefinitely due to a fracture in his left shoulder. Hornets expect Hayward to miss time and he is undergoing further evaluations.

Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Sources: Charlotte’s Gordon Hayward will be sidelined indefinitely due to a fracture in his left shoulder. Hornets expect Hayward to miss time and he is undergoing further evaluations. – 9:46 PM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
Theo Maledon has been Charlotte’s most efficient PnR ball handler all season at 1.07ppp, quite some way ahead of Rozier, Hayward and Oubre – 5:32 PM
Rod Boone @rodboone
We’ve got Jalen McDaniels starting for Gordon Hayward against, well, his brother Jaden McDaniels. Should be an All in the Family kinda night. – 4:38 PM
Rod Boone @rodboone
Gordon Hayward is questionable for tomorrow’s game against Minnesota. Dennis Smith Jr. is out. – 5:32 PM
James Plowright @British_Buzz
It wasn’t pretty, but Charlotte got the job done last night. Worried about Hayward, Philly were hunting him on switches early and offensively his shot looks off, shoulder still a clear issue.
I Thought Clifford adjusted well having the bigs step up more on PnR in the 2nd half – 7:06 AM
Rod Boone @rodboone
First home game for Gordon Hayward since Halloween coming up. – 6:57 PM

More on this storyline

Myles Turner leaving BDA Sports and expects to go to CAA

Marc Stein: Pacers C Myles Turner is leaving BDA Sports after two years of representation and is expected to switch to CAA, league sources say. Turner is in the last year of his contract and oft-billed as a trade candidate before the Feb. 9 trade …

Marc Stein: Pacers C Myles Turner is leaving BDA Sports after two years of representation and is expected to switch to CAA, league sources say. Turner is in the last year of his contract and oft-billed as a trade candidate before the Feb. 9 trade deadline. More NBA: marcstein.Substack.com

Source: Twitter @TheSteinLine

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Pacers C Myles Turner is leaving BDA Sports after two years of representation and is expected to switch to CAA, league sources say.
Turner is in the last year of his contract and oft-billed as a trade candidate before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
More NBA: marcstein.Substack.com – 9:28 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Another great half from Myles Turner – who has 15 points. But the Pacers defense wasn’t good enough and they trail 65-57 at the break. Haliburton has 7 assists. – 9:04 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
“I blacked out for a second,” Myles Turner says of his dunk over McDaniels. He said the team got away from some of their defensive principals, especially with regard to their low man, too much tonight. – 9:49 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Timberwovles beat the Pacers 115-101. Myles Turner had 31 points and 7 rebounds, but no other Pacer shot above 50%. McConnell and Mathruin were the only others above 40%. Not enough offense for the Pacers to overcome 74 points in the paint for Minny.
Pacers win streak ends at 5. – 9:26 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Timberwolves win 3 of 4 quarters en route to 5th straight win, 115-101. Ends Pacers’ 5-game win streak.
Wolves got mostly what they wanted in the painting, outscoring IND 74-38
Myles Turner hit 7 3s, scored 31pts. Mathurin had 21
Up next: Final home game for 2wks — Fri. v BKN. – 9:24 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Myles Turner has eclipsed the 30 point mark. He has nearly 1/3rd of the team’s points. The only thing working for the team for much of tonight. – 9:17 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
Wolves close the third quarter strong and lead by 10 heading into the fourth. Pacers fell apart somewhat in the final four minutes of that quarter and scored just 5 points. Myles Turner had a brilliant quarter with 15 points and 2 rebounds. – 8:52 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
GET OUT OF MYLES TURNER’S WAY 😱
pic.twitter.com/s4ZXWskPkt – 8:49 PM

NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
SHEESH, MYLES TURNER 😤 pic.twitter.com/91r5z6KvV5 – 8:46 PM

Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Why not Kyle Anderson on Myles Turner? – 8:41 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Myles Turner ERUPTS for a one-handed dunk on McDaniels. Wow.
He’s got 22pts, 3rd time in 5 games with at least 20. – 8:36 PM
Tony East @TEastNBA
10 point third quarter from Myles Turner (and counting) to keep the Pacers in it. Pacers still down 7, but would be much more without Turner’s quarter. – 8:34 PM

