Karl-Anthony Towns suffered an apparent wrist injury in the New York Knicks' matchup against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, Oct. 28.
In the first quarter, Jalen Brunson brought the ball down the court for the defending champions. He passed the ball to Towns, who was just inside the arc. Noa Essengue was guarding Brunson and chased him around the perimeter, running into Towns and knocking Towns down. Towns laid on the hardwood for a small amount of time and writhed in pain.
Karl-Anthony Towns has gone back to the locker room of Bulls-Knicks after an apparent wrist injury. pic.twitter.com/xMAt7OP9XX
Ernie Johnson interviews the New York Knicks' Josh Hart, left, and Mikal Bridges after Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals. Johnson announced Wednesday that he was leaving "Inside the NBA" after decades as the iconic show's host. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Ernie Johnson, the bow-tie-wearing, peace-keeping host of “Inside the NBA,” is leaving the show after 37 years.
“It’s just time,” the 70-year-old broadcaster said in a video posted Wednesday on social media.
“So why now? Total honesty here. I’ve always prided myself on my preparation, the hours I put in every day getting ready for the next show. I’ve always loved that part of my job, but I’ve always vowed that if that ever became more of a challenge than it is a joy, then I’ll know it’s time to step away. And now, after 37 seasons, it’s time.”
“Inside the NBA” started on TNT in 1989, and Johnson became host the following season. Over the years, he was joined by analysts Kenny Smith (1998), Charles Barkley (2000) and Shaquille O’Neal (2011) in a lineup that has become beloved to generations of basketball fans — so much so that the show switched over to ESPN when TNT lost its NBA rights.
“Few people have shaped the way fans experience the NBA as profoundly as Ernie Johnson,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “His brilliance as a broadcaster is matched by his character, compassion and generosity, which have been evident throughout his 37 years as host of ‘Inside the NBA.’ We are grateful for Ernie’s extraordinary impact on our league and look forward to celebrating him during his final season.”
Johnson repeated his announcement to open the crew’s appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Tip-Off” on Wednesday, then asked a clearly emotional Barkley how he was doing.
Take a listen to Ernie Johnson speaking on stepping away from Inside the NBA after 37 years ❤️ pic.twitter.com/JTKIBHNRkm
“That was tough,” Barkley said. “We knew the day was coming — still tough. Been here for 26, 27 years, and it’s been an honor and a privilege to work with you all this time, and Kenny and Shaq and the amazing people behind the scenes. ...
“It’s been an amazing journey. You’ve been our leader. Our unquestionable leader. The question I’m asked the most … is, is Ernie Johnson as good a person as he seems? And I say, man, he’s better than that. So I just want to say thank you. Thank you for being our leader for all these years. … All I can say, Ernie, is thank you.”
Smith gave Johnson a standing ovation, and O’Neal said Johnson was the reason he joined the crew.
The Inside The NBA crew reacts to Ernie Johnson announcing this will be his last season on the show ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kLF2foSLgl
“You are the controller of this thing people call the circus — the best circus in town, but without you, it’s going to be very, very difficult,” O’Neal said. “Chuck made a great point. All we can say is thank you, and we appreciate you. We’re gonna miss you, and we will see you around, but thanks for the great run.”
In a video posted on X, Golden State Warriors forward and frequent “Inside the NBA” guest Draymond Green perfectly summed up Johnson’s role on the show.
“He is the best point guard I’ve ever played with — that’s no disrespect to the great Steph Curry,” Green said in a video posted Wednesday on X. “Ernie Johnson on a set is as incredible as they come. He sees everything. He’s like, ‘Man, this guy hasn’t spoke for a while. Let me toss it to him. Man, this conversation is going off the rails a little bit’ — as it can on that show — ‘let me rein it back in.’ ... This guy is amazing.”
Johnson also shared that he’s been dealing with “heart issues” for almost two years, including undergoing bypass surgery two months ago, and that it was a “contributing factor” in his decision.
“Still trying to get this thing to beat exactly the way it should, and we’re getting it,” Johnson said. “I mean, I feel great. So this isn’t a case where my doctor said you need to stop working. It’s nothing like that. But here’s the deal: Going through that has made me treasure even more every second with my amazing wife of 44 years, Cheryl Ann, and being Poppy to our five grandchildren. So I just want to slow down a bit, spend more time enjoying that.
