Josh Hart To Miss At Least Three Games With Sprained Ankle
After spraining his right ankle in Thursday’s game, Knicks guard Josh Hart didn’t travel with the team on a three-game road trip that began tonight in Atlanta, writes James L. Edwards of The Athletic. Hart will also be unavailable Monday at New Orleans and Wednesday at San Antonio.
League sources tell Edwards that Hart is undergoing further testing on the ankle and his condition will be reevaluated when the team returns home.
Hart was injured in the fourth quarter of the Christmas Day contest against Cleveland when his foot twisted in a collision with Dean Wade (Twitter video link). A foul was called on the play, and Hart made both free throws before limping to the locker room.
Edwards notes that the Knicks have gone 11-3 since coach Mike Brown inserted Hart into the starting lineup late last month. He’s shooting 38.9% from three-point range, his best percentage since his rookie season, and he’s collecting 8.0 boards per night, which makes him one of the league’s best rebounding non-centers. He’s also averaging 12.3 points and 5.1 assists in 30.3 minutes per game.
There’s positive injury news for New York as well, as Edwards hears that Miles McBride is expected back Monday after missing nine straight games with a sprained ankle. In addition, league sources tell Edwards that Landry Shamet has progressed to full on-court basketball activities and is working toward being cleared for contact. Shamet has missed the past month with a sprained right shoulder.
Latest On Anthony Davis
NBA on Prime insider Chris Haynes hears the Warriors are considering putting together a trade package to try and acquire Anthony Davis (Twitter video link). However, Haynes says the Mavericks aren’t enamored with the assets Golden State could offer for Davis, so if the Warriors do try to make a run at the star big man, a third team might have to be involved.
If it isn’t Davis, the Warriors are still hoping to find a strong defensive center ahead of the trade deadline in February, according to Haynes.
Sources confirm to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com that the Warriors, Raptors and Hawks are interested in acquiring Davis (story via Ashish Mathur).
Whether he remains with Dallas or is traded to a new team, the 32-year-old is expected to seek a lucrative long-term extension once he becomes eligible to sign one in August, per Dallas Hoops Journal. Both Haynes and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link) have heard the same.
Davis, who has dealt with numerous injuries over the years, is currently battling a groin strain. He was initially listed as questionable for Saturday’s contest in Sacramento, but has subsequently been downgraded to out.
“Hopefully, it’s not long,” head coach Jason Kidd said of Davis’ absence (Twitter link via Christian Clark of The Athletic).
Haynes also reported that the Hawks are “very intrigued” by the possibility of trading for Davis. In a separate story for Dallas Hoops Journal, Afseth takes a look at Atlanta’s potential interest in the 10-time All-Star, writing that people around the league think the Hawks might be open to a major roster shake-up in order to snap out of their recent funk — they’ve lost five straight games and are just 2-9 in December.
According to Afseth, a Hawks trade package involving Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7MM expiring contract), Luke Kennard ($11MM expiring salary) and Zaccharie Risacher ($13.2MM in the second year of his rookie scale deal) is very close to what Davis earns this season ($54.1MM), which is one reason why Atlanta is viewed as a potential fit. The Mavs would almost certainly send out another smaller salary or two in that scenario to have additional breathing room below their second-apron hard cap.
Kennard hasn’t made the sort of impact Atlanta was hoping when it signed him to a one-year deal over the summer, Afesth notes. The veteran guard received his first DNP-CD during Friday’s loss to Miami.
Hawks ‘Intrigued’ By Possibility Of Acquiring Anthony Davis
The Hawks remain “very intrigued” by the possibility of acquiring Mavericks big man Anthony Davis in a trade, insider Chris Haynes reported during an ‘NBA on Prime’ broadcast (Twitter video link; hat tip to Real GM).
Haynes indicated that a potential deal involving the Hawks would not include Trae Young, who could become a free agent after the season if he declines his $49MM option. Instead, the package for Davis could include 2024 top pick Zaccharie Risacher.
