The Dallas Mavericks forward and former Duke standout steps into the shoes of a Foot Locker employee as the star of the company's "Hoops Lives Here" campaign. The ad debuts on Tuesday, Oct. 20 ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season tipoff. It shows Flagg wearing New Balance gear and hanging out playing video games in the backroom of a Foot Locker store. He assists an employee in reaching tall shelves, among other comedic moments.
“For me, basketball is everywhere in my life. Whether I’m playing, training, watching games or just spending time with people who love the sport, I’m always connected to it in some way," Flagg said in a statement of how the campaign concept resonates with him, noting, "It celebrates all the different ways basketball is part of our everyday lives and brings together those who share a passion for the game.”
Flagg's ad follows the debut of Foot Locker's "Hoops Lives Here" campaign in May. In the original spot, Payton Pritchard lounges while eating Chinese takeout, Paolo Banchero makes a smoothie, Chet Holmgren gets ready in a mirror and Jewell Loyd prepares to go to sleep all inside a Foot Locker store.
This fall, Foot Locker became the official athletic footwear retailer of the New York Knicks and will help celebrate last year's championship, the team's first title in 53 years. Besides activations and promotions throughout the season, the company will host a one-day Rings ‘N’ Things pop-up with exclusive merchandise to commemorate the NBA Finals victory.
The new "Hoops Lives Here" ad also shows the growth of the popularity of New Balance. Besides Flagg, the athletic company has Shohei Ohtani, Jamal Murray, Coco Gauff and Bukayo Saka on its roster of athletes.
"It took me a while to get used to New Balance because New Balance used to be, you cut grass in New Balance," he said as the crowd erupted in laughter.
(Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
The 2026-27 NBA season is ready to destroy everything you think you know about basketball. It’s so hard to make preseason predictions in this era of the league when parity is at an all-time high and the pace-and-space nature of play puts every athlete in danger of injury. It sure feels like the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and New York Knicks are the top-3 teams coming into the season, but the NBA has taught us to expect the unexpected for this generation of hoops.
With the new season finally here, I thought it would be fun to say one nice thing about every team. Let’s get into it.
Atlanta Hawks
Kingston Flemings will go down as a draft steal: The Hawks were wise to bring back CJ McCollum on a one-year deal while getting an awesome young understudy to one day take over for him in Flemings. I like Flemings for his ability to maximize assist-to-turnover ratio and play bigger than his size defensively. His three-ball might need some time to develop, but the Hawks made a smart pick at No. 8 overall.
Boston Celtics
The Celtics have the best front office in the NBA: Trust Brad Stevens, Mike Zarren, and Dave Lewin. It’s better to make a big move a year too early than a year too late, and Boston’s leadership continues to be on the cutting edge of team-building. They will be right in their evaluations more times than not.
Brooklyn Nets
Jordi Fernandez is an elite head coach who will get this team to overachieve: Everyone expects the Nets to be doormats this season, but it’s not going to happen if they hang on to Michael Porter Jr. all season. Fernandez has more talent to work with this year with Julius Randle and Mikel Brown Jr. arriving, Day’Ron Sharpe joining the starting lineup, and Egor Demin ready to make a year two leap. Brooklyn will be feisty.
Charlotte Hornets
Charles Lee’s system is built to win regular season games: The Hornets just know how to win the margins under Charles Lee, which is no surprise given that he came from Boston’s staff. Charlotte is going to crush the offensive glass, jack tons of threes, and get their hands in the passing lanes to their best of their abilities. I think they will miss LaMelo Ball, but this team is too well coached to completely fall apart.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have a sneaky-good bench: Chicago’s bench is going to keep them in games. Leonard Miller is fully on breakout watch after an excellent preseason, Tre Jones is almost as good as Josh Giddey at backup point guard, Isaac Okoro is the team’s best perimeter defender, and Jalen Smith is a legit stretch five with monstrous per-minute production if he returns to a bench role after Nic Claxton gets healthy. That’s not even mentioning Buddy Hield or a pair of recent mid-first round picks in Noa Essengue and Dailyn Swain.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Evan Mobley can still take another step forward: Don’t write off Mobley from taking another jump just because he’s 25 now. He still has some low-hanging fruit to clean up in his game, and he certainly has the natural talent to improve as a driver, outside shooter, offensive rebounder, and defensive playmaker in terms of steals and deflections. The best is still yet to come.
Dallas Mavericks
Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving are going to be awesome together: Flagg is ridiculously good for a 19-year-old, and Kyrie Irving’s creation ability and pull-up shooting is going to make his life so much easier this year. I want to see Flagg get back to being the highly impactful defender he was supposed to be coming out.
Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon just win basketball games together: Gordon is quietly one of the most important injury risks in the league. If he stays healthy, the Nuggets are going to be very, very good.
Detroit Pistons
Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson are still getting better: Both of Cade Cunningham’s co-stars are already really good, and I think they will look even better a year from now. Duren can improve his defense, while Thompson’s offensive impact can keep getting greater even without three-point shooting improvement. Detroit’s young core is in great hands.
The Rockets still have so many breakout guys: I would pick Amen Thompson to level up this year, but it could also be Reed Sheppard or Alperen Sengun or Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason. If several of these guys take a leap, Houston will be a Western Conference contender.
Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton and Ivica Zubac will make magic together: The Pacers are losing some spacing with Zubac replacing Myles Turner from the 2025 NBA Finals team, but Haliburton will figure it out. Zubac’s superior physicality will make a big difference for a Pacers team that could use it.
Los Angeles Clippers
Ty Lue will put Keaton Wagler in position to succeed: Lue is still an elite coach, and he’ll find the right ways to develop the No. 5 overall pick even in tough circumstances.
Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic + JJ Redick = lots of wins: The Lakers have won 50+ games in both seasons with JJ Redick as head coach, and I expect that to continue this year. Redick will make the most out of the defense, and Luka will handle the creation burden as only he can. The Lakers should have homecourt advantage to start the West playoffs.
Memphis Grizzlies
Cameron Boozer and Zach Edey will be a phenomenal pairing: Boozer’s shooting, passing, and driving paired with Edey Hulk Smash’ing everything at the rim make the Grizzlies the easiest pick to exceed their preseason win total.
Miami Heat
I’m already terrified I was way too low on Miami: The Heat are the team I’m most worried I’m wrong about after having them No. 9 in my East predictions. Giannis should be on a mission, Erik Spoelstra is still the best coach in the league for my money, and you know some player (Pelle Larsson?) is going to have a career year. Miami will be a problem come playoff time.
Milwaukee Bucks
Ryan Rollins might be the most underrated guard in the league: He’s not a household name yet, but he will be soon.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves have the juice to upset the Thunder or Spurs in the playoffs: LaMelo and Ant’s pull-up shooting is a problem without a solution for opposing defenses … as long as they can get hot in a short series.
