In the fast-paced world of the NBA, trades can play a crucial role in shaping a team's success as the season progresses. This season, the Golden State Warriors made a strategic move by acquiring Dennis Schröder from the Brooklyn Nets, while the Los Angeles Lakers also identified a key addition in Dorian Finney-Smith from the same team. Their recent contest saw the Lakers triumph over the Warriors 118-108, with Finney-Smith showcasing outstanding performance, highlighted by a team-high plus-minus. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr commended Finney-Smith's contributions, acknowledging his shooting prowess and solidifying the Lakers' identity.

Despite averaging only 6.2 points and 3.1 rebounds over 12 games with the Lakers, Finney-Smith's overall influence extends beyond mere statistics, enhancing both offensive and defensive schemes. The Warriors and Lakers are set to clash again on February 6, promising further excitement in their rivalry.

The Toronto Raptors have signed forward Eugene Omoruyi to a 10-day contract following his stellar season with Raptors 905. This decision comes after the team waived Bruno Fernando earlier in the week, creating a roster vacancy.

Omoruyi, a 6-foot-6, 235-pound player, has been a force in the G League, averaging 19.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across 14 appearances. His shooting stats are impressive as well, with 57.7% from the field and 35.4% from beyond the arc.

Originally from Benin City, Nigeria, Omoruyi moved to Toronto during childhood. His basketball journey took him through Orangeville Prep before a collegiate career at Rutgers and Oregon, where he led in scoring during his final season. After going undrafted in 2021, he had a two-way contract with the Dallas Mavericks and spent time with various teams, culminating in 43 games last season with the Washington Wizards.

The Toronto Raptors have officially waived center Bruno Fernando, the franchise announced on Tuesday. Fernando, who averaged 3.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists over 17 games this season, was unable to secure a more prominent role within the team's lineup, logging just 8.6 minutes per game.

During his brief stint with the Raptors, the six-foot-nine, 240-pound center from Angola recorded a personal best of 13 rebounds in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 12, contributing to a 99-85 loss during the NBA Cup group stage. His release paves the way for the Raptors to bring in a player on a standard contract, bringing the team's active roster to 14 players alongside three two-way players.

As the Raptors (8-28) prepare for their next game against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, they look to recalibrate their lineup and improve their standing in the league.

The Boston Celtics are set to face the Toronto Raptors on New Year's Eve, with the status of two-time All-Star guard Jrue Holiday being a focal point. Holiday has been sidelined since December 23 due to a right shoulder impingement, but recent updates indicate he has been upgraded to available for the game. This marks a significant return for the 6-foot-4 guard, who has played a crucial role in the Celtics' strong season thus far.

Alongside Holiday, the Celtics also have Kristaps Porzingis dealing with a left ankle sprain, who remains questionable for the matchup. The team has struggled with injuries, but they are currently boasting a solid record of 23-9, looking to recover from a surprising loss to the Indiana Pacers. Their home court advantage at TD Garden has been notable, with a record of 12-6, and they are heavily favored to win against the struggling Raptors, who sit at 7-25 and are on the brink of their 11th consecutive loss.

On the Raptors' side, they will be without RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickly due to illness and injury, respectively. Additionally, guard Davion Mitchell is questionable, further complicating Toronto’s efforts to turn around their season. The Celtics are expected to capitalize on their home performance and the return of Holiday, who has averaged 12.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in the games he has played this season.

As the game approaches, Holiday's performance will be scrutinized not only for immediate impact but also for his ongoing bid for a seventh All-Defensive Team selection and potential All-Star recognition this year. The Celtics, with their depth and talent, are poised to make a significant statement in this matchup against the Raptors.

Scottie Barnes is recovering well from a sprained right ankle sustained in a recent game, moving more freely and without pain just days after the injury. He is listed as 'questionable' for the Toronto Raptors' upcoming game against the Brooklyn Nets but is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing only two games.

His return is crucial for the Raptors, especially with starting center Jakob Poeltl ruled out due to groin injuries. Coach Darko Rajakovic emphasizes a collective effort to compensate for Poeltl's absence, as the team adjusts to potential replacements.