More on this storyline

With the team’s trajectory trending south, sources indicate the front office is unlikely to attach those picks to a potential trade out of concern that such a transaction would not significantly change the course of the season. It is not universally believed internally that a trade for Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner and sharpshooter Buddy Hield would move the needle to title contention, sources say. -via Bleacher Report / November 10, 2022

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will sit out next two games

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will also remain out on Sunday vs Indiana in addition to tonight per Ty Lue. Source: Twitter @NotoriousOHM What’s the buzz on Twitter? Law Murray @ LawMurrayTheNU Michael Malone takes nothing from …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Michael Malone takes nothing from Nuggets-Clippers preseason game played in Ontario in October despite both teams playing full squads for most part (no Jamal, no Kawhi last month but that was it).
Malone also did not sound happy about the condition of the floor that night either – 9:05 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Re: Kawhi, PG and Kennard, Ty Lue said late in his pregame talk with reporters that he has a good feeling for how the injured Clippers are progressing. He said he hasn’t tried to reorient the offense like he did last season because he didn’t think the absences would be long term. – 9:03 PM
Janis Carr @janiscarr
Ty Lue says PG, Kawhi and Luke are all out tonight and Sunday. – 9:02 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will also remain out on Sunday vs Indiana in addition to tonight per Ty Lue. – 8:57 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Luke Kennard, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George already ruled out for Sunday.
Like I said yesterday, I’m not necessarily expecting them to play until next Saturday at earliest. – 8:57 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
I need a good night out of Denver’s defense. Clippers have the 28th ranked offense and are without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Nuggets have the 27th ranked defense — the only teams worse are the Rockets, Pistons, Spurs. This defensive turnaround has to start soon. – 7:42 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Key number to know for tonight’s Nuggets-Clippers game:
In 300+ minutes, the Clippers have a -10 Net Rating in the minutes when both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are off the floor. They score just 100 points per 100 possessions. Horrible offense.
Both are out tonight. – 6:36 PM
Austin Burton @Amaar_206
Clippers fans reading another Kawhi and/or PG13 injury update pic.twitter.com/CIP2DdHVFq – 12:42 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
I’m blaming my injury report tardiness on the tryptophan. But yeah, Kawhi, Paul George and Luke Kennard have all been ruled out for Clippers-Nuggets tomorrow. – 11:07 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kawhi and PG are out for Friday’s game; Ty Lue says no timetable for either espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 9:11 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Clippers injury report for Black Friday is unchanged from yesterday.
Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Luke Kennard, and the Ontario trio are out vs Nuggets.
Wouldn’t be surprised if the injured Clippers are done until December. – 7:53 PM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ty Lue says there’s currently no timetable for injured Kawhi and Paul George espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 12:23 AM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
The Clippers are trailing 32-29 in San Francisco, their 5 turnovers keeping them from possibly having a lead despite playing without Kennard, Kawhi and PG. – 10:39 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Reporting on Paul George and Kawhi Leonard’s injuries. Both players had treatment in Los Angeles today. Leonard will be re-evaluated in the coming days, putting his availability for Friday’s game in question. More from our @NBA on ESPN broadcast: pic.twitter.com/Ll9uh3rGig – 10:29 PM

CJ Holmes @CjHolmes22
No Kawhi Leonard or Paul George tonight for the Clippers. Traditional starters for Golden State. pic.twitter.com/kO3VpzlPan – 9:44 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Ty Lue says Kawhi is OK but that there was some soreness the day after he rolled the ankle and there’s no timetable currently on Kawhi’s ankle injury. He said the same as far as no timetable for Paul George and Luke Kennard. – 8:29 PM
Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif
Ty Lue says Kawhi Leonard woke up with soreness yesterday so he’s being held out. No timetable offered for his return, nor for the returns of PG or Luke Kennard. – 8:29 PM
Dalton Johnson @DaltonJ_Johnson
Tonight was supposed to be a date that was circled by anyone who gave a damn about basketball.
Instead, it’s an 8-10 Warriors team vs. the Clippers without Kawi and Paul George nbcsports.com/bayarea/warrio… – 2:31 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
🆕️ @TheAthletic
A Thanksgiving Clippers mailbag, where we discuss the duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the duo of Jason Preston and Moussa Diabaté, and stories in between too
theathletic.com/3925425/2022/1… – 11:47 AM

