PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 27: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Round One Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Lights. Camera. Action.
After nearly six months, the Phoenix Suns are set to play their first game tonight at the Mortgage Matchup Center since their Game 4 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs last season. At 7:30 Arizona Time, they’ll tango against the San Antonio Spurs in their preseason home opener.
For at least 43 times over the next six-plus months, there will be Suns basketball played in Arizona. Two preseason and 41 regular season games.
While the last game they played at home ended their season, the team had many unforgettable victories on their home court.
25-16 in Phoenix a season ago, many of the team’s most memorable moments came at the Mortgage Matchup Center during the 2025-2026 campaign, including Jalen Green’s buzzer beater, Devin Booker’s game-winner against the NBA’s best regular-season team, Grayson Allen’s franchise-record 10-three contest and many other exciting comebacks and game-winners.
The Suns also clinched their spot in the Western Conference Playoff bracket in Phoenix last year, beating the Golden State Warriors in the 8/9 Play-In game, returning to the playoffs after a year’s absence, officially surprising the many who didn’t expect them to be in the top-eight of the conference.
Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) prepares to take the game winning shot against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) in the second half of an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Whether it’s getting to watch Devin Booker and the squad, saying hi to The Gorilla, or munching down on any of the items from the $2 menu, what is your favorite part of going to Suns games?
The Sixers’ third preseason contest was a blowout affair.
The Celtics cruised to a 144-106 exhibition victory Saturday night over the Sixers at TD Garden. The Sixers fell to 1-2 in preseason play.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum scored 23 points and Payton Pritchard poured in 25. VJ Edgecombe had 19 points, four assists and four steals for the Sixers.
After using their full starting five Thursday in a loss to the Nets, the Sixers’ absences included LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid. Adem Bona (left foot sprain), Dominick Barlow (back) and Anfernee Simons (hamstring) were among the other players on the sidelines.
The Sixers’ fourth and final preseason game will also be against the Celtics. They’ll host Boston next Friday night.
Here are observations on their loss Saturday:
Walker starts at center
The Sixers started Tyrese Maxey, Edgecombe, Justin Edwards, Dean Wade and Jabari Walker.
Edgecombe had a bright first few minutes, scoring a reverse and-one layup and canning a three-pointer to give the Sixers an 8-0 lead. Meanwhile, the Celtics missed their first seven field goals.
The 6-foot-7 Walker played center and faced a pair of 7-footers in Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta.
Walker had some nice early moments, including a put-back layup, although he accumulated three fouls in his first 10 minutes. He posted 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting and five rebounds. Walker swished a corner three-pointer in the second quarter and continued to fire away from long range. He’s now 5 for 13 (38.5 percent) beyond the arc in the preseason.
The 6-9 Wade moved to center after Walker took a seat. Robinson beat Wade to an offensive rebound in the second quarter and then converted an and-one lay-in.
Not every team has multiple 7-footers in its rotation like the Celtics and Robinson is a tremendous offensive rebounder who habitually wins individual battles against centers of all sizes. Still, the Sixers are simply small at backup center currently with the injuries to Bona and Ariel Hukporti (right Achilles tendon tear).
Not the finest night for Sixers’ offense
Maxey had an uncharacteristically rough preseason start.
He began 0 for 4 from the floor. Maxey committed his second foul of the first quarter when he made contact with Paul George on his former teammate’s fadeaway jumper attempt. In his first game since being traded to Boston, George had 13 points on 3-for-10 shooting, five steals, five rebounds and four assists.
Maxey wasn’t the only cold Sixer. The team dropped to 4 for 21 from three-point range on an Edwards air ball.
Outside of all the misses, the Sixers’ offense was sloppy and lacked fluidity. Following a 21-turnover game against the Nets, the team had 13 giveaways in Saturday’s first half. The Celtics’ advantage swelled over 20 points before halftime.
Naturally, the Sixers will expect much better from their offense once they’re closer to full strength and the games count.
More useful reps for Philon
Labaron Philon Jr. featured for the Sixers’ young second unit.