“Just to be clear, I’m not retiring; just cutting back. I’ll still do March Madness and other projects for TNT and CBS, and I’ve just started a new production company called 32 Bowties, geared toward telling feel-good stories in sports. So this is by no means the end. It’s just a turning of the page.”
Considering that each team is allowed 15 players to be carried on an active roster, that injury report means that 7.2 full teams could be constructed from the banged up players.
The 2026-27 NBA regular season is but a week old, and yet it seems almost like each squad is already contending with some serious injury issue. Some, however, like Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams breaking and dislocating his ankle, are far more serious than others. So, naturally, some teams will be in a better position to deal with them.
Here’s a look at which teams can weather these new injury issues, from most to least capable.
It helps that it’s just one key injury, a right hamstring strain All-Star center Jalen Duren is dealing with, and it also helps that his backup, Paul Reed, is plenty serviceable. In the three games Reed has been forced into extended action (two of which were starts), he has been excellent on both ends. Reed is averaging 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game over his last three. Reed isn’t quite the rim protector Duren is, but he’s more than adequate there. Detroit should be just fine.
Had they not acquired LaMelo Ball this offseason, they would be further down the list. But Ball and backup guard Ayo Dosunmu should at least help the Timberwolves maintain a competitive and productive offense while star Anthony Edwards recovers from his arthroscopic procedure. But there’s no replacing Edwards, who is the best two-guard in the world.
The good news for the Magic is that Paolo Banchero’s high ankle sprain is considered a low grade one, and he shouldn’t miss much time. But Orlando will also be without Jalen Suggs (right knee contusion/bone bruise) for some time. The Magic have had awful injury luck the past two-and-a-half seasons, particularly to their stars. And as rookie coach Sean Sweeney looks to revamp this offense, at some point, he needs continuity and his stars to be available.
The thing about Kawhi Leonard’s knee swelling is that it’s unclear how much time he’ll miss. That does leave the door open that it can clear with some moderate rest. But the other thing about his knee swelling is that knee issues have been a recurring problem for Leonard throughout his career. Now 35, Leonard is expected to be out at least one week, though possibly more. Without him, the Raptors lose a bit of their identity, as Leonard is a dominant two-way player; in just two games, he already totaled 7 steals. In their first game without him, a 23-point loss to Minnesota, the Raptors scored just 94 points.
Indiana Pacers
This is a little tricky to project because it’s unclear exactly how serious Tyrese Haliburton’s left hamstring issue is. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said the team would visit with a specialist, but hamstring injuries can linger. The concern here, though, is that Haliburton is the catalyst that maintains the Pacers offense. Without him last season, as he recovered from a ruptured Achilles tendon, the offense collapsed. Indiana has the talent and pieces to stay competitive in the East, but it will struggle to do that if Haliburton is forced to miss extended time.
Utah Jazz
This was a team already looking to incorporate new players, so time on the floor was paramount. Yet, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s right medial collateral ligament tear should force him out for six-to-eight weeks. Lauri Markkanen also suffered a wrist injury, though he appeared to avoid a long-term sprain. Utah already started the season 1-3 and does have Jaxson Hayes as a viable backup to Jackson, but Hayes is dealing with right shoulder soreness and Jusuf Nurkić should be out for an extended period. This Jazz team was going to need some time to come together. Now that project is delayed.
Oklahoma City Thunder
They’re the deepest team in the NBA and still have the reigning two-time Most Valuable Player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, so the Thunder should still be competitive. But the issue for Oklahoma City is twofold: it’s already dealing with a rash of injuries and many of them are severe. The biggest blow is to star forward Jalen Williams, whose broken and dislocated ankle may end his season. Guard Cason Wallace is dealing with a torn labrum and will require surgery. Center Chet Holmgren has right knee patellar tendinitis. Those are three starters. Alex Caruso, a key backup guard, is also out with a right ankle sprain.