New Orleans Pelicans
Jeremiah Fears will create some of the NBA’s best highlights: Elite speed + elite ball handling ability is a rare combination. If Fears can improve his shot at all, he’s going to be a really great offensive guard.
New York Knicks
Their playoff run last season was no fluke: This team is loaded again even without Mitchell Robinson, and it’s going to count as an upset if any other team comes out of the East.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder’s rookies add new flair to the rotation: How did the league let Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz both fall to OKC? Sam Presti can’t keep getting away with it.
Orlando Magic
The Magic will the surprise team in the East: They have to get positive injury luck eventually, right? If it happens, new head coach Sean Sweeney can push the right buttons to get this team to the top half of the East playoff picture.
Philadelphia 76ers
The offense is going to be absolutely electric: I don’t give out gambling advice, but if I did, I would bet the over on every Sixers game to start the season. They are going to be capable of some ridiculous runs when everyone is locked in.
Phoenix Suns
The Suns will be a huge pain in the ass to deal with every night: Phoenix crushes the offensive glass and maximizes every ounce of its defensive potential. I’ll just say I like them more with Collin Gillespie in the starting lineup than Jalen Green.
Portland Trail Blazers
Scoot Henderson is finally going to breakout: It’s painfully obvious that the Blazers should bring either Damian Lillard or Ja Morant off the bench to start Scoot. I hope it happens.
Sacramento Kings
They will be better than expected because they can’t possibly be as injured as last year: There are some good players on this team, and I don’t believe they’re destined to be the worst in the league like everyone thinks.
San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs are winning the championship this year: This team is too big, too fast, too strong, and too good.
Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have another Cinderella run to the NBA Finals in them: If Kawhi Leonard can last through the playoffs, I see Toronto as the Knicks’ biggest challenger in the East, and they could be uniquely positioned to slow down New York’s powerful offense.
Utah Jazz
The Jazz will have a top-10 offense: Utah was No. 22 in offense last year. That’s going to change with Darryn Peterson, Keyonte George, Ace Bailey, Lauri Markkanen, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all getting buckets.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards have the most breakout player candidates in the league: Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, Will Riley, Alex Sarr … that’s just the start of it. If Washington’s two veteran stars can hold up their end of the bargain, the rebuild will finally be over.
He will take on a bigger role after LeBron James, the most recent star to bring a championship to the franchise and the longtime face of the NBA, left for the Philadelphia 76ers.
"It feels great," Dončić said about his role for the upcoming season. "Obviously it’s a new challenge. I was in this position in my career a lot of times, so it’s not new to me. But I feel great. I feel excited. I’m ready to go. It’s been a long time since I played basketball, so I’m ready."
Dončić closed out the 2025-26 season as the scoring champion after averaging 33.5 points per game. It was his second career scoring title. Dončić stacked his resume as a six-time All-NBA Player, six-time All-Star and the 2018-2019 Rookie of the Year.
Dončić's accomplishments and achievements are why he was ranked No. 4 on USA Today's top 100 player rankings ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The guard still has a lot to play for and has the opportunity to become the face of the NBA.
How can Luka Dončić become the face of the NBA?
Dončić still has several attainable milestones to achieve during his career.
The most notable is winning an NBA championship.
Dončić has proven he has what it takes to be a franchise star that leads a team to the NBA Finals. He took the Dallas Mavericks to the title series to end the 2023-24 season. The Boston Celtics went on to beat the Mavericks 4-1.
He could also win his first regular-season MVP award.
Dončić's highest career finish in MVP voting came at the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.
He nearly averaged a triple-double but finished third behind Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Dončić averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds per game. He was traded to Los Angeles the following season. He finished fourth in the voting last season behind Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.
With Dončić serving as the focal point of the Lakers' roster for the upcoming season, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office used the offseason to build around him.
The Philadelphia 76ers' game at the New York Knicks, one of three games opening the NBA season on Oct. 20, is the league's most expensive regular-season ticket for 2026-27, with a get-in price of $1,474.
Based on ticketing data for 1,194 regular season and NBA Cup games USA TODAY obtained from TicketData on Oct. 19, the premium for that game is far from shocking.
As the defending champions, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are the priciest home team in the league, with a median get-in price of $226 at Madison Square Garden. That’s double the next highest median, held by the Los Angeles Lakers.
Meanwhile, LeBron James and the 76ers command the biggest road premium. Games featuring the 76ers carry a median ticket-price premium of 242% compared to the typical price for the rest of a team’s home slate.
As such, when you put the Knicks and the 76ers together, it produces a pricey match-up (plus, New York will be raising its first NBA championship banner in more than 50 years).
On the opposite side, the cheapest median ticket falls to the Memphis Grizzlies and the Charlotte Hornets with their $19.50 get-in prices. The get-in price in New York is more than 11 times as expensive.
Also around $20 are the New Orleans Pelicans ($21 get-in price) and the Utah Jazz ($21.50).
The NBA’s hottest traveling tickets
On the road, James and the 76ers are priced well above most host teams’ other games. Philadelphia’s road games cost a median premium of 242% compared to the typical get-in price for other games at that arena.
In fact, the 76ers are the most expensive (or tied for the most expensive) visiting ticket in 25 out of the 29 NBA arenas they'll visit. The matchups that beat Philadelphia are New York at Brooklyn ($192 get-in price), Los Angeles Lakers at Chicago ($159), Miami at Milwaukee ($110), and Boston at Minnesota ($302).
The Spurs, who lost to the Knicks in last season's NBA Finals, are the 76ers' priciest visiting opponent, with a $223 get-in price for their March 21 game. That's just $1 more than the $222 get-in price for New York's Feb. 11 visit to Philadelphia.
San Antonio itself has a tie between the 76ers and the Knicks — both teams' games in San Antonio have a get-in price of $181.
Philadelphia’s premium is far and away the biggest across the league.
The next trio are all quite close together, though — road games with the Warriors and Spurs are 93% higher than the typical ticket at a given arena, while the Knicks provide a 91% bump.
On the flip side are the Brooklyn Nets. Games involving the Nets are 25% cheaper than other games at their road arenas. That discount beats the Sacramento Kings (a 24% drop) and the Atlanta Hawks (a 20% savings).
Most expensive NBA tickets for 2026-27
Here’s a look at the top 10 most expensive regular season games for the upcoming season, based on the get-in price as of Oct. 19 on TicketData. Nine out of the 10 are at Madison Square Garden, while three of the top five involve the 76ers:
76ers at Knicks: Oct. 20 — $1,474
Spurs at Knicks: Dec. 25 — $487
Celtics at Knicks: March 14 — $398
76ers at Knicks: Feb. 27 — $394
76ers at Raptors: Jan. 10 — $378
Heat at Knicks: Nov. 27 — $370
Lakers at Knicks: Jan. 30 — $362
Warriors at Knicks: Feb. 13 — $352
Nets at Knicks: Dec. 27 — $350
Celtics at Knicks: April 4 — $338
Methodology: USA TODAY analyzed advertised get-in ticket prices for the 2026–27 NBA season from TicketData, collected Oct. 19. Home prices reflect each team's median get-in price, while road premiums measure the median percentage difference between a visiting team's ticket prices and other games at the same arenas. Conditional NBA Cup games were excluded.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
The New York Knicks won their first NBA Championship since 1973 last season [Getty Images]
The 2026-27 National Basketball Association (NBA) season starts Tuesday, 20 Octoberwith the Boston Celtics heading to the Detroit Pistons.
