NBA NewsSunday, Jan 4, 2026

More than 47 million people watched some of the five NBA Christmas Day games, resulting in the highest viewership in 15 years across ESPN and ABC. The number also represents a 45% increase from last year. The games averaged 5.5 million viewers, up 4% from last year. The Cavs-Knicks matchup was the most-watched out of the five games with an average of 6.4 million viewers. The NBA also said it generated 1.6 billion views on social media, up 23% from last year.

The Atlanta Hawks signed guard RayJ Dennis to a two-way contract. Dennis fills the open two-way spot that was created when Atlanta waived Eli John Ndiaye from his two-way deal. Dennis has previously played for the Indiana Pacers and LA Clippers on two-way deals this season. Overall, the 6-foot-2 guard has appeared in 14 NBA games and averaged 4.6 points per game. In seven G League games between the Noblesville Boom and San Diego Clippers, Dennis has averaged 21.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.4 ass...

The Los Angeles Clippers have no plans for a fire sale before the trade deadline and are expected to explore adding an impact player around James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic Team sources say owner Steve Ballmer continues his mandate to remain competitive despite the team's 6-21 start. The Clippers have won five straight games, restoring some internal hope about climbing out of their early-season hole. With no first-round pick in 2026 to incentivize tanking...

Zion Williamson scored a season-high 35 points on Friday against Portland but the shorthanded Pelicans dropped their sixth straight game, writes Lee East of NOLA.com. “He looks great,” head coach James Borrego said of Williamson, who has notched 30-plus points in three straight contests, matching a career high. “His spirit is right. His mind is […]

Over the past 10 days, several players have earned promotions to either standard or two-way contracts. Several more transactions will be coming this week, as January 5 marks the first day clubs can sign players to standard 10-day contracts and Jan. 7 is the final day in which players who have non-guaranteed salaries (including two-ways) […]

The Houston Rockets host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, January 3, with injuries playing a major role in how this Western Conference matchup could unfold. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at Toyota Center as both teams enter the game on very different trajectories. Houston Rockets comes in with a 21-10 record and a […] The post Rockets vs. Mavericks injury report: Key absences shape Saturday matchup appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder highlighted his team’s defensive effort after Friday’s 111-99 victory over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. “I think just playing the style of play that fits us… we’ve got to defend,” Snyder said, noting that rebounding and transition opportunities fueled their offense. Snyder emphasized the importance of […] The post Quin Snyder praises Hawks’ defense and ball movement in win over Knicks appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Memphis head coach Tuomas Iisalo addressed the challenges of containing Los Angeles’ stars after the 128-121 loss at Crypto.com Arena. “We had a very clear game plan… get the ball out of Doncic’s hands and make other guys finish. Only today, those guys shot with a great percentage,” he said. Iisalo noted that Lakers’ mid-range […] The post Tuomas Iisalo reflects on Lakers’ shooting and Grizzlies’ adjustments after loss appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

Jalen Johnson recorded 18 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds for his seventh triple-double of the season, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 111-99 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday at Madison Square Garden. Atlanta trailed 30-29 in the first quarter before taking control and never relinquishing the lead. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 23 […] The post Jalen Johnson triple-double propels Hawks past Knicks appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Orlando Magic visit the Chicago Bulls on Friday, January 2, at United Center with tipoff set for 8:00 p.m. ET. Injuries could play a key role as both teams try to extend winning streaks heading into the new year. Orlando enters 19-15 after a 112-110 win over Indiana and a 127-126 victory against Denver. […] The post Magic vs. Bulls injury report: Who will play on January 2 appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Denver Nuggets travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, January 2, with injuries shaping the outlook at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET as both teams arrive trending in opposite directions. Denver holds a 23-10 record and snapped a brief skid with a 106-103 win over Toronto on December […] The post Nuggets vs. Cavaliers injury report: Jokic sidelined as Denver visits Cleveland on January 2 appeared first on TalkBasket.net .

The Atlanta Hawks host the New York Knicks on Friday, January 2, as injury availability looms large at State Farm Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET in a rematch of a tightly contested December meeting. Atlanta enters the night at 16-19 and is coming off a convincing 126-102 home win over Minnesota on […] The post Hawks vs. Knicks injury report: Young’s status in focus ahead of January 2 matchup appeared first on TalkBasket.net .