Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid returned for Friday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets...

Philadelphia 76ers center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/31932" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/31932">Joel Embiid</a> returned for Friday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets and scored a game-high 34 points in the 76ers' 108-98 victory.Embiid missed one game over the last week due to a sinus fracture amid a light 76ers schedule. Donning a face mask for protection, he started and played 31 minutes, shooting 12-of-24 from the field (2-of-4 from deep), adding nine assists, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.He did the bulk of his damage in the second half, scoring 12 points apiece in the third and fourth quarters. He helped Philadelphia avert a Hornets comeback in the final frame, during which Charlotte cut the 76ers' lead to just four after trailing by 23 in the third.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Immediately following Friday's win, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said that he expects Embiid won't play Saturday against the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, according to <a href="https://x.com/SixersAdam/status/1870297584666857490">PhillyVoice's Adam Aaronson</a>.The All-Star big man sustained the sinus injury last Friday against the Indiana Pacers after he was inadvertently hit in the face by Pacers wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102759" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102759">Bennedict Mathurin</a>.Friday's win over the Hornets was just Embiid's seventh game of the campaign as he's struggled with lingering knee problems and served a three-game suspension. It was just his third contest with 30 or more points so far in 2024-25; by Dec. 20 last season, he had already eclipsed that mark in 19 of 24 games played.The 30-year-old won a gold medal for the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics but was forced to sit out the first nine games of the season with swelling in his surgically repaired left knee.The former MVP entered Friday averaging 20.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.8 assists this year.Philadelphia won its previous game without Embiid, a 121-108 win over the Hornets on Monday night. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93855" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93855">Tyrese Maxey</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/1889" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/1889">Paul George</a> combined for 73 points in the victory.The Sixers are now 9-16 but remain 12th in the Eastern Conference.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on December 20, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Embiid drops 34 in return from sinus fracture, helps 76ers hold off Hornets

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James critiqued the number of 3-pointers being shot around th...

Los Angeles Lakers superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> critiqued the number of 3-pointers being shot around the league after being asked about the changes to the NBA All-Star Game format in 2025."They've got to do something. Obviously, the last couple of years have not been a great All-Star Game that Sunday night," he told reporters Thursday, according to <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1869837077589962821">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>. "But I mean, listen, it's a bigger conversation. It's not just the All-Star Game, it's our game in general. There's a lot of f-----g threes being shot. So it's a bigger conversation than just the All-Star Game."The NBA has come to embrace the 3-point line in recent years: Teams are attempting an average of 37.5 threes a game so far in 2024-25, a massive increase from 22.4 in the 2014-15 season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The defending champions, the Boston Celtics, are leading the 3-point revolution, attempting 51.1 triples per game - more than half of their attempted field goals. If they continue on this path, they'll easily break the single-season record of 45.4 3-point attempts per game, which was set by the Houston Rockets in 2018-19.Boston tied the league record for most made threes in a single game after making 29 in its opening-night win over the New York Knicks.The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, are attempting a league-low 30.4 triples a game.League commissioner Adam Silver addressed the criticism that play styles have become indistinguishable Tuesday, noting that he'll monitor observations that the league has become too "cookie cutter.""I think the game is in a great place. I love watching the games, and I think we have some of the most skilled athletes in the world competing," Silver said, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/43032741/adam-silver-looking-critiques-increased-3-point-volume">ESPN's Tim Bontemps</a>. "Having said that, we're constantly having discussions about whether there are ways to improve stylistically the game on the floor."He added: "Historically, at times, we've moved the 3-point line. I don't think that's a solution here because then, I think when we look at both the game and the data, I think that may not necessarily do more midrange jumpers, if that's what people want, but more clogging under the basket."James is attempting 5.7 triples per game this season, down from his career high of eight in 2021-22.

MIAMI, FL - DECEMBER 4: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on December 4, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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LeBron laments shooting trend: 'A lot of f-----g 3s'

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexan...

