BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 30: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a free throw during the game against the Detroit Pistons during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on October 30, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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
There’s a lot for Nets fans to take in at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, whether they’re making the trip across the river or watching from home.
Brooklyn finally snapped its five-game losing streak to start the season, earning its first win Sunday evening. But there’s another unfriendly reminder waiting at the Garden: the Knicks’ 2025-26 championship banners hanging in the rafters. Adding insult to injury, the Nets haven’t beaten their crosstown rivals since January 2023, a streak that has now reached 14 games.
Julius Randle’s return adds another layer. The former Knick played a significant role in helping turn the franchise around, and he deserves credit for that. How the Garden crowd receives him, though, is another story. Particularly in the crosstown rivals colors.
The Knicks are off to a bit of a strange start that looks awfully familiar for hungover championship teams. Some of the little things go out the window when you’re the last team standing. Lost amid the triumph are tired legs. Still, Jalen Brunson is a bonafide superstar and the Nets will endure something they haven’t ever had to before: face the defending champion New York Knicks.
On their home floor.
Game Info & How to Watch
Who: Brooklyn Nets (1-5) at New York Knicks (2-4)
When: 7:30 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV/Streaming: YES Network, MSG Network, DAZN
Radio: ESPN Radio, WFAN
Nets vs. Knicks: Who’s Out?
Brooklyn Nets
Egor Dëmin: OUT — Right leg bone bruise
Joshua Jefferson: OUT – G League Assignment
Ben Saraf: OUT – G League Assignment
Tyler Bilodeau: OUT – G League (Two-Way)
Grant Nelson: OUT – G League (Two-Way)
New York Knicks
Jose Alvarado: QUESTIONABLE — (left ankle sprain)
To be updated.
💬 Discussion
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SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 25: Zach LaVine #8 and Darius Acuff Jr. #5 of the Sacramento Kings look on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 25, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (4-2) play host to the winless Sacramento Kings (0-6) on Monday night. Dallas has had two full days off following a thrilling win over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. The Memphis Grizzlies thumped the Kings by nearly 30 points on Halloween. Here’s the main things to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Sacramento Kings
WHAT: Trying to extend the winstreak
WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
HOW: KFAA and League Pass
The injury report is mixed for the Mavericks. Leading the way is Kyrie Irving, who was downgraded to doubtful on Monday afternoon. The internet is annoyed at this, he’s had two days off, so injury management doesn’t make a ton of sense. I suspect Dallas thinks they can win without him, so this is a risk. Santi Aldama is also doubtful; as he’s returning from knee surgery, I bet we see him this week. Dereck Lively, Sergio De Larrea, and Tarik Biberovic are all out.
The Kings will not have Maxine Raynaud, Keegan Murry, or Ben Simmons. Zach LaVine is listed as questionable as of this writing with elbow inflammation.
Dallas should have an easy time of this one but that’s based on what we’ve seen so far. I have a feeling the Mavericks may take the Kings lightly, at least to kick off the game. Whoever guards Acuff Jr. is in for a tall task, given his bright green light shooting the ball. If he gets hot from deep, that’s the only real way I see Dallas falling to the Kings tonight. If you want a deeper preview, head back out to the main page.
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Injury report news
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HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Jabari Smith Jr. #10 and Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets high five during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 31, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, 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 (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Houston Rockets vs. Boston Celtics
November 2, 2026
Location: Toyota Center —Houston, Texas
Time: 7:30 PM CST
TV: Space City Home Network
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790 / KLTN 102.9 (en español)
Probable starting lineups
Rockets: Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 22: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 22, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to keep the momentum going from their recent win over the Milwaukee Bucks, as they take on the injury-riddled Oklahoma City Thunder.
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BROOKLYN, NY - MARCH 20: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on March 20, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, 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
It’s a cross-borough contest tonight at Madison Square Garden when the Knicks (2-4) host the Nets (1-5) tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are stinging from another close loss, their second to the Sixers. Meanwhile, the Nets are celebrating their first W of the season, having beaten the Pacers yesterday. Tonight will be our first up close look at Julius Randle in a Brooklyn uni, and he’s expected to be motivated to score a 30-10 double-double. No stars appear on the injury report. Jose Alvarado is questionable for the Knicks with an ankle sprain. The Nets will be without Egor Demin (leg) and Mikel Brown Jr. (rest).