The regular season, as well as the in-season NBA Cup, takes place between October and April.
After that, the play-offs take place to determine the NBA champions, who are crowned in June.
What is the format?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of Oklahoma City Thunder has won each of the last two NBA regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards [Getty Images]
All 30 teams are evenly split into two conferences of 15 - creating the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.
Each team plays 82 regular season matches between October and April, with the top six teams from each conference qualifying directly into the NBA play-offs.
The teams between seventh and 10th enter the play-in tournament, where two more play-offs spots from each conference are up for grabs.
There are also three divisions in each conference, with teams playing every other team in their division four times in the regular season.
Teams will then play six of the other sides in their conference four times, while taking on the remaining four franchises three times. They will then face all 15 teams in their opposing conference twice.
While the regular season sees teams play against opposition in both the Eastern and Western Conferences, the play-offs are conference-specific. All rounds of the play-offs are played in a best of seven-match series.
The winner of the Eastern Conference will face the winner of the Western Conference in the NBA finals in June, with the winner being crowned NBA champions.
List of NBA teams
Eastern Conference:
Atlantic Division
Brooklyn Nets
Boston Celtics
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors
Central Division
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks
Charlotte Hornets
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards
Western Conference:
Northwest Division
Denver Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
Portland Trail Blazers
Utah Jazz
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns
Sacramento Kings
Southwest Division
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans
San Antonio Spurs
What is the NBA Cup and when does it start?
The New York Knicks also won the NBA Cup last season [Getty Images]
The NBA Cup is an in-season competition where teams compete for a trophy, but some results also count towards the overall season standings.
The event starts on Friday, October 30, with the final taking place on Friday, December 11.
Teams face four teams from their conference and the group winners, as well as the best runner-up from each conference, advance into the quarter-finals.
Like the play-offs, teams only play against opposition in the same conference in the quarter-final and semi-final. Matches are also one-off knockouts, rather than a series.
The winners of each conference will meet in the championship game to determine the NBA Cup winner.
The Knicks are the defending NBA Cup champions, while the first edition in 2023 was won by the Lakers.
Which British players are in the NBA?
London-born OG Anunoby is a two-time NBA Championship winner [Getty Images]
Three British players will start the 2026-27 season on active NBA rosters.
Forward OG Anunoby is part of the Knicks side that won the NBA Championship and NBA Cup last season.
Power forward Tobi Lawal was picked up in this year's draft by the Dallas Mavericks, while centre Amari Williams was signed in the 2025 draft by the Boston Celtics.
In the cases of Lawal and Williams, both have been listed on two-way contracts, meaning they will rotate between their respective teams' NBA sides and G League franchises.
Jeremy Sochan, who plays internationally for Poland, is officially recognised by the NBA as a British player having spent part of his upbringing in England. Sochan was part of the Knicks' side at the end of last season and despite joining the Portland Trail Blazers in the summer, he was released earlier this week and will start the season as a free agent.
Tosan Evbuomwan, who spent the last three seasons in the NBA and featured for the Memphis Grizzlies, Detroit Pistons, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks, now plays for Spanish side Barcelona.
When are the NBA international games?
For the second year running, the United Kingdom will host a regular season NBA match.
It will be the first time Manchester has hosted a game, as part of a European double header.
In January 2027, the New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs will face each other at Manchester's Co-op Live, three days after facing each other in Paris.
The Denver Nuggets will also face the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City in November.
NBA's 2026-27 international games:
November 7, 2026: Denver Nuggets v Indiana Pacers – Mexico City Arena, Mexico City, Mexico
January 14, 2027: New Orleans Pelicans v San Antonio Spurs – Accor Arena, Paris, France
January 17, 2027: San Antonio Spurs v New Orleans Pelicans – Co-op Live, Manchester Great Britain
Who has won the NBA in recent years?
All eight NBA campaigns since the 2018-19 season have been won by different teams.
Prior to that, the Golden State Warriors were the most successful franchise in recent years, winning four NBA titles since the 2014-15 term.
The Boston Celtics, who were 2023-24 champions, are the most successful franchise in NBA history, with 18 title wins.
Last seven NBA-winning sides:
2025-26: New York Knicks
2024-25: Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24: Boston Celtics
2022-23: Denver Nuggets
2021-22: Golden State Warriors
2020-21: Milwaukee Bucks
2019-20: Los Angeles Lakers
2018-19: Toronto Raptors
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
The Cleveland Browns are 4-2, and the bandwagon has room for a lot more to jump on or return to the orange and brown of their youth. While the Browns four wins have not been pretty, with all of them (and the loss to the New York Jets) potentially going the other way, learning to win is an important skill for a very young team to learn.
Who cares? At least for now, Cleveland fans have something to be excited about, including Jason Kelce.
Growing up Browns fans, Jason’s brother Travis begged the team to draft him when he was coming out of the University of Cincinnati. Travis has also been a regular at many other Cleveland teams’ games and bought a ownership stake in the Cleveland Guardians.
Jason has been a little less Cleveland-forward in his presentation, until Monday Night Football when he started using the term “we” and a lot of excitement to describe the Browns start to the season:
Given the Browns positive start, it is possible that the team could get their scheduled flexed in the near future, but probably not to Kelce’s Monday Night Football just yet.
No matter what, a fun thing for Cleveland natives and fans is that the Browns are 4-2 and at the top of the AFC North. It is a big deal to see the elder Kelce join his brother in embracing the “we” that is their Cleveland upbringing. That moniker used to only be used by Jason for the Philadelphia Eagles.
How do you feel about Kelce and others jumping on or back on the Browns bandwagon?
The matinee in Detroit will feature “College Gameday-style activations," a "Blue Carpet" experience, a marching band rendition of "Roundball Rock" and other special festivities planned around Little Caesars Arena and downtown Detroit throughout the day. The afternoon game is an experiment conceived by the NBA and NBC entering Year 2 of their massive 11-year, $27-billion media rights partnership, with the goal of turning opening night into an all-day event.
And, while the pre-game excitement should spur plenty of interest, the matchup itself features two of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference as Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and the Pistons face off against Jayson Tatum, Paul George and the Celtics.
New York, of course, never lacks for excitement but the buzz in Midtown will be even larger than usual as the Knicks raise their championship banner and receive their championship rings before taking the court for one of the most highly anticipated season openers in recent memory – which could also serve as a preview of a possible Eastern Conference final.
