Advertisement

Learn more about Winnipeg Free Press Advertising solutions

Basketball

Suns guard Jalen Green fined $25,000 by NBA for using profanity during teammate’s interview

The Associated Press 1 minute read 4:08 PM CST

PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green has been fined $25,000 for using profanity during a teammate's postgame interview following Monday night's game against the Washington Wizards.

The NBA announced the fine Tuesday.

Green was celebrating with guard Collin Gillespie — who scored 25 points on 10 of 14 shooting in a 115-101 victory — when he interrupted Gillespie's on-court interview.

Green did not play Monday. He has played just two games this season while dealing with a hamstring injury.

Advertisement

Advertise With Us

Weather

Dec. 31, 12 AM: -13°c Cloudy with wind Dec. 31, 6 AM: -17°c Cloudy with wind

Winnipeg MB

-8°C, Cloudy with wind

Full Forecast

Bamba ready to get to work with Raptors as Toronto prepares for Jokic-less Nuggets

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Bamba ready to get to work with Raptors as Toronto prepares for Jokic-less Nuggets

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 3:14 PM CST

TORONTO - Mo Bamba knows he fits in well in the Toronto Raptors’ locker room. Now he just has to find his place with them on the court. 

The seven-foot centre signed with Toronto on Sunday and made his Raptors debut the next night, playing four minutes in a 107-106 win over the Orlando Magic. 

Bamba was still finding his footing less than 24 hours into joining his sixth NBA team — his luggage was lost on his way to Toronto — but said getting acclimated was more about learning the Raptors' lingo than learning his teammates' names.

"Although a lot of teams do a lot of the same stuff, every team has their own terminology," said Bamba, sitting in front of his new locker at Scotiabank Arena. "So a down here might be an ice somewhere else, or, you know, a left call on a pick and roll is happening here might be a weak call somewhere else. 

Read
3:14 PM CST

Toronto Raptors centre Mo Bamba (11) and forward Scottie Barnes (right) defend against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) as he shoots during first half NBA action in Toronto on Monday December 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Toronto Raptors centre Mo Bamba (11) and forward Scottie Barnes (right) defend against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) as he shoots during first half NBA action in Toronto on Monday December 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hyperextended his left knee and will be evaluated in 4 weeks

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Nuggets star Nikola Jokic hyperextended his left knee and will be evaluated in 4 weeks

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 4:56 PM CST

MIAMI (AP) — Nikola Jokic is only going to miss a few weeks, which is surely cause for the Denver Nuggets to take a giant sigh of relief.

The Nuggets' superstar center has been diagnosed with a hyperextended left knee, the team said Tuesday, adding that the three-time MVP will be re-evaluated in four weeks.

It's an obvious blow to the already short-handed Nuggets — but is not a season-ending issue nor one that would require surgical repair. If Jokic misses a month, that means he would be sidelined for about 16 games but could be playing again before February's NBA All-Star Game.

The 6-foot-11 Jokic — considered by many to be the best player in the world right now — got hurt with about three seconds left in the first half of Denver's 147-123 loss in Miami on Monday night.

Read
Updated: 4:56 PM CST

Miami Heat center Kel'El Ware, left, defends Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Miami Heat center Kel'El Ware, left, defends Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

In the NBA, 2025 might go down as the year of the injured. Nikola Jokic joined that club at the end

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

In the NBA, 2025 might go down as the year of the injured. Nikola Jokic joined that club at the end

Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press 4 minute read 5:01 AM CST

MIAMI (AP) — Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton is going to miss the entire season because of the torn Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. Boston's Jayson Tatum — who hopes otherwise — might also miss the whole season after tearing his Achilles in the playoffs last spring. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Los Angeles Lakers' LeBron James and Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams have all missed big chunks of time this season with various injuries.

And now, Denver's Nikola Jokic is going to miss some time as well.

Nobody — not even those six All-NBA players from last season — is immune from the injury bug this season. The final day of 2025 is Wednesday and from an NBA health perspective, it might be time to say good riddance to these 12 months. Some of the league's biggest names have dealt with significant injury issues in this calendar year, and in many cases those woes are carrying over into 2026.

“It sucks,” Denver coach David Adelman said after Jokic was hurt.

Read
5:01 AM CST

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) walks on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) walks on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Raptors bench players learning on the job as mid-season injuries take toll

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Raptors bench players learning on the job as mid-season injuries take toll

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read 4:06 AM CST

TORONTO - The Toronto Raptors are a little banged up as the midway point of the NBA season approaches, with regular starters RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl missing long stretches.

Fortunately, Toronto's bench is learning to step up.

Backup point guard Jamal Shead scored a career-high 19 points and added five assists and four rebounds as the Raptors rallied past Orlando 107-106 on Monday and Toronto stayed ahead of the Magic in the Eastern Conference standings. Shead was on the court for all 12 minutes of the fourth quarter to help the Raptors close the game out.

"The bench unit is coming along, and I think we're just growing as the season grows," said Shead. "We're not trying to stay too high, trying to stay too low, just trying to grow and learn from our mistakes."

Read
4:06 AM CST

Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead celebrates after the Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic in NBA action in Toronto on Monday December 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead celebrates after the Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic in NBA action in Toronto on Monday December 29, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

McCollum and the Wizards visit conference foe Milwaukee

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

Washington Wizards (7-24, 14th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (14-19, 11th in the Eastern Conference)

Milwaukee; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: CJ McCollum and the Washington Wizards take on Ryan Rollins and the Milwaukee Bucks in Eastern Conference action.

