James Nnaji commits to Baylor, adding to wave of former pros entering NCAA basketball
Nnaji will immediately join the team and he becomes the latest ex-pro to earn NCAA eligibility.
Basketball
25th December 2025
Where are all the games? Why Christmas Eve historically lacks sports
Christmas Eve hasn't hosted an NBA or NHL game since 1972.
Nuggets' Cam Johnson expected to miss time after suffering bone bruise in right knee during loss to Mavs: Report
Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson is expected to miss time after suffering a bone bruise in his right knee during the fourth quarter of a 131-130 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. But Johnson reportedly avoided the worst.
Sources: Nuggets' Johnson suffered bone bruise
An MRI shows that Denver Nuggets forward Cam Johnson has a bone bruise in his right knee and is expected to be out for some time, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.
Victor Wembanyama is playing limited minutes and the Spurs are dominating. That's not great news for the rest of the league
The San Antonio Spurs are being overly cautious with Victor Wembanyama, who’s returning from a calf strain, but that has not hindered their upward trajectory.
Why Spurs-Thunder has all the makings of the NBA's rivalry of the future
The Spurs have beaten the Thunder twice in 10 days, setting up a Christmas showdown that the NBA world will certainly be watching.
Power Rankings: Kentucky re-enters top 25
The Wildcats are back in the mix while only one new team breaks into the top 10.
To maximize Draymond Green, Warriors must accept the player he is today
Amid the latest Draymond Green drama, the Warriors need to adjust to the reality of what he brings now — and what his best purpose is.
NBA Christmas Day: The 5 most interesting players to watch, featuring LeBron James, Cooper Flagg and a rising Spurs star
Every year, we can quibble over whether the NBA’s schedule-makers aced the annual Christmas Day showcase — whether some fan base or another has cause to feel aggrieved over its squad not getting the brightest possible spotlight (we see you, Detroit!) or whether one participant or another has ridden too long on the struggle bus this season to make for a particularly compelling watch (hey there, Mavs-Warriors!).
Spurs-Thunder, Rockets-Lakers: Ranking the 10 NBA playoff contenders hooping on Christmas
Does the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule mean anything?. As we power rank the 10 teams playing on this yuletide holiday, it is an interesting question in the aftermath of the NBA Cup, which made early-season games feel more meaningful.
Miami Heat's Terry Rozier seeks dismissal of charges in federal gambling case
Rozier was arrested in October along with 30 others.
JJ Redick Says Lakers Don't Have Enough Defenders Who Play With Consistent Effort
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick was frustrated after his team's blowout loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. Redick was asked if the Lakers have enough players who are hardwired to defend and play with consistent effort and physicality. "No," Redick replied simply.
NBA Power Rankings: Young risers to watch on all 30 teams
From ROY and MIP races, our NBA insiders break down all 30 teams' young riser in this week's Power Rankings.
Power Rankings: Kentucky, Seton Hall crack top 25
The Wildcats reenter the mix while only one new team breaks into the top 10.
The Bounce: Eat up the NBA Christmas games with these perfect food pairings
Zach Harper catches you up on the latest NBA news in our newsletter.
Sixers Signing MarJon Beauchamp To Two-Way Contract; Waiving Hunter Sallis
The Philadelphia 76ers are waiving two-way player Hunter Sallis. The Sixers will sign MarJon Beauchamp to a two-way contract to replace Sallis. Beauchamp has played in seven games for the Delaware Blue Coats of the G League this season.
NBA betting: Two ways to get more value betting on the Thunder this season
Andre Snellings looks at the creative ways to bet the NBA's best team this season and still get value.
A very multisport Christmas? Let's preview three NFL, five NBA games
Christmas Day includes three NFL matchups and five NBA games. We're previewing them all with picks, predictions, storylines and more.
24th December 2025
Ben Simmons Targets Mid-Season NBA Comeback After Purchasing Sport Fishing Team
Ben Simmons believes he may be healthy enough to sign with an NBA team around the All-Star break if he continues to progress in his rigorous rehabilitation program, the unrestricted free agent told Andscape in an exclusive interview.
Malik Williams, Hawks Sign Two-Way Contract
The Atlanta Hawks signed center Malik Williams to a two-way contract Tuesday after the 6-foot-11 big man posted impressive numbers with the College Park Skyhawks in the G League this season.
Luka, AR and the hilarious bromance fueling the Lakers' wild start
The success and virality of this duo is doing more than quiet the typical noise around the Lakers. It also might transition the franchise fully into their post-LeBron era.