Milwaukee Bucks forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and Oklahoma City Thunder star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60411" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60411">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</a> were named to the NBA Cup's All-Tournament team after guiding their squads to the final, the league <a href="https://x.com/NBAPR/status/1869805092742025480">announced</a> Thursday.Antetokounmpo's teammate <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a>, Houston Rockets big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a>, and Atlanta Hawks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a> rounded out the squad.All five All-Tournament team members played in the semifinals in Las Vegas.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Antetokounmpo averaged 30.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists to lead the Bucks to a 7-0 tournament record. The 30-year-old won the NBA Cup MVP by posting a 26-point triple-double in the final, and he's the only player on the latest All-Tournament team to also appear on last year's inaugural edition.Lillard scored 27.3 points per contest to go along with 8.3 assists across the NBA Cup. The 34-year-old knocked down five triples in the championship game.Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30.6 points over the tournament despite a difficult shooting night in Tuesday's 97-81 loss to Milwaukee.Young led the NBA Cup with 10.8 assists per game while averaging 24.2 points.Sengun averaged 19.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists in six Cup games.<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37604" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37604">Nikola Jokic</a> (35.5 points) and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53733" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53733">De'Aaron Fox</a> (33.3 points) led the tournament in scoring but didn't receive All-Tournament honors.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates during the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum on March 24, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Giannis, SGA headline NBA Cup All-Tournament team

Atlanta Hawks guard Kobe Bufkin needs surgery to address instability in his right shoulder and wi...

Atlanta Hawks guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110247" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110247">Kobe Bufkin</a> needs surgery to address instability in his right shoulder and will miss the rest of the season, the team announced Wednesday.Bufkin's surgery is scheduled for January, and he is expected to be ready for the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign.He partially dislocated his right shoulder during a practice before the start of the season and missed the opening 14 games. The Michigan product was able to return to action but didn't see the court in Atlanta's last two games.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Bufkin couldn't participate in 2024 Summer League due to a similar shoulder injury.The 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft has struggled to make an impact, only appearing in 27 NBA games. The second-year pro was averaging 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in his 10 games this season.Atlanta exercised Bufkin's third-year rookie option at the end of October.The Hawks are 14-13 and made a run to the semifinals of the NBA Cup, losing to eventual champions the Milwaukee Bucks.Atlanta plays the Spurs in San Antonio on Thursday night.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 2: Kobe Bufkin #4 of the Atlanta Hawks drives down the court during the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at State Farm Arena on December 2, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Hawks' Bufkin to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery

Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger agreed to a contract extension that will keep him as the C...

Iowa State head coach T.J. Otzelberger agreed to a contract extension that will keep him as the Cyclones' bench boss through the 2031-32 season, the school <a href="https://cyclones.com/news/2024/12/17/mens-basketball-otzelberger-contract-extended-to-2032.aspx">announced</a> Tuesday.The terms of the new contract will be announced at a future date."In just four years, coach Otzelberger has transformed our Iowa State men's basketball program into one of the nation's best," ISU president Wendy Wintersteen said in a statement.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Iowa State had back-to-back losing seasons, including a 2-22 campaign, before Otzelberger arrived in Ames.Otzelberger took over the program ahead of the 2021-22 campaign and possesses a school-record 68.7% winning percentage. The 47-year-old guided the Cyclones to three consecutive NCAA tournaments, including a run to the Sweet 16, and won the Big 12 Tournament in 2024.He spent eight seasons as an assistant at Iowa State, working under Greg McDermott, Fred Hoiberg, and Steve Prohm.Otzelberger was the head coach at UNLV and South Dakota State, winning the Summit League regular-season title in two of his three years in charge of the Jackrabbits.The Cyclones are 9-1 this season and are ranked No. 3 in the AP Top 25. They are scheduled to face Morgan State on Sunday before beginning conference play against Colorado on Dec. 30.

IOWA CITY, IA - DECEMBER 12: Iowa State coach t.J. Otzelberger as seen during a college basketball game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Iowa Hawkeyes, on December 12, 2024, at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City, IA.

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Iowa State extends Otzelberger through 2031-32 season

Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey came off the bench for Sunday's 116-110 loss to the Los Angel...

Memphis Grizzlies big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/121683" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/121683">Zach Edey</a> came off the bench for Sunday's 116-110 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers after missing 12 games with an ankle issue.Edey tallied 13 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes.The Canadian center had been out of the lineup since rolling his ankle Nov. 17 against the Denver Nuggets.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Edey was fourth in points per game (11.1) and second in rebounds per contest (6.9) among rookies entering play Sunday. He has been efficient offensively, shooting 61% from the field.Head coach Taylor Jenkins inserted <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45655" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45655">Brandon Clarke</a> into the starting five shortly before Edey's ankle injury, bumping the two-time Naismith Player of the Year to the second unit. Clarke was averaging 9.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks as a starter ahead of Sunday's action.The Grizzlies went 10-2 without Edey. Sunday's defeat ended their winning streak at four games. They host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night.