According to my sources, the Nets have not beaten the Knicks since January 2023. Tip-off is 7:30 pm EST on MSG and YES. This is your game thread. This is Nets Daily. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Practice good humanity. And go Knicks!
Steph Curry says Draymond Green’s ejection did exactly what it looked like it did: it lit a fire under the Warriors.
Green was thrown out early in the third quarter of Monday’s game against the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center, after he shoved Suns center Khaman Maluach to the ground beneath the rim and then scuffled with Dillon Brooks, earning two technical fouls. Golden State trailed 67-57 at the time. The Warriors then scored 42 points in the third quarter to tie the game, and Curry had 18 of them, on the way to a 116-113 win and a fifth straight victory.
Draymond Green was ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls on this sequence pic.twitter.com/u8IIgeTAGY
Curry credited Green for setting the tone, even in his absence.
“We know what he brings, and he lit a fire underneath us to respond,” Curry told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke on “Warriors Postgame Live” after the win. “Once he goes out, it’s on us to pick up the slack. Play competitive basketball with that same toughness.”
Curry had been quiet before that. He scored nine points on 2-of-7 shooting in the first half, then made a 3-pointer 15 seconds into the third quarter and scored 18 points in eight-plus minutes. He finished with a game-high 34 points, his third straight game with at least 31. Curry said the credit belongs to more than him.
“Obviously, like you said, I got it going, but it was [Charles] Bassey, [De’Anthony] Melton, [Brandin Podziemski], [Yaxel Lendeborg], everybody,” Curry added. “Will Richard, another game where he comes in and is just disruptive on defense, and by committee everybody showed up.”
The depth showed. Charles Bassey scored a career-high 19 points off the bench, Brandin Podziemski added 20, and Yaxel Lendeborg followed his 37-point game against the Clippers with 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Curry also pointed to the circumstances. Curry and Green had rested the night before, but many of their teammates were playing the second night of a back-to-back, and Phoenix was coming in rested.
“It was a combination of that moment, we got to have our brother’s back when he defends us, but it was also understanding that this was one of those games where most of the guys were on a back-to-back and Phoenix had been off for a couple of days, they started 1-3, so we knew they were going to come out playing desperate,” Curry said. “They played unbelievable in the first half, so we just tried to, as they say, weather the storm, just execute.”
The Warriors erased a 17-point deficit and won without Green for most of the night. After an 0-3 start, they now have the five-game win streak they never had last season.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 10: Aaron Wiggins #2 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during a preseason game on October 10, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Hawks (3-4) aim at redemption against a severely shorthanded Indiana Pacers (2-5) team tonight.
Injury report:
A player health update presented by @emoryhealthcare for tonight’s game at Indiana:
Jalen Johnson (left ankle sprain): Out Jock Landale (left hip strain): Out Mouhamed Gueye (left foot fracture): Out Henri Veesaar (torn right ACL): Out pic.twitter.com/c2nObyJSmm
Kingston Flemings will also miss this game due to a one-game suspension he picked up for an offense he committed last game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Luguentz Dort
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Start Time: 7:30 PM EDT
TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH), Atlanta News First (WANF)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming:Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
Nov 1, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) reacts after a LA Clippers foul during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Golden State rookie forward Lendebrog really Yaxcelled last night in his 37-point, 4 rebound, 6 assist effort in the Warriors’ 124-112 win over the Clippers. After the game, he confessed that he caused himself some grief by briefly pursuing a 40-point night.
I’ve never been a stat chaser in my life. […] I’m a guy that loves ethical hoops. I’m a guy that loves efficient basketball and I kind of, like, didn’t do for that the last 2-3 minutes. […] If it comes to me, it does. If I don’t get it, then I wasn’t meant to get it that day.
He correctly noted that after he did try to take some threes to get there the Clippers came roaring back late. I will point out, though, that he was being egged on largely by his teammates, specifically De’Anthony Melton, and it’s here that I will put a pin in praising the rookie for speaking with a degree of humility and poise that makes him extremely likable.
Melton gets that not many opportunities like a 40-point night come along in a players’ career — unless they happen to wind up like LeBron James, etc. — and was, in my mind, simply pushing his teammate to grab an achievement that was in a bucket’s reach. I don’t see a problem with that, and it’s a credit to Melton for being supportive of a rookie teammate rather than antagonistic. Last week, Take Two posted a video of Yaxel being interviewed by some NBA vets (Drew Gooden and Aaron Gordon) and they made it clear that the game is a lot different today than it was when they got started, specifically in the arena of rookie hazing; but, you never know with these things. It’s at least a positive to see that his teammates like him as much as the fans have started to.