The Bucks are 12-13 in conference games. Milwaukee is 7-6 when it turns the ball over less than its opponents and averages 14.3 turnovers per game.

Bridges and the Hornets take on Butler and the Warriors

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

Golden State Warriors (17-16, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Charlotte Hornets (11-21, 12th in the Eastern Conference)

Charlotte, North Carolina; Wednesday, 1 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Charlotte Hornets host the Golden State Warriors in non-conference play.

The Hornets are 7-9 in home games. Charlotte ranks seventh in the Eastern Conference in rebounding averaging 44.7 rebounds. Moussa Diabate leads the Hornets with 8.1 boards.

Avdija and the Trail Blazers visit conference foe Oklahoma City

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

Portland Trail Blazers (13-19, 10th in the Western Conference) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (28-5, first in the Western Conference)

Oklahoma City; Wednesday, 8 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Portland Trail Blazers in Western Conference play Wednesday.

The Thunder have gone 5-2 against division opponents. Oklahoma City is the NBA leader with 35.2 defensive rebounds per game led by Isaiah Hartenstein averaging 7.0.

Denver faces Toronto on 3-game road slide

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

Denver Nuggets (22-10, third in the Western Conference) vs. Toronto Raptors (20-14, fourth in the Eastern Conference)

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

BOTTOM LINE: Denver will aim to end its three-game road slide when the Nuggets play Toronto.

The Raptors are 10-7 on their home court. Toronto is the league leader with 19.2 fast break points per game led by RJ Barrett averaging 4.1.

Pacers face the Magic on 9-game slide

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

Orlando Magic (18-15, fifth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Indiana Pacers (6-27, 15th in the Eastern Conference)

Indianapolis; Wednesday, 3 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Indiana comes into the matchup against Orlando after losing nine games in a row.

The Pacers are 4-16 against Eastern Conference opponents. Indiana gives up 119.4 points and has been outscored by 9.3 points per game.

Suns face the Cavaliers, look for 5th straight victory

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

Phoenix Suns (19-13, seventh in the Western Conference) vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (18-16, eighth in the Eastern Conference)

Cleveland; Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Phoenix is looking to build upon its four-game win streak with a victory over Cleveland.

The Cavaliers have gone 11-8 in home games. Cleveland averages 119.4 points and has outscored opponents by 2.1 points per game.

Hawks take on the Timberwolves on 7-game losing streak

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

Minnesota Timberwolves (21-12, sixth in the Western Conference) vs. Atlanta Hawks (15-19, 10th in the Eastern Conference)

Atlanta; Wednesday, 3 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: Atlanta aims to end its seven-game slide when the Hawks take on Minnesota.

The Hawks are 5-11 in home games. Atlanta is fourth in the Eastern Conference scoring 119.1 points while shooting 48.2% from the field.

New Orleans takes on Chicago on 4-game slide

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:06 AM CST

New Orleans Pelicans (8-26, 15th in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (15-17, ninth in the Eastern Conference)

Chicago; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans comes into the matchup with Chicago after losing four straight games.

The Bulls have gone 8-8 in home games. Chicago ranks third in the Eastern Conference with 54.8 points per game in the paint led by Josh Giddey averaging 9.2.

New York plays San Antonio on 3-game win streak

The Associated Press 2 minute read 1:05 AM CST

New York Knicks (23-9, second in the Eastern Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (23-9, second in the Western Conference)

San Antonio; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: New York will look to keep its three-game win streak alive when the Knicks take on San Antonio.

The Spurs have gone 11-4 at home. San Antonio ranks fifth in the Western Conference in team defense, allowing just 113.6 points while holding opponents to 46.5% shooting.

Avdija just shy of triple-double as Trail Blazers hold off Mavericks 125-122

Erik García Gundersen, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Avdija just shy of triple-double as Trail Blazers hold off Mavericks 125-122

Erik García Gundersen, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: 1:07 AM CST

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Deni Avdija had 27 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, and Shaedon Sharpe added 24 points as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 125-122 on Monday night.

Caleb Love also scored 24 for the Blazers off the bench, including six 3-pointers and the go-ahead free throws with under a minute remaining.

Klay Thompson’s 3-point attempt to tie the game at the buzzer missed as Portland avoided blowing a 17-point lead.

Max Christie led the Mavericks with 25 points and Brandon Williams scored 22. Cooper Flagg had 15 points, eight assists and six rebounds.

Read
Updated: 1:07 AM CST

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, right, drives to the basket against Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday Dec. 29, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Howard Lao)
Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija, right, drives to the basket against Dallas Mavericks guard Brandon Williams, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Monday Dec. 29, 2025, in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/Howard Lao)

Cavaliers beat Spurs 113-101 behind Allen’s 27 points

The Associated Press 10 minute read Preview

Cavaliers beat Spurs 113-101 behind Allen’s 27 points

The Associated Press 10 minute read Updated: 12:46 AM CST

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Jarrett Allen had 27 points and 10 rebounds and the Cleveland Cavaliers held on to beat Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 113-101 on Monday night.

Cleveland had seven players score in double figures. Evan Mobley scored 16 points and Darius Garland added 15 points and 11 assists.

Wembanyama had 26 points and 14 rebounds for his 10th double-double of the season for the Spurs, who have lost two straight after winning eight consecutive games.

Stephon Castle scored 15 points for the Spurs and De’Aaron Fox 14 added points after a one-game absence due to tightness in his left adductor.

Read
Updated: 12:46 AM CST

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) is fouled by Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

LOAD MORE