Sadly, those hopes just took a major blow less than a full week into the season.
Thunder GM Sam Presti announced on Monday that Wallace has suffered a torn labrum and will require surgery.
With a long recovery timetable, a return this season looks bleak for the former Kentucky Wildcats standout.
Wallace has become a core player for the Thunder alongside SGA in the backcourt. Already winning one title, it seems this team’s window is still wide open with how many draft picks they have accrued over the next several seasons.
However, it will take a lot for them to make another deep run this season, especially with teammate Jalen Williams also being sidelined for most, if not the entire season due to a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula.
Here’s to hoping both of these guys are able to fully heal and return at some point this season.
BREAKING: Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams has a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula; Cason Wallace has a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both will undergo surgery and be sidelined for several months — most, if not the entire season. pic.twitter.com/62OxZtIGRc
Jalen Williams suffered a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula from a horrific fall in Sunday's win over the Clippers, Thunder General Manager Sam Presti said Monday in a media briefing. While Presti wouldn't discuss a return timeline, Williams will miss most — and more likely all — of the remainder of this season.
"This is an injury that generally we see more in football players," Presti said, adding that the former All-Star was in good spirits. "I spent a lot of time speaking to different doctors and his agents, us, his family, and it's a surgical situation."
In that same game, starting guard Cason Wallace left with a shoulder injury which turns out to be a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Presti said. That also is going to require surgery and, while again Presti would not give a timeline, Wallace is likely out for the season.
"I think everybody knows he's a total warrior and probably would have gone back in the game if we let him," Presti said of Wallace. "So obviously tough night last night. There's no way to paint that differently."
Through three games, Williams has averaged 13.7 points and 4.7 rebounds a game. While he's struggled with his shot (38.5% so far this season), he's stepped up in clutch moments. When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an off night against Denver, Williams stepped up with 21 points. Just having him out there as a secondary shot creator and threat took a lot of pressure off SGA.
Wallace took on a major defensive role for the Thunder to start the season, but his offense was still coming around, averaging 6.3 points per game and shooting 30% from 3-point range.
Both players were starters and played key roles in the Thunder's 3-0 start. When asked whether these injuries might push the Thunder to make a trade to help fill out the roster, Presti said he hasn't thought about it yet.
"For me, the last not even 24 hours, whatever it's been, it's all about people," Presti said. "I know you got to ask the question... but I really haven't given a lot of thought to that. Right now, it's about those two guys, their families."
Oklahoma City can and very likely will file for a disabled player exception for both Williams and Wallace, which would give them some financial flexibility to bring in another player (Williams' salary would let them bring in a player being paid up to $15 million). However, that does not open up a roster spot.
Presti also talked up Oklahoma City and the Thunder culture.
"I'm not going to sit up here and say this is exactly where we want to be, or this is how we'd like to have it. But at the same time, we're extremely optimistic about the recovery for both the players," Presti said. "Most importantly, you know, things could have been a lot worse. And I think in these types of situations, it's important to kind of take stock, take a step back, realize we're dealing with people, realize we're dealing with the greatest athletes in the world. They're going to be back out there. They'll be playing for our team. They'll be representing our city and our state in short order...
"We're, as an organization, and also as a city and a community, this is what we're built for. This is the kind of thing that gets thrown at you here, and you just plow right through it. You walk through punches, and you step over roadblocks. And I think our guys are ready to do that. But it's certainly disappointing. I don't want to sugarcoat that for anybody."
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 10: Center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around center Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Rocket Arena on January 10, 2026, 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 22: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena 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 Cleveland Cavaliers have watched as 20+ point leads have vanished in three of their last six games, dating back to last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. It’s a troubling trend that has to be addressed — even if they aren’t the only team in the league that’s been affected.
“It happens,” said Kenny Atkinson. “The timing hasn’t been great, but just in general, I would say with all of the variance in the way the NBA is played today — it’s something we had to address and keep talking about it.”