Thankfully for Oklahoma City, Ajay Mitchell’s sprained ankle doesn’t appear to be serious. But Williams is a key offensive engine when Gilgeous-Alexander is on the bench; Williams can handle the ball, create for himself and for others and has a dependable shot. Without him, much more pressure falls on Gilgeous-Alexander to carry the burden of playmaking. Holmgren also helps stretch the floor and is an elite defender. His issue should heal, though knee injuries do need to be treated with some caution, especially with so much season left. The Thunder are still one of the best teams in the league, but that’s quite a lot to manage.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Donovan Mitchell #45 and Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers high five during the game against the Washington Wizards on December 12, 2025 at Capital One Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - NOVEMBER 29: Yves Missi #21 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes up for the rebound during the game against the Golden State Warriors on November 29, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Now that it’s clear the Golden State Warriors will likely get zero on-court contributions from center Kristaps Porzingis this season, the front office appears to be scouring the trade market looking for potential deals. According to a report by Shamit Dua of In the N.O., the Warriors are among teams that have reached out to the New Orleans Pelicans with interest in acquiring center Yves Missi. However, Dua reports that the team has rebuffed inquiries, with new head coach Jamahl Mosley championing the young big man.
“Teams have also continued to call on Pelicans center Yves Missi, and sources say the Golden State Warriors have recently made inquiry,” Dua wrote. “The Pelicans, like with Jones, continue to rebuff offers, which have mostly been based around second round picks. Mosley is a big advocate of Missi and wants the young center to be the focal point of the Pelicans defense. Missi is currently out with a left knee bone bruise that he sustained in Utah.”
While Dua does not mention the Warriors as a specific suitor for Herb Jones, the Dubs have been previously linked to him. Moreover, Jones would help solidify Golden State’s wing depth with Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler sidelined. A lockdown defender, Jones would also be an obvious potential target to try and help the Warriors improve from a horrendous start to the season defensively.
Missi have averaged 7.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game in his young career and the 22-year old has averaged 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game across two games so far this season (Missi has been sidelined for multiple games with a toe injury). A 2024 first-round pick, Missi is only making about $3.5 million this season and has a guaranteed $5.6 million salary next season. While Missi’s salary would be far from enough to match Porzingis’ $20 million, it could be paired with Jones to make a trade work. The Dubs could also pair Porzingis with Moody to send out enough salary to receive Missi and wing Trey Murphy III.
Presumably the Warriors would have to add significant draft compensation to get any of those deals done though, something the front office has seemed hesitant to do in the past. Perhaps with Porzingis sidelined, rookie Yaxel Lendeboorg looking ahead of schedule, and head coach Steve Kerr desperately needing a trustworthy big man, the Dubs will have more urgency to get a deal done.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at Toyota Center on October 26, 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks
October 28th, 2026
Location: Fiserv Forum — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Time: 7:00 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, Tari Eason
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during the game against the Orlando Magic during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 11, 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
CLEVELAND — The difference between good players and all-time great players often comes down to things that we on the outside don’t see. Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden is an all-time great player. He’s revolutionized how the sport is played, was a perennial MVP candidate in his prime, and has consistently played at an All-Star level for a decade and a half.
Those who’ve been around Harden the longest aren’t surprised that he’s been able to keep up this level of play.
“There’s a reason he’s been doing this as long as he’s been doing it,” Washington Wizards coach Brian Keefe said of Harden. “You don’t do that without being diligent about how you go about your work every day.”
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Keefe and Harden go way back. Keefe was on the staff with the Oklahoma City Thunder when they drafted Harden in 2009, and was with him until he was eventually traded to the Houston Rockets. Then, Keefe was with him again as an assistant when Harden was with the Brooklyn Nets.
Anyone who’s developed a reputation for a prolific nightlife — as Harden has — is often assumed to not be dedicated to their craft. That stereotype isn’t true with Harden. Anyone who’s been around him will tell you that he’s one of the hardest workers they know.
“He would come back early in his career, when we had him in Oklahoma, he would come back at night and just shoot and get some extra run in,” Keefe said. “This is not an accident why these guys are good players, and there was no accident why James has become a consistent player for all these years.”
That hard work has gone along with someone who sees and processes the game at a high level. There’s no stat or one thing that shows a player thinks the game well, but it has allowed them to continue being effective into his 18th season.
“He was always such a high IQ basketball player, and he was like that from the very beginning,” Keefe said. “He just saw the game so well. I think that’s what has always stood out to me about him is his ability to see all the angles, see all the passes. That was there from the very beginning.”