MEMPHIS, TN - NOVEMBER 17: Zach Edey #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks to pass the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on November 17, 2024 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Grizzlies' Edey comes back from ankle injury in loss to Lakers

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez found Ja Morant's conduct Friday distasteful after the M...

Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez found <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/62077" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/62077">Ja Morant</a>'s conduct Friday distasteful after the Memphis Grizzlies star jawed at him directly in the final moments."I will never speak to other players and I don't want other players to speak to me," the first-year head coach said after Brooklyn's 135-119 loss, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/erikslater_/status/1867782068475973767">Clutch Point's Erik Slater</a>. "If they want to be nice, obviously it's part of the game. If not, I don't want any interaction. I think it's disrespectful, it's not part of the game."Morant began trash-talking Fernandez and his team with just over one minute left in the fourth quarter of the rout, leading to a confrontation between the two sides. Nets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30613" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30613">Dennis Schroder</a> also took exception and exchanged words with Morant and Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dennis Schroder and Jordi Fernandez were involved in an altercation with Ja Morant and Taylor Jenkins. Morant had something to say to Fernandez (again) and Schroder took expectation. Jenkins then chimed in. Schroder, Morant, and Jenkins hit with techs. <a href="https://t.co/dFBeHkC9Fn">pic.twitter.com/dFBeHkC9Fn</a>— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) <a href="https://twitter.com/erikslater_/status/1867776670956236829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Schroder, Morant, and Jenkins were assessed technical fouls due to the incident.Earlier in the game, Morant stared down Fernandez after hitting a buzzer-beating jumper just before halftime.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ja Morant hits a buzzer-beater, than has a stare-down with Jordi Fernández. Hmm <a href="https://t.co/qSriQM45pF">pic.twitter.com/qSriQM45pF</a>— Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/LucasKaplan_/status/1867754952292282399?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Morant was the game's leading scorer, tallying 28 points to go along with seven rebounds and 10 assists."I was trolling, just to get them riled up," he said, per <a href="https://x.com/erikslater_/status/1867786954554978727">Slater</a>.The 25-year-old added that he told Fernandez he was trolling and meant no ill will toward the coach or the Nets."I didn't say nothing crazy. If you look at the video ... I was just saying 'yeah'. If 'yeah' is disrespectful, or makes you feel some type of way, then hey, so be it," said Morant.While Fernandez and Schroder were upset, Nets wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11858" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11858">Dorian Finney-Smith</a> offered a different perspective after the 16-point loss."If we didn't want them barking, we've got to go out there and fight. And we can't fight with our words. We got to go out there and hit them. And they was the first ones hitting," he said, per the <a href="https://x.com/NYPost_Lewis/status/1867785796486565901">New York Post's Brian Lewis</a>.The 18-8 Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference after the victory. Meanwhile, Brooklyn fell to 10-15 and won't face Memphis again in the regular season.

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 13: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half \B at FedExForum on December 13, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee.

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Nets coach: Morant 'disrespectful' for trash-talking me directly

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams was back in the lineup for Friday's 109-95 victory over th...

Chicago Bulls forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93861" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93861">Patrick Williams</a> was back in the lineup for Friday's 109-95 victory over the Charlotte Hornets after missing 10 games with a foot injury.Williams, 23, checked into the game near the end of the first quarter. He contributed four points, two rebounds, and two assists in 14 minutes of action. He was on a minutes restriction, according to <a href="https://x.com/Will_Gottlieb/status/1867710449388859425">CHGO Sports' Will Gottlieb</a>.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>All five of the Bulls starters and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/53246" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/53246">Lonzo Ball</a> off the bench scored in double-digits. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96051" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96051">Ayo Dosunmu</a> led the way with 19 points, two rebounds, and four assists. The Hornets' <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/110250" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/110250">Brandon Miller</a> put up a game-high 21 points while also adding six boards and three dimes in 38 minutes.Williams was averaging 9.9 points, five rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his previous 15 games with Chicago this campaign.The Florida State product hadn't played since Nov. 18 because of inflammation on his surgically repaired left foot. He underwent a procedure to fix an acute bone edema in February, ending his 2023-24 campaign.Williams signed a five-year, $90-million deal with the Bulls over the offseason. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5094">Nikola Vucevic</a> was also unavailable with an illness while <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102749" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102749">Dalen Terry</a> didn't play versus Charlotte because of a knee bruise, per <a href="https://x.com/KCJHoop/status/1867710875995713905">Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson</a>.The Bulls now sit at 11-15 after the victory.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 17: Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at the United Center on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Bulls' Williams returns in win over Hornets after 10-game absence