Atkinson isn’t wrong. Just two days before the Cavs blew a 29-point lead to Philadelphia, the Boston Celtics suffered a similar fate in their opening game against Detroit. For all of Cleveland’s pain from Game 1 of the Conference Finals versus New York, the Spurs are feeling even worse about their Game 4 collapse in the Finals.
Blown leads happen across sports. It’s even worse in basketball now that three-point variance and possesion-maxxing has become the norm. Cleveland has just been on the wrong end of the stick multiple games in a row.
“We showed the guys some clips of the World Cup of England when they had that lead against Argentina — they were pushing forward, being aggressive, and then they just kind of went back,” said Atkinson. “The message to the guys was we have to keep attacking.”
Kenny Atkinson says he showed the #Cavs film of the World Cup to emphasize why it’s important to keep being aggressive even when playing with a big lead pic.twitter.com/nPb4bOuqAW
Building a lead is difficult. Maintaining one is supposed to be the easy part. But Atkinson believes that big leads can cause complacency — and the key to staying in front is not taking your foot off the gas.
“Your natural inclination is to hold back and slow down… but I think every team makes that mistake; they become passive when you have to keep attacking.”
Of course, above all else, you have to keep playing good basketball.
Cleveland’s recent collapses have happened on the basketball court, not in their own heads. Mental toughness is an intangible skill. Turnovers and offensive rebounds are the manifestation of this. They go hand-in-hand, and it begins with staying committed to the plan and aggression that gave you the lead to begin with.
“I think we know what hurts leads,” said Atkinson. “Turnovers, the other team’s offensive rebounding, and of course, the three-point variance — so those are the things we can control, but also switch the mentality to be more aggressive.”
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 21: Cooper Flagg #32 and Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during the game on October 21, 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (1-2) are on the road to start the week, facing off against the Miami Heat (0-3) in a nationally televised game on NBA TV (if you consider that national television). The Mavericks are coming off a loss to the San Antonio Spurs that had a final score that looked way worse than most of the game felt. The Heat lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday and are still seeking their first win of the season. Here are the main things to know:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs Miami Heat
WHAT: Back out on the road
WHERE: American Airlines Arena, Miami
WHEN: 6:30 pm CST
HOW: KFAA or NBA TV
In surprising injury news, Cooper Flagg is listed as probable after leaving the Indiana Pacer game with a shoulder injury that was initially expected to cost him several games. Kyrie Irving will also return to the court following a scheduled rest (ACL recovery). Dereck Lively is still out. Santi Aldama will miss this game as well as he recovers from knee surgery. Naji Marshall is a surprise addition to the reporting, missing the game with an illness. Caleb Martin will also miss the game as he’s still dealing with a thumb sprain. The Miami Heat aren’t missing anyone.
This has the makings of a very entertaining game. The Heat look like they have no idea how to play around Giannis and haven’t shown any real signs of improvement. They need a win or this is going to get weird. Dallas, on the other hand, is playing free. They took it to the Spurs for nearly three quarters before the Western Conference champions woke up. Dallas thumped the Pacers the night before. The team looks like they’re having fun. So that’s what I expect from this game as well.
Since you’re here checking out this post, it’s for one of two reasons.
Injury report news
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The gruesome lower-leg injury that led to Oklahoma City Thunder standout Jalen Williams being taken off the court on a stretcher on Sunday, Oct. 25, will cost him a significant portion, if not all, of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Williams suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle in his left leg, Thunder general manager Sam Presti confirmed in a Monday, Oct. 26, press conference. Presti said the injury will require surgery but did not provide a timeline for Williams' potential return to the team.
Presti called the injury one that's more associated with contact sports like football, but added that he'd been in contact with Williams, who was determined to move forward.
"He's as tough as they come. He's an elite competitor," Presti said. "Even last night, just miraculous in terms of his outlook in the way he's looking forward to attacking this. And, you know, we're going to be with him the entire way."
Of the injury, Presti said, "things could have been a lot worse." Presti evoked past injuries that have cost the team's stars significant time, including Williams battling multiple injuries last season and Chet Holmgren losing his rookie season to a foot injury.
