NBA

Reasons for optimism and pessimism for all 10 NBA teams that played on Christmas

ESPN analyst Zach Kram picks two stats for the teams that played on Dec. 25, and breaks down why fans should be happy and worried about their title aspirations. ... Continue Reading

Pels' Alvarado, Suns' Williams tossed after fight

Suns center Mark Williams and Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado were ejected after getting into a fight in the third quarter Saturday night. ... Continue Reading

Spurs lose in Wemby's return to starting lineup

Victor Wembanyama made his first start since Nov. 14, but the San Antonio Spurs lost to the Utah Jazz 127-114 at the Frost Bank Center on Saturday, ending the Spurs' eight-game winning streak. ... Continue Reading

Nets' Thomas (hamstring) returns, nets 30 in win

Cam Thomas scored 30 points in his return after sitting out 20 games because of a left hamstring strain, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 123-107. ... Continue Reading

Sources: Clippers' Jones to make return Sunday

LA Clippers forward Derrick Jones Jr., who has been out since Nov. 16 because of a sprained MCL, will be available to return on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. ... Continue Reading

Slumping Lakers hold meeting, eye 'recalibration'

Lakers coach JJ Redick said Saturday was a day of "recalibration and reconnection" for slumping Los Angeles, which has lost three straight and six of 10. ... Continue Reading

💍 Karl-Anthony Towns proposes to Jordyn Woods

The New York Knicks center and TV personality have been dating since 2020. ... Continue Reading

Giannis returns, draws Bulls' ire with late dunk

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 29 points in his return from an eight-game absence Saturday night, punctuating the Milwaukee Bucks' 112-103 victory over the Chicago Bulls at United Center with a windmill dunk at the buzzer that drew the ire of the home team. ... Continue Reading

Giannis back from injury, scores 29 in Bucks win

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was back in the starting lineup Saturday night and scored 29 points in a 112-103 win over the Bulls. ... Continue Reading

Wemby back in starting lineup, Fox out for Spurs

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who had come off the bench in seven straight games since returning from a strained left calf that kept him out for 12 games, returned to the starting lineup on Saturday night at home against the Utah Jazz. ... Continue Reading

Lakers' Reaves (calf strain) out at least 1 month

Lakers guard Austin Reaves is expected to miss at least a month because of a calf strain, the team announced. ... Continue Reading

Sources: AD to miss a few games with groin strain

Mavericks star Anthony Davis has sustained a minor groin strain and is likely to miss a few games, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. ... Continue Reading

Giannis starting vs. Bulls after missing 8 games

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was back in the starting lineup Saturday night against the Bulls but will be on a minutes restriction, head coach Doc Rivers said. ... Continue Reading

Knueppel limps off with ankle injury; X-rays clean

Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel left Friday night's win over the Magic with a first-half ankle injury and will be reevaluated. ... Continue Reading

Giannis listed as questionable to play vs. Bulls

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable to play Saturday night against the Bulls. ... Continue Reading