76ers’ Dream Lineup Turns Into a Nightmare

It was supposed to be a fresh start for the Philadelphia 76ers. Finally, Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George hit the court together for the first time this season. But if you blinked, you might’ve missed it, because the lineup lasted a mere six minutes before disaster struck.

Paul George hyperextended his left knee (yes, the same one he injured in the preseason) in the second half after a collision with Memphis guard Desmond Bane. He’s officially out for evaluation, and it’s unclear how long he’ll be sidelined. Meanwhile, Maxey is still shaking off the rust from his hamstring injury, struggling with just 3-of-13 shooting in limited minutes.

The lone bright spot? Embiid’s 35-point effort. However, even that was clouded as he appeared to tweak his knee late in the fourth quarter. With a 2-12 record and the league's worst standing, the Sixers’ hopes might hinge on their upcoming favorable schedule.

However, if injuries persist and losses pile up, their season could effectively end before Christmas. Historically, only six teams have recovered from a 2-10 start to finish .500 or better. The clock is ticking.

Warriors Lose De’Anthony Melton for the Season

From promising addition to heartbreaking loss, De’Anthony Melton’s season is officially over. After suffering an ACL sprain earlier this month, further tests confirmed the need for surgery. The Golden State Warriors had high hopes for Melton as their starting guard alongside Steph Curry, but he managed just six games before the injury bug struck.

Coach Steve Kerr summed up the mood:

In Melton’s absence, Lindy Waters III is stepping into the starting lineup. While the Warriors are allowed to apply for a disabled player exception worth $6.4 million, salary cap constraints limit their options.

Despite this setback, the Warriors managed a 120-97 win over the Hawks on Wednesday. However, with depth and chemistry concerns looming, the long-term impact of losing Melton remains a significant challenge.

Brunson's Phoenix Takeover

What is it about Phoenix that brings out the best in Jalen Brunson? The Knicks’ star guard put on another clinic Wednesday night, leading New York to a 138-122 win over the Suns with a dazzling 36 points and 10 assists.

Last year, he lit up the same arena for 50 points, and while he didn’t quite hit that mark this time, Brunson was a nightmare for the Suns yet again. Even when Phoenix cut a hefty Knicks lead down to 12 in the fourth, Brunson silenced the rally with clutch shots, showing why he’s the steadying force for this team.

Of course, it wasn’t all on Brunson. Karl-Anthony Towns delivered in a big way, dropping 34 points and 10 rebounds, including two timely three-pointers in the third quarter that kept the Suns at arm’s length.

Even in the face of Phoenix’s 17-5 run in the third, the Knicks never lost their composure. Double-teaming Brunson didn’t slow him down, and when the Suns tried to crank up their defensive intensity, New York just kept finding answers. If this game was a test of resilience, the Knicks passed with flying colors, and a season-high in points, no less.

The Waiting Game in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee Bucks are playing a different kind of game, one that involves a lot of patience. Khris Middleton, their three-time All-Star forward, remains on the sidelines despite being medically cleared to play. While fans might be eager to see Middleton back on the court, the Bucks are letting him move at his own pace.

According to reports, Middleton is focused on “feeling physically ready” after undergoing two ankle surgeries in the offseason. He’s been ramping up his on-court activities, even participating in three-on-three drills during practice, but he hasn’t reached the point of full scrimmages just yet.

For head coach Doc Rivers, it’s about balancing optimism with reality.

The Bucks have managed to stay afloat in Middleton’s absence, but there’s no denying they miss his contributions. With Giannis Antetokounmpo carrying much of the load, Middleton’s eventual return could be the key to Milwaukee making a deep playoff run. For now, though, Bucks fans will have to settle for glimpses of progress and wait a little longer.

A Modern-Day Zero Dark Thirty-23

Social media can be a mixed bag, helpful, entertaining, and sometimes downright toxic. It seems even the King himself isn’t immune to its downsides. On Wednesday, LeBron James announced that he’s stepping away from social platforms, citing the relentless negativity that’s been weighing on him.

This latest decision came after James shared a post from Rich Kleiman, longtime agent and business partner of Kevin Durant.

Shortly after, James took to social media one last time (for now) to announce his temporary departure, leaving no clear timeline for his return.

It seems the negativity has been building for James, especially online. After the Lakers’ 124-118 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, James vented about the internet’s skepticism of his every word. His praise of rookie Dalton Knecht turned into a response to those who label him a “liar.”

Caitlin Clark Takes a Pass on Unrivaled for Now

Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest names in basketball right now, but fans hoping to see her in the new 3-on-3 league Unrivaled will have to wait. A source told ESPN that the Indiana Fever star will not participate in the inaugural season, which kicks off in Miami on January 17.

The WNBA Rookie of the Year has no shortage of commitments this offseason. She’s already hit the greens at The Annika LPGA tournament and is set to be the keynote speaker at a major women’s sports luncheon in Kansas City this February. Clearly, Clark is making moves, even if they’re off the court.

For Fever fans, there’s still plenty to celebrate. After leading Indiana to its first playoff appearance since 2016, Clark’s stats speak for themselves: 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league-best 8.4 assists per game. She’s not just a rising star, she’s redefining what it means to dominate.

Cleveland Dreams of a WNBA Comeback

The buzz around women’s basketball isn’t slowing down, and Cleveland wants back in on the action. Rock Entertainment Group, which owns the NBA’s Cavaliers, is throwing its hat in the ring to bring a WNBA expansion team back to the city.

If you’re feeling a bit of déjà vu, that’s because Cleveland previously hosted the Cleveland Rockers from 1997 to 2003. The city’s passion for sports, combined with Rock Entertainment Group’s resources, makes it a strong contender for a new franchise.

The WNBA is already growing. With Golden State, Portland, and Toronto set to join the league, the number of franchises will climb to 15 by 2026. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has even hinted at a 16th team by 2028. Could Cleveland be the final puzzle piece? Time will tell.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The Players Unlimited Team