Latest Basketball News
NBA Trade Market Heats Up as Dec. 15 Eligibility Unlocks Key Players
Numerous NBA players, including James Harden, Kyrie Irving, D'Angelo Russell, and Brook Lopez, become trade-eligible today due to recent signing restrictions. Teams like the Clippers, Rockets, and Bucks have multiple players available, potentially sparking major deals amid roster shakeups.
The Clippers' poor start may position them as sellers, with Harden's trade history fueling speculation.
Knicks Face Spurs in NBA Cup Final Tonight in Las Vegas
The New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs in the Emirates NBA Cup Championship Game at T-Mobile Arena. The matchup follows the Knicks' 132-120 semifinal win over Orlando, building momentum for the non-standings game.
Victory offers bragging rights, a trophy, and substantial prize money.
Massive NBA Cup Prize Money on Line for Knicks and Spurs Players
Both finalists have secured $212,373 per player; winners get an extra $308,560, totaling $530,933 each, with two-way players at half. Knicks guard Tyler Kolek highlighted the stakes, noting its significance for players like him after his impactful semifinal performance.
Coach Mike Brown praised Kolek's energy in the 18-point plus-minus showing during his 16 minutes.
Kristaps Porzingis Out at Least 2 Weeks with Illness for Hawks
Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis will miss two weeks for further evaluations due to a recent illness, prioritizing his health. Averaging 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds in 13 games, he's missed 10 of 14 since Nov. 13, echoing past POTS issues managed over summer.
The Hawks also lack Trae Young, out with a knee sprain but nearing practice return.
NBA Daily Slate Features Pistons-Celtics, Rockets-Nuggets Tonight
Key matchups include undefeated Detroit Pistons (20-5) at Boston Celtics (15-10) at 7 PM ET, Toronto at Miami, and Houston (16-6) at Denver (18-6). Later games pit Dallas at Utah and Memphis at struggling Clippers (6-19).
Lineups are projected with player statuses for fantasy and betting insights.
James Harden Leads Clippers' Trade-Eligible Stars on Dec. 15
Clippers' James Harden, Nicolas Batum, and others unlock for trades today amid the team's 6-19 record and aging core struggles. Harden's history of trade requests makes him a prime candidate if LA sells.
Brook Lopez and Chris Paul also gain eligibility, holding value for contenders.
Tyler Kolek Shines as Key Factor in Knicks' NBA Cup Run
Knicks' Tyler Kolek earned praise for his energy in the semifinal, with New York outscoring Orlando by 18 in his 16 minutes despite modest 4 points and 4 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns called it one of his finest games for impacting wins.
Coach Mike Brown has expanded his role, joking about family car upgrades from potential winnings.
Bucks, Rockets Boast Most Dec. 15 Trade-Eligible Players
Milwaukee Bucks have 10 players eligible post-roster rebuild after Giannis-Lillard struggles, including Damian Lillard himself. Houston Rockets, fresh off a massive Kevin Durant trade, lead with strong offseason moves.
Other notables: Deandre Ayton, Clint Capela, Dorian Finney-Smith.
Austin Spurs Acquire Center Christian Koloko from G League Pool
The G League's Austin Spurs signed ex-NBA center Christian Koloko, formerly with Lakers and Raptors on two-way deals. Koloko, 2022 33rd pick, averaged 2.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 37 Lakers games last season.
Arizona alum earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year as junior.
No Trade-Eligible Players for Warriors, Jazz, Pacers on Dec. 15
Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz, and Indiana Pacers have zero players hitting trade eligibility today, unlike trade-heavy teams. This follows NBA rules on newly signed players.
Impacts potential deals, with Jazz facing Dallas tonight.
Spurs-Thunder NBA Cup Semifinal Highlights Released
Full highlights from San Antonio Spurs' NBA Cup semifinal win over Oklahoma City Thunder are available, setting up their final vs. Knicks. The Dec. 13 game advances Spurs' tournament run amid prize money buzz.
Part of broader Emirates NBA Cup action culminating Tuesday.
Knicks' Week Preview: NBA Cup Final Kicks Off Busy Schedule
New York Knicks preview highlights Tuesday's NBA Cup final after 132-120 semifinal dominance over Orlando. Riding momentum into regular season games Dec. 14-20.
Key for role players like Kolek amid high-stakes Vegas showdown.