Donovan Mitchell shoulders load amid Cavs' injuries, shaky start. There's no other option
Mitchell is averaging more than 30 points per game and playing at an MVP level, but is it a sustainable way to win a championship?.
Disney, ESPN create NBA Christmas Day animated alt-cast for second straight year
ESPN will broadcast "Dunk the Halls" for the second straight year on Christmas Day.
How to watch every NBA game on Christmas Day: Schedule, TV channels, and more
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder play the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Day, one of five NBA games broadcast that day. Here's how to watch.
Christmas should be for families, not NBA overload. Even LeBron James agrees
The NBA and NFL are dreaming of a green Christmas, and that's not cool. Never mind the TV overload. Think of all the people working them.
The NBA fan's guide to the new TV landscape ahead of Christmas games
Two of the NBA's three broadcast partners have changed, and the newcomers have added some welcome features.
Christmas comes early for 36ers as star duo combine to down Taipans: NBL Wrap
The ladder-leading Adelaide 36ers opened their Christmas presents early, Bryce Cotton and Nick Rakocevic combining to propel the Sixers to a convincing 20-point win against the Cairns Taipans on Christmas Eve.
Lakers' Redick blunt: Effort, defense 'a choice'
Los Angeles' defense was shredded in the third quarter of a 132-108 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday night.
Jokic: Flagg 'really mature' in leading Mavs to win
Cooper Flagg had the best long-range shooting performance of his young career and left an impression on three-time MVP Nikola Jokic with his performance down the stretch Tuesday night.
Spurs' defense throttles OKC as rivalry grows
The Spurs beat the Thunder for the second time in 10 days after again overwhelming the defending champions with physicality and speed.
Celtics Could Keep Anfernee Simons For Rest Of Season
The Boston Celtics could hold onto Anfernee Simons for the season, according to Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. The Celtics are reportedly willing to pay some level of luxury tax after trading Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday over last summer.
Timberwolves Register Interest In Coby White, Collin Sexton; Will Not Trade Jaden McDaniels
The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to look to add a point guard in the trade market, sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. The Wolves have registered interest in both the Bulls' Coby White and Hornets' Collin Sexton.
Nets Listening To Offers For Michael Porter Jr.; Looking To Facilitate Multi-Team Trades
The Brooklyn Nets are listening to offers for most of their veteran players, including Michael Porter Jr., sources told Jake Fischer of The People's Insider. Porter is averaging 25.7 points and 7.3 rebounds on the year.
NBA’s next ‘monster’ is born... as defending champs shocked in major title warning — Wrap
Keldon Johnson and Stephon Castle combined for 49 points as the San Antonio Spurs unveiled a ‘new’ celebration after producing a second-half scoring blitz to rout the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder 130-110.
Cam Johnson To Undergo MRI On Knee Injury
Cam Johnson suffered a right knee injury in the fourth quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 131-130 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. Johnson will undergo an MRI, according to head coach David Adelman. The Nuggets originally listed Johnson as questionable to return with a right knee sprain.
Dark horse that can’t be ignored; brutal reality check for cellar dwellers: NBL Power Rankings
The festive period is here, and while Adelaide remains atop the ladder, a former number one is sliding down the rankings, enduring one of its worst stretches of form in recent memory.
Cooper Flagg trades buckets with Nikola Jokić, strengthening Rookie of the Year case
Flagg’s flashes continue showing why Dallas could have brighter days ahead with him in the fold.
Nuggets forward Johnson to have MRI on knee
Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson is set to undergo an MRI on his right knee after suffering what the Nuggets called a sprain in Tuesday's loss in Dallas.
Wolves top Towns for 1st time in Minnesota return
Karl-Anthony Towns scored a season-high 40 points, but the Wolves beat him for the first time in a 115-104 win over the Knicks on Tuesday night.
The Wet Bandits: Lauri Markkanen, Jazz VP dress as 'Home Alone' duo
The Utah Jazz star appropriately took the role of Marv Murchins, while Evan Phillips dressed as Harry Lyme.
Spurs cruise past Thunder ahead of Christmas rematch, now account for 2 of OKC's 4 losses on the season
The Oklahoma City Thunder have now lost four games this season. The San Antonio Spurs account for half of those losses. With Victor Wembanyama coming off the bench again, the Spurs rolled past the Thunder 130-110 in San Antonio on Tuesday night.