More on this storyline

Bradley Beal returns against Heat

Anthony Chiang: Bradley Beal will play and start for the Wizards tonight vs. Heat. He was listed as questionable. Source: Twitter @Anthony_Chiang What’s the buzz on Twitter? Chase Hughes @ ChaseHughesNBCS Bradley Beal will return tonight after a …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Chase Hughes @ChaseHughesNBCS
Bradley Beal will return tonight after a one-game absence, the Wizards announce. Starters vs. Heat:
Beal, Kispert, Avdija, Kuzma, Porzingis – 7:37 PM
Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Same lineup for Heat tonight as seen on Wednesday
Bradley Beal will play for Wizards – 7:34 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Bradley Beal is back for the Wizards and starting tonight against the Heat, along with Corey Kispert, Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma and Kristaps Porziņģis. – 7:33 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
The Washington Wizards’ starters tonight against the Miami Heat:
PG: Bradley Beal
SG: Corey Kispert
SF: Deni Avdija
PF: Kyle Kuzma
C: Kristaps Porziņģis – 7:31 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Bradley Beal will play and start for the Wizards tonight vs. Heat. He was listed as questionable. – 7:31 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Per Wizards:
Johnny Davis, Rui Hachimura and Monte Morris are out tonight vs. Miami.
Bradley Beal will be a game-time decision. – 6:35 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Johnny Davis (groin soreness), Rui Hachimira (sore right ankle) and Monté Morris (sore right ankle) will NOT play tonight, the Wizards announced. Bradley Beal (right quadriceps contusion) remains a gametime decision. – 6:32 PM
Ava Wallace @avarwallace
Monte Morris (ankle), Rui Hachimura (ankle) and Johnny Davis (groin) are out tonight, the Wizards announce.
Bradley Beal (thigh contusion) is a game time decision still. – 6:27 PM
Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Wizards announce that Johnny Davis, Rui Hachimura and Monte Morris are out tonight vs. Miami.
Bradley Beal is a game-time decision. – 6:26 PM
Josh Robbins @JoshuaBRobbins
Bradley Beal (right quadriceps contusion), Rui Hachimira (sore right ankle) and Monté Morris (sore right ankle) — all listed as questionable to play — are expected to be gametime decisions to play tonight in Miami, Wes Unseld Jr. said. They were limited shootaround participants. – 11:23 AM

More on this storyline

Ira Winderman: Wizards injury report for Friday at Heat: Bradley Beal, Questionable, right thigh contusion Johnny Davis, Questionable, right groin soreness Rui Hachimura, Questionable,right ankle soreness Monte Morris, Questionable, right ankle soreness Delon Wright, Out, right hamstring strain -via Twitter @IraHeatBeat / November 24, 2022

