Basketball – Winnipeg Free Press

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) breaks free for a dunk against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Redick: LeBron James exhibiting ‘a different kind of greatness’ with the Lakers this season

Brett Martel, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 11:22 PM CST

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — LeBron James sat at his locker — having just scored 30 points in 33 minutes to help the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Pelicans on Tuesday night — when the subject of his availability to play the next night in San Antonio came up.

“Every back-to-back, for the rest of the season, it’s TBD,” James said, as in, to be determined.

“I’m 41. I’ve got the most minutes in NBA history,” James continued with an incredulous grin. "Bank it right now, OK? What are we talking about?”

It's just that sometimes James — the NBA's all-time leading scorer and first ever to reach 40,000 career regular season points (42,575 and counting) — can still play with the type of vigor and effectiveness that makes him seem younger and more durable than he did while sitting out this season's first 14 games with sciatica.

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James and Doncic each score 30 to help the Lakers hold off the Pelicans 111-103

Brett Martel, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

James and Doncic each score 30 to help the Lakers hold off the Pelicans 111-103

Brett Martel, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:41 PM CST

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — LeBron James scored 30 points, Luca Doncic capped his 30-point, 10-assist performance with a pair of off-balance, bail-out 3s as the shot clock wound down, and the Los Angeles Lakers held off the reeling New Orleans Pelicans 111-103 on Tuesday night.

Deandre Ayton had 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who won for the fourth time in their past five games while sending the Pelicans to their eighth straight loss.

Trey Murphy scored a career-high 41, Zion Williamson scored 15 points and rookie Derik Queen had 10 points and 13 rebounds for New Orleans, which led by as many as nine points late in the third quarter.

The Lakers opened the fourth quarter on a 18-4 run that included two deep 3s by James, a 3 by Dalton Knecht and a pair of baskets in the paint by Ayton. The surge put Los Angeles up 97-90 and the Pelicans could not get closer than four after that.

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Yesterday at 9:41 PM CST

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dunks next to New Orleans Pelicans guard Micah Peavy (14) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Jackson, Grizzlies take on the Suns

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Phoenix Suns (21-15, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (16-20, 10th in the Western Conference)

Memphis, Tennessee; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns take on Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies have gone 14-11 against Western Conference opponents. Memphis ranks sixth in the Western Conference with 14.6 fast break points per game led by Ja Morant averaging 2.9.

Maxey, 76ers take on the Wizards

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Washington Wizards (10-25, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (19-15, fifth in the Eastern Conference)

Philadelphia; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: CJ McCollum and the Washington Wizards visit Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers in Eastern Conference action.

The 76ers are 14-12 in Eastern Conference games. Philadelphia is 9-4 in games decided by 10 or more points.

Brandon Williams hits a late 3-pointer, gives Mavericks 100-98 win over Kings

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Brandon Williams hits a late 3-pointer, gives Mavericks 100-98 win over Kings

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:12 AM CST

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Cooper Flagg scored 20 points, Brandon Williams hit the winning 3-pointer with 33.9 seconds to play, and the Dallas Mavericks held on for a 100-98 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night to snap a seven-game road losing streak.

Anthony Davis had 19 points and 16 rebounds for the Mavericks, who trailed 98-97 when Williams hit his 3-pointer for a 100-98 lead.

The Kings had multiple chances to retake the lead, but Dennis Schroder, Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan all missed 3-point tries in the final seconds.

Sacramento, which lost its sixth game in a row, was led by DeRozan with 21 points. Zach LaVine had 20 and Maxime Reynaud added 14. The Kings' last win was Dec. 27 against Dallas. The Kings at 8-29 have the second-worst record in the Western Conference.

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1:12 AM CST

Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg dribbles the ball up court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Scott Marshall)

Brooklyn and Orlando face off in conference matchup

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Orlando Magic (20-17, seventh in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (11-22, 13th in the Eastern Conference)

New York; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Desmond Bane and the Orlando Magic take on Michael Porter Jr. and the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.

The Nets are 8-15 in Eastern Conference games. Brooklyn averages 14.9 turnovers per game and is 3-7 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents.

