Category: NBA

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Malik Monk Confused By Doug Christie’s Decision To Pull Him From Rotation

Malik Monk Confused By Doug Christie’s Decision To Pull Him From Rotation

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk said he does not understand why coach Doug Christie benched him despite private and public explanations. Monk spoke exclusively with The Sacramento Bee before Sunday’s 125-124 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets.

Monk, the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year runner-up, was benched in back-to-back losses to Portland before playing five minutes against Houston. He entered the game in the second half and scored on a driving layup during Sacramento’s rally from a 14-point deficit.

Monk said Christie told him the benching represented trying something new. The explanation left the guard confused.

“He just told me he’s trying something new,” Monk said. “That’s basically it, and I said, ‘Yeah, OK, I’ll be ready whenever my name is called.'”

When asked if he was confused by the decision, Monk responded directly.

“One thousand percent,” Monk said. “But it’s not my job to try to figure out why I’m not playing because I deem myself more than the whole, so I’ll just be ready when my name is called.”

The veteran guard attempted to sound unbothered by the situation. He said his experience helps him handle adversity.

“I’ve been in the league long enough where I don’t let this stuff get to me,” Monk said.

However, Monk could not completely hide his frustration about missing playing time.

“Everybody knows I want to be out there, especially playing in front of this crowd in Sac, but there ain’t s— I can do about it,” Monk said.

Kings fans gave Monk a large ovation when he entered Sunday’s game with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter.

Christie described a “logjam” in Sacramento’s backcourt with Monk as the “odd man out” in a numbers game before Sunday’s contest. The coach initially planned to play Keon Ellis instead of Monk but called on the veteran after Ellis fouled Houston guard Reed Sheppard on a three-point attempt with 0.9 seconds remaining in the first half.

“There’s a lot of challenges,” Christie said. “You can’t play everybody. It’s just the nature of what it is. This isn’t participation. It’s professional sports, and right now we have a logjam, but everyone is in play.”

Christie emphasized performance-based decisions moving forward.

“If someone isn’t playing great, there’s a really good chance someone else is going to play,” Christie said. “If someone isn’t playing to our standard of competitiveness, of all the different things that we value, then obviously there’s a strong possibility that they’re going to come out of the game.”

The victory ended Sacramento’s five-game losing streak.

by Editor

NBA ‘Naughty & Nice Lists’ with KOC & Tom Haberstroh

NBA ‘Naughty & Nice Lists’ with KOC & Tom Haberstroh

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss who is on the NBA ‘Naughty’ and ‘Nice’ lists. The duo breaks down how the Celtics’ rookies have made a splash without Jayson Tatum, how the Detroit Pistons can raise their ceiling and how the Warriors can maximize their opportunity with Steph Curry. Plus, should Anthony Edwards be the new face of the league for the next generation? Is Maxime Raynaud the steal of the draft? Are the Pacers tanking??

Next, they discuss why the New York Knicks opting out of raising the NBA Cup banner landed them on the naughty list, Evan Mobley taking a step back this season and why referee and player relations are spiraling. Later, does Giannis truly want out of the Bucks? Is it time for the Lakers to trade Austin Reaves?

(0:13) NBA Naughty & Nice List

(0:49) Nice: Boston Celtics

(4:52) Nice: Detroit Pistons

(8:47) Nice: Steph Curry

(14:32) Nice: Minnesota Timberwolves

(17:51) Nice: Maxime Raynaud

(21:05) Nice: Indiana Pacers

(22:51) Stocking Stuffers

(26:21) Naughty: New York Knicks

(30:59) Naughty: Evan Mobley

(36:03) Naughty: Referee relations

(50:06) Naughty: Giannis

(56:24) Naughty: Los Angeles Lakers

(1:03:43) Naughty: Nico Harrison

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half at Target Center. Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the second half at Target Center. Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at yahoosports.tv

by Editor

Bucks Canvassing NBA At G League Showcase For Roster Upgrades Ahead Of Trade Deadline

Bucks Canvassing NBA At G League Showcase For Roster Upgrades Ahead Of Trade Deadline

The Milwaukee Bucks are actively exploring trades to improve their roster ahead of the Feb. 5 deadline, multiple teams at the G-League showcase in Orlando confirmed to ESPN. Milwaukee has lost three consecutive games and sits three games out of the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Bucks have one tradeable first-round pick, either in 2031 or 2032. They also possess a 2026 second-round pick from Utah, though that selection is unlikely to convey due to Nos. 31-55 protection.