The Cavs are hoping that the high IQ and the work that he puts in will allow Harden to continue to play at a high level for at least the next three seasons. The guaranteed three-year, $97 million deal shows that they believe that he will, and that he has the capability to get the most out of Cleveland’s front court of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
Time will catch up to Harden eventually, as it does with every single athlete, but Harden has done his best to stave off Father Time as much as possible. And there’s one main reason behind that.
“You don’t do that without putting the work in,” Keefe said. “He was like that since day one.”
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena on October 26, 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
The injury bug is here, and it’s hungrier than ever. Roughly 15% of the league was on tonight’s injury report, with everyone from stars to role players going down.
79 players have been listed on the INJURY REPORT for today's NBA games 🤕
That's approximately 15% of the whole league 🏥
With the rise in injury count over the past few seasons, is it time for the NBA to consider shortening the season?
Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson shared his explanation for why the NBA has been hit with this recent wave:
“We as coaches are asking a lot about it,” said Atkinson. “Intensity is raised, there’s no doubt about it, there’s been tactical shifts, pressure on defense is up a lot, the average distance of pick-up, no one’s talking about the offensive rebounding… when you go to the boards, there’s contact, so there’s an exertion there.”
In this week alone, All-Stars such as Jalen Williams and Anthony Edwards have gone out with long-term injuries. Other standout names like Kawhi Leonard and Tyrese Haliburton are out with indefinite timelines. Some of these are freak injuries, while others seem emblematic of a larger trend across the NBA.
“Imagine bringing the ball up with no pressure, versus now you have a guy picking you up at the free throw line, and he turns you eight times; imagine the physical [toll], and then do that over time and multiply it,” said Atkinson.
Teams have become more aggressive than ever. The possession game is everything, and forcing turnovers begins in the backcourt. Attacking the offensive glass gets you another advantage. Going 110% on every play is the difference between winning and losing throughout 82 games.
“You have accelerations and decelerations, closeouts are longer, people shooting deeper,” said Atkinson. “So we’re aware of the physical toll, but it’s very complex because you got to keep up with the intensity of the other team… they’re going at you.”
It’s increasingly difficult to keep up in a league that is demanding an unsustainable pace. Atkinson believes the key is knowing when and where to apply pressure.
“It’s up to the coaches to figure out what is the right dose,” said Atkinson. “You can’t ask for everything; that’s my personal view.”
Reeling it in comes with a cost. The right opponent can run you off the floor if you aren’t ready to match their intensity. But in viewing this as a marathon instead of a sprint, the Cavs are at least taking advantage of the one thing they can control.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 16: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards dunks during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 16, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CLEVELAND — AJ Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, will make his NBA debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers after missing the first four games with a sprained left ankle.
Brian Keefe said Dybantsa will be on a minutes restriction. He wouldn’t reveal the exact minutes allocation. The 19-year-old forward hasn’t played since he injured his ankle on Oct. 16.
“I’m just excited for him to be on the court,” Brian Keefe said pregame. “This is his first game. I just want him to enjoy it. It’s obviously a great milestone for him and his family. So just excited for him.”
The Wizards are coming off a frustrating loss to a depleted Charlotte Hornets squad that dominated the glass. Washington must improve its rebounding effort against a Cavaliers team that features Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen down low.
With Justin Champagnie sidelined with a fractured right foot, Keefe mentioned Washington’s deep roster as something it’ll lean on.
“We got a deep roster. Different guys will step up,” Keefe said. “Not going to reveal the rotation, but this is what the NBA is about. Guys will get opportunities, and our guys are prepared to step in.”
Injury Report
WAS: Tre Johnson (right achilles soreness), Justin Champagnie (foot fracture), Tristan Vukcevic (hip impingement) and Jamir Watkins (ACL tear) are OUT.
CLE: Khalifa Diop (G League), Nae’Quan Tomlin (back) and Ernest Udeh Jr. (G League) are OUT.
Johnson felt some discomfort in his achilles during his pregame warmup, which is why he’s out tonight, Bullets Forever has learned.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 20: Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat goes to the basket against Onyeka Okongwu #17 of the Atlanta Hawks during the second quarter at State Farm Arena on February 20, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks (2-2) are hoping to not be the first victim of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat (0-4) in this home matchup.
Starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Start Time: 7:00 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)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Lawson Lovering #34 of the Memphis Grizzlies plays defense during the game against the Golden State Warriors on July 14, 2026 at the Cox Pavillion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Mike Kirschbaum/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In need of center depth after an underwhelming start from Kevon Looney, the Lakers have gone the route of a two-way signing for potential help.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Lakers have agreed to a two-way contract with Lawson Lovering, a big man who spent last season with the Grizzlies, splitting time with the parent club and their G League affiliate.
To free up a two-way roster spot, the team is waiving AK Okereke.
Just In: The Los Angeles Lakers and Lawson Lovering have agreed to a two-way deal, agent Drew Kelso of @OneMotiveSports told @hoopshype. The 7-foot center averaged 7.0 points and 7.5 rebounds in two games with the Memphis Grizzlies last season. pic.twitter.com/SlxuL6oKo0
The Lakers have added C Lawson Lovering on a two-way deal and are waiving AK Okereke. Team desperately needed another C in the building. @MikeAScotto was first on this
Lovering played just two NBA games with the Grizzlies, the better of which being an 11-point, 11-rebound showing in a late-February win over the Jazz. That came while on a 10-day contract which the Grizzlies did not re-up after it expired.
In 30 games with the Memphis Hustle, Lovering averaged 7.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 59.2% from the field. He did not take a three and was 25-61 (41%) at the free throw line.
Lovering signed a training camp deal with the Grizzlies before being waived. The Lakers swooped him up before he could rejoin their G League roster.
Okereke was always the likeliest of the Lakers’ two-way signings to be cut. A project player, he didn’t flash nearly as much in Summer League or during limited preseason minutes. Lovering also has the makings of being a project player, but he also fills more of a need.
While the Lakers need a backup center, the trade market likely won’t offer a solution in the near future. Signing him doesn’t mean he’ll automatically play, but it wouldn’t be a surprise for the team to try something.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 27, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After a stingy showing to open the year against the Golden State Warriors last week, the Los Angeles Lakers have increasingly struggled defensively and reached an early season nadir Tuesday night when they allowed 136 points to the Portland Trail Blazers, good for a 132.0 defensive rating (fourth percentile among all 2026-27 performances, per Cleaning the Glass).
Following the team’s dismal performance, its interior anchor, Walker Kessler, held himself accountable and didn’t think he set the tone necessary for everyone else.
“I got to personally be a lot better on the defensive side. I pride myself on kind of being the leader on the defense and I didn’t perform tonight,” Kessler told reporters. “But we’ll figure it out … It’s a good learning point because our offense looks good. Scoring almost 130 points is pretty efficient, but we shouldn’t have lost scoring 130. Giving up almost 140 is not acceptable.”
While Kessler occasionally struggled with his pick-and-roll positioning and rotations against Portland’s dynamic attack (No. 1 in offensive rating thus far!), plenty of other Lakers labored in their efforts to contain the ball on the perimeter or properly execute help responsibilities. More often than not, the Blazers broke through the initial line of defense and thrust Los Angeles into rotation for open 3s or finishes inside.
Head coach JJ Redick recognized these issues and believes it’s something everyone involved can learn from to be better.
“We just got broken down a lot. I thought the game plan discipline, [know your personnel] discipline wasn’t where it needs to be,” Redick said postgame. “I think sometimes, early in the season, these are good learning lessons that we can all apply both as coaches and as players. How can we teach the scheme better?”
Although the back-to-back nature of Wednesday’s game may complicate things, the Clippers’ 20th-ranked offense shouldn’t present as grueling of a test for the Lakers. Regardless, this matchup is still a chance to bounce back and rectify some of Tuesday’s recurring problems that ultimately sunk them in their first loss of the season. Tip off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 24: Justin Champagnie #9 of the Washington Wizards celebrates against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on October 24, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Washington Wizards wing Justin Champagnie underwent surgery to repair a fracture in his right foot, The Athletic’s Joshua Robbins reported Wednesday.