As he had in Brooklyn, Philon hit a three soon after checking in. For any rookie coming off the bench, being locked in immediately after entering games is much easier said than done. Philon comes across as a player who has no issues with confidence and focus once his name is called.
The Alabama product started the second half and got useful on-ball reps in Maxey’s place. He logged 25 minutes and had 14 points and seven assists.
Philon’s efficiency had been subpar through two and a half preseason games, but he knocked down two long-range jumpers early in the fourth quarter and is clearly capable of getting hot. The 22nd overall pick has shot 9 for 30 (30 percent) from the field and 5 for 15 (33.3 percent) from three-point territory so far in his first NBA preseason.
Sonya Curry attends the 2023 Sundance Film Festival “Stephen Curry: Underrated” premiere at Eccles Center Theatre on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, in Park City, Utah. Getty Images
If the Warriors star has any qualms with his mother getting remarried, it certainly didn’t show on his face while he was at the wedding.
Sonya’s post also included a group of Polaroid photos from the wedding. Steph and his wife, Ayesha, can be seen posing together in the Polaroid at the very top.
Steph’s happiness in the photo says it all about how he was enjoying himself at the wedding and appears to be happy for his mother as she embarks on this new phase of her life.
The marriage took place at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort and was planned in just nine weeks, according to Sonya’s Instagram post.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors speaks to the crowd about his former head coach Don Nelson before a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Getty Images
Sonya Curry’s new husband hasn’t been publicly identified, and his face doesn’t appear in any of the wedding photos she posted.
But she still frequents Warriors games, and so it seems like she’ll show up with her husband at some game this season.
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts after the Warriors made a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of their preseason game at Chase Center on Tuesday, October 06, 2026, in San Francisco, California. Getty Images
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 5: Jordan Goodwin #23, Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns and John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons look to rebound the ball during the NBA preseason on October 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons were able to showcase their depth in a preseason debut win over the Phoenix Suns, but their starters had their fair share of struggles. Ausar Thompson was attempting to handle the ball much more than usual, John Collins was trying to integrate himself into the lineup while also trying not to murder Dillon Brooks, and Paul Reed was stepping in for Jalen Duren. Then some key bench players were also a little erratic — plenty of shots for Ron Holland, and plenty of fouls and turnovers for… everyone. It’s fine. It’s the preseason. That’s what it’s for. But now the Pistons have a chance to sharpen up against the Washington Wizards. Jalen Duren might suit up today, and we will get a better sense of what a lot of these new ingredients and further simmering talents are able to do for the Pistons.
GAME VITALS
When: 7 p.m. ET Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC Watch: TV: TV20 Detroit | Streaming: DAZN-DET Odds: Pistons -4.5
PROJECTED LINEUPS
Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Jalen Duren
Washington Wizards
Trae Young, Kyshawn George, AJ Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis
Lakers center Walker Kessler (14) and guard Collin Sexton, shown during media day, have yet to play in any preseason games because of injuries. When they might return is still unclear. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
Entering the final week of preseason games, Lakers coach JJ Redick still is unsure when he’ll get a full look at his new-look team.
Lingering injuries to center Walker Kessler (finger) and guard Collin Sexton (lower leg) are casting doubt on their availability for the Lakers’ fourth preseason game Tuesday in Las Vegas against the Golden State Warriors.
Both offseason additions have yet to make their preseason debuts. While Kessler participated in practice Saturday after hitting his finger on the backboard, he was not in live drills. Redick said he was “not committed” to having Kessler available Tuesday against the Warriors.
The Lakers invested four first-round picks and a four-year, $130-million contract to get the star center from the Utah Jazz. They’re relying on him to anchor their defense and add a much-desired lob threat for guard Luka Doncic. For now, the Lakers are getting a preview of what their team would look like in the minutes without Kessler.
“It’s important to have two of the bigger wings out there for rebounding purposes,” said Redick, who said Kessler’s finger injury is minor enough for him to play through if this was the regular season. “That was a concern, I think, coming into the year ... trying to be a good defensive rebounding team. What does that look like with Walker not on the court? And I think in film, it’s pretty apparent that we need to do a better job of boxing out. Just like simple stuff and gang rebounding.”
