The Hornets knocked down a franchise record 24 three-pointers in a 133-126 win over the Hawks. Jalen Johnson had 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in that defeat. Toronto shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Bucks to 45 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram led Toronto with 29 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.

It’s the unofficial start of NBA trade season. As of today — Monday, Dec. 15 — 79 players who signed or extended their contracts last summer became eligible to be traded. That means the options have greatly expanded for front offices trying to match salaries and develop trade packages that work for both sides.

The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET, and we have you covered on all the buzz around the league as the 2025-26 season heats up.

The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup concluded on Tuesday with the New York Knicks overcoming an 11-point deficit to defeat the Spurs, 124-113. All-Star guard Jalen Brunson had 25 points and eight assists to lead the Knicks to that victory.

Perimeter defense was a major concern for the Lakers in their playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, with James and Rui Hachimura finding themselves unable to pick up the predictable slack left by Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic on that end of the floor.

The Sacramento Kings are the team "most widely painted as Trade Deadline Sellers" around the NBA, according to league insider Marc Stein.

The speedy guard averaged 22.3 points, 7.7 assists and 2 steals per game in helping the Spurs reach the final and finish with a 5-2 record in the tournament.