Wizards wing Justin Champagnie underwent surgery today to repair a fracture in his right foot, @TheAthleticNBA has learned. The Wizards are hoping that Champagnie will be able to return by the All-Star break. Champagnie suffered the injury during Monday's game in Charlotte.
The Wizards hope Champagnie will return by the All-Star break, according to Robbins. The All-Star break is scheduled for Feb. 19-24, 2027.
Pacers forward Obi Toppin fractured his right foot on Oct. 31 last season. He underwent surgery and returned on Feb. 26. Former Lakers forward Maxi Kleber fractured his foot on Jan. 25, 2025, and returned April 30, 2025 — 95 days after suffering his injury.
Champagnie injured his foot late in the first quarter of Monday’s 110-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. He attempted to play through it, but the injury overruled that determination. The 6-foot-7 wing intentionally fouled to stop the game and hobbled to the Wizards bench, where Khris Middleton and a team staffer helped him to the locker room.
“[Justin] is going to recover, and whatever he’s going through, we’re going to be right there with him, and he’s going to be right there with us throughout his recovery,” Trae Young said. “We’re going to make sure he’s right. We’ll hold down the fort while he’s gone.”
The Wizards quickly ruled him out with a right foot injury. Champagnie was one of Washington’s best players through the first three games.
Washington was a +36 with him on the floor and a -30 with him off. through the first three games He tallied 11 points and 14 rebounds and was a +18 in the team’s win over the Bulls.
Oct 26, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) stands on the court during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
You know what sucks about NBA scheduling? And stop me if you’ve heard me complain about NBA scheduling before… The Suns played Monday night, and they don’t play again until Friday against the Denver Nuggets. By the time that date finally rolls around, the Suns will be the only team in the league with only 3 games played. Would’ve been nice to have a Wednesday game tonight, wouldn’t it? But instead, we’ll get some weird, wonky stretch of five games in seven nights later in the season to make up for it.
Because of all that time off, combined with the fact that Devin Booker scored only three points on 1-of-7 shooting against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, we’re left sitting around overanalyzing his performance. Questioning his body language at the end of the game. We’re so bored, we’re hitting up our local trade machines to pass the time. That can be a dangerous thing…
I could never cover football for this exact reason. You get one game a week, then you have to wait an entire week for another, leaving you to sit there and stew over everything that went wrong the previous Sunday. Seeing as I’ve spent the past couple of days doing exactly that, watching Booker footage over and over again, I figured it was time to put my thoughts together on the debacle.
I’ll start by acknowledging one simple fact. I don’t believe I’m somebody who coddles our superstar, primarily because, in my opinion, he hasn’t been a superstar over the past few seasons. That’s not a knock on Devin Booker, personally or professionally. It’s the reality of where he currently stands within the NBA landscape. We’re talking about a player who hasn’t won a playoff game since 2023 and failed to make an All-NBA team since 2023-24. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb by suggesting that Devin Booker isn’t currently among the league’s premier players.
That’s not to say he doesn’t possess the ability to be one, because we’ve seen what he’s capable of throughout his career. He has a unique skill set, is an elite midrange scorer, and can pour in points with the best of them. We literally just witnessed this, as evidenced by his 43-point performance against the Golden State Warriors last Saturday. But consistency is what defines superstardom. It’s the ability to rise above the competition at every turn, or, in the case of Monday night’s game against Oklahoma City, to rise above three defenders at once.
“I’ve got to look at it back,” Booker stated after Monday’s loss when asked how he’ll evaluate his performance. “Shoot over three people?”
"I've got to look at it back. Shoot over three people?"
Devin Booker after 3-point effort (1-of-7 FG) in Suns loss tonight at OKC after scoring 43 points in Saturday's win over Golden State.
"I don't know. We'll see. Like I said, be more creative and finding spots where I get… pic.twitter.com/iGzex8x4wM
Yeah, based on that footage, I see why all the body-language doctors out there are writing prescriptions.
It’s troubling to see Booker go 1-of-7 against the Thunder, especially when you consider that two games earlier against the Portland Trail Blazers, he didn’t attempt a single three-pointer. While the Suns were getting their asses handed to them, their best (and highest compensated) player didn’t attempt a shot from beyond the arc, the very shot that could have helped his team get back into the game. That still befuddles me.