‘Biggest story of the season’: Giddey erupts in latest ‘crazy’ All-Star statement
Josh Giddey recorded his seventh triple-double of the season to strengthen his bid for a maiden All-Star nod as the Chicago Bulls again got the better of the Atlanta Hawks.
Ben Simmons' new team is on a boat. He buys stake in pro fishing team before NBA comeback attempt
Simmons, a controlling operator for a Sports Fishing Championship team, hopes to return to the NBA either this season or next season.
‘Engaging clubs’: NBA takes next step in landmark Europe expansion after coach scathes move
The NBA and International Basketball Federation (FIBA) announced on Tuesday they would begin prospecting teams and owners as part of their project of creating a pan-European men’s basketball league — but it hasn’t been met warmly everywhere.
Donovan Mitchell diary: ‘We’re at that crossroad, right?’
INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers entered the season dreaming about winning the second NBA title in franchise history.
NBA Christmas Day Previews
Subscribe to The Dunker SpotApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeHappy Holidays from The Dunker Spot!. Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones previewed this year's Christmas slate. We have Cavaliers vs. Knicks, Spurs vs.
‘In awe of what the sport is’: Ben Simmons’ foray into ‘niche’ sport with NBA career in limbo
With his NBA career still in jeopardy, Ben Simmons has made a curious foray into a new sport: fishing.
Shock AFL history, huge Ashes call... and a $100m statement: Top 25 Aussie performances of 2025
From our cricket heroes making history to emerging and already established track athletes firing and dominant displays in the NRL and AFL, it was a big year of sport in Australia.
Sixers win big on Christmas Eve
The Adelaide 36ers continue to firm as the team to beat in NBL26 as they wore down the Cairns Taipans on the way to the 93-73 Christmas Eve home victory which also strengthened their Ignite Cup by Disney+ push.
Wizards' Cam Whitmore is the latest NBA player to be sidelined with deep vein thrombosis
Jess Rapfogel via Getty ImagesWashington Wizards forward Cam Whitmore is the latest NBA player to be sidelined with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The Wizards announced his condition on Tuesday. Whitmore was sidelined for two games with what was initially diagnosed as shoulder soreness.
NBA Gold Logoman drums up collector excitement for Topps Chrome Basketball
Last week’s release of Topps Chrome Basketball brought plenty of excitement to collectors. It marked the first Topps Chrome Basketball product since 2009 — when Stephen Curry was a rookie. This drop wasn’t going to happen quietly.
Terry Rozier's Attorneys Seek Dismissal Of Federal Charges In Sports Betting Case
Attorneys for Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier filed a motion Tuesday asking a federal judge to dismiss wire fraud charges stemming from his alleged involvement in a sports betting scheme, arguing the government failed to clearly state his offense.
Cam Whitmore Out Indefinitely With Deep Vein Thrombosis
Cam Whitmore has been diagnosed with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and has been ruled out indefinitely. Whitmore missed the Washington Wizards' two most recent games due to shoulder soreness and further testing revealed his blood clot.
Wizards forward Cam Whitmore diagnosed with blood clot in shoulder, out indefinitely
Whitmore is the latest NBA player to be diagnosed with the condition, joining a list that includes Victor Wembanyama and Damian Lillard.
NBA Christmas Day players to watch + should the NBA ditch the Draft?
Subscribe to The Big NumberApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube. Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the NBA’s Christmas Day slate and preview Cooper Flagg’s historic holiday start at just 19 years, 4 days old.
Wiz F Whitmore out with deep vein thrombosis
Wizards forward Cam Whitmore has been diagnosed with upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder and will be out indefinitely.
Rozier lawyers move to dismiss betting charges
Terry Rozier attorneys say the government overstepped when it accused his client of wire fraud stemming from his alleged involvement in a sports betting scheme and is asking a federal judge to dismiss the charges.
Hawks reserve C Dante (ACL) out rest of season
Hawks reserve center N'Faly Dante will miss the remainder of the season after suffering a torn right ACL in a G League game on Dec. 19.
NBA Power Rankings: Are the Thunder still No. 1 after losing to West rivals?
Welcome back to the world’s most perfect NBA power rankings. The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder dropped two games in a three-outing span, losing to the Western Conference rival San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Kenny Atkinson Not On Hot Seat Despite Cavaliers' Struggles
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson is not on the hot seat despite the team's poor start to the season, multiple league sources with direct knowledge of the franchise's thinking told The Athletic.