Presti said "he hadn't given a lot of thought" to any roster moves in response to the loss of a key player this early in the season. Williams is a career 17.9 point-per-game player who made the NBA All-Star Game in his last healthy season in 2024-25.
Presti also gave an update on fourth-year guard Cason Wallace, who suffered a left labral tear in his shoulder that will require surgery and sideline one of the Thunder's top defenders for an undetermined amount of time.
Wallace was attempting to fight through a screen early in the Oct. 25 game when he grabbed his shoulder area in pain and was escorted off the court.
Wallace finished eighth in Defensive Player of the Year voting in the 2025-26 season.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of tear can take up to six to 12 months of recovery following surgery.
Oklahoma City will be short-handed for their game against Phoenix Suns Monday at Paycom Center. While Williams and Wallace are out indefinitely, Chet Holmgren (right patellar tendinitis) is also sitting out the home game.
The absence of Holmgren could be precautionary, considering it’s the second night of a back-to-back stretch for the Thunder. He missed all five of the Thunder’s preseason games due in part to a quad contusion.
Phoenix Suns coach Jordan Ott addressed Williams' injury before his team took the court against the Thunder Monday night, telling reporters he and his staff saw the play because they were watching the game and scouting the team they were playing next.
"Feel for any athlete that's worked their way back, and tried to stay healthy ... Just unfortunate news, but this is sports," Ott said. "Got to go out and play, play the next game. We know that they'll bring a lot of energy to this one. We gotta match it." — Duane Rankin, Arizona Republic
"We all saw it because we were watching the game, scouting and playing next. It was a big topic amongst us at shootaround. At the time we didn't know exactly what it was or the extent was."
Suns coach Jordan Ott on OKC forward Jalen Williams, who will undergo surgery after… pic.twitter.com/qo6QuaC4WH
How Jalen Williams broke his fibula, dislocated his ankle
Williams' injury occurred after an awkward landing under the basket with 1:14 left in the fourth quarter in the Thunder's 108-101 home victory over the Clippers.
Williams went up for a dunk at the 1:15 mark in the fourth quarter and was fouled by Clippers guard Kris Dunn, who came in hard from behind while Derrick Jones Jr. was guarding Williams underneath.
Williams' left foot rolled under his leg upon landing, and it was immediately clear that he had suffered a significant injury. A team official was seen coming over to place a towel over Williams' leg as he was quickly attended to by an athletic trainer, while Thunder stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Holmgren reacted in shock nearby.
The tone in Paycom Center immediately changed in the arena as members of both teams began to turn away, while Thunder players could be seen getting emotional over the scene.
OH NO 💔
Jalen Williams suffers a serious lower-leg injury after an awkward landing.
The crowd was heard chanting "JDub" before the 25-year-old All-Star was carted off the court on a stretcher. He was seen giving two thumbs up to the fans in the arena.
Known as a versatile two-way player, Williams won a championship with the Thunder in 2025 and was named to the All-NBA third team and the All-Defensive second team for the 2024-25 season. Williams is one of Oklahoma City's premier ball handlers and offensive engines, and he is often the primary creator when two-time and defending NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench.
"I just feel bad for him," Gilgeous-Alexander said, while fighting tears in his postgame interview. "... We just got to hold the fort down until he comes back."
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was asked for the status of injured players, including Williams, after the game. Daigneault said that Williams' injury "speaks for itself."
“Those are tough, man," Daigneault said when talking about the feeling in the locker room. "We're not doing great.”
The coach thanked the fans for their support of Williams and chanting his name after the injury.
“I think anybody that's in the arena can empathize with that," Daigneault said. "So appreciate our fans for doing so.”
The fibula is the smaller bone in the lower leg, and a fracture of that bone is considered less serious than a break to the larger tibia, which supports the body's weight. According to the Cleveland Clinic, recovery from a fibula fracture can vary depending on the type of break, but often involves recovery of six to eight weeks for the bone to heal completely, followed by a period of physical therapy.
Fibula fractures don't typically cause long-term complications and usually heal faster than other leg fractures because the fibula doesn't support your weight when you stand and move.