The Lakers are 28th in the preseason with 37.7 rebounds per game and gave up 20 offensive rebounds to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday in their third game of the preseason.
Wings Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams started the Lakers’ preseason opener and the defensive-minded players flashed their potential by hounding opponents the full length of the court. After starring in the opener with 13 points and a steal against the Warriors, Williams missed the last two games because of a foot contusion.
Second-year forward Adou Thiero started instead and has a team-high 11 defensive rebounds in three games. The high-flying wing’s growth this offseason caught the attention of his teammates, who are eager to throw him lobs for dunks and see him sky for rebounds.
Doncic has been high on him since the Lakers star hosted a five-day minicamp for the team in his home country of Slovenia in August.
“I told him that the second pickup game in Slovenia, what I saw from him, just understanding the game better, reading the game, I think he improved a lot in the summer,” Doncic said.
With Kessler sidelined, the Lakers have alternated Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili at center. Looney leads the team with 17 rebounds in the preseason. Mamukelashvili, who plays both power forward and center, has 11 assists in the preseason, showing the type of versatility that has Redick excited to install the team’s “Mamu package” of plays and after-timeout sets.
The lack of depth at center could be a concern during the season, but they’re confident in their perimeter players to set the tone on defense.
“It makes my job a lot easier,” Looney said of the Lakers’ rotation of wings. “As long as I talk early, they’re going to get over the screen. I don’t have to be caught playing two. Those guys are able to recover, they’re able to block shots, they’re able to pop back and get rebounds. As a big, when your guards and wings are hustling like that, it makes your job a lot easier.”
Lakers center Kevon Looney tries to score inside against the Kings' Dylan Cardwell and Nique Clifford during a preseason game on Monday in Sacramento. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
Sexton is “probably a little bit further behind” when it comes to returning compared to Kessler, Redick said. The Lakers signed the 27-year-old guard for extra scoring punch and have missed him as a third ballhandling option to supplement Doncic and Austin Reaves. With the way teams pressure, Redick said he is aiming to have multiple ballhandlers on the court at all times.
With coaches still tinkering with lineups in the preseason, turnovers became a problem when the ballhandling options dwindled. The Lakers average the fourth-most turnovers per game (23.7) in the preseason.
Although the Lakers have yet to have all their players available, they aren’t lacking confidence. Doncic said he knew the team, which welcomed nine new players during a busy offseason, had championship potential well before training camp started.
“Since the first day,” Doncic said. “That simple. Since the first day everybody came together in Slovenia … I believed that we can win a championship.”
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards and AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards high five during the game against the New York Knicks during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 8, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play the Detroit Pistons tonight at 7 p.m. ET. Watch on Monumental Sports Network. Read the preview here. Let’s get to 2-0 in this young preseason!
It remains to be seen whether Walker Kessler (jammed finger) will make his preseason debut for the Lakers on Tuesday.
“I would say we’re not committed to that,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said at Lakers practice on Saturday.
The Lakers’ new franchise center has missed all three exhibition games after jamming his finger against the backboard during training camp.
Los Angeles Lakers player Walker Kessler (14) poses during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Redick said Kessler at first fully participated in Saturday’s practice, but then his injury started bothering him.
“He was a live participant initially, and then we were doing a drill and he hit his finger,” said Redick, who added that Kessler went on to do everything else Saturday except for the live action drills.
“… So, [he] was in for about half the practice,” Redick said. “We’ll see [Sunday] if he can do live.”
The Lakers play the Warriors on Tuesday in their penultimate exhibition game.
So, the team has two more chances to try to get Kessler on the floor to get a glimpse of what their Big 3 will look like ahead of their season opener on Oct. 21.
Redick emphasized that Kessler’s injury is of no concern.
“Yeah, he’s fine,” Redick said.
Redick added that Collin Sexton (lower leg) is “a little bit further behind” Kessler in terms of making his preseason debut. He said Arthur Kaluma participated in Saturday’s practice, but Ziaire Williams is still dealing with a foot contusion.
“Again, it’s not a concern,” Redick said of Williams.