“Dallas would likely want expiring deals, young assets, and picks – and probably, likely to include number one pick from last season Zach Risacher,” Haynes said.
If Young and his $46MM salary isn’t part of the potential deal, Kristaps Porzingis‘ $30.7MM expiring contract would be a necessary component.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported earlier this week that the Hawks had checked in on Davis. However, Siegel also reported that there has been no momentum in those talks and there was a sense that Atlanta is more likely to target a lower-salary replacement if the team builds a deal around Porzingis‘ expiring contract.
Adding Davis would be an “all-in” move for the Hawks, considering his contract numbers. He’s making $54.1MM this season and $58.5MM next season. Davis also holds a player option of $62.8MM for the 2027/28 season.
Haynes added that a team acquiring Davis would likely have to sign him to a contract extension. That would involve significant risk, considering the big man’s injury history. He’s currently dealing with a mild right groin strain.
Davis has only appeared in 16 games this season and, outside of his 76 regular season appearances with the Lakers in 2023/24, hasn’t seen action in more than 62 games in a season since 2018/19.
Davis would significantly boost the Hawks’ defense. Atlanta has fallen below .500 at 15-17 during its current five-game slide. The Hawks have allowed 126 or more points in their last seven losses. They have allowed opponents to shoot 47.8% from the field this season, ranking 23rd in the league in that category.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Expected To Play on Saturday
The Bucks are likely to have their superstar back on the court on Saturday.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to suit up for Milwaukee’s game against the Bulls, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm reports. Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined eight games due to a right calf strain, will still need to clear the pregame tests required by the Bucks’ training staff to gain final clearance. Antetokounmpo has been steadily increasing his activity in recent weeks, including a full-contact three-on-three scrimmage following a pregame shootaround on Tuesday.
The two-time MVP has been sidelined since suffering the injury in the opening quarter against the Pistons on Dec. 3. Milwaukee managed to win that game without him but have since posted a 2-6 record. The Bucks’ offense has stalled without Antetokounmpo’s all-around contributions — they’ve scored 105 or fewer points in five of those losses.
The Bucks have a 12-19 overall record, leaving them in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. It’s mainly due to the absences of Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 29.1 minutes per game while shooting a career-high 63.9% from the field. He also missed some time due to a left adductor strain. The Bucks are 10-7 this season in games he’s played.
While on the mend, Antetokounmpo tried to downplay the usual rumors regarding his future by declaring that he’s “locked in” to playing with the team that drafted him in 2013.
“I’m still locked in, locked in on my teammates. Most importantly, locked in on me getting back healthy,” Antetokounmpo said on Dec. 18. “And then, locked in on my teammates and how can I help them from the sideline or encourage them to be able to play and play free? Because at the end of the day, it takes a toll on them, too, right? They’re playing game after game after game. Thank God we’ve had a very good schedule in the last couple of weeks, but it takes a toll on them, too — rumors, injuries, lose, win. It’s hard, right? As a leader, but most importantly as a winner, you just gotta be there for them first.”
Lakers’ Reaves Out At Least Four Weeks With Grade 2 Calf Strain
Lakers guard Austin Reaves has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 left gastrocnemius strain and will miss at least four weeks, which is the next time he’ll be reevaluated, the team announced on Friday (Twitter link via Dan Woike of The Athletic).
The gastrocnemius is the largest and most powerful muscle in the calf.
Reaves suffered a mild left calf strain on December 8 and returned to action on December 23. He experienced soreness in his calf in yesterday’s game against Houston, forcing him to leave the eventual loss at halftime. An MRI confirmed the strain.
While the Grade 2 gastrocnemius strain seems likely to be connected to the initial injury Reaves suffered earlier this month, it’s technically a different part of his calf, team and league sources tell Woike. The calf is comprised of the gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Reaves told fellow guard Luka Doncic on Thursday that he wasn’t sure how severe the injury was, according to Woike.