The Knicks return nearly all of the players that were part of that title-winning team, including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, and they’ll face an immediate test against the new-look 76ers, who added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to a roster that already featured Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.
And despite all that, the best basketball game of the night could be the last one as the Spurs and Thunder renew their rivalry just months after a thrilling seven-game Western Conference final that saw San Antonio outduel the 2025 champs.
The Thunder and the Spurs might be the two most complete teams in the NBA and each features an MVP favorite: two-time winner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Victor Wembanyama. Oklahoma City placed a whopping seven players in our rankings of the Top 100 players for the 2026-27 season, and San Antonio wasn't far behind with five in the top 100.
Here is all the information you need to get ready for the opening day triple-header, including some key questions and how to watch each contest:
■ Key question: Will Celtics regret trading Jaylen Brown and replacing him with Paul George?
George, who will turn 37 in May, struggled to find efficiency in the preseason, hitting just 5-of-20 shots (25%), including just 3-of-14 attempts from beyond the arc (21.4%). Granted, it’s just preseason, so this shouldn’t be extrapolated into some final judgment, but Boston’s early-season success should hint to how this team will operate without Jaylen Brown and with Jayson Tatum as the face of the franchise.
■ Key question: Will Knicks have a title hangover?
For the first time in 53 years, the Knicks are raising a banner. It was a historic run, and New York City celebrated this team in lavish fashion. But contract negotiations between the team and starters Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart have stalled and will be pushed to the end of the season. Could this impact the locker room? Could an emotional season that required massive mental and physical energy prompt the Knicks to start slow? No team has had more continuity than the Knicks. They’ll need to lean on that early in the season.
■ Key question: How quickly with the new-look 76ers gel?
It might seem like a paradox, but adding massive stars can also be a burden. And with the acquisitions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, each of Philadelphia’s starting five players will need to tweak their games – to a certain degree. Based on preseason action, efficiency might take some time. The Sixers turned the ball over a significant amount when all starters were on the floor, and it appears clear there will be a sussing out period where players figure out how to space the floor and get the most out of each other. And there’s no better barometer than a primetime game against the defending champs.
■ Key question: The game’s best rivalry will be renewed. Do the Spurs still have the edge over the Thunder?
These two teams played 12 times last season, and San Antonio dominated, winning eight times. It created a very physical and entertaining seven-game Western Conference finals. And both these teams, by and large, are the overwhelming favorites to win the 2027 NBA Finals. The Thunder lost some key role players like Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, and the young Spurs will need to show they’ve matured after last season’s letdown in the Finals. These are among the more entertaining matchups in the entire NBA. Make sure you’re tuned in.
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics interacts with fans before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 28, 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
On the eve of Opening Night (Matinee?) and the 81st season of the Boston Celtics, it’s hard not to be thankful for everything that the franchise has accomplished and given to us fans.
“The people that came before you. The city. The fans. The expectation of winning. The players. The coaches,” head coach Mazzulla said when asked what makes the Celtics special.
“We only have a chance and it’s only special to have the job because of those that came before you that set the stage, set the tone, what the expectation is, what the responsibility is. I’m just really grateful to be a part of that.”
The eighteen banners that hang at TD Garden are a testament to the consistent excellence that Boston has maintained since the NBA was formed, but as Mazzulla said, it also just sets the stage for what we expect from them year in and year out: to win.
Over the offseason and now training camp, the front office and coaching staff is trying to maximize this roster by winning in the margins. That has meant trading Jaylen Brown for Paul George who called his first few months with the team a “beautiful challenge” in redefining himself in Year 17 of his decorated career. With the depth of the rotation being a major strength in this new CBA era, the team is also stressing the importance of possession maxxing by hitting the offensive glass and creating turnovers.
“We’ve done a lot of great things here in camp, things that we can continue to build on throughout the year,” Derrick White said before their final practice before playing the Pistons today to kick off the 2026-2027 season.
“Everybody is really excited right now, especially going into their first game. It’s just going to be a test for us to see if we can continue to grow, continue to get better.”
For us at CelticsBlog, I can’t tell you enough how much the staff is looking forward to this year. If our Slack channel had an AUX out, you could probably hear us from North Station to the Portland Expo in Maine. Already, this feels like a special year in the making. Here’s CelticsBlog on what we’re excited to see:
Nirav Barman: I’m excited to see Mazzulla Ball in its purest form. I’m fully bought in to the concept, Mitch and PG were perfect additions, we have healthy Tatum back, and the young wings have shown me that they are willing to outwork anyone and everyone, while also making huge strides in their own development.
Trevor Hass: I’m excited to see the Celtics carry themselves with a collective swagger, hunger and cohesiveness that never disappears throughout the season. This feels like a no drama, no excuses and no let up kind of group, and I think it will be an easy team for fans to get behind. We’ll see where it puts them in the standings and how far they ultimately go, but the 2026-27 season will be a joyous one regardless.
Grant Burfeind: I’m excited to see Jayson Tatum win Comeback Player of the Year and MVP, Payton Pritchard repeat as Sixth Man, Neemias Queta take Most Improved, Hugo González, Baylor Scheierman, Ron Harper Jr. and Jordan Walsh win Best New Boy Band at the Grammys, and the Celtics hang Banner 19. The season hasn’t started, so I see no reason to be realistic yet.
INGLEWOOD, CA – JANUARY 3: Luka Garza #52 and Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics high five during the game against the LA Clippers on January 3, 2026 at Intuit Dome 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Gio Rivera: I’m excited to see Boston’s big men trio — yes, trio — flourish. Obviously, Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson will log most of the minutes, whether starting interchangeably or paired together in a double-big combination, but Luka Garza can’t be overlooked. As Queta emerged as a first-time starter last season, Garza carved out a role for himself as the best 3-point-shooting center on the Celtics’ depth chart, bringing an inspiring, hustle-first mentality that leaves him sweating like he’s just finished running the Boston Marathon every time he returns to the bench for a breather. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has plenty of flexibility with the Queta-Robinson-Garza trio. They each bring a different skill set but share a similar brand of hard-nosed, unselfish basketball, giving Boston’s frontcourt intriguing potential this season.
Jake Issenberg: I’m excited to see Hugo Gonzalez take the leap. The Spanish wing turned in a historically impactful rookie season. He followed that up with a strong summer league performance, and a near perfect preseason. Swarming defense, isolation scoring, elite catch and shoot three-point shooting, Gonzalez flashed it all in his four preseason games. I’m excited to see more.
BOSTON, MA – MAY 2: Baylor Scheierman #55 and Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics react during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 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
Ian Inangelo: I’m excited to see the young guys take another step. I think Baylor Scheierman, Hugo Gonzalez and Jordan Walsh are in store for big seasons. I think Scheierman has the chance to be the best this season and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up being a starter by the end of the year. Gonzalez going into Year 2 just came off an impressive preseason and I think is going to be a huge piece off the Celtics bench with not only his effort and defense but also some improved shooting. Finally, Walsh looks to have started taking another step forward with his aggression on offense and I think his ability to cut and play elite wing defense will make him another guy who could be a big piece for Boston.