The fibula fracture sounds bad, but the ankle dislocation could be more concerning for Williams' future. According to Cleveland Clinic, the dislocation could "take several months or longer to heal," and people who dislocate a joint are more likely to dislocate it again in the future. Williams will likely need to wear a protective brace throughout his playing career to reduce risk of future dislocation.
As of the evening of Monday, Oct. 26, the Thunder's 2027 NBA championship odds lengthened to +347 from +238 on Oct. 24, per BetFinder’s consensus. In implied probability – the likelihood of winning suggested by betting odds – Oklahoma City fell 7.2 percentage points from 29.6% to 22.4%. That’s the largest peak-to-trough decline of any NBA team in BetFinder data dating to July 7.
That shift dropped Oklahoma City behind San Antonio, which became the new championship favorite at +288.
Butt bettors still give the Thunder a just over one-in-five shot at the title, per implied probability. — Jared Belby
Williams was limited to just 33 regular-season games and five playoff appearances during the 2025-26 season as he recovered from two wrist surgeries and suffered multiple hamstring strains.
Williams has dealt with lower body injuries throughout his career, including ankle injuries in 2024 and hip injuries in early 2025. He also had a previous wrist injury in 2023.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 30: Isaiah Joe #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a three point basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 30, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 22: Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards goes to the basket against PJ Hall #16 of the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Capital One Arena on February 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards play their 2nd straight game on the road. Tonight they will face the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. The game starts at 7:00 p.m. tonight. Watch the game on the Monumental Sports Network.
Batter aiming for Newlands return after injuring neck in second Test
Marnus Labuschagne set to keep place; Nic Maddinson dropped
Australia will give key batter Steve Smith as much time as possible to prove his fitness ahead of the third and final Test against South Africa at Newlands, captain Pat Cummins said.
Smith injured his neck in South Africa’s innings and 31-run victory in the second Test in Gqeberha which levelled the series at 1-1 going into the decider in Cape Town starting on Tuesday.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 24: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on October 24, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena 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
That is how you start a new season. Tyrese Maxey has been exceptional to open the Sixers’ 2026-27 campaign, and has officially been named the NBA’s first Eastern Conference Player of the Week for the new season.
Through the first four games, he’s comfortably the Sixers’ leading scorer with 28.8 points per game, to go along with 4.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks. All while helping drive Philly to a 3-1 record, including those strong wins over the Knicks and Cavaliers.
Whether he’s been darting around as an off-ball shooter next to his new star teammates, terrorizing opponents in transition, orchestrating crafty pick-and-rolls with LeBron James as a screener, or flying downhill on his drives for acrobatic finishes, Maxey has been impressed in so many ways.
Maxey’s three-point accuracy hasn’t kicked in yet, but his shot-making and creation off the dribble has still been outrageous at times.
TYRESE MAXEY FROM THE LOGO TO END THE 1Q LAST NIGHT 🎯
The fact he still has a 57.3 true shooting percentage so far, despite making only 30.0 percent of his threes, shows just how good he’s been inside the arc. He’s burying tough pull-ups, floaters, and making a ridiculous 70.4 percent of his shots within three feet of the basket.
You gotta give it up for Tyrese Maxey. From converting the easy buckets, to somehow finishing the tough ones, to utilizing every opportunity in transition, Maxey was on fire tonight.
32 PTS, 3 REB, 6 AST, 2 STL in a whopping 41 minutes — his best plays vs. Cavs below 👇 pic.twitter.com/07QwFdCu5s
It’s not just the flashy offense either. After already levelling up as a defender last season and increasing his playmaking at that end of the floor, Maxey has picked up right where he left off. To along with his impressive steal and block numbers, he’s been tenacious on the ball, working hard to chase players down on drives and in transition, disruptive breaking up passing lanes, and active off the ball in general to be a key part of the Sixers’ fifth-ranked defense.