Luka Doncic is looking forward to see how things shape up when everyone becomes available, especially Kessler, whom the Lakers acquired in a sign-and-trade from Utah, giving up two unprotected first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps, signing him to a four-year, $130 million deal.
“I’m very excited,” Doncic said Saturday. “Obviously, kind of involved, not signing him. but there was a lot of communication with [Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations] Rob [Pelinka] and JJ about him, so I’m very excited to just share the floor with him.”
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 3: Joel Embiid #21 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during practice on October 3, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers in their home preseason opener. The 76ers have played 2 games so far, winning the first and losing the second. They sat their starters in the first game and won and played all of their starters in the second game and lost. Philly has one preseason game left after this one, at home against the Celtics. The Celtics have 2 more preseason games, one at home against Charlotte and the final game on the road at Philadelphia.
Jaylen Brown’s play with the 76ers will be a point of interest for Celtics fans all season. He was the only regular starter to play in both games. Nick Nurse has said that he will play his starters in one of the 2 games against Boston and it will likely be their home game. Since the Celtics starters sat out the first game. I expect them to play at least the first half in this one. But, with Joe, you never know.
The 76ers made one of the biggest moves of the off season, trading Paul George to get Jaylen Brown. They also signed LeBron James, Dean Wade, Ariel Hukporti and Anfernee Simons as free agents. They drafted Labaron Philon, Jr with the 22nd pick in the draft. Along with Paul George, they lost Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre, Jr and Andre Drummond.
I’m not going to post possible starters for this game. Both coaches are unpredictable and I’m sure whatever lineups I pick, the coaches will start someone else. Philadelphia started Caldwell-Pope, Edgecombe, Brown, Wade and Hukporti in their first game. They started Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, James and Embiid in their second game. The Celtics started Conley, Scheierman, Walsh, Gonzalez and Garza. He may go with the starters in this game or possibly even all the end of the bench guys.
The Celtics have just one player on the injury list and that is Ron Harper, Jr who is a game time decision with a shoulder injury. The 76ers have 5 players listed as out including Taco Fall (hip), Dminick Barlow (back), Adem Bona (foot), Ariel Hukporti (Achilles), and Anfernee Simons (hamstring). I’m sure there will be at least a few players out for rest as well. With Hukporti out for the season and Bona nursing a sore foot, they are weak at the center.
Boston Celtics Roster Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley Luka Garza Paul George Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Mitchell Robinson Baylor Scheierman Jayson Tatum Jordan Walsh Derrick White
2-Way Players Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams Exhibit 10 Players Devin Carter Tucker DeVries Hayden Gray Gabe MccGlothan Milos Uzan Injuries Ron Harper, Jr (shoulder) game time decision
Players to Watch
Jayson Tatum and Paul George
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Philadelphia 76ers Roster Jaylen Brown Kentavious Caldwell-Pope VJ Edgecombe Justin Edwards Joel Embiid LeBron James Tyrese Maxey Labaron Philon, Jr Dean Wade Jabari Walker
2-Way Players Caleb Love Rayan Rupert
Exhibit 10 Players Taco Fall Dillon Jones Duke Miles Jameer Nelson, Jr Saint Thomas
Injuries Taco Fall (hip) out Dominick Barlow (back) out Adem Bona (foot) out Ariel Hukporti (Achilles) out Anfernee Simons (hamstring) out
Players to Watch
VJ Edgecombe and Jabari Walker
Head Coach Nick Nurse
What to Watch How Jayson Tatum Plays – Jayson Tatum played in just 16 games last season, plus 6 playoff games. He looked good and averaged almost 22 points and 10 rebounds, however, he didn’t seem to have the same explosion that he did before the injury. He also played along side of Jaylen Brown for the past 10 years and will be playing as the Alpha without him for the first time in his career. We didn’t get to see him in the first game, so hopefully he will play in this game. How About the New Guys– Conley looked good in the start on Thursday and may or may not play in this one. How will Paul George’s game fit with Jayson Tatum and how will he play in the Celtics’ system. Does he still have a lot in the tank and can he still play at a high level? Will Mitchell Robinson start or come off the bench and how will his game fit with Mazzulla Ball? Can he hit his free throws? Chris Cenac, Jr, Dillon Mitchell and Devin Carter all impressed in game 1. Can they do it again in this game?