But getting back to Yaxel’s comments after the game. This is some special stuff. He’s certainly making strides on the court, but this is, what, his third post-game presser with some memorable commentary? “Lost all respect” for Luka, “try not to wet the bed” after the Luka rematch, and last night? We are not even 10 games into the season!
It sure does feel like we’re on the ground floor of… something. Hopefully, something special. At least, that’s how it’s trending. But “ethical hoops” is an interesting self-tag. The game’ll humble you, the notion of ethical hooping is tricky in its own right — it is, effectively, a smarty pants way of saying “not a ball hog” — and players and fans are always looking for a vector for their venom. How he reacts to the jeers and mockery will be the real test of character, because how he’s playing all but guarantees a backlash.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 28: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 28, 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It’s already time for a rematch, huh? The Detroit Pistons face the Charlotte Hornets for the second time this season. In the first matchup, the Pistons prevailed 97-89 behind a Cade Cunningham and Daniss Jenkins one-two punch at point guard. Cunningham had 30 points and seven assists, and Jenkins scored 14 points off the bench. They also got great contributions from Paul Reed (16 efficient points) and an all-around masterclass from Ausar Thompson, who tallied seven points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. It featured a great 31-point performance from the blossoming Brandon Miller and one of the season’s earliest head-scratchers. Naz Reid had seven points and six rebounds at halftime, but Hornets coach Charles Lee benched Reid for the entire second half for not meeting the “standards” of the team. Nothing stood out as egregious, and folks chalked it up to mixing up some defensive assignments and a lack of hustle. It was a surprising but short-lived kerfuffle (Reid’s been back in the lineup ever since). But I wouldn’t be surprised if the Hornets power forward is looking to make a statement against Detroit so as to truly put the situation to rest.
The Hornets are struggling to find their offense after moving on from LaMelo Ball and getting a bum hand via injuries — Kon Knueppel and Grant Williams are both going to miss the game tonight. That means the league’s least potent (statistically) offense is going to go up against the league’s most miserly defense (statistically). Detroit’s goal is to make that gulf clear and even wider at the end of the night than it was at the beginning.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina Watch: TV: TV20 Detroit | Streaming: DAZN-Detroit Odds: Pistons -5.5
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (5-1)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Paul Reed
Charlotte Hornets (3-4)
Dennis Schroder, Coby White, Brandon Miller, Naz Reid, Moussa Diabate
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks to pass around Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 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. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors will look to extend their winning streak to five games when they host the Phoenix Suns on Monday night. The game will be played at 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
Golden State opened this set of back-to-back games with an impressive 124-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night. Despite playing without veteran stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, who were both held out for rest, the Warriors secured their fourth consecutive win behind a big performance from rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.
After failing to reach double figures in scoring for the first time in his young NBA career against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, Lendeborg bounced back in spectacular fashion. The rookie led all scorers with a career-high 37 points on an efficient 13-of-19 shooting from the field, including 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. His performance marked the most points scored by a Warriors rookie since Curry dropped 42 against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2010.
YAXEL LENDEBORG SCORES THE MOST POINTS BY A WARRIORS ROOKIE IN A SINGLE GAME SINCE STEPH IN 2010!
For years, Golden State’s offensive success has largely depended on Curry’s brilliance, with the Warriors often needing an unexpected scoring outburst from someone else to help carry the load. However, Lendeborg’s emergence as a legitimate offensive threat has given the team another reliable scoring option, easing the burden on Curry and creating a more balanced attack.
One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Brandin Podziemski, who has settled into a complementary role rather than being relied upon as one of the team’s primary scoring options. The fourth-year guard has thrived in that role, playing with greater decisiveness while averaging 16.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. His ability to contribute in multiple areas has become increasingly valuable as Golden State’s new offense continues to take shape.
With Lendeborg providing another dimension to the offense and Podziemski finding his rhythm, the Warriors are beginning to show they have the supporting cast needed to compete at a high level. They’ll look to keep that momentum going Monday night against a Phoenix team that beat them just over a week ago behind a 43-point performance from Devin Booker. This time, however, Golden State will look to turn the tables with Curry and Green back in the starting lineup.
