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Lakers coach JJ Redick called a timeout 52 seconds into a preseason loss to the Warriors, citing poor execution of scripted plays. The Lakers, missing their entire core rotation, fell behind 45-31 after the first quarter and lost 124-98. Redick emphasized that standards must be met even without star players, while the Warriors capitalized on a dominant first half led by Steph Curry and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.
Portland Trail Blazers head coach Micah Nori outlined his rotation strategy for the team's preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Nori plans to use a standard first-half rotation, with main rotation players likely playing only one stint in the second half, resulting in 18-20 minutes of action for most players. While Nori has a preliminary starting lineup for the opener, he emphasized that the preseason will feature various combinations, particularly due to a back-to-back schedule on Oct. 12-13. He cautioned against reading too much into the initial starting lineup, stating it is part of the process of finding the right combinations for starting, middle, and ending games.
Utah Jazz rookie Darryn Peterson delivered a strong second preseason performance, scoring 23 points against the Denver Nuggets after a sluggish debut. While the Jazz lost the game, Peterson’s improved shooting and decision-making validated coach Will Hardy’s confidence in the No. 2 overall pick.
As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, analysts identify eight players likely to experience significant statistical leaps. Key candidates include Toronto’s Collin Murray-Boyles, Memphis’s Zach Edey, and Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe. These athletes are expected to elevate their respective teams through improved offensive efficiency, defensive impact, or increased playing time following roster changes.
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 124-90 in their preseason opener, showcasing a fast-paced offensive style led by Julius Randle and Day’Ron Sharpe. While the scoreline is meaningless, the game highlighted Brooklyn's improved three-point shooting and defensive intensity. Conversely, the Hornets struggled with a shorthanded roster but found positives in the performances of Liam McNeely and Naz Reid.
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New York Knicks 120-97 in their preseason opener at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Jaylen Brown scored 22 points in the first half, while Ariel Hukporti exited early with a suspected Achilles tear. Key stars like LeBron James and Joel Embiid sat out, and the Knicks struggled with shooting efficiency.
The Los Angeles Lakers rested their entire starting lineup, including Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler, for a preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors won 124-98, with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scoring 17 points. The Lakers' bench, led by Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili, struggled against the Warriors' depth.
EuroLeague owners rejected the NBA's initial collaboration proposal, citing undervaluation and demands to pause expansion. The NBA plans to launch its own European league regardless, while EuroLeague pursues its own growth strategy.
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Phoenix Suns 109-107 in their first preseason game, overcoming a 19-point halftime deficit. Rookie Ebuka Okorie scored the game-winning basket, while the Suns struggled with free-throw conversion and turnovers.
Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during the 76ers' preseason opener, leaving Philadelphia without a healthy backup center behind Joel Embiid. The team faces strict salary cap constraints that limit their ability to sign a veteran replacement, forcing them to rely on small-ball lineups or minor trades until December.
Ariel Hukporti suffered a season-ending Achilles tear during the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason opener, leaving the team with severe center depth issues behind Joel Embiid. The Sixers face strict salary cap constraints, limiting them to two-way contracts or minor trades until December.
The New York Knicks are offering Karl-Anthony Towns approximately $200 million for a four-year extension, significantly below his $276 million maximum, to avoid the second apron tax. While owner James Dolan faces public criticism, analysts argue the move is a strategic financial necessity to preserve cap space for other core players like Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart. Towns has stated negotiations are not close, raising the risk of trade rumors for both him and Hart if a deal is not reached before the trade deadline.
Ariel Hukporti suffered a likely season-ending Achilles injury during the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason opener, leaving the team with a critical gap at the center position behind Joel Embiid.
LeBron James is using a Fanatics-branded helicopter to commute between his New York City home and the Philadelphia 76ers' offices, a benefit included in his multiyear endorsement deal. Flight tracking data confirms frequent trips since early October, highlighting the logistical and financial complexities of his split-city schedule.
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Phoenix Suns 109-107 in their first preseason game at Little Caesars Arena. Although Detroit trailed by 19 points at halftime due to poor defensive rebounding and ball security, the Pistons' bench unit dominated the second half. Rookie Ebuka Okorie scored the game-winning layup in the final seconds, capping a 24-5 run in the third quarter that erased the deficit. The Suns' starters built a strong lead, but their reserves struggled with turnovers and execution, allowing Detroit to capitalize on defensive stops and transition opportunities.