Jalen Green hit a pair of free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining to help the Houston Rockets topp...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96116" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96116">Jalen Green</a> hit a pair of free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining to help the Houston Rockets topple the Golden State Warriors for the first time since February 2020, winning their NBA Cup quarterfinal 91-90.Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was furious about the foul that was called against forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96094" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96094">Jonathan Kuminga</a>, which sent Green to the charity stripe for the game-winning shots."I've never seen a loose-ball foul on a jump-ball situation 80 feet from the basket with the game on the line," the 59-year-old said postgame.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"That is unconscionable," he added.After <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/148" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/148">Steph Curry</a> missed a 3-point attempt, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37868" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37868">Gary Payton II</a> tracked down the offensive rebound and tried to throw the ball to Curry while on the floor. Rockets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/25275" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/25275">Fred VanVleet</a> poked the ball away into the hands of a diving Green. Kuminga tried to wrestle the ball from Green but was called for a loose-ball infraction by veteran referee Bill Kennedy.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Pure observations here: Gary Payton II gets the loose ball, Fred VanVleet dives on his back and grabs his shoulder — no foul. The ball gets loose again and Jalen Green gets it. Jonathan Kuminga dives on him and grabs his shoulder — foul. <a href="https://t.co/KWNyCFNceD">pic.twitter.com/KWNyCFNceD</a>— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1867075512549458165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"This is a billion-dollar industry. You've got people's jobs on the line. I am stunned," a flabbergasted Kerr said.He added: "I feel for our guys. Our guys battled back, played their asses off, and deserved to win that game, or at least have a chance for one stop at the end to finish the game. And that was taken from us by a call that I don't think an elementary school referee would have made because that guy would have had feel."<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96113" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96113">Alperen Sengun</a> tallied a game-high 26 points to help Houston snap its 15-game losing streak against the Warriors. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/102778" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/102778">Jabari Smith Jr.</a> added 15 points on 6-of-11 shooting from the field.Golden State was held scoreless for the final 3:03 of the game and had 22 turnovers.Warriors guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/24735" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/24735">Buddy Hield</a> surpassed 2,000 career 3-pointers after knocking down three triples in the game. He finished with 15 points. Kuminga scored a team-high 20 to go along with seven rebounds.The 17-8 Rockets will head to Las Vegas to play the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday in the semifinals.The Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks will face off in the other semifinal.The 14-10 Warriors won't play again until Dec. 19 when they travel to Memphis to play the Grizzlies.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 11: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts during the second half of a quarterfinal game against the Houston Rockets in the NBA Emirates Cup at Toyota Center on December 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas.

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Kerr fumes as 'unconscionable' call ousts Warriors in NBA Cup

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler's agent has indicated that the six-time All-Star would be willing to...

Miami Heat star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2809" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2809">Jimmy Butler</a>'s agent has indicated that the six-time All-Star would be willing to play for the Phoenix Suns as the Heat listen to potential trade offers, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1866990392870310018">ESPN's Shams Charania</a> on Wednesday.The Suns have $234.5 million in cap allocations and are a second-apron team, meaning one of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11887" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11887">Bradley Beal</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/345" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/345">Kevin Durant</a>, or <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37815" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37815">Devin Booker</a> would have to be involved in the trade, according to <a href="https://x.com/KeithSmithNBA/status/1866997706041749923">Spotrac's Keith Smith</a>. Beal also has a no-trade clause built into his contract.The Heat are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3155840" href="https://thescore.com/news/3155840">reportedly</a> interested in moving Butler ahead of his 2025 free agency. The 35-year-old has a $52.4-million player option for the 2025-26 campaign but has hinted that he won't exercise the option so he can test the open market in search of a new contract. The former Most Improved Player would be eligible to sign a four-year, $243-million deal with Miami or a three-year, $171-million contract with another franchise.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>On Tuesday, Charania reported that Butler had included the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and his hometown Houston Rockets as acceptable trade candidates.Butler's agent, Bernard Lee, took to social media Wednesday night to dispute Charania's reporting, claiming everything the ESPN insider has said about the Heat forward is "fabricated."<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alright listen. I gave you a pass yesterday because I was busy but if you don’t stop putting my name on your complete and utter made up bullshit because you know you normally arent worth my time to acknowledge.. (continued) <a href="https://t.co/1KOXza9kUI">https://t.co/1KOXza9kUI</a>— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieoLee/status/1866994567653777774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I don’t know what I’m going to do because I’m a middle aged dad but just know it would indicate severe dislike. World… all this is fabricated. I have never and honestly it wouldn’t help me or the position I represent to do anything that’s been reported by said “journalist” <a href="https://t.co/1KOXza9SKg">https://t.co/1KOXza9SKg</a>— Bernard Lee (@BernieoLee) <a href="https://twitter.com/BernieoLee/status/1866995114276733071?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Butler joined Miami through a sign-and-trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019, agreeing to a four-year, $140-million contract. He inked a four-year extension in 2021 worth $184 million.The Marquette product led the Heat to two NBA Finals appearances in his first four years with the club, losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 and the Denver Nuggets in 2023.Butler has admitted he isn't phased by being included in trade discussions."It doesn't bother me one bit, and I do appreciate it," Butler said, according to <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article296910939.html">Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald</a>.Butler is averaging 19 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 17 games with the 12-10 Heat.Miami has won seven of its past 10 games and sit fifth in the Eastern Conference. The team is scheduled to host the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 29: Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat reacts after making a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter of the Emirates NBA Cup at Kaseya Center on November 29, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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LeBron James missed the Los Angeles Lakers' 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers due to...