Enjoy the game Dub Nation. GO WARRIORS!!!
Projected Starters
Warriors: Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg, Draymond Green, Charles Bassey
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - MARCH 12: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket as Tristan da Silva #23 of the Orlando Magic defends in the first half at the Kia Center on March 12, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Peter Joneleit/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Wizards are 3-3 despite an inconsistent first six games. They’ve won two games against inferior opponents, lost two games against superior opponents and split two contests with the Charlotte Hornets.
The true Wizards will reveal themselves over the next eight games in which they play seven 2026 playoff teams — the lone non-playoff opponent a talented Indiana Pacers squad. That stretch begins tonight in Orlando against a tough but depleted Magic group without Paolo Banchero or Jalen Suggs.
Orlando’s weak spot is its interior defense, which ranks 18th in opponent paint points per game. The Wizards rank fifth in paint points per game (52.3), so look for Brian Keefe to feed Anthony Davis in the post and get AJ Dybantsa going downhill.
Washington’s Achilles heel has been its rebounding, which ranks 28th in the NBA. Monday presents a get-right game against a Magic squad that ranks 26th in rebounding.
Injury Report
WAS: Alex Sarr (knee soreness), Justin Champagnie (foot surgery), Anthony Gill (back spasms), Tristan Vukcevic (hip impingement), Jamir Watkins (ACL tear) are OUT.
ORL: Paolo Banchero (ankle), Jalen Suggs (knee), Anthony Black (ankle), Jonathan Isaac (knee), Izaiyah Nelson (ankle), Noah Penda (hamstring) are OUT.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 31: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 31, 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
The road to MVP has started well for Victor Wembanyama, as he has been named Western Conference Player of the Week, which ended on November 1, the league announced.
After not having the best two games to start the season, The Alien upped his game to elite levels to lead the Spurs to four straight wins, including three in the week pertaining to the award. Wembanyama averaged 36 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, two steals, and 4.3 blocks during the stretch, dominating on both ends. He was great against Sacramento and Utah and dropped a season-high for him 43 points against the Timberwolves.
Wembanyama, who had received Western Conference Player of the Week honors three times in the past, seems to be rounding into form while still having room for improvement, which is a scary proposition for the rest of the league. The 12-point game against the Thunder on opening night feels like it was from a different reality, as not only the superstar center but also the Spurs have been playing a lot better recently and are climbing the standings in the West.
Jayson Tatum got the honor in the Eastern Conference after leading his Celtics to four straight wins as well.
The Spurs will kick off Week 3 by hosting the reeling Jazz on Monday, November 2.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 30: Head coach JJ Redick of the Los Angeles Lakers motions to his team against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on October 30, 2026 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 Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Although not always the case, most good NBA teams offer indications of their quality quite early in the season. Through seven games, the Los Angeles Lakers have done precisely that (partly thanks to a friendly schedule). They’re fourth in the West at 5-2 with the league’s third-ranked offense, 18th-ranked defense and seventh-best net rating (plus-7.5), per Cleaning the Glass.
Despite a team’s general quality typically revealing — or, sometimes, merely previewing — itself early into the year, the specifics require much more time crystallize. Rotations and schematics change. Players progress or regress. Injuries and trades crop up. Other teams adapt. For any team with lofty end-of-season aspirations, building toward those goals is a long-term process, including the 2026-27 Lakers.
“We want to become a great team. You don’t become a great team in six games. We want to become a great team after 82 games and have a chance to go compete for a championship in April and May and June. It’s a process to get there,” Redick told reporters following Friday’s loss to the Golden State Warriors. “We are going to be patient. There’s also, along with patience, doing what you’re supposed to do. I think as we play more games together, we do more walkthroughs together, we do more film together, we do more practice together, that will all get better.”
After overhauling much of the rotation in free agency, led by three new starters, the Lakers will take some time before reaching their final form. Redick understands that and has repeatedly harped on this group’s need for a lengthy runway to gel.
Fortunately, the schedule remains fairly light over the next few weeks — a road game against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday should test them, however — even if it includes plenty of postseason hopefuls. A month-long stretch from late November to late December featuring matchups with the San Antonio Spurs, Indiana Pacers Philadelphia 76ers, Houston Rockets (twice), Denver Nuggets (twice) and Minnesota Timberwolves (twice) should give Los Angeles some important insights about its state at that time.