When you combine those performances with his postgame body language while sitting on the bench looking visibly distraught, and the fact that he didn’t appear willing to force the issue offensively, it catches your attention.
Devin Booker looked defeated sitting alone on the bench during a Phoenix Suns timeout 👀
I don’t care what opposing defenses are doing to Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, or Jalen Brunson. Those guys are going to get their shots up regardless of what the opposition throws at them. If they see a triple team coming, they’re going to find a way to get that shot off before the triple team arrives.
In the same breath, I can understand what Booker was attempting to do against Oklahoma City. This is a team that historically, and especially as we witnessed in last year’s postseason, has done an excellent job of game planning to get the ball out of his hands. Their entire objective is to force the rest of the Suns to beat them, and when you consider that Phoenix has surrounded one of the best midrange talents in the game with a roster lacking reliable spot-up three-point shooters, that objective becomes even easier to accomplish. We miss you, Grayson.
When you watch this compilation from Kellan Olson, you can see Booker fighting to get open, finding his spots, and creating opportunities. But it’s the defense imposing its will rather than Booker imposing his.
To aid the discourse and help you form your own conclusions off the basketball, here is every half-court possession from last night when Devin Booker got a ball screen. pic.twitter.com/4n0ZGNlXa5
So what does he do instead? He goes into Point Book mode, recognizing that Oklahoma City is selling out to take him out of the game and relying on his teammates to pick up the slack. To his credit, he finished with seven assists and zero turnovers.
And much like trying to break down the 2-3 zone, something the Suns were unsuccessful in doing Monday night, the solution requires his teammates to start knocking down shots. If they do, the defense has to adjust, opening up opportunities for Booker to operate. But his teammates didn’t. Booker ended the game with a team-high 13 potential assists.
Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges, and Jalen Green combined to shoot 6-of-23 from beyond the arc, a miserable 26%. Sure, they combined for 56 points, but they did so on 43.2% shooting on 44 shot attempts. Scoring continues to be a struggle for this Suns team, especially when opposing defenses can dictate where the ball goes and who gets to shoot it.
By the end of the game, Booker’s body language appeared to be that of somebody who was exhausted and frustrated with the outcome, his own performance included. At least that’s my interpretation. You’re out there battling an opponent that eliminated you from the playoffs the year before, and they’re successfully taking you out of your game, forcing you away from your preferred spots and making every possession a struggle. And when you look around for somebody to help alleviate that pressure, nobody is efficiently stepping up.
Look at the notes Barstool’s Sam Vecenie had on Miles Bridges and Jalen Green following this game:
I hate everything about what this Phoenix team has done to its starting lineup. They were without Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro tonight, so Maluach had to start. But really, the problem here is that Jalen Green and Miles Bridges are the antithesis of what made this team fun last year. They were so selfless and played for one another on defense last season. They moved the ball quicker and made better decisions. This group doesn’t do that with the starters. Coming into tonight, Phoenix’s starters had a negative-35.5 net rating and tonight might make that slightly better, but not much better. They got their ass kicked.
Green’s stat line looks about as good as it could. He had 20 points, four assists, four rebounds, only one turnover and shot 8 for 13 from the field. I wouldn’t say that he played poorly, but I didn’t love his game. I counted at least five possessions where he brought the ball up the court and shot the ball without passing, one of which was a pretty egregious one at the start of the second half where Phoenix clearly set up a Spain/stack action with Maluach and Booker, and Green just rejected the screen, drove to the rim, overpenetrated, and got stripped by McCain. Midway through the first, he had another no-pass possession where he settled for a contested midrange shot with 15 seconds left on the shot clock without trying to create anything for his teammates. When Green keeps it simple, attacking driving lanes when they come available as a slasher with his athleticism, taking open catch-and-shoot 3s, and cuts to the rim, he’s an effective player. He can attack mismatches well. The problem is when he tries to isolate or play in ball-screens against high-level defenses or defenders. He also doesn’t process it quickly enough and holds the ball too long upon catching it, allowing rotating defenses to catch up while he surveys. I don’t think he’s a fit with Devin Booker in the starting lineup.