Stellar blocks like those below sure have stood out, too.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 14: LaMelo Ball #1 interacts with Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter during a preseason game against the Detroit Pistons at Target Center on October 14, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Pistons defeated the Timberwolves 128-106. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves are playing some of the best basketball in the league right now. They’ve dismantled their first three opponents by an average margin of victory of over 23 points. However, they may not have one of their star players in Monday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Minnesota added Anthony Edwards to the injury report on Monday afternoon with the designation of right knee injury management. Edwards may have tweaked that knee at the end of the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Toronto Raptors. You can see him grimace slightly in the clip below after finishing the fast-break dunk.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Browns throwback shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cleveland gear HERE.
Edwards played just 28 minutes in the Timberwolves’ 117-94 win over the Raptors on Sunday evening. He finished the night scoring 26 points on 10-of-18 shooting. Through three games, Edwards is averaging 28.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on 44.3% shooting.
Minnesota will still be a tough test for Cleveland even if Edwards can’t go. The addition of LaMelo Ball has helped elevate their offense. This is part of the reason why the Timberwolves have posted a 122.1 offensive rating (4th in the league) through three games. And they still have a world-class defense with a front line that includes Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert.
The rest of Minnesota’s regular starters will be available for Monday. They will, however, still be without Donte DiVincenzo, who is recovering from a right Achilles tendon injury.
The Cavs will be mostly healthy for this game. Nae’Qwan Tomlin remains out with a back injury. The Cavs are still waiting for Khalifa Diop to make his debut. He’s been dealing with a left knee injury.
Three years ago, the smart money said the West belonged to Denver for the rest of the decade. Nikola Jokić was a two-time MVP with a fresh Finals MVP to match, Jamal Murray had turned into a playoff flamethrower, and the Nuggets had just bulldozed through the 2023 postseason like the whole thing was a formality.
They were the first champion after the Golden State Warriors’ 2022 ring, the fourth of the Stephen Curry era. And per The Ringer, when Denver climbed the mountain the word “dynasty” got tossed around Ball Arena like free T-shirts at a timeout:
“Fresh off a summer of victory cigars, champagne toasts, and celebratory dances, the Denver Nuggets are not just preparing to hang their first championship banner in 47 years—they’re eyeing a dynasty.
Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth was candid about his franchise’s goals when we met for lunch in Denver this offseason. “Our guys are tired. It’s going to be hard to repeat,” Booth said. “But if everything is optimized, we should win three or four [titles].”
Nikola Jokic really didn’t know where his NBA Finals MVP trophy ended up 😅
Damn, three or four huh? Then the rest of the league showed up looking for their turn. To be fair to Denver, winning a title is brutally hard. The Nuggets have been in the mix everywhere, they played Game 7s in back-to-back years, and plenty of franchises would kill for that kind of “failure.” They’re absolutely relevant to the title picture out West and they’re a major problem in the conference.
But look at how those runs ended. In 2024, Denver coughed up a 20-point lead in Game 7 at home against Minnesota. In 2025, Oklahoma City dragged them to seven and sent them home. Somewhere in between, the front office fired the head coach and the GM.
And then this past April, it got worse. A Minnesota team missing Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo, Ayo Dosunmu and Kyle Anderson knocked Denver out in the first round, 110-98 in Game 6 at Target Center. Jaden McDaniels dropped 32 and talked trash the entire series, and he backed every word of it. The Denver Gazette pointed out that this was the first year Denver went out without either Jokić or Murray hurt in a playoff series, and the Nuggets were the No. 3 seed and the favorite.
Nikola Jokic has to HATE the Minnesota Timberwolves 😭
2017: Lost Playoff tie-breaker to Minnesota 2023: Beat Minnesota in 5 games 2024: Lost to Minnesota in 2nd Round 2026: Lost to Minnesota in 1st Round
Jokić’s own assessment afterward was that a first-round exit put them a long way from contention. When the three-time MVP is letting you know the team isn’t good enough, that’s pretty telling. So the charge against Denver isn’t that they only won one ring. It’s that they were set up to contend for years, with the best player in the world locked in, and kept letting the opportunity slip through their fingers one spring at a time.