Milwaukee’s roster carries top-heavy salary commitments. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis earn 77 percent of the team’s active salary.

Turner and Portis signed four-year and three-year contracts respectively over the offseason. Kuzma has two years remaining on his deal at $22.1 million and $20.3 million.

The Bucks sit $19.5 million below the first apron and can take back salary in trades. Milwaukee carries $20.1 million in stretched money from the Damian Lillard move last summer.

Milwaukee is 2-10 when Antetokounmpo has not played this season. The two-time MVP has missed extended time with a calf strain.

The Bucks are attempting to remain within striking distance of the playoffs during Antetokounmpo’s absence. Their recent struggles have intensified speculation around the franchise’s direction.

Milwaukee’s front office is canvassing the league for potential deals that could strengthen the roster. The limited draft capital and salary constraints complicate the team’s ability to make significant moves.

The Bucks face pressure to improve their standing before the trade deadline. Their current position outside the play-in spots represents a disappointing start for a team with championship expectations.

by Editor

Woody Marks injury: What status means for Week 16 vs. Raiders

Woody Marks injury: What status means for Week 16 vs. Raiders

The Houston Texans host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday as whopping 14.5-point favorites. The Texans have won six in a row, but the Jaguars have won five in a row and hold the AFC South division lead by one game over Houston. This matchup looks like a cake walk, but the Texans still need to make sure they win this game to stay in the division title hunt.

Coming into this matchup both of the Texans running backs are questionable to play, Woody Marks and Nick Chubb. Chubb was overtaken by Marks as the lead back and missed last week, giving Jawhar Jordan a big workload while Marks dealt with his ankle injury. Jordan hit 101 yards rushing on 15 carries against the Cardinals and possibly moving him ahead of Chubb on the depth chart.

Woody Marks injury updates

Game day update: Adam Schefter is reporting that Woody Marks is NOT expected to play in Week 16 vs. the Raiders. He has been unable to get much practice in due to an ankle injury and it appears it will cost him at least one week. Houston plays at 4:25 p.m. ET, which means we will get their official inactive report no sooner than 2:55 p.m. If you have to make a decision on Marks for the 1 p.m. kickoffs, you can bench him for Week 16.

Marks was unable to practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but was able to get in a limited practice on Friday and get the questionable listing. Head coach DeMeco Ryans was hopeful early in the week, saying the injury wasn’t severe. There’s a decent chance the team just wanted to give him the most rest possible to get him ready to play.

Nick Chubb on the other hand got in two full practices this week, but was still listed as questionable with a ribs injury.

Fantasy football analysis

If Marks can’t play and Chubb can, I’d still likely lean toward Jawhar Jordan as the lead back. It would be nice to get some confirmation on that before starting him in your fantasy playoffs, but he is an option in that scenario.

This matchup with the Raiders is good enough to start Marks as long as he is active, which I expect him to be, but would try to pick up Jordan if he’s available still.

by Editor

Luka Doncic leaves Lakers loss at half with left leg contusion

Luka Doncic leaves Lakers loss at half with left leg contusion

Luka Doncic left the Lakers’ loss to the Clippers Saturday at halftime and did not return with what the team is calling a left leg contusion.

Doncic left the building without talking to reporters, and coach J.J. Redick’s postgame comments didn’t shed much light on the situation (quote via Dave McMenamin of ESPN).

“I saw him hobbling towards the end of the first half. He came to me at halftime and said he couldn’t go… I don’t have any other information.”

The injury clearly bothered him for much of the game. Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer at 35.2 points per game, scored just 12 points on the night shooting 4-of-13 (1-of-6 from 3-point range).