Bridges was even worse largely because he can’t defend anyone. He gets caught in no-man’s land in help way to often. He can’t move his feet quickly enough on defense to deal with guards in switches. He ends up having to play too passively and is too far off of them, allowing them to get space and time to shoot. He also isn’t a good enough shooter to take advantage of when he’s open. He’s made 33 percent from 3 over his last four years, and only has one year in his career over 35 percent despite taking six per game over the last six years. He did a nice job moving without the ball, particularly in some moments where OKC was in zone coverage. Again, he had 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. The box score looks great. He did not play well.
My real issue with everything Phoenix is doing here with this group is that none of it is in service of accentuating Devin Booker or the scheme Jordan Ott found success with last season. Gillespie makes life easier for Booker by spacing the court, being an aggressive point-of-attack defender, and making good decisions. Goodwin and Brooks take really tough matchups on defense and are physical. Ighodaro was out tonight, but he moves the ball quickly. But Green and Bridges just have not looked like a fit at all. Maybe it gets better as the season continues, but their careers to this point would not suggest it.
Um. Yikes?
If I’m Devin Booker, I’m frustrated too. You’re a star in your prime, hoping that the organization is doing everything it can to build a competitive team around you. Not by trying to buy a championship by surrounding you with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but by finding a way to construct a roster around you while navigating a difficult dead cap situation. And so far, it doesn’t look good. The connectivity doesn’t exist, the chemistry is flawed, and the schemes aren’t working.
I can understand the blanket statements from the fan base expressing frustration that Booker should be able to rise above everything happening around him. He’s the $57 million man, and scoring three points is unacceptable. I understand exactly where you’re coming from because, on the surface, I concur. But when I dig a little deeper, I see a player who wants some help around him. Defenders who actually defend. Rebounders who actually rebound. Shooters who actually shoot. Is that too much to ask?
Devin Booker had the body language of somebody who recognizes that the road ahead is going to be long and difficult, and that the only way this team can remain competitive is if he goes out there and scores 43 points every night. That’s something a younger player might embrace, but on Friday, Booker turns 30. And sure, that’s what the contract is for. I get it. But that doesn’t make things any easier when the roster that’s been constructed around you, albeit incredibly early in the season, has been an utter catastrophe thus far.
Booker deserves criticism for Monday night. Three points from your franchise player is unacceptable, regardless of the circumstances. But expecting him to overcome every deficiency around him isn’t a sustainable formula for winning basketball. The Suns need to find ways to make his life easier, and that responsibility belongs to the players, the coaching staff, and the front office. Booker needs to be better. So does everybody around him. Because if this is what turning 30 looks like in Phoenix, it’s going to be a long damn season.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) gathers his game plan during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Crypto.com Arena on October 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Lakers’ first back-to-back of the season will be without Luka Dončić.
After falling to the Blazers on Tuesday, the Lakers released their injury report hours before Wednesday’s game against the Clippers with Luka included on it. The superstar will be out with back tightness, the first game he’ll miss in the young season.
Ziaire Williams will also be out with left foot soreness. Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr both remain out.
Lakers say that Luka Dončić (back tightness) and Ziaire Williams (left foot soreness) won’t play in the second half of the back-to-back vs. Clippers.
Luka did miss time during the preseason, but it was never for any actual injury. Back tightness is a vague enough term to not raise too many concerns, at least not yet. For now, it mainly just seems like an opportunity to get him some rest.
Tuesday’s game against Portland was the start of five games in seven nights, so it’s not a surprise that the team is finding some rest for Luka. It also wouldn’t be a surprise if Austin gets the same treatment during the span, too.
A source says the Lakers are being cautious with Dončić and the back tightness as the team plays Game 2 in a stretch where the Lakers play five times in seven days. No longterm worry about his health at this time. https://t.co/HaLAZsL4zD
For Williams, a foot injury did limit him during the preseason, though it’s not clear if this is the same foot. Again, this early in the season and given the context, it’s fair to assume this is management and rest.
Carr did have an optimistic update on his status from head coach JJ Redick prior to Tuesday’s game. He took part in practice with Coachella Valley, which Redick said was an “important step” toward returning. He was assigned to Coachella Valley again on Wednesday afternoon, which is encouraging as well.
There has been no further updates about Thiero after Redick said he would be shut down for a couple of days in the opening week of the season.