Jokić is 31. He put up 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds and 10.7 assists per game last season like it was a casual Tuesday. The problem has never been the big Serbian man. The problem is everything around him. Yahoo’s preseason preview noted that over the last five regular seasons, Denver was 18.3 points per 100 possessions worse with Jokić on the bench, and called the backup options lackluster again. Some of that gap is just how ridiculous Jokić is, and any team would fall off a cliff without him. But you can trace the rest of it to actual decisions.
The 2023 title team let Bruce Brown walk that summer, then watched Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leave for Orlando a year later, and never really replaced either one. Denver opened this season with an ugly 96-84 loss in Oklahoma City where Jokić went 5-of-19 for 13 points, then needed overtime and a 35-15-10 triple-double from him to get past New Orleans, with the home crowd booing along the way. Do dynasties get booed??
The Pelicans are blowing out the Nuggets in Denver
As the last true dynasty, Dub Nation can now look inward for their own woes.
Golden State walks into Denver at 0-3 after losses to the Lakers (127-105), Memphis (111-108) and Phoenix (131-122). Steph is 38 and Jimmy Butler is still working back from that torn ACL, with a possible return sometime between January and February. Meanwhile Moses Moody is out, and Kristaps Porziņģis isn’t even with the team. Warriors are in no position to be throwing stones. Unless they are stones encrusted into the championship rings from the past decade, then in that case please do.
But that’s how it goes in the Wild Wild West; where fate hands you the keys to the kingdom for a season and immediately starts looking for a new tenant. The difference is the Warriors got four of them before the landlord came knocking. Denver got one, and it’s watching the clock on Jokić’s prime tick louder every spring.
Which brings it all back home. Curry’s window isn’t infinite either, and every game like tonight is a question about whether the Warriors are spending his late years better than Denver is spending Jokić’s prime.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JULY 5: Tyon Grant-Foster #34 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the California Classic Game on July 5, 2026 at Chase Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Wing Tyon Grant-Foster has dealt with serious health turmoil throughout his life, and now he’s one step closer to fulfilling his dream of playing in the NBA. He was taken with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2026 NBA G League Draft by the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s affiliate.
The 6-7 defensive impactor spent his summer with the San Antonio Spurs organization after going undrafted. Through four games with San Antonio, Grant-Foster averaged just 1.0 points in 3.8 minutes per contest.
In his last and only college basketball campaign with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Grant-Foster averaged 11.1 points on a shooting split of 47.5 field goal percentage, 26.2 three-point percentage, and 61.1 free throw percentage in 35 games played. Grant-Foster made his impact for coach Mark Few with his overall aggressiveness and will-do attitude on the defensive side of the ball, chipping in 5.5 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 0.8 steals per game for the Zags.
There are four other Gonzaga alums who will be spending some time at the NBA’s developmental level on a two-way contract.
Phoenix Suns power forward/center Drew Timme (Valley Suns)
Golden State Warriors forward/center Graham Ike (Santa Cruz Warriors)
Denver Nuggets guard Ryan Nembhard (Grand Rapids Gold)
Toronto Raptors shooting guard Malachi Smith (Raptors 905)
Timme, undersized for his position at the NBA level, comes in late after just recently joining the Phoenix organization on Oct. 19. He was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks at the conclusion of the preseason on Oct. 18.
"Personally, that's probably what I'm best, reading and reacting based off what the defense presents. Did that a bunch in high school and then at Gonzaga, Coach (Mark) Few trusts, especially his bigs, to make plays and reads and stuff. I feel really comfortable with that." Suns… pic.twitter.com/OS71TQZiZh
Ike has been blessed with an opportunity to immediately try to make an impact for a Golden State organization that is looking to ship off an unhealthy center, Kristaps Porzingis, who is contemplating retirement.
The former big man on campus always did the dirty work and received his first double-double during the second start of his NBA career. Ike ended up with 12 points on 5-for-13 field goals and 10 rebounds in the 131-122 loss against Timme’s Suns.