LeBron James returns to lineup after 5 games against Spurs

Dave McMenamin: LeBron James is available to play tonight in San Antonio after a five-game absence because of a left groin strain, per the Lakers. Source: Twitter @mcten What’s the buzz on Twitter? Brad Turner @ BA_Turner Lakers say that Anthony …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Brad Turner @BA_Turner
Lakers say that Anthony Davis (low back tightness) and LeBron James (left adductor strain) have been upgraded to AVAILABLE for tonight’s game at San Antonio. – 7:02 PM
Jovan Buha @jovanbuha
LeBron James and Anthony Davis are both playing tonight in San Antonio, per the Lakers. – 6:56 PM
Mike Trudell @LakersReporter
After missing five games with a left adductor strain, LeBron James is available to play tonight. – 6:55 PM
Kyle Goon @kylegoon
The Lakers say LeBron James (left adductor strain) is AVAILABLE tonight in San Antonio, making his return after five games out.
Anthony Davis is also available. – 6:55 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James is available to play tonight in San Antonio after a five-game absence because of a left groin strain, per the Lakers. – 6:54 PM
Dave McMenamin @mcten
LeBron James remains questionable about 90 minutes to tip-off here in San Antonio, according to Lakers coach Darvin Ham. – 6:34 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Kevin Durant says ‘it’s cool to see’ LeBron break all-time scoring record nba.nbcsports.com/2022/11/25/kev… – 6:06 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
FIFA World Cup 2022: Lakers star LeBron James jokes about lookalike on Cameroon’s national team
cbssports.com/nba/news/fifa-… – 2:21 PM
Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
The Lakers are favored by 3 tonight in San Antonio.
Earlier Spurs announced McDermott and Richardson are out (injuries).
Collins, Branham, and Hall are all available.
Davis listed as probable and LeBron questionable for LAL – 1:15 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
As KD continues working his way up the all-time scoring list, he does so with an appreciation for what LeBron has done to be on the cusp of breaking Kareem’s record. KD passed KG for 18th on the list during Wednesday’s win over the Raptors. espn.com/nba/story/_/id… – 12:15 PM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Friday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! Patrick Beverley suspended for three games! Fair? Plus, LeBron, off to a very inefficient start, is questionable to return vs. SAS. Will his return hinder Anthony Davis’ recent dominance? @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how… – 10:42 AM
LeBron James @KingJames
John Madden we’re ALL thankful for you!!! 🐐 – 9:53 PM

More on this storyline

As Kevin Durant continues working his way up the all-time scoring list, he does so with a greater appreciation for what LeBron James is accomplishing as he approaches the NBA’s scoring record. “To be the No. 1 in anything, there’s 8 billion people in the world, we just figured that out last week, so to be the No. 1 of all time at scoring the basketball, I’m sure it’s going to be a range of emotions for him,” Durant said at Friday’s shootaround, in advance of a game against the Indiana Pacers. “But to be in an era where we see this live is pretty cool as well. You probably can’t even describe the emotions and feelings him and his family and his friends are going to go through, but it’s cool to see it up close.” -via ESPN / November 25, 2022

Trey Murphy will play against Grizzlies

Mark Haynes: New Orleans Pelicans Trey Murphy III (foot) will play tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell Sideline Sources. Source: Twitter @markhaynesnba What’s the buzz on Twitter? Mark Haynes @ markhaynesnba New Orleans Pelicans Trey …

Mark Haynes: New Orleans Pelicans Trey Murphy III (foot) will play tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell Sideline Sources.

Source: Twitter @markhaynesnba

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Mark Haynes @markhaynesnba
New Orleans Pelicans Trey Murphy III (foot) will play tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies, sources tell Sideline Sources. – 5:37 PM
Jim Eichenhofer @Jim_Eichenhofer
CJ McCollum out, Trey Murphy listed as questionable by #Pelicans for Friday’s game at Memphis. @MorrisBartLLC injury report: https://t.co/UhIwz2YtkO pic.twitter.com/aQ7N84Uen4 – 5:37 PM

Paul Garcia @PaulGarciaNBA
Trey Murphy III is also out tonight. He was doubtful earlier – 6:50 PM
Christian Clark @cclark_13
Trey Murphy is out. He will miss a second straight game with a right foot contusion. – 6:32 PM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Trey Murphy will be out again tonight against San Antonio, per Willie Green.
He says Murphy is still experiencing soreness in his right foot. – 6:32 PM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Trey Murphy is OUT tonight for Pelicans-Spurs matchup, per Willie Green. However, the head coach went on to say his right foot is feeling better but a little soreness remains. – 6:31 PM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
Willie Green says Trey Murphy is OUT tonight with the right foot contusion. Says Trey is still dealing with soreness. – 6:30 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
GAME THEORY PODCAST: @MG_Schindler is here! And we dive into breakout players, including…
-Desmond Bane!
-Trey Murphy!
-Bol Bol!
-Kevin Huerter!
Many more!
APPLE: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/gam…
WATCH: youtu.be/XVADZOjVyRA – 7:15 AM

More on this storyline

Christian Clark: Trey Murphy was a limited participant in practice. Still dealing with some soreness and is day to day, per Willie Green. -via Twitter @cclark_13 / November 22, 2022