Nate Moskowitz: I’m excited to see a more forceful Celtics defense. They finished as the 4th best defense last season, but they were near the bottom of the league in forced turnovers. A lot of their process was about controlling where teams shots were coming from, and defending without fouling. With some of the personnel changes and the early signs from preseason, they seem destined to generate more turnovers. I’m looking forward to them taking more risks and being a defense that’s very frustrating to play against.
Mike Dynon: I’m excited to see how the Paul George experience plays out with the Celtics. He knows he’s here because of an unpopular trade, yet he’s completely bought in to what has been called Celtics Pride. “This locker room, the culture here, the front office, the city, the organization, the tradition, all of that is something that I’ve never been a part of,” George told the Boston Globe. “Where everything is high quality. For me, it’s refreshing. Hopefully, I can remain healthy. I think I became a journeyman along the way [of my career]. At this point, I would love to be able to call Boston home.” Fans love that sort of commitment. Moreover, George has demonstrated that he plays defense and can impact winning, qualities that will further endear him to Celtics Nation. When the trade deadline comes, will he be the next Anfernee Simons, the guy who won us over and we regret when he’s traded away? Or will he be another Kristaps Porzingis, to use one example, who will sit out some games but be a key contributor to a memorable run of success?
Boston, MA – October 10: Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, guard Derrick White and forward Paul George watch from the bench in the fourth quarter. The Boston Celtics played the Philadelphia 76ers in a preseason game at TD Garden on October 10, 2026. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images
Jack Quantrill:
I’m excited to see a bounce back season from Derrick White this year. According to a whole host of advanced metrics White was a top 30 impact player last year; shooting slump be damned. I think with this roster White slots back into a comfier role for his supreme talents and provides all that impact whilst posting sexy box score and efficiency stats. Tatum is a better facilitator of flow offence than JB, Paul George provides a great supplementary skills, plus shooting, playmaking capability and I expect to see Pritchard usurp White in the usage rankings this year leaving White to do what he does best. The out of this world role player stuff. I’ll welcome a healthier diet of assisted three’s, less pick and roll responsibility and far more second chance threes coming off of Mitch’s mighty mitts.
Noa Dalzell: I’m excited to see how Payton Pritchard improves his game this season – he has the long-term extension locked up, he’s the presumed No. 2 option, and he really thrived when he wasn’t sharing the floor with Jaylen Brown last year. Could another leap be in the works?
BRIGHTON, MA – OCTOBER 12: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during an all access practice on October 12, 2026 at the The Auerbach Center in Brighton, 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
Bill Sy: I’m excited to see what Phil Pressey and the developmental coaching staff can do with rookies and two-way players. Big Fella University alumni Luke Kornet and Neemias Queta have become more than serviceable centers in the league and the rise of Boston’s four-headed wing rotation of Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh, Hugo Gonzalez, and Ron Harper Jr. are going to be relied on as supporting role players. Those success stories will now be the blueprint for players like Devin Carter, Dillon Mitchell, Chris Cenac Jr., and Amari Williams.
Rich Jensen: I’m excited for the playoffs. Yep. I’ve seen enough of the team from last year and the preseason this year, to feel very comfortable with the quality of play we can expect in the regular season. The regular season is going to be fun, I think, but the big question is whether this team has what it takes to make some serious noise once the games really start to matter.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 5: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers goes to the basket against Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks in the first quarter during the preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 5, 2026 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We have arrived. The beginning of the most highly anticipated Sixers season of our lifetimes is upon us. A starting five of stars past, present, and future has been assembled to take Philadelphia to the promised land known as “beyond the second round of the playoffs”.
It all still feels a bit surreal. The Jaylen Brown trade came out of nowhere, after we had all but resigned ourselves to a purgatory riding out the contracts of Paul George and Joel Embiid. Now every conversation about the team seems like a harpist is playing while a personal chef prepares our dinner. The possibility of LeBron James signing with the Sixers was certainly discussed. But surely he would return to a past home in Cleveland or Miami. It was nice just to be thrown into the mix. Now the always a bridesmaid is being rushed to the altar in a helicopter from New York.
The actual basketball game tonight feels so much bigger than one regular season contest. The New York Knicks are raising their championship banner at the Garden prior to tip. Facing them feels like a true measuring stick moment for this group in which we’ve only seen the starting five together for one half of basketball during the preseason. Never mind that it’s just one of 82 regular season games and nobody cares about anything but the postseason anyway. They didn’t have a parade for the 2014-15 Hawks winning the conference and having all five starters in the All-Star game. Or maybe they did, I haven’t been to Atlanta in a while. The point is tonight’s result is largely inconsequential in the big picture, but it will still feel enormous in the moment.
We know we’re going to see the starting five together for their first extended run, but what about everyone else? Dominick Barlow (back) and Tacko Fall (hip) are out. Adem Bona and Anfernee Simons are both listed as questionable, but were coy when asked about a return to action for the opener and appear like they will play. Dean Wade truly questionable with an ankle injury after not practicing with the team yesterday. Meanwhile, the Knicks have a clean injury report; Josh Hart sat out the preseason finale with an ankle injury but will play tonight.
Knicks fans are understandably riding high. Winning their first championship in over 50 years will do that. They should soak up every second. But it has become increasingly difficult to have a repeat champion. James Dolan is treating the second apron like the apocalypse. Mitchell Robinson was a cap casualty and as great a guy as Andre Drummond was during his team here, that’s a downgrade as a replacement. The organization has tabled extension talks with key figures like Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart. There’s only one way to go when you’ve reached the top, but the starting group is still together for New York for now, and they’ll certainly be highly motivated after seeing their grand accomplishment rise to the rafters.
Spoiling tonight for the Knicks would feel so sweet. It wouldn’t make up for having to watch New York sweep the Sixers in the playoffs, with Knicks fans taking over the arena in Philadelphia, and then seeing them make their title run, but it would sure be a nice start. More than anything, though, we want to see the coalescence of this new era of Sixers basketball. For the unselfishness and togetherness and offensive brilliance we caught glimpses of during the brief preseason to blossom on the larger stage. For the vision of this dynamite roster on paper to begin to translate into an on-court product. Mike Gansey has constructed a dream for us. Now let’s watch the players make it a reality.
Game Details
When: Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 p.m. ET Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY Watch: NBC, Peacock Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
The New York Knicks will hoist their first NBA championship banner in 53 years tonight and then open their season against a primary threats to their title defense.
The Philadelphia 76ers with new acquisitions LeBron James and Jaylen Brown will be at Madison Square Garden to face the reigning champs in a game tipping off at 7 p.m. on NBC and Peacock. The 76ers complete their starting five with 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, All-Star Tyrese Maxey and rising second-year player VJ Edgecombe.