That’s still many weeks away, though, so the Lakers will hope all the games, walkthroughs, film sessions and practices they share together before then accelerates their path toward becoming the great team they’re aiming to be.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 04: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets battles with Hugo González #28 of the Boston Celtics for the ball in the first half at Toyota Center on February 04, 2026 in Houston, 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Boston Celtics (5-1) at Houston Rockets (6-1) Monday, November 2, 2026 8:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #7, Road Game #3 TV: NBCSB, Space City Home Network, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 790 AM, Sirius XM Toyota Center
The Celtics look for their 6th straight win as they travel to Houston to take on the Rockets. This is the second of back to back games for the Celtics and the first back to back set on the road. The Celtics are 1-0 so far in the second of back to back games. This is the first of 2 games between these two teams this season. They will play again on January 11 in Boston.
The Celtics were 1-1 last year against the Rockets, with each team winning on the road. The Celtics are 99-58 ovrerall all time against the Rockets. They are 43-34 when playing at Houston. This will be a tough game against a very good team. The Rockets have won 6 of their first 7 games, losing only at Dallas and beating Dallas, Atlanta and OKC at home and San Antonio, Atlanta and Milwaukee on the road.
The Rockets were a good team last season but have gotten better in the off season. Fred VanVleet has returned from a torn ACL that kept him out last season. They signed Marcus Smart, who will help to bolster their defense. They also signed Bogdan Bogdanovic, who will give them another 3 point shooter. They drafted Bruce Thornton with the 31st pick in the draft. They lost Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie.
After this game, the Celtics will return home to host Milwaukee before a road trip that will take them through Charlotte, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Toronto. They play Dallas and Orlando at home before a West coast trip that takes them through Denver, Sacramento, Golden State, and Washington. They then play one game at home against Atlanta before playing at San Antonio and Dallas.
After this game the Rockets will host Minnesota before playing at Phoenix. Next they have a 3 game home stand against Denver, Golden State, and Utah. Then they go on the road for 4 games through Washington, Miami , Indiana, and Denver. Next, they host the LA Clippers, Phoenix, Philadelphia, the LA Lakers, and Toronto.
The Celtics started Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson in the first 5 games. In their last game against the Magic, they started White, Gonzalez, George, Tatum and Queta. I’m guessing that Gonzalez once again starts and that Robinson will return to the starting lineup after a game off for rest. I’m guessing that Houston starts their regular lineup of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith, Jr, and Alperin Sengun.
For the Celtics, Devin Carter remains on the injury report due to illness. After missing the final 3 games of the preseason, Carter was diagnosed with mononucleosis and is without a timetable for a return. Mitchell Robinson missed Sunday’s game for rest and I expect him to return for this game. Joe may choose to sit out other players for rest in this game but at this time the injury report is not out. For Houston, Steven Adams is out with a calf injury. Reed Sheppard (back) and Clint Capela (ankle) are both questionable.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Fred VanVleet
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesFred VanVleet | Getty Images
SG: Hugo Gonzalez vs Amen Thompson
Hugo Gonzalez | NBAE via Getty ImagesAmen Thompson | Getty Images
SF: Sam Hauser vs Kevin Durant
Sam Hauser | NBAE via Getty ImagesKevin Durant | Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Jabari Smith, Jr
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesJabari Smith, Jr | Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley, Jr Luka Garza Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Baylor Scheierman Two Way Players Devin Carter Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams Injuries/Out Devin Carter (illness) out Paul George (rest) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla Houston Rockets Reserves Bruce Thornton Jae’Sean Tate Tari Eason Isaiah Crawford Bogdan Bogdanovic Marcus Smart
Two-Way Players Julian Phillips Oscar Tshiebwe Quadir Copeland
Injuries/Out Steven Adams (calf) out Reed Sheppard (back) questionable Clint Capela (ankle) questionable
Head Coach Ime Udoka
Key Matchups Sam Hauser vs Kevin Durant Durant is averaging 22.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 blocks per game. He is shooting 51.1% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc. With Paul George out for rest, I’m guessing that Sam Hauser gets the start, but it could just as easily be Jordan Walsh for his defense on Durant. Whoever starts here, the Celtics need to Defend Durant very closely.