Nembhard has only appeared in one NBA game with Denver, recording five points, one rebound, and one steal in a 96-84 loss at the Oklahoma City Thunder. Smith has yet to make his debut with Toronto, most likely beginning his 2026-27 campaign in the G League. The season officially begins on Nov. 6.
Four additional Zags who aren’t on a two-way contract and will be competing in the G League are wing Jalen Warley with the Noblesville Boom, guard Nolan Hickman with the Capital City Go-Go, forward Anton Watson with the Coachella Valley Lakers, and guard David Stockton with the Valley Suns.
No word on where guard Ryan Woolridge will be spending the upcoming season.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
The St. Louis Blues have condemned what they called an antisemitic protest during a game last week at Enterprise Center.
Blues chairman and governor Tom Stillman says arena staff and law enforcement removed activists who displayed anti-Israel banners during Thursday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Activists displayed banners, including one reading “Israel Kills” with a crossed-out Star of David surrounded by red markings resembling blood. The banners appeared in at least two locations: rinkside seats and a private box overlooking Sections 111 and 112.
Other signs displayed from the private box read “Free America From Israel” and featured images of the Statue of Liberty.
On Monday, the Blues released a statement from chairman Stillman on X.
“The St. Louis Blues organization — and I personally — condemn antisemitic rhetoric in all forms,” said Stillman. “The vile messages of hate briefly displayed at our game last Thursday were unfortunate and unforgivable, and not remotely representative of our fans or our hometown. Our arena staff and local law enforcement responded immediately to confiscate the prohibited banners and eject the offending individuals. Antisemitism has no place in our community, and we will never allow it in our building.”
The Blues remain on home ice for the next two games, concluding their five-game homestand against the Boston Bruins on Thursday, Oct. 29.
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BOSTON, MA - FEBRUARY 11: Matas Buzelis #14 of Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball during the game. against the Boston Celtics on February 11, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Chicago Bulls (1-2) at Boston Celtics (1-1) Monday, October 26, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #3, Home Game #2 TV: NBCSB, CHSN, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 104.3 The Score, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics play their second straight home game as they host the Chicago Bulls. This is the first of 4 games between these two teams this season. They will play again at Boston on October 30 and will play at Chicago on December 30 and March 9. The Celtics were 2-1 last season against the Bulls, winning both in Boston and losing 1 in Chicago.
This is the first of 16 back to back sets for the Celtics this season. They will host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday to complete the back to back set. The Celtics were good in back to back games last season and hopefully, with their depth, it will carry through to this season. The Celtics are 139-111 overall, all time against the Bulls and they are 80-40 in games played at home.
The Bulls have had a lot of change since last season. They replaced Billy Donovan with Tiago Splitter at head coach. They traded for Nic Claxton and Buddy Hield. They signed free agent Norman Powell and 2-way players Tobe Awaka and Jaylin Sellers. They signed Caleb Wilson (4th pick) and Dailyn Swain (15th pick). They lost Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Nick Richards, Yuki Kawamura, MacMcClung, Guerschon Yabusele and Rob Dillingham.
The Celtics went 4-0 in the preseason, winning with both starters in 2 games and reserves and Exhibit 10 players in 2 others. They beat Cleveland, Charlotte and Philadelphia twice. The Bulls went 3-2 in the preseason, beating Minnesota and Milwaukee and Phoenix and losing to Denver and Memphis.
After this game, the Celtics will play home against Brooklyn and Chicago again. They will then play at Orlando and Houston and then home against Milwaukee before a road tripp takes 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.
Next for the Bulls, they will host New York before a 3 game road trip through Boston, Philadelphia and New York. They then host Philadelphia, San Antonio and Atlanta before playing at Minnesota, Cleveland, and Brooklyn. They then host Washington, Denver and Cleveland before one road game at Charlotte and a 6 game home stand hosting Indiana, New York, Cleveland, Houston, Miami and Utah.
The Celtics started Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson in the first 2 games and I have once again listed the same starters for this game. It’s also possible that Joe may change this up for this game. I’ve listed the Bulls starters from their last game, which are Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Jalen Smith.