The Knicks have a returning core of NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, playoff hero OG Anunoby and veteran leaders Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges.
New York is seeking to become the first repeat champion since Golden State in 2017-18. The Knicks became the eighth franchise to win an NBA title in the past eight seasons since then. None of the past seven champions advanced to the NBA Finals in the following season.
NBC and Peacock will feature 100 regular-season games throughout the 2026-2027 season across its three marquee nights of the week: Sunday Night Basketball (beginning Jan. 24, 2027); Peacock NBA Monday (beginning Oct. 26); and Coast 2 Coast Tuesday (beginning Oct. 27).
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks game preview:
By trading for Brown and signing James, the 76ers are trying to change a narrative of coming up short in the playoffs. Philadelphia's most recent appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals was in 2001 and its last championship was in 1983.
In six of the past nine seasons, the 76ers were eliminated in the second round, including last year's sweep by the Knicks.
"I didn’t leave my family to lose in the second round,” said James, who has made the conference finals 12 times.
James said helping the 76ers win a title will be the last goal of an illustrious career that began 23 years ago. He joins a team of several stars in their prime. Brown is coming off his best season with career highs in scoring (28.7 points per game), rebounds (6.9 per game) and assists (5.1 per game), and the 2024 NBA Finals MVP has played in an NBA-high 142 playoff games since joining the league in 2016.
Maxey averaged career highs in scoring (28.3) and assists (6.6) last season, and Embiid returned from missing 44 regular-season games with various injuries and an emergency appendectomy to lead the 76ers past the Celtics in the first round by averaging 28 points in the last four games of the series. Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, led rookies with 35 minutes per game and was third in scoring at 16 points per game.
The Knicks return nearly the entire roster that won the championship over the San Antonio Spurs in five games, closing a 16-3 playoff run that included sweeps of Philadelphia and Cleveland.
Nine of the the team's top 10 leaders in playoff minutes are back with backup center Mitchell Robinson as the only departure. Andre Drummond was signed to replace Robinson.
There are still several questions looming about the future of this year's team. The Knicks announced Oct. 9 that all contract extension talks have been tabled until later in the season. Towns has been frustrated by trying to nail down a deal beyond a player option next summer. "Simply put, I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also values me," Towns said. "And none of those things are close to happening.”
Hart, who is playing with a team option for next season, said, "You don’t want that trickling into the season because whenever there’s uncertainty, there’s going to be a lot of questions.” Key bench player Miles ‘Deuce" McBride said he was "disappointed" to enter the final year of his contract without an extension.
How to watch Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks:
When: Tuesday, Oct. 20
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Announcers: Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller and Jamal Crawford. Zora Stephenson is the sideline reporter.
What other NBA games are on NBC and Peacock today?
Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons, 3 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 p.m. ET, NBC, Peacock
How to watch 2026-27 NBA games on NBC and Peacock?
The NBA is back on NBC and Peacock for the 2026-27 season with 100 regular-season games across its three marquee nights of the week: Peacock NBA Monday, beginning Oct. 26; Coast 2 Coast Tuesday, beginning Oct. 27; and Sunday Night Basketball, beginning Jan. 24, 2027.
What is the full 2026-27 NBA on NBC and Peacock schedule?
You can see the full schedule of 2026-27 NBA games airing on NBC, Peacock, NBCSN and Telemundo here.
How do I sign up for Peacock to watch NBA games?
Peacock is available across a variety of devices. To get started, find or download the Peacock application on your device or head directly to PeacockTV.com to create a Peacock account. Then, you’re ready to watch!
Another NBA regular season is set to begin, and the preseason player rankings have already been rolled out. While debates over the league's top stars never end, the exercise also offers a revealing snapshot of where each franchise stands entering the 2026-27 season.
But a team-by-team breakdown of each franchise's highest-ranked player revealed several surprises, including Tyrese Maxey's standing among his new, more accomplished 76ers' teammates and the one team that didn't have a player ranked among the top 100 heading into the season.
Here's what stood out while determining the highest-ranked player on each of the NBA's 30 teams entering the 2026-27 season:
Tyrese Maxey is top Sixers player over LeBron, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid
Tyrese Maxey might not be the most well-known player on the Philadelphia 76ers, surrounded by two former MVPs and an NBA Finals MVP this season. But he is the highest-ranked Sixers' player in USA TODAY's rankings, checking in at No. 14 and above Jaylen Brown (15), LeBron James (19) and Joel Embiid (41). Maxey had a tremendous sixth season in the NBA last year, setting career highs in nearly every statistical category and emerging as a bona fide franchise player Philadelphia can build around for years to come. But his current ranking also reinforces just how important Maxey's shot creation and durability will be if the Sixers are to win a championship with the veteran core around him.
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are NBA anomalies
Of the 30 players identified as the best on their respective teams in USA TODAY's rankings, 10 are 25 or younger and the median age is 27. The Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry and the Houston Rockets' Kevin Durant, meanwhile, are both 38. In fact, only one other player considered the top player on his team entering the season is older than 31.
Their continued excellence is a rarity in today's NBA. While most of their contemporaries have either seen their production decline significantly or left the league altogether, Curry and Durant remain franchise centerpieces and among the sport's elite talents. More than a decade after establishing themselves as superstars, Durant is still carrying championship expectations for the Rockets, and Curry remains the Warriors' standard-bearer.
The ommission of any Grizzlies players in USA TODAY's top 100 rankings is a reflection of both the youth of their roster and the uncertainty surrounding the franchise's long-term outlook. Rookie Cameron Boozer received consideration on some ballots but ultimately fell short of making the final list. Based on the early returns, he could move up the rankings quickly. But this designation demonstrates how much change the Grizzlies have gone through while offloading top 100 players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. in recent years.
Best player on each NBA team for 2026-27 season
Teams listed in alphabetical order; number in parentheses is where each player landed in our Top 100 player rankings ahead of this season:
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 14: Referee Italo Araujo #86 gestures during the fourth quarter of a preseason game between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers at Intuit Dome on October 14, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 Melina Pizano/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Every season the NBA Referees’ Association makes some changes regarding how rules will be enforced in the upcoming season. This is usually in response to the abuse of a rule, or an interpretation of a rule, that has lead to actions, and abuses by the players that are contrary to the intent of the rule as written, interpreted, or enforced by NBA referees. In theory these are usually good changes, if they are consistently enforced. The problem comes when we see a ton of enforcement of the newest points of emphasis for about 3 weeks, and then not nearly as much.
It could be the behavior has been checked by the effort from the referees, as we see in some rule changes, or that they just slip back into old habits. For example, once a rule, and enforcement effort, meant to curtail transition take fouls went into place, transition take fouls all but disappeared. Once the reward of the activity is removed, the activity generally stops, or falls off tremendously. I think we’ve seen both “this fixed the problem” and “the refs stopped calling this a foul after three or four weeks”. How will this season’s changes fare?