“Just hoping. I just say, ‘If you need something to help with, I know how it is to go to a calf injury.’ It’s not fun at all,” said Doncic, who suffered a calf strain last Christmas in his final game with Dallas. “Just be there to support him. Take your time. Calves are dangerous.”
It’s a tough blow for Reaves, who is playing for his next contract. He’ll almost certainly turn down his $14.9MM player option for 2026/27 and sign a new deal as an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The 27-year-old was in the midst of a breakout fifth season for Los Angeles, averaging 26.6 points, 6.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 steal on .502/.365/.873 shooting in 23 games (35.3 minutes per contest). He was a strong candidate to make his first All-Star appearance this season and likely would have been in the Most Improved Player conversation as well, but his latest injury will make him ineligible for the award, as he has already missed six games and will be out at least 14 more.
It’s also rough timing for the Lakers, who started out 15-4 but have lost six of their past 10 games, including three straight. Head coach JJ Redick was highly critical of the team’s professionalism and commitment to winning following Thursday’s loss, as we relayed this morning.
Keegan Murray To Miss At Least One Week With Calf Strain
Kings forward Keegan Murray has been diagnosed with a mild right calf strain after undergoing an MRI, a source tells Sean Cunningham of NBC Sacramento (Twitter link).
Murray, who sustained the injury in Tuesday’s loss to Detroit, will be reevaluated in one week, according to Cunningham. He will likely miss at least the next four contests before being checked out again.
The Kings officially confirmed the news in a press release (Twitter link via Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee).
Murray, 25, missed the first 15 games of the season after undergoing thumb surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb in mid-October.
Murray, who would rank second in the league in minutes per game (37.1) if he had made enough appearances to qualify, was averaging 14.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.7 blocks in 15 outings. His shooting slash line was .438/.263/.765.
Nets’ Cam Thomas To Make His Return Saturday
Cam Thomas is expected to make his return to play in the Nets‘ game against the Timberwolves on Saturday, head coach Jordi Fernandez said, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post (Twitter link).
Lewis reports (via Twitter) that Thomas went through a full practice on Friday morning after being cleared for full contact work. He has been sidelined since November 5 due to a hamstring strain.
The Nets started the season with a 3-16 record, but they’ve hit their stride of late, going 6-3 in their last nine games.
“I just want to get back on the court and play,” Thomas said, when asked if the team’s newfound success motivated him to be a part of the team (Twitter link via Lewis).“I mean, it’s obviously good seeing them playing well. I just want to get back on the court and play.”
After signing a qualifying offer last summer to stay in Brooklyn on a one-year deal, Thomas has only appeared in eight games this season, averaging 21.4 points and 2.6 assists in 28.3 minutes per contest. A prolific scorer, Thomas has struggled to stay on the floor in recent years, making just 33 appearances over the past two seasons due to recurring hamstring issues.
Anthony Davis To Be Evaluated Daily With Groin Strain
Anthony Davis has been diagnosed with a minor groin strain and is expected to miss multiple games, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter link).
Davis left the Mavericks‘ Christmas Day matchup against the Warriors early as a result of the injury. Charania reports that Davis will be evaluated daily and that he expects the Mavs to continue their practice of being cautious in managing the star big man’s health issues.
According to Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News (via Twitter), Davis will be working out every day as he looks to return to play as soon as possible.
After missing 14 earlier in the season due to a left calf strain, Davis had come back strong, averaging 26.3 points and 12.8 rebounds over his last six games, during which time the Mavericks went 4-2 with wins over the Rockets, Pistons, and Nuggets.
Charania notes that Davis is considered a major potential factor in this year’s trade deadline, given the Mavericks’ struggles to amass wins and the dismissal earlier in the season of former general manager Nico Harrison.
Pacers Sign Micah Potter, Waive Garrison Mathews
11:57 am: The Pacers have officially signed Potter and waived Mathews, the team confirmed in a press release. As we relayed in another story, Wiseman was also released from his 10-day contract.
