Anthony Edwards
January 2026
Edwards became the third-youngest player to reach 10,000 career points during Minnesota’s 131-122 win over Cleveland, joining a short list of under-25 scorers. He reached the mark in his fourth-quarter minutes after a strong all-around night. His pace ranks among the fastest for active players, and he is now one of the few Timberwolves ever to cross 10,000 points.
Alperen Sengun
January 2026
Alperen Sengun left Houston’s 110-104 loss to Dallas after spraining his right ankle 1:04 into the game and did not return. Dallas also lost starter P.J. Washington Jr. to a sprained right ankle. Sengun landed awkwardly after a rebound and was helped off, while Houston were already without Steven Adams. Dallas ruled Washington out after the first quarter, with both teams hit early by ankle injuries in the same game.
NBA
December 2025
The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule will showcase nine of the league’s ten most-viewed players across official social platforms, underlining how star power drives fan attention. Dončić, Wembanyama, Curry, James and others headline five nationally televised games, continuing an 18-year run of a full holiday slate. Cavaliers vs Knicks, Spurs vs Thunder, Mavericks vs Warriors, Rockets vs Lakers and Timberwolves vs Nuggets form the broadcast lineup on ABC and ESPN. Only Giannis Antetokounmpo from the social top ten is absent, as the league uses its biggest digital draws to maximise Christmas audiences and commercial impact.
Kevin Durant, James Harden
December 2025
Kevin Durant and James Harden face each other in Houston for the first time as simultaneous top-10 all-time scorers, days after Durant passed 31,000 points and Harden climbed above Carmelo Anthony into 10th on the NBA’s career list. Harden’s late-career scoring surge after his Houston explosion years now has him chasing Shaquille O’Neal for ninth, while Durant’s sustained efficiency gives him a realistic shot at moving past Wilt Chamberlain, Dirk Nowitzki and even Michael Jordan if he maintains his current output.
Kevin Durant
December 2025
Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points, hitting the milestone with a first-quarter jumper against the Suns after earlier free throws, continuing his late-career scoring excellence in his first season with the Houston Rockets. Durant achieved 31,000 points in his 1,141st game, matching LeBron James for the third-fewest games needed behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. The 37-year-old now sits in an elite group that includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.
Kevin Durant
November 2025
Houston star Kevin Durant will miss the Rockets’ home game against the Phoenix Suns for personal reasons, postponing his first on court return to the city where he played the previous two and a half seasons and averaged nearly twenty seven points per game. Durant, now the Rockets’ leading scorer and under contract through 2028, was traded from Phoenix in a seven team deal that included Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, with both teams starting strongly this season as Houston push toward the top of the Western Conference.
Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets)
October 2025
Durant signed a two-year extension (player option Year 2), reportedly ~$90m, to stay in Houston through at least 2027. He left significant money on the table, prioritizing roster flexibility as the Rockets chase contention. Houston leverages Durant’s buy-in to maintain cap optionality for complementary upgrades. The move aligns veteran star power with a 50-win core and preserves future maneuvering while extending a window without over-committing late-prime dollars.
Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
September 2025
Houston Rockets’ hopes took a huge hit as Fred VanVleet tore his ACL before the season, derailing their backcourt plans. The injury comes after acquiring Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade, leaving rookie Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson with major responsibilities. Reports suggest Houston won’t rush a replacement, instead testing Sheppard and Thompson’s playmaking while leaning on Sengun and Durant. With VanVleet sidelined for months, their offense may stutter, but internal belief remains that their roster depth can keep championship ambitions alive.
Houston Rockets
September 2025
Houston’s season took a hit after Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in offseason training, leaving the guard sidelined long term. Rookie Reed Sheppard is expected to step into the starting lineup as the Rockets recalibrate ambitions in a crowded Western Conference. Houston had looked like contenders after adding Kevin Durant and re-signing key pieces, but VanVleet’s absence weakens their backcourt stability. While Sengun, Thompson and Durant provide star power, Sheppard’s inexperience adds uncertainty to a team eyeing another deep playoff run.
Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)
September 2025
The Golden State Warriors remain locked in negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, with no agreement reached despite a $45 million two-year offer. Phoenix Suns attempted a sign-and-trade, while offering Kuminga an $80–88 million deal to replace Kevin Durant’s role. Warriors rejected Phoenix’s package, insisting Kuminga will have a significant role under Steve Kerr this season. Despite past criticisms of fit, both sides now downplay tensions. The standoff leaves Kuminga’s future uncertain as his camp pushes for security, including a no-trade clause.