If you’ve been paying attention to certain players recently (cough SGA) you might have seen a weird circumstance where the offensive player engages in a shove worthy of an NFL running back’s stiff arm. This is often not called correctly as an offensive foul. In the case of SGA, it’s often called as a foul on the defender, that is, the player being shoved.
The new enforcement seeks to limit off arm offensive player behavior to “firming up” and “feeling for the defender”. (Don’t look at me, that’s Monty McCutchen’s language.). What I think this means is the offensive player has a right not to have their space for dribbling or shooting completely invaded by a defender. So “firming up” or defending that space, or “feeling for the defender” in order to keep the defender out of the space by “firming up” is allowed. What’s not allowed is a straight up arm bar, shove, stiff arm, and God willing, grab, by the offensive player. A preseason crowd erupted with joy when such was called as an offensive foul against SGA.
Effect On Rockets: Probably improves defense, could cause some issues for Sengun, or Durant on offense, but is not the basis of their attack, unlike some players. Even if all the offensive fouls aren’t called, not calling defensive fouls for a defender getting stiff armed, or shoved, will most likely help the Rockets.
Change Two: Freedom of Movement – Screens
We saw this one called during the games in China.
The point here is to eliminate what looks to be the same as a “hand shiver” or “chuck” in football. No double, or single arm shove or push when setting, leaving, or holding a screen. This is a real specialty of GSW on screens that never actually get set, just a shove in the back from an offensive player who looks to be setting a screen, but never does, he only does the push.
Rockets Effect: I don’t think this screen’n’shove is a particularly notable part of the Rockets screening. They are more often called for movement, or extending a leg or knee, on a screen.
Change Three: Freedom of Movement – Perimeter and Post
Much rejoicing! If you remember Durant being grabbed on offense approximately sixty thousand times last season, you’ll be pleased to know your instincts were correct. It IS against the rules. Who knew? Apparently not every single team that played the Rockets. In the post, apparently, again, who knew, it’s illegal to punch a guy in the kidneys, or grab him while he’s trying to establish position. Once again, Alpie is used as an example of when this should be called.
Rockets Effect: The Rockets, particularly Kevin Durant, got grabbed a lot last season. Maybe they were grabby too, but I’ll take my chances with the grabbing and shoving going away, if it does.
Change Four: FoM – Straight Line Path
So apparently it isn’t actually great defense to jump in front of an offensive player that’s gained an advantage on a drive and bash into him or shove him on the way to the basket. I’m a little unsure of this one, as I added the “gained advantage” language myself. That’s what this appears to be – defender gets beat straight line, moves to when offensive player will end up, and bashes him off his trajectory. Minimal contact, and I’d think shot contests are fine, but shoving the offensive player out of the way isn’t.
Rockets Effect: I don’t know. Maybe good for the likes of Amen. Do the Rockets do this a lot on defense? I can’t honestly recall.
Hey, it’s a video about flopping with Alperen Sengun, and HE’S NOT DOING THE FLOPPING! Great stuff. And THEN they show Curry flopping! This is crazy stuff. We also learn that if a player just fall down, but don’t act like you’ve been shot out of a cannon, or by a cannon, it’s not a technical foul. A head snap, by itself (repeat, by itself) isn’t a flop in and of itself. Sadly there is nothing regarding “fouling with your face, and then acting like you’ve lost an eye if the opponent’s hair touches you” Maybe next season.
Effect on Rockets: Only good. The Rockets are pure, noble and stalwart and have never, ever, flopped. Not even when James Harden played for them. All those other nasty floppers out there will pay, though.
Change Six: Shot Closeouts– Flagrant vs Common Foul
This starts with 1:23 left in the video above. It features Marcus Smart both being fouled, and making sure he gets that call. This seems to be pretty simple stuff, but they make the distinction between a flagrant foul (not allowing landing space, reckless closeout) and a regular defensive foul (allows landing space, no reckless closeout, but makes contact). This could be a welcome change from “all fouls on 3pt shooters are flagrant fouls” which is how the rule has seemingly been enforced lately.
Rockets Effect: I don’t think this actually helps Tari Eason at all.
Lebron James, Victor Webanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will play big parts in this NBA season. Composite: Guardian Pictures (via Getty)
What I’m most looking forward to …
Seeing all the fruits borne of an incredible summer of player movement. It feels like three years ago that Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Heat, because since then, Jaylen Brown and LeBron James went to the 76ers, and a ton of other deck chairs were reshuffled. This is the most intriguing NBA opening week in eons. Claire de Lune
Washington and Utah clawing their way out of the doldrums. Both have been in perpetual poverty for almost half a decade. Both now surround young cores of switchy, two-way wings with playoff-tested veterans like Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson Jr. Lee Escobedo
The NBA’s great chemistry experiment. After a summer in which Antetokounmpo landed in Miami and LeBron and Brown somehow wound up together in Philadelphia, the league feels like someone hit the reset button. Whether any of these hastily assembled superteams can actually function together is another question entirely. I’m particularly interested in how quickly the novelty wears off and the finger-pointing begins. Bryan Armen Graham
Can I be a homer and pick da Bulls? It appears they have their own generational Caleb – Caleb Wilson – to match the dynamic Bears quarterback, and the North Carolina prospect has looked like a draft steal since falling to fourth overall. Mix in the free-agent signing of Norman Powell (a veteran tough guy who expands his offensive range each year) and the addition of Tiago Splitter (a Gregg Popovich disciple who spurred Portland to a surprising playoff campaign last year), and these young Bulls sure look ready to run again. Andrew Lawrence
A healthy Indiana Pacers team. I watched a lot of Pacers games last season, convinced they’d still be a playoff team as Tyrese Haliburton recovered from a torn Achilles – their magical run to the NBA finals in 2025 was very much a team effort – only to realize in dismay how Haliburton was not only the team’s beating heart, but the engine of their offense. Now Hali is back, Myles Turner is out, Ivica Zubac and Kelly Oubre Jr are in, and I am glued to my couch with a big bucket of popcorn. Owen Lewis
LeBron’s time with the 76ers will be …
Irrelevant to his legacy. For all the hand-wringing and consternation about what will or won’t happen for LeBron and the 76ers in his tenure there, it’s ultimately a moot point. The (presumably) last stop of his storied career is a coda on what will likely go down as the greatest career in the history of the sport. Another ring would just be a cherry on top. CDL
Not how he imagined. Joel Embiid had the unmitigated gall to announce he’s “against the concept of sacrificing”. This leaves five starters with All-Star appetites fighting over one ball. Recent champions won with a legible hierarchy, a pecking order that settles crunch time and dictates the counter when defenses load up. Tyrese Maxey, coming off a career-high 28.3 points a game, belongs atop the pile. He and VJ Edgecombe will pay most for its absence. LE