Murphy leads New Orleans against Atlanta after 42-point game

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

New Orleans Pelicans (8-30, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (17-21, 10th in the Eastern Conference)

Atlanta; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans takes on the Atlanta Hawks after Trey Murphy III scored 42 points in the Pelicans' 111-103 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Hawks are 6-11 in home games. Atlanta is third in the NBA with 17.6 fast break points per game led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker averaging 4.0.

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Timberwolves face the Cavaliers on 3-game win streak

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Cleveland Cavaliers (21-17, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (24-13, sixth in the Western Conference)

Minneapolis; Thursday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota heads into a matchup with Cleveland as winners of three consecutive games.

The Timberwolves are 13-6 in home games. Minnesota has a 2-3 record in games decided by less than 4 points.

Lakers play the Spurs, aim for 4th straight victory

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

Los Angeles Lakers (23-11, third in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (25-11, second in the Western Conference)

San Antonio; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Los Angeles will try to keep its three-game win streak alive when the Lakers take on San Antonio.

The Spurs have gone 14-9 against Western Conference opponents. San Antonio is sixth in the Western Conference scoring 119.3 points while shooting 47.7% from the field.

Cam Spencer’s late surge helps Grizzlies edge Spurs 106-105

The Associated Press 7 minute read Preview

Cam Spencer’s late surge helps Grizzlies edge Spurs 106-105

The Associated Press 7 minute read Updated: 1:18 AM CST

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Spencer scored 21 points, including five in the final 1:26, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat San Antonio 106-105 on Tuesday night, offsetting 30 points by the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama in his return after a two-game absence.

Spencer’s 10-foot baseline jumper with 36.5 seconds left were the final points. San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox took a 15 footer with 5 second left but was blocked by Memphis’ Santi Aldama, and the Grizzlies snapped a four-game losing streak.

Jaren Jackson Jr. also had 21 points for Memphis, and Jack Landale finished with 19 points. Spencer had eight rebounds and eight assists.

Wembanyama’s 30 points led the Spurs while Julian Champagnie finished with 23. Stephon Castle had 15 points before fouling out with 3:13 left. Wembanyama, who played 21 minutes, was 10 of 20 from the floor, including 3 of 6 from outside the arc.

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Updated: 1:18 AM CST

Memphis Grizzlies center Jock Landale (31) and forward Santi Aldama celebrate after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Cam Spencer scores 21, including the final five, to give the Grizzlies a 106-105 win over the Spurs

Clay Bailey, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Cam Spencer scores 21, including the final five, to give the Grizzlies a 106-105 win over the Spurs

Clay Bailey, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 10:24 PM CST

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Cam Spencer scored 21 points, including five in the final 1:26, and the Memphis Grizzlies beat San Antonio 106-105 on Tuesday night, offsetting 30 points by the Spurs' Victor Wembanyama in his return after a two-game absence.

Spencer's 10-foot baseline jumper with 36.5 seconds left were the final points. San Antonio's De'Aaron Fox took a 15 footer with 5 second left but was blocked by Memphis' Santi Aldama, and the Grizzlies snapped a four-game losing streak.

Jaren Jackson Jr. also had 21 points for Memphis, and Jock Landale finished with 19 points. Spencer had eight rebounds and eight assists.

Wembanyama's 30 points led the Spurs while Julian Champagnie finished with 23. Stephon Castle had 15 points before fouling out with 3:13 left. Wembanyama, who played 21 minutes, was 10 of 20 from the floor, including 3 of 6 from outside the arc.

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Updated: Yesterday at 10:24 PM CST

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and Memphis Grizzlies center Christian Koloko (35) reach for the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Edwards has 26 points to help Wolves beat Heat 122-94

Tyler Mason, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Edwards has 26 points to help Wolves beat Heat 122-94

Tyler Mason, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 9:38 PM CST

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Miami Heat for the second time in four days, 122-94 on Tuesday night.

Edwards, listed as questionable on the pregame injury report with a foot injury, connected on a team-high five 3-pointers and was 5 for 6 at the free-throw line.