Kings reportedly place guard Malik Monk on trade block ahead of Feb. 5 deadline
It’s been a rough start to the 2025-26 season for the Sacramento Kings. As rumors swirl about who could be on the trade block, guard Malik Monk has been made available, according to Chris Haynes.
NBA return on hold, Ben Simmons angling for success in pro fishing
TARZANA, Calif. – NBA free agent Ben Simmons is back with a team, just not in the NBA yet. Rather, the avid fisherman is the new controlling operator of the South Florida Sails of the Sport Fishing Championship.
N'Faly Dante Out For Season With Torn ACL
N'Faly Dante sustained a right knee injury during the College Park Skyhawks game vs.
Christmas Day sports schedule: When and how to watch every NFL and NBA game on Dec. 25
When Andy Williams wrote the lyrics to "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" in 1963, it's unlikely he had sports on his mind. But sports fans have been given a few extra presents the past few years, as both the NBA and NFL have made a habit of playing games on the holiday.
Nikola Jokic's 'First Love' For Horses Revealed By Teammates, Assistant Coach
Denver Nuggets assistant coach Ogi Stojakovic believes Nikola Jokic's passion for horses surpasses even his love for basketball, calling it the three-time NBA MVP's "first love" after witnessing the big man's devotion to the animals throughout their years together.
Are the Rockets true contenders? Why their recent struggles are cause for concern
Following Houston’s 125-124 puzzling overtime loss to Sacramento on Sunday, head coach Ime Udoka didn’t mince words in describing his team’s recent mentality. “Our approach wasn’t right,” Udoka told reporters. “We didn’t deserve to win.
Aussies Abroad: Simmons hopeful for NBA return
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Maybe NBA teams shouldn't foul up 3 points, but what about 2?
Plus: Who stood out at the G League Winter Showcase? And could UNC's Caleb Wilson push higher up draft boards?.
Hawks unwrap key piece for Christmas game
It's a Christmas miracle for Illawarra Hawks fans, with the return of the club's co-captain Sam Froling confirmed on Wednesday.
The Jake Fischer Latest: All the good stuff I heard at the G League Showcase in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — There have been many different G League Showcases. The closest thing that the NBA offers to Major League Baseball's winter meetings has been hosted from Sioux Falls to Boise, from Santa Cruz to suburban Toronto and more recently from Las Vegas to Orlando.
Starting 5: The key talking points leading into Round 14
Round 14 is here and it's a continuation of the 12 days of Christmas, bringing us non-stop basketball this holiday season. It all begins in Adelaide with the 36ers hosting the Cairns Taipans in an exciting Ignite Cup matchup, which tips off seven blockbuster festive fixtures.
'Sign him now': Taipans’ answer is already here
Plenty has gone wrong for the Cairns Taipans this season, but one decision stands above the rest: landing marquee star Jack McVeigh has been an undeniable win. The NBL24 championship winner has been a standout for his new club, averaging 21.6 points. 6.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists a game.
FanDuel SN channels could be sold as broadcaster scrambles for funds
If a sale falls through, Main Street Sports Group could ultimately be shut down following the current NBA and NHL seasons.
The Bounce: Cameron Boozer makes his case as the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft
Zach Harper catches you up on the latest NBA news in our newsletter.
NBA reportedly considering new measures to prevent teams from tanking games for better draft picks
The NBA is considering enacting a number of new measures after the illegal gambling arrests that rocked the league earlier this season.
Cameron Payne Signs With KK Partizan
Veteran point guard Cameron Payne has signed with KK Partizan in Serbia. It's a rest-of-season deal per the team's press release. Payne went to training camp with the Indiana Pacers this season, but was waived at the end of the preseason.
NBA Considering Draft Reform To Prevent Tanking
In the wake of a gambling scandal that has rocked the league, the NBA is looking at draft reform as a way to prevent teams from tanking.
Jalen Green Out At Least 2-3 More Weeks Due To Hamstring Strain
The Phoenix Suns announced that guard Jalen Green will miss at least two to three more weeks as he continues to recover from a strained right hamstring. The Suns said Green is making "good progress" and will be re-evaluated in two-to-three weeks. Green was initially injured during the preseason.
Sources: NBA eyes new ways to combat tanking
The NBA has begun to gather input from its owners and GMs on new ways to combat tanking, sources told ESPN.