Mitchell Robinson vs Alperen Sengun Sengun is averaging 22.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 53.2% from the field and 54.5% on threes. He is dangerous to score from both inside and on the perimeter. The Celtics need to defend him well and box out on rebounds if they want to win this game. Honorable Mention Jayson Tatum vs Jabari Smith, Jr Smith has been playing very well. He is averaging 19 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1 steal per game. He is shooting 48.9% from the field and 44.7% from beyond the arc. He is a very good 3 point shooter and so the Celtics need to defend him well on the perimeter. Tatum needs to continue to play well for the Celtics to be at their best. 6th Man Matchup Payton Pritchard vs Marcus Smart Smart played for the Celtics for 9 seasons after being selected 6th in the 2014 draft. He won Defensive Player of the Year with the Celtics in 2022 and remains a very good defensive player. He is Houston’s 6th Man but starts when VanVleet sits out for rest. He is averaging 11.8 points, 3.0 rebounds,. 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 57.1% from the field and 47.4% from beyond the arc. Payton Pritchard is the Celtics 6th Man, winning the 2024-25 6th Man of the Year. He is averaging 16.6 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.6 assists while shooting 48.1% from the field and 43.3% from beyond the arc.
Keys to the Game Defense – Defense is always a key to winning. Players struggle on offense in some games, but they can always play defense. The Rockets have an offensive rating of 121.2 (1st). The Celtics have an offensive rating of 118.0 (5th). The Rockets are 9th with a defensive rating of 108.9 while the Celtics are 7th with a defensive rating of 108.1. The Celtics have to stick to their defensive identity in this one because the Rockets play tough defense and the Celtics can’t depend on a shoot out to win since the Rockets are a very good offensive team.
Rebound – In order to score, the Celtics need the ball and to get the ball, they will need to crash the boards as a team. The Celtics average 43.6 rebounds per game (19th) while the Rockets average 45.3 rebounds per game (11th). Much of rebounding is effort and when the Celtics put out extra effort on the boards, it usually carries over into the rest of their game. The Rockets average 16.0 second chance points per game. The Rockets are a very good rebounding team and so the Celtics must come into the game determined to put out extra effort and to hustle for every rebound to limit 2nd chance points for the Rockets.
Be Aggressive and Stay Focused – The Celtics have to be aggressive in taking the ball to the basket and not settling for 3 pointers on every possession, especially if the 3s aren’t falling. They also have to be aggressive in hustling for rebounds and for loose balls. And they have to be aggressive on defense. They have to play harder than the Rockets and play like the team that wants this game more. They also need to carry that aggressiveness through all 4 quarters with no let up. They also need to stay focused on taking good shots and making them. They have to keep their focus on playing team ball.
Depth – The Celtics need to lean on their depth for this game. It is the second of back to back games and so they will need the reserves to play well to take some of the pressure off of the starters. This will especially be true if Joe decides to sit any of the vets for rest. Even if everyone plays, fatigue could be a problem down the stretch if the reserves can’t give them good minutes and keep the Celtics in the game while the starters rest.
X-Factors Back to Back Road Game – The Celtics are on the road where they are 1-1 so far, losing to Detroit on opening night and beating the Magic on Monday. The Celtics are playing on the second night of back to back games while the Rockets are at home and rested. The Celtics had to travel, stay in a hotel, play in front of a hostile crowd and on an unfamiliar court while the Rockets should get a boost from being on their home court. They need to shake off the distractions of playing on the road and stay focused on playing team ball.
Coaching – The Rockets are led by former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, who left Boston under less than desirable circumstances. He was suspended for violating team rules and assistant coach Joe Mazzulla was made interim coach. Eventually, Udoka was officially released and Mazzulla was made head coach. I am sure that Udoka would love nothing more than to once again beat the team that let him go after he led that team to the Finals. And, Joe just wants to win every single game no matter who the opposing coach is. Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game. The Celtics also have to be aware of the new points of emphasis for this season and try to avoid off‑arm push‑offs, reckless closeouts, delays before free throws illegal screens and especially flopping. Paul George was already fined for a flop in the first game and there have been several other flopping calls as well.
The Sixers kept up their hot start to the season Monday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, reaching 7-1 with a 126-107 win against the Bulls.
All five of the Sixers’ starters scored in double figures. Tyrese Maxey posted 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting and 11 assists. Jaylen Brown tallied a season-best 25 points and 11 rebounds.
VJ Edgecombe’s 21 points were a new season high. LeBron James recorded 15 points, nine assists and seven boards.
Bulls rookie Caleb Wilson had 24 points and seven rebounds.