Offensive Rebounding – The Celtics dominated the boards on Thursday against the Cavaliers. They had 21 offensive rebounds to just 6 for the Cavs. Can the starters do just as well? Rebounding will be a key for the Celtics this season. The 76ers had 10 offensive rebounds in their first game and 6 in their second. The Celtics need to once again dominate the boards in this game.
3 Point Shooting – The Celtics picked up where they left off last season, shooting 47 three pointers and hitting 36.2% of them The 76ers reserves shot 46 threes in the first game against New York and hit 34.8% of them. In their second game against Brooklynwith the starters in, they shot just 27 threes and hit just 29.6% of them.
X-Factor It’s the Preseason – The preseason is a time for the coaches to get a look at players who may or may not make the team, to experiment with lineups and different plays. Wins and losses are not as important as learning things about the players and the team. We certainly won’t see the regular rotation for either team and that’s ok.
MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets jumps the opening tip against Morez Johnson Jr. #14 of the Dallas Mavericks during the 2026 Macao Games on October 9, 2026 at The Venetian Arena in Macao, China. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Houston looked pretty good on Friday morning in their 135-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Fred VanVleet’s return to the lineup was triumphant and Alperen Sengun snagged a triple double in just 22 minutes. Were the Rockets perfect? Of course not. 21 turnovers leap off the stat sheet and defense was optional in the second half, but in a preseason overseas, you have to expect some issues.
For Dallas, Dusty May has stated that he expects Kyrie Irving to play one of the two games. Since Irving didn’t play on Friday, well the process of elimination sort of does the work for us. Kevin Durant is also listed as a game-time decision. Again, the league wants the stars to play and the teams know that, so we’ll see how May and Ime Udoka play this.
Houston’s next (and final) preseason game is on Thursday in Houston against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then there’s no basketball until the following Wednesday (October 21) when Houston takes on these same Dallas Mavericks to open the season.
Tip-off
5am CT
How To Watch
NBA TV and Space City Home Network
Injury Report
Rockets
Kevin Durant: GTD
Mavericks
Do you really care?
The Line (as of this post)
I can’t find one and honestly, if you really need this line, please get some help.
SAN FRANCISCO – Playing their fourth game of the preseason, the Warriors had their regulars back on the floor Saturday night at Chase Center against the Sacramento Kings.
Steve Kerr again opened the game with a starting five of Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green. A tight contest all game concluded with a 111-106 Warriors win.
Less is more for Curry in the preseason, and he continued to only play the first half. Curry in 14 minutes scored eight points on 3-of-6 shooting and made two of his four 3-point attempts.
Golden State’s biggest story wasn’t two quarters of Curry. Lendeborg opened more eyes by displaying an array of skills that have Warriors fans already dreaming of a Rookie of the Year campaign. Lendeborg put up 23 points in 23 minutes on 10-of-14 shooting and also had 10 rebounds and six assists.
Kings top pick Darius Acuff Jr. was a problem for the Warriors and exposed their point of attack weakness. Acuff dropped 25 points in 27 minutes and blew past a list of Warriors.
Ben Simmons made his Kings preseason debut and scored seven points in eight minutes.
Here are three takeaways from a Warriors win that improved their preseason record to 2-2.
Follow Yaxel’s Lead
He’s 24 years old, spent six years in college – including three in junior college – and hasn’t played a regular-season game in the NBA. Yet Lendeborg continues to play like a seasoned veteran. The game just looks easy to him, especially on the offensive end.
Lendeborg scored eight of the Warriors’ first 12 points and finished the first quarter with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting and six rebounds. The Warriors’ first two possessions were a two-man game of Green and Lendeborg. Green first found him cutting behind the defense for an easy layup and then hit him in the right corner for a three after getting to the middle of the paint.
But the most interesting part was how the second possession began. Lendeborg brought the ball up the court before relocating and knocking down a three. Kerr already feels comfortable using Lendeborg as a ball-handler and is giving him the freedom to learn on the fly.
