NBA

Slot expects Isak back this season despite fractured fibula

Alexander Isak
December 2025

Record signing Alexander Isak fractured his fibula and damaged his ankle while scoring in Liverpool’s win over nine-man Spurs, capping a turbulent start to life at Anfield following a disrupted pre-season and just as he seemed to be regaining sharpness from the bench. Slot condemned Van de Ven’s “reckless” tackle, arguing it would cause serious injury most times, and confirmed surgery plus “a couple of months” out but insisted Isak will still feature later this season, even as Liverpool also cope with Salah at AFCON, Szoboszlai’s suspension and fitness doubts over Bradley and Gakpo.

Holy Cross to dedicate ‘Bob Cousy ’50 Court’ to Celtics legend

Bob Cousy
December 2025

Holy Cross will rename the Hart Center Arena floor as “Bob Cousy ’50 Court” in honour of the 97-year-old Celtics icon, recognising the guard’s starring college career, national title success and decades of community work through a donor-funded tribute tied to a home game against Lehigh. The dedication cements the link between Cousy and the school where he won the 1947 NCAA title and led 29 straight wins, before a Hall of Fame NBA career with six championships, an MVP award and a long record of advocacy and charitable work that Holy Cross officials describe as transformational.

Clippers lose Ivica Zubac for weeks with ankle sprain

Ivica Zubac
December 2025

Los Angeles Clippers center Ivica Zubac will miss several weeks after suffering a Grade 2 sprain to his left ankle, having landed awkwardly on LeBron James’ foot during the first quarter of a 103-88 win over the Lakers at the Intuit Dome. Zubac left the game after posting five points and two rebounds in 11 minutes, with scans confirming significant ligament damage, and the 28-year-old’s absence deprives the Clippers of a double-double machine who anchors their interior defense and has been central to their frontcourt identity.

Nuggets coach Adelman fined $35k for ref outburst

David Adelman
December 2025

Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for directing inappropriate language toward officials and failing to leave the court promptly after being ejected during the fourth quarter of a 115-101 overtime defeat to the Houston Rockets. Adelman received his second technical foul with 8:40 remaining, completing an early exit that capped a frustrating night for Denver, and the league’s basketball operations office imposed the sanction as part of its ongoing crackdown on coaches’ conduct toward referees during heated games.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch hit with heavy fine after ejection

Chris Finch
December 2025

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has been fined 35,000 dollars for using inappropriate language toward officials and refusing to leave promptly after his ejection during the first quarter of a 112-107 home win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Finch was hit with two technical fouls and tossed with 6:19 left in the opening period after protesting calls, and the NBA’s basketball operations chief James Jones later announced the substantial sanction as part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on verbal abuse of referees.

Luka Dončić injury adds to shorthanded Lakers concerns

Luka Dončić
December 2025

Luka Dončić left the Lakers’ derby defeat to the Clippers at halftime with a left leg contusion, cutting short the NBA’s leading scorer’s night after 19 minutes and 12 points and adding fresh concern over his fitness in an already injury hit Los Angeles squad. Coach JJ Redick said he noticed Dončić limping in the second quarter but could not offer a timeline, while LeBron James called injuries the worst part of sport as the Lakers juggle absences for Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton and Austin Reaves and search for stability in the Western Conference race.

Griffin and Parker headline 2026 Hall of Fame first-time nominees

Blake Griffin, Candace Parker
December 2025

Blake Griffin, Candace Parker, Jamal Crawford and the 1996 U.S. Olympic women’s team headline the first-time nominees for the 2026 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame class. Elena Delle Donne, Joe Johnson and coach Mike D’Antoni also feature on a deep opening ballot. The Hall praised the candidates’ defining performances and global impact, noting that finalists will be named at NBA All-Star weekend, with the class officially unveiled at the men’s Final Four. Enshrinement weekend is scheduled for mid August 2026 in Connecticut and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Victor Wembanyama extends shot-block streak to 100 games in Spurs win

Victor Wembanyama
December 2025

Victor Wembanyama recorded his 100th straight regular-season game with at least one block, joining Patrick Ewing and Dikembe Mutombo in an elite group. He finished with 26 points, 12 assists and two blocks as the Spurs cruised to a dominant win over Atlanta. Wembanyama’s streak, dating back to January 2024, continued with standout rejections on Dyson Daniels and Asa Newell, pushing his season tally to 51 blocks despite missing 12 games through a calf strain. His rim protection and all-round impact have powered San Antonio to a much faster 20th win than last year.

Kings lose Domantas Sabonis for another month with knee meniscus tear

Domantas Sabonis
December 2025

Sacramento Kings big man Domantas Sabonis will miss at least another month with a partial left meniscus tear, extending an absence that has coincided with the team sinking near the bottom of the Western Conference at 6-21 after 11 appearances from their All-Star center. Sabonis, who averaged 17.2 points and 12.3 rebounds before the injury, will be re-evaluated in four to five weeks as the Kings lean on rookie Maxime Raynaud. The second-rounder has seized the extra minutes, posting rising scoring and rebounding numbers over his last eight games.

Cade Cunningham’s high school retires his jersey after early adversity shaped his leadership

Cade Cunningham
December 2025

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has had his high school number two jersey retired by James Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, returning to the gym where early adversity and locker room tension helped shape his outlook and future approach to leadership as a young varsity standout. During the ceremony Cunningham reflected on feeling like an outsider as a young star, explaining how that experience taught him to support team mates better. He reunited with mentor Doris Morehead Jones, thanked the community, and watched his jersey lifted into the rafters while surrounded by family members.