Joel Embiid (15 points, eight rebounds) had been listed as questionable with an official designation of “right foot plantar fascia injury management.” He sat out Saturday on the second night of a back-to-back for the Sixers’ win over the Hornets.
“Plantar is a little bit of a come and go type of thing,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters pregame. “They’re just trying to manage it. It’s very painful, if you’ve ever had it. It can kind of come and go out of nowhere. So we’re just trying to manage the pain with that, be as smart as we can.”
“He’s been on court a little bit … not a ton of moving around,” Nurse said. “I think they want to get to tomorrow’s appointment. Hopefully, it’ll be positive and we can get into his workouts a little bit.”
The Sixers will begin a three-game road trip Wednesday when they visit the Pistons. Here are observations on their victory Monday:
Edgecombe slamming away off the bat
After Embiid blitzed a Bulls pick-and-roll, Maxey picked off Matas Buzelis’ hurried pass to get the Sixers rolling in transition and James jammed home the team’s first field goal.
Edgecombe got a slam soon after James grabbed a defensive rebound and the Sixers again pushed the pace. The Sixers scored six quick fast-break points, leading the Bulls to burn an early timeout, and James’ long-distance feeds were a major asset.
“If you’re open, he’s going to pass it,” Edgecombe said of James. “The main thing is just being ready. Tonight I had to run and go get ‘em. If you’re open and he sees you, he’s going to pass the ball.”
Edgecombe had a dunk-heavy first quarter. He threw down his second when Dean Wade nabbed a steal and dropped off a typically selfless dish to the Sixers’ explosive second-year guard, whose slam put the team up 22-13.
The Sixers have an abundance of dangerous options in the open floor, Edgecombe included. As he’s already shown with his continued clutch shotmaking, the 21-year-old won’t become anything resembling a non-factor offensively this year as a byproduct of the Sixers’ enhanced star power.
Over the team’s first seven games, Edgecombe had averaged 11.3 points. He scored 11 in the first period on 5-for-5 shooting.
More rough minutes for Bona
Adem Bona missed a dunk early in the second quarter, which stung a bit more when Jalen Smith drilled a three-pointer seconds later.
Bona remained the Sixers’ main backup center. He had a poor first-half stint overall amid a largely negative start to his third season. The 23-year-old big man played well in the Sixers’ victory over the Bucks, posting six points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Outside of that, his season has been sparse on bright moments so far. It’s reasonable to wonder when Nurse might turn to alternatives like Jabari Walker, who played a good game Saturday in Charlotte, or try James again at the five.
The Bulls outscored the Sixers by eight points in Bona’s first run, cutting their derficit to 40-38. Chicago went in front with a three by former Sixer Buddy Hield.
The Sixers regained the advantage late in the second quarter. Maxey and James each were excellent as passers in the first half, combining for 14 assists and three turnovers. James fired the ball to Wade for a corner three that gave the Sixers a 60-52 lead.
Sixers outclass Bulls
Following a third-quarter Embiid fadeaway jumper and two James lay-ins, the Sixers were up 17 points.
The Bulls cut the Sixers’ lead down to 11 points by the start of the fourth quarter. With Bona still struggling and on four fouls, Wade began the fourth at center. Bona then briefly spelled Wade before being whistled for his fifth foul and taking a seat. Embiid ultimately wasn’t needed for any of the fourth period and only logged 25 minutes.
Embiid said postgame that he was not available to return to the action in the fourth and has been feeling his plantar fasciitis on the court. The seven-time All-Star’s health is clearly not close to 100 percent.
“I was on a minutes restriction,” he said. “(The foot) has been going like that for the past few weeks. It’s painful. Just got to manage it.
“If it flares up pretty bad, got to take a step back. We’ve been able to manage it, but it has its ups and downs.”
The Sixers’ lead got as low as eight points, but Chicago did not shoot well enough from three-point range (26.3 percent) or have sufficient firepower to sustain a meaningful comeback run. The bottom line is the Sixers are in a different class than the Bulls, who fell to 1-6.
“You’ve got some of these nights where you kind of call them professional wins. …You look at the records and all that kind of stuff, but they have a lot of talent,” Nurse said. “A lot of these teams play a way that’s a little scary. It’s fast and it’s furious, lots of threes. … They’re going to keep coming at you, high-possession games. So they’re not easy games and I’m glad that we handled it professionally tonight.”