At Lendeborg’s size, he’s an automatic mismatch initiating offense as a playmaker, and using his length around the rim. He went coast to coast multiple times and couldn’t be stopped. Lendeborg in the first half scored an easy 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting and also had eight rebounds, three assists and no turnovers.
The end of the third quarter was another perfect example of what Lendeborg can do. He came with eight seconds remaining, grabbed a rebound off a missed free throw, took it the other way and found Brandon Williams for a three at the buzzer.
Even when they aren’t being seen as championship contenders, there still are so many talking points about the Warriors. Curry and Green always will garner headlines. So will Lendeborg’s rise throughout his rookie year, and Jimmy Butler’s rehab.
Santos can still get lost in the spotlight shuffle, despite coming off a breakout season. Saturday night was a reminder why he can’t be forgotten.
The forward started off slow in the first quarter and found his groove in the second. After taking just one shot and scoring two points off two free throws in his first seven minutes, Santos was a perfect 5 of 5 from the field in the second quarter for 10 points. All his work was done around the rim, with the furthest shot he made being eight feet away.
It was a display of fancy footwork for Santos. A patient approach of rip-throughs and euro steps was his ticket to scoring and the Kings’ defense didn’t have an answer.
Podziemski scored a modest 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including 3 of 7 from 3-point range and 3 of 4 at the free-throw line. He cut to the rim and found his way to the free-throw line early. He also hit back-to-back threes in the third quarter.
Plus, Podziemski’s seven rebounds were second to Lendeborg’s 10.
It won’t get talked about much but Podziemski’s ability to draw fouls is huge in his growth. Podziemski shot 63.3 percent from the free-throw line as a rookie and has improved ever since. He was up to 75.8 percent in his second season and 79.7 percent last season.
If Podziemski can be 80 percent or above, he can average north of 15 points per game and stack 20-point performances.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets speaks during a press conference at Brooklyn Nets Media Day at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on September 28, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No word yet on whether Mikel Brown Jr. will make his preseason debut Monday night in Washington vs. the Wizards and overall No. 1 pick, A.J. Dybantsa. A lot presumably will depend on how he does during practice on Sunday afternoon at HSS Training Center.
Last we heard from Brian Lewis at the Nets Fan Fest last Sunday, the No. 6 pick had been undergoing contact drills with the team’s coaching staff, having rolled his left ankle during workouts prior to the start of training camp. If he doesn’t play Monday, then it’s likely he and fans will have to wait till the final preseason game Wednesday in Miami vs. the new-look Heat.
The wait has been excruciating for fans anxious to see how the 20-year-old will perform, particularly when paired next to Egor Demin. In his first two preseason contests — both wins — Demin has looked like a different player and he didn’t look bad either during last season or Summer League. Fans see the two, the highest Nets back-to- back picks in 30 years, as the backcourt of the future. Brown Jr. and Demin do, too, each calling the other his “brother.”
In the meantime, fans have had rely on what others are saying about MBJ, starting with the man who picked him back in June, GM Sean Marks. Marks told Sirius/XM recently Brown Jr. has been acting more like a veteran rather than a rookie, organizing team dinners, taking teammates under his wing and emerging as a vocal leader on and off the court:
“He doesn’t act like a rookie. He has a presence about him that you’d say, he’s kind of been there, done that before. Took guys to dinner, took guys under his wing. He’s a vocal leader,” said Mark describing his “swagger“
”He shares the ball, very encouraging teammate… He wanted the best for others, and that really resonated within the locker room.”
Julius Randle, the team’s veteran leader with 13 years experience and it’s most accomplished player, agrees. He also thinks the Louisville product is the real deal.
“Usually when you’re a young player, you want to try to get a basket every single time, but he’s coming off a pick and roll and really understands how to read and play the game,” Randle said.
None of this is that much of a surprise to two people who have mentored him, his father Chris Brown Sr. and Bootsy Thornton, a shooting guard who played for St. John’s and coached Brown Jr. in Orlando. C.J. Holmes of the Daily News spoke to both in recent days.
Dad told Holmes what Mikel’s day entails.
