A Light Sunday Slate
After a loaded Saturday with nine games, Sunday's NBA schedule is quieter. But there's still plenty to watch as the league approaches the New Year.
Several teams are dealing with injury concerns that could impact rotations. Here's what you need to know before tip-off.
Warriors at Raptors (3:30 PM ET)
Golden State (18-12) visits Toronto (14-17) in a cross-conference matchup. The Warriors are looking to stay in the Western Conference playoff picture, while the Raptors have been competitive despite their record.
Key injury to watch: RJ Barrett (right knee sprain) is questionable for Toronto. He's missed several games with the issue, and his status could significantly impact the Raptors' offensive firepower.
The Warriors continue to rely on Stephen Curry, who's been masterful this season. This is a winnable game for Golden State, but Toronto has been scrappy at home.
Bucks at Hornets
Milwaukee travels to Charlotte after Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive return. The Greek Freak dropped 29 points in just 25 minutes against Chicago on Saturday. Can the Bucks (13-19) build on that momentum against the Hornets (11-20)?
This is a must-win for Milwaukee. They're 11th in the East and need to string together victories to climb out of the play-in picture. Charlotte has struggled all season but can be dangerous at home.
Cavaliers at Spurs
Cleveland heads to San Antonio after getting demolished 117-100 by Houston. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs (23-8) are coming off their worst home loss of the season against Utah.
Both teams need a bounce-back. Wembanyama vs. Cleveland's frontcourt is an intriguing matchup. The Frenchman had 32 points and 5 blocks in the loss to the Jazz. Expect him to be motivated.
Injury Report Highlights
Several key players remain sidelined across the league:
Kelly Oubre Jr. (knee) is out for the 76ers. Vince Williams Jr. (patellar) is sidelined for Memphis. Austin Reaves will miss at least four weeks for the Lakers with a calf strain. De'Aaron Fox (adductor) missed Saturday's game for San Antonio and his status remains uncertain.
Teams are managing loads carefully as the calendar turns to 2026.
What to Watch For
The Western Conference standings remain tight. San Antonio, Houston, and Denver are all within striking distance of the top spots. Every game matters for playoff positioning.
Trade deadline speculation will only intensify as we approach January. The Kings, Bucks, and Lakers are all teams to watch as potential buyers or sellers. Malik Monk is officially on the block in Sacramento, and Giannis rumors continue to swirl despite his return.