<a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> missed the Los Angeles Lakers' 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers due to left foot soreness.Head coach JJ Redick said pregame that Monday could be a good opportunity for the 39-year-old to get some rest in between practices after James was downgraded from probable to doubtful earlier in the day, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/42863124/lakers-lebron-james-vs-trail-blazers-left-foot-soreness">ESPN's Dave McMenamin</a>.L.A. has four days off before it faces the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>This was the first time the Lakers were without James this season. He's averaging 23 points, eight rebounds, and 9.1 assists in Year 22 in the Association.The Lakers snapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 13-11 on the season.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 6: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 6, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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LeBron misses win over Blazers due to foot soreness

Kentucky point guard Kerr Kriisa will be out indefinitely after sustaining a foot injury that wil...

Kentucky point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///ncaab/players/84155" href="https://thescore.com/ncaab/players/84155">Kerr Kriisa</a> will be out indefinitely after sustaining a foot injury that will require surgery, the team <a href="https://ukathletics.com/news/2024/12/08/kerr-kriissa-out-indefinitely/">announced</a> Sunday.The injury is not considered season-ending.Kriisa hurt his foot during Kentucky's 90-89 overtime win Saturday night over No. 7 Gonzaga. The Estonian was making his first start of the season, which was also his first start as a Wildcat, scoring a season-high eight points to go along with four assists and three rebounds.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Kriisa is in his fifth season of college basketball, having had previous stops at Arizona and West Virginia. The 23-year-old eclipsed 1,000 career points Saturday.A key piece for first-year Kentucky coach Mark Pope, Kriisa is averaging 4.4 points and 3.8 assists for his new squad.The fourth-ranked Wildcats are 8-1, with their lone loss coming against Clemson in the ACC-SEC Challenge. Kentucky is scheduled to host Colgate on Wednesday night before facing in-state rival Louisville on Dec. 14.

LEXINGTON, KY - OCTOBER 29: Kentucky Wildcats guard Kerr Kriisa (77) in a game between the Minnesota State Mankato Mavericks and the Kentucky Wildcats on October 29, 2024, at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY.

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Toronto Raptors big man Kelly Olynyk made his season debut in Saturday's 125-118 loss to the Dall...

Toronto Raptors big man <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/2041" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/2041">Kelly Olynyk</a> made his season debut in Saturday's 125-118 loss to the Dallas Mavericks after missing the first 23 games of the season with a back injury.The 33-year-old Canadian had 13 points and four rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench.Olynyk averaged 12.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 28 games with the Raptors last season. He was acquired from the Utah Jazz at the trade deadline and inked a two-year, $26.25-million extension in March, the maximum extension available to him.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Center <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/37800" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/37800">Jakob Poeltl</a> was in the starting lineup after not being available for Toronto's 129-92 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday with an illness. The Austrian finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.Mavericks star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/68198" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/68198">Luka Doncic</a> tallied his 79th career triple-double, passing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/351" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/351">James Harden</a> and Wilt Chamberlain for sole possession of seventh on the league's all-time list. Doncic poured in a game-high 30 points to go along with 13 rebounds and 11 assists. Mavs guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/6154" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/6154">Kyrie Irving</a> added 29.The 7-17 Raptors are 12th in the Eastern Conference after the loss. Toronto will host the New York Knicks on Monday night.Dallas improved to 16-8 and will play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup on Tuesday.

