Latest Basketball News

📅December 20, 2025 at 1:00 AM
NBA focuses on today's packed slate of games including Lakers-Clippers rivalry, league policy changes on injuries and tanking, plus key matchups like Thunder at Timberwolves.
1

NBA Tweaks Injury Reporting Rules Amid Betting Concerns

The NBA announced updates to its injury reporting protocols to better protect coaches and players, while advocating for stronger anti-harassment measures and changes to prop betting regulations.Source 4Source 8Source 12 This follows increased scrutiny on gambling impacts, with the league pushing for federal and state protections.Source 5 Officials aim to curb harassment linked to late injury reports.Source 10

2

League to Review Tanking Policies and Draft Rules

The NBA will examine draft pick protections, lottery rules, and other anti-tanking measures as part of a comprehensive policy review.Source 6Source 10 This comes amid concerns over competitive balance in the league.Source 6 Changes could reshape future draft strategies for struggling teams.Source 10

3

Lakers vs Clippers Tonight in High-Stakes LA Derby

Los Angeles Lakers (18-7) face the Clippers (6-20) in a key Pacific Division matchup at 9:30pm ET.Source 1Source 11 Lakers seek to capitalize on Clippers' poor record while both teams project full lineups.Source 1 Live coverage highlights intense rivalry play.Source 11

4

Thunder Favored Heavily Over Timberwolves

OKC Thunder (25-2) projected to dominate Minnesota Timberwolves with 83% win probability, led by SGA's efficiency.Source 2 Thunder's elite defense (#1) stifles MIN despite home court; Edwards questionable.Source 2 Model predicts OKC 121-103 blowout.Source 2

5

Bulls Poised for Upset Win at Cavaliers

Chicago Bulls (11-15) have 78-84% edge over injury-hit Cleveland Cavaliers per models.Source 2 Coby White's hot streak exploits CLE's absences like Mobley and Mitchell GTD.Source 2 Prediction: CHI 123-112.Source 2

6

Knicks Continue Streak Against Struggling Sixers

New York Knicks on seven-game win streak project 80% win over Philadelphia, despite injuries to Towns and Hart.Source 2 Brunson's scoring overwhelms PHI's road woes.Source 2 AI predicts NYK 116-105.Source 2

7

Celtics Favored in Home Battle vs Heat

Boston Celtics (15-11) hold 83% win probability over Miami Heat, surging with +10.4 margin last five.Source 2 Jaylen Brown's scoring and 3PT barrage key; Herro out for MIA.Source 2 Close projection: BOS 110-108.Source 2

8

Hawks Projected to Edge Spurs at Home

Atlanta Hawks (15-13) leverage home court and Jalen Johnson's surge for 78-84% win over Spurs (19-8).Source 2 High-scoring affair predicted at ATL 120-115.Source 2 Wembanyama dominant but insufficient.Source 2

9

Warriors Host Suns in Revenge Rematch

Golden State Warriors (13-14) face Phoenix Suns seeking payback from recent loss, at Chase Center.Source 5 Key matchup in competitive Western Conference tilt.Source 5 Full game preview highlights roster edges.Source 5

10

Pacers at Pelicans Features Injury Updates

Indiana Pacers visit New Orleans Pelicans at 6pm CT with detailed injury reports available.Source 7Source 9 Preview emphasizes key player statuses impacting matchup.Source 9 Stream or TV coverage set.Source 9

11

Pistons Boast Best Record at 21-5

Detroit Pistons lead NBA at 21-5, hosting Boston Celtics tonight at 7pm ET.Source 1 Projected lineups show strong rotations for top seed.Source 1 Key test against surging Celtics.Source 1

12

Nuggets, Lakers Lead West Standings

Denver Nuggets (19-6) and Lakers (18-7) top Western Conference; full slate includes Wizards at Warriors.Source 1 Lineups projected with player statuses.Source 1 Busy Saturday across league.Source 1