The days have filled up quickly. Since Summer League, Chris said, Mikel’s alarm has gone off at 6:30 a.m. He reaches the facility around 7:30 and works with the team through early afternoon. Then comes the lifting, recovery and a massage. Most evenings, he returns to shoot around 7 p.m. and finishes close to 10 p.m.
Some of the work is learning the people who will share the court with him. Chris said his son studies his teammates’ tendencies and the shots they are trying to add. Mikel watches film with the coaches every day, sometimes going through the same material several times so he can carry it into the next practice.
“It’s one thing to make the NBA, it’s another thing to stick in the NBA,” Chris Brown Sr. said.
Thornton thinks that in the Nets system, with its emphasis on versatility and quick decision-making, Brown Jr. is a point guard but one who doesn’t shy away from the big shot.
“I envision him as a point guard, to be honest with you,” Thornton told Holmes. “He’s a point guard who can score.”
Thornton also said that he expects Brown Jr. will help the Nets immediately with his scoring and passing, adding that he’ll rack up so-called hockey assists, making the pass that leads to the pass that sets up the score.
One issue that the team and Brown Jr.’s recognize is that Brown’s slight frame is likely to make him a target for opponents. Indeed, Chris Brown Sr. told Holmes said the Nets have focused on Mikel’s base and core, building the foundation that will help him absorb contact and keep his balance through a drive.
Personally, Brown Jr. admits he has to be more patient, as he told Holmes.
At Louisville, defenders could sit in the paint and crowd his drives. The space in Summer League caught his attention. So did the touches he spoiled by rushing into it. Brown recalled getting stuck on drives, playing off one foot and making the wrong decision. He’s since worked on finding his spots and stopping on two feet, bringing his body under control before deciding where the ball should go.
“I just got to really slow down,” Brown added. That won’t affect his mindset, Brown Jr. advised.
“That swagger is going to stay regardless. And I’m a high-risk, high-reward guy. Obviously I know sometimes it’s better to hit the single and that’s what I’ve been talking to my coaches about, and I’ve gotten better at that.”
The Nets, as an organization, have embraced that swagger, producing a six-minute video of him at Media Day.
“I ain’t no model. I am a basketball player,” he’s quoted as saying. “I take the orange ball and put it in the orange hoop.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks to drive to the basket pasZach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 13, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors return home for Saturday night’s preseason matchup as they take on the Sacramento Kings. The game will be played at 5:30 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors suffered a 123-118 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in their most recent preseason game Wednesday night, however, Golden State was without most of its key players, as they did not make the trip to Portland. The matchup marked the Warriors’ third game in four days, a stretch that began in Hawaii, as well as the second night of a home-road back-to-back.
Despite being shorthanded, the Warriors remained competitive behind strong performances from Dalen Terry and Miles Kelly. Terry finished with 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field, including four three-pointers, while playing a game-high 43 minutes. Kelly led the team in scoring with 24 points, doing most of his damage from beyond the arc as he knocked down six of his 11 three-point attempts.
Tonight’s matchup against the Kings marks Golden State’s fourth game of the preseason. The team’s usual starters are expected to return to the lineup, including shooting guard Brandin Podziemski. The 23-year-old will enter his fourth NBA season and is fresh off signing a five-year, $110 million contract extension ahead of Saturday night’s game. Podziemski was the only Warriors player to appear in every game last season and figures to play an important role for the team once again this year. Through two preseason appearances, he is averaging 11.5 points per game.
Breaking: Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has agreed to a five-year, $110 million fully guaranteed rookie-scale contract extension, his agent tells @ShamsCharania.
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 8: The sneakers worn by Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 8, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Dylan Harper (2) of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during an open scrimmage at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
This started when a woman accused Harper’s girlfriend, JoJo Lacey, of having an intimate relationship with her boyfriend. The woman also claimed Harper was aware of his girlfriend’s alleged affair with this man but remained in a relationship with her.
A social media post showing this woman’s allegations went viral, amassing over 7.7 million views in less than three days.