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 06: Kelly Olynyk #41 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball during the first half in a preseason NBA game against the Washington Wizards at the Bell Centre on October 6, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Toronto Raptors defeated the Washington Wizards 125-98.

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Boston Celtics wing Jaylen Brown knows he'll be receiving a call from the NBA after making a thro...

Boston Celtics wing <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/45455" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/45455">Jaylen Brown</a> knows he'll be receiving a call from the NBA after making a throat-slashing gesture toward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93867" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93867">Isaiah Stewart</a> during their 130-120 win against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.Brown drove into the paint at the end of the first quarter and put Stewart on a poster with an impressive two-handed slam. The 28-year-old then celebrated by simulating a knife across his throat with his thumb while staring at Stewart.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Jaylen Brown caught another body! He posterized Isaiah Stewart, and I think did a throat slit celebration? <a href="https://t.co/fZXfdzZcM8">pic.twitter.com/fZXfdzZcM8</a>— Danielle Hobeika (@DanielleHobeika) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielleHobeika/status/1864478549068894539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>"I just (got) caught up in the moment, I guess," Brown said in his postgame press conference, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/JustinmTurpin/status/1864516811129045154">WEEI 93.7 FM's Justin Turpin</a>. "I think that the NBA and the PA are sensitive about the gestures and things like that. So, you've gotta be mindful of that."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>When asked if he expected to hear from the league about the incident, Brown responded: "Oh yeah."The NBA <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/dwyane-wade-fined-25000-throat-slashing-gesture-0">punished</a> NBA legend Dwyane Wade for making a similar gesture while he a member of the Chicago Bulls in 2016, fining the Hall of Famer $25,000.Brown tallied 28 points, six rebounds, and nine assists as the Celtics captured their ninth win in 10 games.Boston will host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 2: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Miami Heat on December 2, 2024 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE

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Brown expects to hear from NBA after throat-slashing gesture

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick got straight to the point after the team's 134-93 Wednesd...

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick got straight to the point after the team's 134-93 Wednesday night loss to the Miami Heat."I'm embarrassed. We're all embarrassed," Redick said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/DanWoikeSports/status/1864514716468490570">Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times</a>. "It's not a game that I thought we had the right fight, the right professionalism. Not sure what was lost in translation. There has to be some ownership on the court and I'll take ownership in the world."Redick added: "I'm not blaming the players. ... I own this, but (I'm) going to need some ownership on the court as well. ... There's not a sense from me that we're together right now."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Redick says he intends to meet with his coaching staff, the team, and individual players to prevent the group from splintering further, per <a href="https://x.com/jovanbuha/status/1864505528275096054">The Athletic's Jovan Buha</a>.There were a number of poor-effort plays and major mental lapses on the defensive end of the floor during Wednesday's defeat.<figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
JJ Reddick needs to eviscerate these guys in the postgame presser. This is one of the most embarrassing efforts I’ve ever seen in an NBA game. <a href="https://t.co/vaVBq8FXSx">pic.twitter.com/vaVBq8FXSx</a>— Jason Timpf (@_JasonLT) <a href="https://twitter.com/_JasonLT/status/1864489539659813103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>The Lakers have lost six of their last eight contests by an average of 21.8 points, according to the <a href="https://x.com/DanWoikeSports/status/1864502624822657301">Los Angeles Times' Dan Woike</a>, and they lost by 29 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.Miami's 24 made threes tied the team's franchise record and are the third-most triples allowed in a single game in Lakers history. The Heat also set a franchise record with 42 assists.Miami guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/69689" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/69689">Tyler Herro</a> knocked down seven consecutive 3-pointers in the third quarter, pouring in 21 points in the frame.Lakers star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/72" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/72">LeBron James</a> finished the game with 29 points, five rebounds, and eight assists, and he echoed his coach's sentiments."I agree with everything JJ said," James told the media, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/EthanJSkolnick/status/1864507272585470127">Ethan Skolnick of 5 Reasons Sports</a>. "It sucks for sure to get your ass whooped like that twice in a row.""It's not on the coaches. It's definitely on us, for sure," James added, per <a href="https://x.com/jovanbuha/status/1864506914068943277">Buva</a>.James passed Kyle Korver for seventh all time in made triples with his 2,451st career make. He had missed his previous 20 attempted threes over the course of five games.All-Star forward <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/11373" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/11373">Anthony Davis</a> followed up his season-low 12-point performance against the Timberwolves with just eight points on 3-of-14 from the field versus Miami."I personally think it starts with me. If I play better, then guys will play better," Davis said, courtesy of <a href="https://x.com/mcten/status/1864508953226326377">McMenamin</a>.The 12-10 Lakers are ninth in the West and will finish their four-game road trip against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 04: JJ Redick head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center on December 04, 2024 in Miami, Florida.