Doncic wasn’t the only significant injury in this game. Clippers center Ivica Zubac went to the ground in the first quarter and instantly limped back to the locker room with what was described as an ankle injury. He did not return to the game and the Clippers said he would be re-evaluated on Sunday. Zubac has been one of the few consistent bright spots in the Clippers’ season, averaging 15.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

The Clippers picked up their first home win since Halloween with the 103-88 victory over the Lakers. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while James Harden pitched in with 21 points and 10 assists.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 36 points, but every other Laker combined to shoot 31.7% on the night, including 3-of-30 from beyond the arc.

by Editor

Kobe-MJ Logoman card fetches $3.17M at auction

Kobe-MJ Logoman card fetches $3.17M at auction

A 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection dual Logoman card of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan sold via Heritage Auctions for $3,172,000, the seventh-most expensive basketball card sale.

by Editor

Edwards returns, helps Wolves hand OKC 3rd loss

Edwards returns, helps Wolves hand OKC 3rd loss

Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game injury absence with 26 points and 12 rebounds, hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer with 38.5 seconds left to lead the Timberwolves past the Thunder 112-107.

by Editor

NBA outlines tighter rules for injury info, prop bets

NBA outlines tighter rules for injury info, prop bets

The NBA is considering potential policy changes to address tanking, increase the frequency of injury reporting and restrict what sportsbooks offer, according to a memo sent to all teams.

by Editor

Fantasy Basketball Weekend Must-Starts: Stephon Castle spurring the offense in San Antonio

Fantasy Basketball Weekend Must-Starts: Stephon Castle spurring the offense in San Antonio

In head-to-head fantasy basketball leagues, it all comes down to the weekend. You can have a comfortable lead in multiple categories or by a bunch of points, but if you don’t make the most of the weekend, you can walk out with a loss.

Twelve teams play twice this weekend, including the Hawks, Celtics, Bulls, Rockets, Heat, Timberwolves, Knicks, 76ers, Kings, Spurs, Raptors and Wizards. Prioritize those teams if you’re just looking to maximize your games played.

[High Score is a new way to play Fantasy Basketball on Yahoo with simple rosters and scoring. It’s not too late to create or join a league]

That’s often what it comes down to in standard points and category leagues, but that’s not always the case. Leagues with some sort of games cap or best ball formats like Yahoo!’s High Score leagues aren’t just looking for volume, though having two chances at a big night is a good strategy in best ball leagues.

Absolute must-start: Stephon Castle, San Antonio Spurs

Castle is a must-roster player in every format, which I wasn’t optimistic about at the beginning of the season. With De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper in the mix, I wasn’t convinced Castle would see enough usage to be consistently productive. I was wrong. The Spurs have put the ball in his hands, and he’s been able to set his teammates up for good looks. Castle is also shooting the ball at a higher percentage at the rim and from the mid-range. He’s taken a genuine leap forward in year two, which has allowed him to thrive despite the competition in the guard rotation.

This weekend, San Antonio takes on Atlanta and Washington. The Spurs played the Wizards on Thursday night and blew them out, which allowed the key players to play fewer minutes. They should be well-rested against the Hawks on Friday despite both teams playing a back-to-back. Of course, playing the Wizards again on Sunday provides another favorable matchup. Over their last five games, Atlanta is first in pace, and the Spurs are third. Extra possessions mean extra production.

Guards:

Coby White, Chicago Bulls

There’s not much going right in Chicago right now, but White has been playing well lately. Now, they get matchups with the Cavaliers and Hawks. Both teams have been in the top 10 in pace over their last five games, and the Bulls are 11th over the same stretch. During the same stretch, nobody has allowed more 3-pointers than the Hawks, and the Cavs have allowed the sixth-most triples. This feels like a perfect recipe for White to have a strong night.

Payton Pritchard, Boston Celtics

Pritchard has cooled off lately, but matchups with the Heat and Raptors are opportunities to get back on track. Both teams have allowed plenty of 3-pointers recently, and even if they’ve played slower recently, nobody has played with more pace than Miami this season. Pritchard could certainly pop this weekend.

Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

Miami plays the Celtics and Knicks this weekend, which doesn’t make this a favorable opportunity for Jaquez. However, he’s been a staple of this article all season because of how fast Miami plays. Even in tough matchups, Jaquez can be productive despite coming off the bench because of how the Heat have utilized him this season. Plus, with Tyler Herro still out with a toe injury, there have been extra minutes for Jaquez. Check out our player news section for updates on Herro’s status throughout the day, but even if he’s back, Jaquez should be productive.

Forwards:

Julius Randle, Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards has missed Minnesota’s last three games due to “right foot injury maintenance,” and he’s questionable to play on Friday against the Thunder. Randle has taken more shots with Edwards out, and even if the matchup is tough, Randle should get plenty of chances. Like he usually is, Randle will be a better option in points leagues against OKC. However, Sunday’s matchup with the Bucks is a favorable one. Over their last five games, Milwaukee has allowed the fourth-most 3-pointers in the NBA and has the second-worst rebounding percentage.

Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets

Houston has a back-to-back in Denver and in Sacramento on Saturday and Sunday. The Nuggets aren’t a favorable matchup, but the Kings have been the worst rebounding team in the league this season, and they play with a ton of pace. Denver has also not defended the 3-point line as well as they have over the course of the season. Smith has recorded three straight double-doubles, and though he didn’t shoot well during Thursday’s loss to the Pelicans, he did get 18 shot attempts.

Bogdan Bogdanović, Los Angeles Clippers

Bogdanović stepped into the starting lineup on Thursday with James Harden sidelined with a calf contusion. If Harden remains out against the Lakers on Saturday, Bogdanović should remain a starter against the team that has allowed the second-most 3-pointers per game over their last five games. Even if he comes off the bench, this is a favorable matchup for the Clippers’ best deep-range threat.

Centers:

Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Gobert has been producing at a high level recently and now has an opportunity to keep that going this weekend. The Thunder aren’t a favorable matchup, but the Bucks are on Sunday. They’ve been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league without Giannis Antetokounmpo, so Gobert should be able to dominate the paint. Even if the OKC game is unlikely to be a productive one, Sunday’s outing is a golden opportunity.

Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

Indiana has been one of the worst rebounding teams in the league this season, and Queen should feast down low. His production has been inconsistent, but he had 16 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks against the Rockets on Thursday. This is a good opportunity for him to add another double-double.

Donovan Clingan, Portland Trail Blazers

Portland played Sacramento on Thursday, and the Trail Blazers have a rematch on Saturday. Clingan played 35 minutes in the overtime win and finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two 3-pointers. A rough night at the free-throw line (5-of-13) put a damper on his night, but he should have no issues controlling the paint against the Kings on Saturday.

by Editor

Knicks Injury Tracker: Karl Anthony-Towns, Josh Hart probable vs. 76ers with Joel Embiid out

Knicks Injury Tracker: Karl Anthony-Towns, Josh Hart probable vs. 76ers with Joel Embiid out

Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players…

Dec. 19, 2:00 p.m.

On the heels of a back-to-back, the Knicks will get some of their core back in the lineup on Friday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Karl-Anthony Towns (knee soreness) and Josh Hart (rectus abdominis strain) are listed as probable, while Mitchell Robinson and OG Anunoby aren’t on the injury report and should be available. Towns, Hart, and Robinson all did not play in Thursday’s win over the Indiana Pacers. 

Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) will remain out for New York on Friday. Additionally, Pacôme Dadiet was assigned to the Westchester Knicks.

The Sixers will be without former MVP Joel Embiid (illness, right knee injury management), who was downgraded from questionable. Embiid has played in just 11 of Philly’s 25 games this season, averaging only 20.5 points and 6.6 rebounds when on the court (26.2 minutes per game). Philadelphia will also be without Kelly Oubre Jr. (left knee sprain) and Trendon Watford (left adductor strain).

Dec. 18, 5:15 p.m.

Fresh off the NBA Cup triumph, the Knicks are going to be without a host of players for Thursday night’s matchup with the lowly Indiana Pacers (6-20).

Karl-Anthony Towns (knee soreness), Josh Hart (rectus abdominis strain),  and Mitchell Robinson (ankle management) will all not feature due to slight injuries. New York will already be without Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, who are on the shelf with longer-term injuries.

OG Anunoby (knee contusion) was on the injury report, but will play.

Dec. 7, 3:22 p.m.

Knicks guard Miles McBride exited Sunday’s win over the Orlando Magic in the first half, and according to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, the guard is still in the process of being evaluated for a left ankle injury.

The Knicks say they will know more on McBride’s status on Monday. 

As a starter or a bench player, McBride has been terrific this season. In 19 games (nine starts), McBride has averaged a career-best 15.8 points per games while shooting 46.2 percent from beyond the arc.

Dec. 4, 5:10 p.m.

The Knicks are seemingly close to getting OG Anunoby back. According to SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley, Anunoby (hamstring) has been upgraded to questionable for Friday’s game against the Utah Jazz at MSG.

Begley noted on Thursday’s episode of The Putback that this weekend’s games are a target for the Knicks to get Anunoby back on the court.

Anunoby has missed every game since suffering the injury on Nov. 14 against the Miami Heat.