The Celtics still have just Devin Carter 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. The Bulls list starting center Nic Claxton out due to a hamstring injury. Patrick Williams (groin) and Noa Essengue (head) both missed Saturday’s game and are questionable for this game.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Josh Giddey
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesJosh Giddey | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jordan Walsh vs Norman Powell
Jordan Walsh | NBAE via Getty ImagesNorman Powell | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Paul George vs Matas Buzelis
Paul George | NBAE via Getty ImagesMatas Buzelis | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Caleb Wilson
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesCaleb Wilson | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Mitchell Robinson vs Jalen Smith
Mitchell Robinson | NBAE via Getty ImagesJalen Smith | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley, Jr Luka Garza Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Baylor Scheierman
Two Way Players Devin Carter Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams Injuries/Out Devin Carter (illness) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla Bulls Reserves Zach Collins Buddy Hield Tre Jones Leonard Miller Isaac Okoro Dailyn Swain Two-Way Players Tobe Awaka Jordan Hawkins Jaylin Sellers
Injuries/Out Nic Claxton (hamstring) out Noa Essengue (head) questionable Patrick Williams (groin) questionable
Head Coach Tiago Splitter
Key Matchups Jayson Tatum vs Caleb Wilson Wilson was the 4th pick in the draft for the Bulls and is playing very well so far. He is averaging 22.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 40.7% from the field and 17.4% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need another big game from Jayson Tatum on both ends of the court.
Jordan Walsh vs Norman Powell Powell is averaging 19.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 2.0 steals. He is shooting 34.1% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc. Over his career against the Celtics, he averaged 10.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Walsh’s defense made a difference against the Knicks and he will need to continue to make a difference on that end of the court in this game.
Honorable Mention Paul George vs Matas Buzelis Buzelis is the only player left from the Bulls starters in their last game against the Celtics. He is averaging 15.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 36.7% from the field and 13.3% from beyond the arc. Over his career against the Celtics, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. We will see how many minutes PG will play in back to back games. Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is the key to winning this, and every, game. In the preseason, the Celtics were tops in the league with a defensive rating of 98.6. In the second half of their first game, the Celtics allowed the Pistons to score 78 points. The biggest problem in the Celtics collapse against the Pistons was their failure on the defensive end. Likewise, one of the biggest factors in their win over the Knicks was their They held New York to just 103 points and also forced 18 turnovers, leading to 19 points off turnovers. The Celtics need to continue to make defense their priority.
Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning. The Celtics have to crash the boards as a team and go after every rebound. In the preseason, the Celtics were 1st with 55 rebounds per game and 3rd with 16.8 offensive rebounds per game. So far in the regular season, they are last in rebounding with just 38 rebounds per game. The Bulls are 9th with 48.3 rebounds per game. Robinson and Queta are 2 of the best rebounders in the league and they need to be aggressive on the boards. The Celtics need to get back to what they do best and win the rebounding battle against the Bulls.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics need to move the ball to get the best shots. The Celtics are much better when they move the ball and don’t lapse into iso ball. Hopefully this season we will see much less iso ball than in the past. But, they have to be careful with the ball and avoid turnovers. They need to make the extra pass to find the best shot but they also need to stay focused and make careful passes. The Bulls are averaging 17.3 points off turnovers per game.
3 Point Shooting – If the Bulls have one weakness, it is their 3 point shooting. As a team, they are shooting 41.3 threes per game to 40.5 threes per game for the Celtics. However, the Celtics are shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc (7th) while the Bulls are shooting just 22.6% from beyond the arc (30th). The Celtics need to defend the perimeter and not allow them to get hot shooting the 3.
X-Factors Home Game – The Celtics need to take advantage of home court and the boost their fans can give them. The Bulls will face a hostile crowd and an unfamiliar arena along with travel which will hopefully give the Celtics the edge. The Celtics need to play hard and protect home court and use the advantages it gives to get a win.
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 flopping, off‑arm push‑offs, reckless closeouts, delays before free throws, and illegal screens. Paul George was already fined for a flop in the first game.