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Los Angeles Clippers guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/44950" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/44950">Terance Mann</a> is scheduled to have surgery Thursday to fix a broken middle finger on his left hand and will be out for at least three weeks, the team announced, according to <a href="https://x.com/BA_Turner/status/1864486554510471177">Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times</a>.Mann, 28, is averaging 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds through 23 games.L.A. has yet to be at full strength this season. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/4200" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/4200">Kawhi Leonard</a> has missed the entire campaign so far as he continues to deal with lingering knee issues. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/12144" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/12144">Norman Powell</a>, the team's leading scorer, recently returned from a six-game absence due to a hamstring injury.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 14-9 Clippers sit fifth in the Western Conference and are riding a two-game winning streak. They'll play the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 01: Terance Mann #14 of the LA Clippers after making a three-point shot against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Intuit Dome on December 01, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

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The second annual in-season tournament resumed Tuesday with 11 games as group play came to a clos...

The second annual in-season tournament resumed Tuesday with 11 games as group play came to a close. For an explanation on how the tourney works, tap <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/nba-cup-101">here</a>.To see what happened during Friday's action, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3125554" href="https://thescore.com/news/3125554">here</a>.<h3>Tuesday's results</h3><ul>
<li>
76ers 110-104 Hornets</li>
<li>Wizards 87-118 Cavaliers
</li>
<li>
Bucks 128-107 Pistons</li>
<li>Magic 106-121 Knicks
</li>
<li>Pacers 111-122 Raptors
</li>
<li>Jazz 106-133 Thunder
</li>
<li>Grizzlies 116-121 Mavericks
</li>
<li>Spurs 93-104 Suns
</li>
<li>Warriors 115-119 Nuggets
</li>
<li>Rockets 111-120 Kings
</li>
<li>Blazers 105-127 Clippers
</li>
</ul>Check out our <a href="thescore:///nba/scores">NBA scores page</a> for box score recaps for each game, and the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for group standings.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Top performers</h3>Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks): The Bucks capped off a dominant group stage sweep with a blowout win over the Detroit Pistons thanks in no small part to Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak scored "just" 28 points but was an absolute menace around the paint, missing just one of 11 shots - all but two of which were from inside 15 feet. Add in eight assists, seven rebounds, and a block, and Antetokounmpo has the Bucks looking dangerous again with seven straight wins.Scottie Barnes (Raptors): Goggles Scottie continues to impress. The 23-year-old dropped a career-high 35 points in Toronto's win over the Pacers. This is the second time he's scored over 30 points since returning from a right orbital bone fracture in mid-November. Barnes also added nine assists and six rebounds, becoming the first Raptors player to post these numbers - while shooting at least 60% - since Vince Carter in 2004, per <a href="https://x.com/statmuse/status/1864143499605553664">StatMuse</a>.Luka Doncic (Mavericks): Doncic led Dallas to an improbable fourth-quarter comeback win against the Grizzlies, tallying 37 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and four steals in the victory. This is the fourth time the Slovenian has had at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and four steals in a game, more than every other Mavericks player combined.<h3>Highlight of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
DERECK LIVELY II OVER THE TOP! 🏆 MEM, DAL in the Wild Card hunt 🏆 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EmiratesNBACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EmiratesNBACup</a> on NBA League Pass 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/5cqvoV4BuY">https://t.co/5cqvoV4BuY</a> <a href="https://t.co/MVTbpV9OZV">pic.twitter.com/MVTbpV9OZV</a>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1864132127257747583?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>Mavs big man Dereck Lively II returned from a knee injury to finish this Doncic lob in style. The second-year pro put Jaren Jackson Jr, the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, on a poster with a ferocious two-handed slam.<h3>Tweet of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Josh Hart, who never has a dull moment, says he’d buy a watch with his NBA Cup winnings. “I don’t really care about the end (of bench) guys getting the money. I just care about me,” he said. Jalen Brunson then cut him off, shouting at Hart from his locker, “You’re an asshole.”— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) <a href="https://twitter.com/FredKatz/status/1864152693851242798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>We all need that one friend who isn't afraid to tell it like it is, but bonus points if they do it in a crowded professional locker room in the vicinity of several journalists.<h3>Stat of the night</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A season-high 23 triples tonight. <a href="https://t.co/lyatcFwCfe">pic.twitter.com/lyatcFwCfe</a>— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1864136955698794707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 4, 2024</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>While Antetokounmpo was unstoppable inside the perimeter, the rest of the Bucks were lethal outside of it. Milwaukee converted on a season-high 23 triples in their win over Detroit to secure its passage to the knockout stage. It's a simple marker but one as strong as any that Doc Rivers' squad has turned the corner after a brutal start to the year.<h3>What's next</h3>As group winners, the Bucks, Knicks, and Hawks will be joined in the quarterfinals by the Magic, whose blowout loss to New York was just within the margins to send them through in the wild-card spot above the Celtics. Milwaukee will host Orlando in the first quarterfinal at 7 p.m. ET on Dec. 10, while Atlanta will travel to Madison Square Garden to face New York on Dec. 11, also at 7 pm ET.In the West, the Thunder, Rockets, and Warriors finished as the top three group winners, in that order. Oklahoma City will host the Mavericks, who secured the conference's wild card, at 9:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 10 following Magic-Bucks. Golden State will meet the Rockets in Houston at the same time on Dec. 11, following the conclusion of the Hawks-Knicks clash.The four winners then head to Las Vegas for the semifinals Dec. 14 in hopes of earning a spot in the Dec. 17 final at T-Mobile Arena.Tap the NBA Cup tab on our <a href="thescore:///nba/standings/">NBA standings page</a> for the latest group standings.

