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NBA News Roundup: Injuries, Fines, and Veteran Performances Shake Up Early Season
November 15, 2025
The 2025–26 NBA season is off to a whirlwind start, with injuries, fines, and veteran heroics dominating headlines. From the Phoenix Suns to the Golden State Warriors, teams are navigating highs and lows as the league settles into its early rhythm.
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Injury Updates Shake Team Lineups
Several stars are sidelined or limited due to injuries:
Bradley Beal (Clippers) is out for the season after fracturing his hip in a Nov. 10 matchup against his former team, the Suns. Beal, who appeared in just six games for Los Angeles this season, will undergo surgery after consultations with multiple specialists to ensure a full recovery. The Clippers have already been struggling, winning just three of their first 10 games, and are also missing Kawhi Leonard due to an ankle injury.
Christian Braun (Nuggets) is expected to miss at least six weeks after spraining his left ankle against the Clippers. The 24-year-old shooting guard had been a key contributor, averaging 11.4 points and 4.4 rebounds over 11 games for Denver, who currently sit at 9-2.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) is listed as probable for their upcoming clash against the Los Angeles Lakers, returning from patellar tendinopathy. Milwaukee will still be without Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr., while the Lakers remain without LeBron James and Gabe Vincent.
These absences continue to test team depth early in the season, leaving coaches scrambling for rotations and adjustments.
| Player | Team | Status / Injury / Fine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dillon Brooks | Suns | $25K fine for lewd gesture | 32 points vs Pacers |
| Bradley Beal | Clippers | Season-ending hip surgery | Played 6 games this season |
| Christian Braun | Nuggets | Left ankle sprain, 6+ weeks out | Averaging 11.4 points |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Bucks | Probable vs Lakers | Recovering from patellar tendinopathy |
| Willie Green | Pelicans | Fired as head coach | 2–10 start |
Dillon Brooks Fined for On-Court Gesture
The Phoenix Suns’ Dillon Brooks made headlines for his fiery celebration after a difficult basket against the Indiana Pacers. The NBA fined Brooks $25,000 for a “lewd gesture” made from the floor. Despite the fine, Brooks delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring 32 points on 12-of-18 shooting, helping the Suns to a commanding 133-98 victory.
This marks the 105th fine of Brooks’ nine-year NBA career, though most were automatic fines from technical fouls. Brooks and fellow new Suns wing Jalen Green have contributed significantly when healthy, combining for 35.8 points across nine games.
Warriors’ Veterans Lead Comeback Against Spurs
Golden State’s seasoned trio—Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler—showed that experience still wins out over youth. In a two-game sweep of the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors relied on veteran poise and basketball IQ to counter the team’s young star, Victor Wembanyama.
Curry torched the Spurs for 95 points over two games, shooting 56.8% overall, including 14 three-pointers. Green’s defensive savvy and Butler’s physical presence helped Golden State overcome early-season turbulence, proving that old guard excellence remains a force in the league.
Pelicans Make Coaching Change After 2–10 Start
The New Orleans Pelicans fired head coach Willie Green following a disappointing 2–10 start to the season. Top assistant James Borrego, former head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, has been named interim head coach.
Pelicans executive VP Joe Dumars cited repeated patterns of losing and a lack of established team identity as reasons for the change. Green, who oversaw a 150-190 record over four-plus seasons and contended with frequent injuries to star forward Zion Williamson, leaves the team seeking a fresh start under Borrego.
Looking Ahead
The early weeks of the 2025–26 season have already delivered compelling storylines: injury woes reshaping rosters, fines stirring controversy, and veteran leadership asserting itself in key matchups. As teams adjust, fans can expect more surprises and standout performances in the weeks ahead.
Key Notes:
Next up: Bucks vs Lakers, Pelicans host Warriors, and Suns continue their strong start at 8-5.
Watch for returns from Giannis Antetokounmpo and other injured stars, which could dramatically shift the competitive landscape.
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