Head coach Mike Brown said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice and it seems as though the forward is reacting to it in a positive manner. Of course, this doesn’t mean Anunoby will play on Friday, but it leaves open the possibility.

Dec. 3, 6:40 p.m.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown gave a short update on OG Anunoby (hamstring). The coach said that Anunoby has progressed to taking contact in practice.

“It’s still the same, he’s still progressing in the right direction,” Brown said of Anunoby before Wednesday’s game against the Hornets. “We’re not going to rush him.”

Brown also confirmed that Mitchell Robinson (injury management) will miss Wednesday’s game, as it’s the second of a back-to-back. 

Nov. 19, 9:05 p.m.

Jalen Brunson (ankle) will return to the court and start on Wednesday night in Dallas against the Mavericks, the team announced prior to tip-off.

Brunson suffered a Grade 1 right ankle sprain against the Orlando Magic on Nov. 12 and missed the team’s next two games against the Miami Heat. New York split the two contests, winning at home and losing on the road. The team is still searching for its first road win of the season, dropping all four games away from the Garden.

Over 11 games this year, Brunson is averaging 28.0 points on 46.7 percent shooting and 6.5 assists per game. 

Meanwhile, the Mavs will be without rookie Cooper Flagg (illness) on Wednesday night as he’ll miss the first game of his career.

Nov. 18, 6:50 p.m.

The Knicks upgraded Jalen Brunson (ankle) to questionable for their Wednesday tip against the Mavericks in Dallas. 

Brunson had missed the team’s last two games since suffering a right ankle sprain back on Nov. 12 against the Orlando Magic at MSG. Already without OG Anunoby (hamstring), the Knicks could use their captain to try and get their first road win of the season. 

Oct. 28, 7:18 p.m.

Before the Knicks’ tip-off against the Bucks, the Knicks announced that Towns (right quad strain) will play, but Yabusele (left knee sprain) will be out, joining McBride (personal) and Robinson (ankle sprain management) as players who are unavailable for Tuesday’s game.

Oct. 28, 3:35 p.m.

Miles McBride has been downgraded from questionable to out for the Knicks’ game on Tuesday at the Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced. This is the second-straight game the guard missed due to personal reasons. He was out for Sunday’s loss against the Miami Heat.

Oct. 27, 6:45 p.m.

Mitchell Robinson still isn’t ready to make his season debut, as the Knicks have officially ruled him out again for Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks. 

Robinson has been sidelined for the first three games due to left ankle injury management, and it’s still unknown when he’ll make his return to the court. 

New York has also listed Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain), Miles McBride (personal reasons), and Guerschon Yabusele (left knee sprain) as questionable for the contest. 

Yabusele is the only new addition to the injury report. Towns has been included heading into each of the first three games, but played in all three, and McBride missed Sunday’s game against the Heat for personal reasons. 

Yabusele left Sunday’s game at one point and had his knee checked, but he was able to return and saw regular time off the bench down the stretch.

Oct. 23, 6:10 p.m.

The latest NBA injury report has been released and the Knicks have designated center Mitchell Robinson (left ankle injury management) as out for Friday’s home game against the Celtics.

Robinson missed Wednesday’s season opener and the Knicks are being cautious with their big man this season as they want to have him at close to full strength for an anticipated long playoff run.

The Knicks have also designated both Josh Hart (lower back) and Karl-Anthony Towns (right quad strain) as questionable. 

Hart also missed the season opener but has not seen action since the first preseason game where he tweaked his back. Towns almost missed Wednesday’s game but toughed out his quad strain and to help the Knicks’ win against the Cavaliers.

OG Anunoby, who played Wednesday despite being questionable with an ankle sprain, is probably for Friday’s game.

Oct. 22, 10:59 p.m.

Karl-Anthony Towns was questionable, then doubtful, then questionable again in the hours leading up to the Knicks’ win over the Cavaliers and now we know exactly why.

The Knicks forward told reporters after Wednesday’s win that he is playing through a Grade 2 quad strain. 

“I’ve been banged up and haven’t really got a chance to practice or play in the last two preseason games,” Towns said. “I didn’t want to disappoint the fans, dealing with a Grade 2 quad strain. It’s not something that’s easy to do. We made it happen tonight. Glad the fans respect the effort I put in to play tonight, and my teammates, too. Shoutout to them for supporting me, knowing the situation that I was in.”

Towns played through the pain to give the Knicks 19 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes.

by Editor