A woman has accused NBA star Dylan Harper’s girlfriend of sleeping with her boyfriend and claims Dylan Harper knows about the alleged affair but is still in a relationship with her. pic.twitter.com/Nl4uhzvonO
It didn’t take Lacey long to shut down these rumors. She did so with a post to her TikTok on Friday night. The video started with Lacey’s friend saying, “Do you know what I say? F–k them. Exclamation point!”
“F–k them!” Lacey, who was wearing a yellow dress, responded.
Dylan Harper’s girlfriend, JoJo Lacey, wearing a yellow dress while responding to cheating rumors. (TikTok/@jojolacey).
“Yeah. F–k them!” her friend fired back.
Then Lacey began dancing and said, “Now I want to f–k.”
The post was captioned, “To all the people believing I’d ever cheat on my hubbyy @DylanHarper.”
Harper has the top comment on the TikTok post. He broke his silence by writing, “We just gone let the world talk .” He also included a photo of he and Lacey smiling at each other with the Eiffel Tower in Paris in the background.
Lacey liked his comment.
Dylan Harper and his girlfriend, LoJo Lacey, interacting on TikTok. (TikTok/@jojolacey).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 19, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs
When: 7:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Suns+, ESPN 2
Listen: ESPN Phoenix 620 AM, SiriusXM
Two preseason games down. Three to go. Tonight will be the home (preseason) opener for the Suns after they return from their trip(s) to Detroit and Chicago.
Phoenix dropped their first 2 preseason games, but that’s not what’s important about the preseason. Jordan Ott is trying to figure out which combinations work best and who he can trust.
It remains to be seen what rotations will look like on both sides for this one, but if Wemby suits up, it could be a game where we see a lineup change with Khaman getting the start to address the size. Miles Bridges seems to be just fine, but he may not suit up due to an ankle injury in Chicago. Plenty to track tonight!
Tale of the Tape
All of the statistics listed below are from last season.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
We shall see if Miles Bridges suits up. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Phoenix rest him as a precaution, with it being the preseason and all.
Mark Williams — OUT (Torn Left Labrum)
Miles Bridges — DTD (Ankle)
Jordan Ott said the x-ray on Miles Bridges’ ankle was negative. He’s fine but they want to be smart about tomorrow too.
There are numerous position battles throughout the roster; that’s where a lot of focus will be. Between Oso and Maluach for the starting center job, and which of the trio of Dunn, Fleming, or Peat cracks the rotation for that 10th spot, with the top 9 seemingly locked in, barring injury.
Whoever starts in Bridges’ place (if he misses the game) will tip Ott’s hand to who they feel best about. Or maybe it’s just continued experimentation of groups and combinations together. Who knows!
Devin Booker’s shooting woes are a storyline as well. I’m not reading into a rough shooting night in a road preseason game in October, but you know how that discourse goes. Coach Ott instilled faith in him, saying, “If he sees the rim, let it go.”
How will they guardWemby? How will they deal with the trio of guards that start? It could even be a game where we see Jordan Goodwin get a starting nod due to the lineup build of the Spurs, with Wemby being surrounded by shooters and quick combo guards.
"We're going to be really hard to guard… Me and Steph get downhill, Fox has the same ability…There's going to be a whole lot of mismatches…We understand what we all have to do to win. It's going to be great."
It’s a win if the young guys show progress. It’s a win if everyone leaves the game healthy. It’s a win if the starters click again early on. It’s a win if the second and third units show a little more unity.
The final score does not matter to me, but the process of how we got there does. We only have two more of these things after this one, so we could see more of a sense of urgency from the guys battling for spots, minutes, etc.
"We'll take the same preseason approach. Five of these games. Two young guys. They continue to get better. Have different gifts that we're still trying to figure out. Mix and match a little bit even in these last three games."
My prediction? There will be 48 minutes of action (unless we’re tied). Basketball will be played. And people will overreact to whatever happens. Thus is the life of preseason basketball in the association.
I’ll repeat what Voita said in his first prediction. The preseason isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about the development that occurs along the way.
Let’s get our first win of the preseason, folks. How about in a thriller on a Jamaree Bouyea buzzer-beater?
.” He also included a photo of he and Lacey smiling at each other with the Eiffel Tower in Paris in the background.