10:06 am: Free agent big man Micah Potter will sign a non-guaranteed contract with the Pacers, according to Tony East of Forbes (Twitter link). Garrison Mathews will be waived to create a roster opening, sources tell East.
Indiana needs Potter, a 6’9″ power forward/center because Isaiah Jackson is sidelined with a concussion and Tony Bradley is limited due to a thumb fracture, East adds. James Wiseman is nearing the end of the 10-day hardship contract he signed last Saturday.
Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star confirms the moves (via Twitter) and states that the Pacers won’t be granted another hardship exception at this time. A league source tells Dopirak that Potter’s contract will cover the rest of the season and will include a team option for next year (Twitter link).
Potter, 27, began his career with Detroit during the 2021/22 season and spent the past three years in Utah on a two-way contract. He has appeared in 64 total games with career averages of 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per night.
Potter signed a training camp deal with San Antonio in August, but was waived before the start of the season. He’s currently with the team’s Austin affiliate in the G League, averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds in 13 games.
Mathews came to Indiana in November on a pair of 10-day hardship deals and was given a standard contract after they expired. That deal was non-guaranteed, so the Pacers won’t be on the hook for any more money once Mathews is officially released.
The 29-year-old shooting specialist appeared in 15 games during his time with Indiana, scoring 5.2 points in 13.1 minutes per night while shooting 40.4% from the field and 37% from three-point range.
Sixers Sign MarJon Beauchamp To Two-Way Contract
DECEMBER 26: Beauchamp’s signing is official, the Sixers announced (via Twitter). Sallis, meanwhile, was waived on Wednesday, according to NBA.com’s transactions log.
DECEMBER 24: The Sixers are signing former first-round pick MarJon Beauchamp to a two-way contract, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic, who reports (via Twitter) that the team is waiving rookie guard Hunter Sallis to open up a two-way slot.
Beauchamp, 25, was the 24th overall pick in the 2022 draft. He played for the Bucks, Clippers, and Knicks from 2022-25, appearing in 135 total regular season games and averaging 4.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per night.
Following brief stints with the Trail Blazers and Sixers during the preseason, Beauchamp joined Philadelphia’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats. He has averaged 20.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game with a .500/.452/.933 shooting line in seven appearances for Delaware during the Tip-Off Tournament and Winter Showcase.
Beauchamp also represented the U.S. national team in a pair of qualifying games for the 2027 FIBA World Cup a few weeks ago. The 6’7″ forward made a strong case for NBA consideration with his play vs. Nicaragua, setting a Team USA record by scoring 50 total points in those two qualifiers — he made 18-of-26 shots from the floor (69.2%), including 9-of-14 three-pointers (64.3%).
“Yeah, he’s gonna be in the NBA at some point, whether it’s tomorrow or later this year,” Stephen Silas, the head coach of the U.S. qualifying team, said at the time.
The 76ers will take advantage of Beauchamp’s final season of two-way eligibility by bringing him aboard alongside Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker, two forwards who have been effective rotation players for Philadelphia so far this season.
It’s worth keeping an eye on the Sixers’ usage of their two-way players in the coming weeks. While a player on a full-season two-way contract like Barlow or Walker is permitted to be active for up to 50 total games, a team carrying fewer than 15 players on standard contracts is only allowed to use 90 total active games for its two-way players. Philadelphia, which has had a 14-man standard roster all season, has already used 58 two-way games so far: 28 for Walker, 18 for Barlow, and 12 for Sallis.
In other words, if the Sixers continue having two or three of their two-way players on their active roster for each game, they’ll need to add a 15th man at some point next month in order to ensure they’re no longer subject to that 90-game limit.
Beauchamp’s personal active-game limit for the Sixers will be a prorated portion of the usual 50. Assuming he officially signs on Wednesday, he’ll be able to suit up for the NBA team for up to 32 contests.