Minnesota has now won three in a row, including a 125-115 win over Miami on Saturday.

Jaden McDaniels added 19 points for the Wolves, while Rudy Gobert had 13 points and 17 rebounds, and Julius Randle had 15 points and 11 rebounds.

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Yesterday at 9:38 PM CST

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) shoots between Miami Heat center Kel'el Ware, left, and guard Pelle Larsson, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

Cavaliers rally late for 120-116 win while handing the Pacers a franchise-record 13th straight loss

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Cavaliers rally late for 120-116 win while handing the Pacers a franchise-record 13th straight loss

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 8:50 PM CST

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Darius Garland scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, fueling a late 13-point run that sent the Cleveland Cavaliers past the struggling Indiana Pacers 120-116 on Tuesday for their fourth win in five games.

Indiana, the defending Eastern Conference champs, lost its 13th straight to set a franchise record in its NBA era. The Pacers are now a league-worst 6-31 and are one loss away from matching the Washington Wizards' 14-game skid for the league's longest skid this season.

The Cavs weren't even at full strength in this one.

Coach Kenny Atkinson gave All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell a day off just hours after team officials announced Max Strus was expected to miss at least another month because of a left foot injury. Atkinson said that the updated timeline was not because Strus had suffered a setback. Cleveland also lost forward Dean Wade in the first half with a bruised left knee.

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Yesterday at 8:50 PM CST

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr., left, shoots after going around Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

CJ McCollum steadies Wizards in 4th quarter of 120-112 win over Magic

Ben Nuckols, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

CJ McCollum steadies Wizards in 4th quarter of 120-112 win over Magic

Ben Nuckols, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 8:37 PM CST

WASHINGTON (AP) — CJ McCollum scored 27 points and steadied the Wizards after they nearly blew a 26-point lead as Washington held on for a 120-112 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night.

Alex Sarr added 23 points for the young and suddenly competitive Wizards, who have won five of seven. Washington, in the midst of a yearslong rebuild, began the season 3-20 but has gone 7-5 since.

The Wizards' inexperience showed after they took an 89-63 lead on Justin Champagnie's 3-pointer in the third quarter. Orlando cut the deficit to 14 points by the end of the period and continued its rally as Washington began the fourth quarter by going 2 of 10 from the field.

Goga Bitadze's layup got the Magic within 107-105 with 5:03 left, and Orlando could sense the biggest comeback victory in franchise history. But McCollum found Sarr for an alley-oop, then followed with a midrange jumper and a 3-pointer to put Washington ahead by nine.

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Yesterday at 8:37 PM CST

Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) shoots against Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) Washington Wizards guard CJ McCollum (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Wembanyama returns to play against Grizzlies after missing 2 games

Clay Bailey, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Wembanyama returns to play against Grizzlies after missing 2 games

Clay Bailey, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 9:50 PM CST

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Victor Wembanyama played in Tuesday night's game between the San Antionio Spurs and Memphis Grizzlies after missing two games with left knee soreness.

Wembanyama finished with a team-high 30 points in 21 minutes. He was 10 of 20 from the field, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range. He also had five rebounds and a blocked shot.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said before the game that the 7-foot-4 center/forward would come off the bench and be under a minutes restriction. But, Johnson said the team and medical staff were comfortable with Wembanyama returning to action.

“He's been putting in a lot of work,” Johnson said, adding that all of the key people — the coaching and medical staff and Wembanyama “have seen enough to give it a go.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 9:50 PM CST

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) reacts after a play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in San Antonio, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Kings’ Keegan Murray to miss at least 3 to 4 weeks with sprained ankle

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Kings’ Keegan Murray to miss at least 3 to 4 weeks with sprained ankle

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 4:20 PM CST

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray will miss at least the next three to four weeks due to a sprained left ankle.

Murray injured the ankle in the third quarter of the Kings’ 115-98 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. Kings officials said an MRI revealed a moderate ankle sprain.

The Kings said Murray will be reevaluated in three to four weeks.

Murray, 25, has averaged 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds through 19 games this season.

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Yesterday at 4:20 PM CST

January 7, 2026

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