How to watch & talking points: Sydney v Illawarra Christmas game
Sydney Kings v Illawarra HawksThursday, December 25, 8.30pm AEDT Qudos Bank ArenaHow to watchWatch the Christmas night game, live on ESPN and 10. >> How to watch ESPNTickets>> Ticketing informationHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
HoopsFest levels up with giant Slam Wall
HoopsFest Perth is set to deliver a jaw-dropping in-arena spectacle with the introduction of the HoopsFest Perth Slam Wall, a colossal new visual centrepiece that will transform the atmosphere inside RAC Arena for the entirety of the festival.
Top 10 (Round 13, NBL26)
Counting down the Top 10 plays from Round 13 of the NBL26 season, presented by Spalding. Watch the full video below.
Beat The Coach: Top Round 14 picks & PLAY NOW
12 Days of Christmas in the NBL means another huge round of action begins right as the previous one ends. We’ve got seven huge games coming up over the next seven days, with just four sides taking to the court twice for the round meaning the pool of options is much smaller compared to last week.
Victor Wembanyama is preaching ethical basketball. There's a larger truth to it all
The conversation around "ethical basketball" is about much more than just drawing fouls.
Cavs' Kenny Atkinson 'not on the hot seat' despite disappointing start: Sources
Amid rocky start well below expectations, Atkinson professes confidence: “I’m buying this dip. I know what we got comin’.".
Cavs Reluctant To Trade Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reluctant to trade Darius Garland or Jarrett Allen in an attempt to shake up their team. The Cavaliers know that offers will come in lower than desired, because both Garland and Allen have dealt with injuries and their play is down this season.
Paolo Banchero says narrative that his pairing with Franz Wagner doesn't work is 'bull---’
Facing injuries, the Magic and their former No. 1 pick have not yet met the lofty expectations they held for this season.
23rd December 2025
Kiyan Anthony is stepping out of his dad's shadow -- and into his own spotlight
His decision to play for Syracuse felt like a coronation. Now, he's out to prove he's more than Carmelo's son.
Five tales -- and a few gripes -- from playing on Christmas
With Christmas games on the horizon, stars and coaches share stories about playing on Dec. 25.
Rinse and repeat: Roth praises youth movement
Scott Roth knew committing to three young, first-year imports would come with growing pains. But as the season reaches a crucial point, he likes how the Tasmania JackJumpers are starting to come together.
???? LeBron vs. Brooks timeline: Tension, trash talk
The two players have had their fair share of battles on the court through the years.
The budding Spurs-Thunder rivalry that could shape the future of the West
The Spurs and Thunder face each other twice this week, including on Christmas Day (2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN).
How to watch & talking points: Adelaide v Cairns
Adelaide 36ers v Cairns TaipansWednesday, December 24, 5.30pm AEDT Adelaide Entertainment CentreHow to watchWatch every game live on ESPN. >> How to watch ESPNTickets>> Ticketing informationHow to follow & live scoresLive scores, stats, breaking news and game highlights are available via the new and improved NBL App.
Starting 5: The key talking points from Round 13
Round 13 saw some of the top teams continue their hot form, while many of the others split the round with a mix of promising and disappointing displays. The Kings are charging, while Melbourne United have dropped to one win and five losses since the FIBA break.
Draymond Green Leaves Bench After Argument With Steve Kerr In Warriors' Win
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr had a heated argument during a third-quarter timeout Monday night, leading Green to leave the bench and then sit on it upon his return for the remainder of the Warriors' 120-97 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Early NBL leaders’ horror slide continues as Melbourne upset again in open-air blockbuster
It was like the Tasmania JackJumpers of old as they marched into the scene of the club’s greatest triumph to spoil the Christmas party for Melbourne United in the annual Open Air game at John Cain Arena on Tuesday night.
Why horses turn Nikola Jokić from an NBA MVP into a 'stable boy'
The world has witnessed Nikola Jokić's love of horses. But only a few see the depth of passion: "They don't look at me as an NBA player.".
Green leaves court after heated exchange with Kerr
Warriors coach Steve Kerr and forward Draymond Green got into a heated argument during a third-quarter timeout Monday night, causing Green to leave the bench and miss the final 20 minutes of a 120-97 win over the Magic.
NBA Games Averaging 1.81M Viewers Across NBC, ESPN, Prime Video; Up 27% From Last Year
NBA games are averaging 1.81 million viewers across NBCUniversal, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video this season, representing a 27% increase from last year.
Rick Carlisle To Step Down As President Of Coaches Association; Will Be Replaced By J.B. Bickerstaff
Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle is set to step down as the president of the National Basketball Coaches Association at the end of December. Carlisle will be replaced by Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