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - DECEMBER 3: Isaiah Joe #11 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate a made basket during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Paycom Center on December 3, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers thought the team's growth was on display after dispatching ...

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers thought the team's growth was on display after dispatching the Washington Wizards 124-114 Saturday night."I didn't think we started the game out right. We just kind of came out and played, and then we got into the game," Rivers said postgame, according to <a href="https://x.com/eric_nehm/status/1863069531217793227">The Athletic's Eric Nehm</a>. "But you take the wins like this because these are the games early in the season we would have lost."He added: "These games are good teachers for us."<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Milwaukee has turned things around after starting the year with a disastrous 2-8 record, winning eight of its next nine contests. The Bucks now have a record better than .500 for the first time since starting the season 1-0.The most glaring change for Milwaukee has been on the defensive end of the floor. The Bucks were ranked 22nd in defense in their opening 10 contests, allowing 115.7 points per game. Over their previous nine games, however, Milwaukee has had the league's eighth-stingiest defense with a defensive rating of 109.3.Another major reason for the turnaround is the outstanding performances by Bucks superstar <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/30611" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/30611">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a>.Antetokounmpo is averaging 34.5 points, 11 rebounds, and 8.3 assists over Milwaukee's last nine games. The former MVP recorded a 40-point triple-double Saturday night against the Wizards, his third triple-double of the campaign.The former MVP also credited his growing chemistry with point guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/5343" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/5343">Damian Lillard</a> for the team's improved play."Now we're going into our second year playing together, and our chemistry has been incredible so far," Antetokounmpo said after the Wizards game, per <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5959764/2024/12/01/milwaukee-bucks-giannis-antetokounmpo-damian-lillard/">Nehm</a>. "I think we trust one another. We definitely trust way more one another's decision-making and we give one another space to operate." Milwaukee sits sixth in the Eastern Conference and will have an opportunity to capture its seventh consecutive win Tuesday against the Detroit Pistons.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 25: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks speaks with head coach Doc Rivers during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on October 25, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball has been diagnosed with a left calf strain and will miss appro...

Charlotte Hornets star <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93879" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93879">LaMelo Ball</a> has been diagnosed with a left calf strain and will miss approximately two weeks, the team announced Saturday.Ball sustained the injury in the fourth quarter of Charlotte's 98-94 loss to the Miami Heat on Wednesday and was unavailable for the team's Friday loss to the New York Knicks.The 23-year-old is the NBA's second-leading scorer at 31.1 points per game - a career best - to go along with 8.4 assists and 6.4 rebounds per contest.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Hornets guard <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/96130" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/96130">Tre Mann</a> is also sidelined with a lower back injury and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, the team announced.The absence of Ball and Mann will give more on-ball reps to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/93898" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/93898">Josh Green</a>, who was acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in the offseason. Green is averaging 6.9 points and 1.7 assists while shooting 48.1% from deep in his 17 games this campaign.Charlotte is currently riding a four-game losing streak, placing them 12th in the East with a 6-13 record. The Hornets will host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night.

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 27: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the second half of the game against the Miami Heat at Spectrum Center on November 27, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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