A magnificent circus. Philadelphia have spent more than four decades searching for the combination that will deliver another NBA championship, and now they’ve turned to a 41-year-old billionaire who would apparently rather be in New York. There will be spectacular nights, inevitable injuries, endless debates about load management and probably a few helicopter-related controversies. Whether any of it adds up to a championship is almost beside the point. The Sixers have become the most fascinating reality show in American sports. BAG
Eventful. It already has been with him choppering back and forth from New York and media and fans scrambling to trace leaks about Embiid’s perceived commitment back to his camp, reportedly keen to arrange a reunion with Davis. If the Sixers’ Monstar team don’t jump out to an early lead in the East – or worse, falter in Eagles-like fashion – the King risks courting the most intense scrutiny of his basketball career from a fanbase that’s already on his case before he’s even played. AL
Counting on the health of a 41-year-old LeBron and Embiid’s knees – to this point proven to have the durability of Cheez-Its – seems unwise. This team is bursting at the seams with star power, but it’d be easy for injuries and a clunky fit to yank them off the rails before they ever find their rhythm. Still, in the name of delusional optimism and LeBron’s career so far: thrilling and tumultuous. OL
Young player to make the superstar leap …
Dylan Harper was arguably San Antonio’s most consistent player in their finals run last season … as a rookie. The sky is the limit for this insanely talented NBA nepo baby, and I think we see him as an All-Star and maybe even a fringe All-NBA player this year. CDL
Amen Thompson. The athletic gifts have never been in question. What makes the Rockets star so tantalizing is the possibility that his offensive game catches up with the havoc he already wreaks defensively. Houston have enough talent around him that he won’t have to manufacture everything himself, but there’s a version of Thompson who becomes the Rockets’ most important player on both ends of the floor. That version may arrive sooner than anyone expects. BAG
One could argue that Cade Cunningham is already there after leading Detroit to the east’s top seed and otherwise filling out the box score like he did last year. This year, though, I think is when more fans recognize that the Oklahoma State product belongs in the same conversation with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić et al. And if all the work Cunningham put in during the offseason to improve his three-point accuracy bears fruit, the Pistons could have a serious MVP contender on their roster. AL
Cooper Flagg. The 19-year-old spent last season playing the point on an undermanned Mavericks squad, but nonetheless put up 51-, 49-, 45-, and 42-point nights. With Kyrie Irving back from a long layoff with a torn ACL, Flagg stands to excel even further with a talented second option beside him in his sophomore season. OL
This season’s villain arc will be supplied by…
Victor Wembanyama seems quite content to take on the role as villain. It was a cumbersome fit, at first: it’s hard to seem like the bad guy when you’re playing chess with fans in the park and bemoaning the trappings of sports betting. But fresh off a finals drubbing, Wembanyama enters this season on a mission: destroy everything in his path. CDL
The NBA’s gambling partners. Forget Draymond Green. The league’s real villains are turning every possession into a speculative asset. With gambling scandals mounting, the NBA is already restricting certain bets while its partners flood broadcasts with advertising. The actual basketball seems to be becoming a sideshow. BAG
LeBron, see above. AL
Doesn’t James Dolan already have this title locked up? The Knicks got to enjoy their championship for all of five minutes before Dolan announced that they would not go into the second apron. Mitchell Robinson is now a Celtic. Karl-Anthony Towns is unhappy with extension talks. Dolan is renting out Madison Square Garden to raise money for a GOP candidate. Somebody find this man a competent PR manager, or a moral compass. OL
Most Valuable Player
Speaking of Victor Wembanyama, the MVP is his to lose. Barring a significant injury, I don’t see anyone swiping either this award or defensive player of the year from him. He’s fresh off a surprise finals berth, finished high in the MVP voting last year, and is rapidly making his case for the best player in the association. CDL
Victor Wembanyama is inevitable. I raised the alarm last year. The defensive player of the year adds MVP this season, a double nobody has managed since Giannis in 2020. No athlete since prime LeBron has bent physics like this. A man who thinks in myths and epics watched his own late turnover decide Game 2 of the finals, then watched the Knicks celebrate on his floor. He’ll spend 82 games proving he never chokes again. LE
Victor Wembanyama. This one feels overdue before it’s even happened. Jokić remains the best offensive player alive, Luka Dončić can bend entire defenses to his will and Gilgeous-Alexander has made ruthless efficiency his brand. But Wemby is becoming something none of them can match: a one-man defensive system who can also score 30 a night. Voter fatigue should take care of the rest. BAG
Giannis Antetokounmpo. Not only is he healthy, but he’s got a squad around him that fits his lunch-pail personality and an organization that is seriously committed to winning championships. With shooters around him and Bam Adebayo on the floor for shutdown defense and an offensive spark, there’s no telling how far Giannis can take the Heat – but any sort of rebound for this perennial play-in contender is likely to come down to his vintage brilliance. AL
Victor Wembanyama. It’s less that Jokić can’t win his fourth MVP or Dončić his first with especially potent offensive wizardry (voters are notoriously unlikely to give out three MVPs in a row, which rules out Gilgeous-Alexander) than that I think Wemby’s unparalleled and ever-improving two-way superpowers will prove impossible to ignore. OL
Spurs, Thunder, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets, Trail Blazers, Jazz (!). LE
Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets, Timberwolves, Warriors, Mavericks. BAG
Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, Rockets, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Warriors, Mavericks. AL
Thunder, Spurs, Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Mavericks. OL
Eastern Conference finals
Knicks over 76ers. CDL
Knicks over Pacers LE
Celtics over Knicks. BAG
Knicks over 76ers. AL
Pacers over Knicks. OL
Western Conference finals
Spurs over Thunder. CDL
Timberwolves over Spurs LE
Thunder over Spurs. BAG
Spurs over Thunder. AL
Thunder over Spurs. OL
NBA finals
Spurs 4-3 Knicks. It’s been the better part of a decade since we got an NBA finals rematch, and we’re due. While the path out of the East will be tremendously more difficult this year, and the Spurs’ path out of the West won’t exactly be a picnic, either, the safe bet feels like a rematch of last year’s finals. However, I do suspect a different outcome: with a deep playoff run of experience under San Antonio’s belt, and Wemby fully embracing his villain arc (and the weightroom), I think this is the year he adds the first of several finals MVPs to his ever-expanding trophy cabinet. JF
Knicks 4-2 Timberwolves. New York had the best offensive rating and the best defensive rating of last postseason. The Knicks swept the conference semifinals and finals on the way to 13 straight wins, the second-longest run in a single postseason. Then they handed Wembanyama’s Spurs a gentleman’s sweep. Wipe away those tears and accept the defending champions. Minnesota spent the offseason building a deep, polymorphous roster around Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, and I respect it. All five Knicks starters return, though, and in this league, continuity is king. Remember, with Jalen Brunson, anything is possible. LE
Thunder 4-2 Celtics. The NBA’s fixation on parity has made picking a champion feel like throwing darts blindfolded, but Oklahoma City remain the closest thing the league has to a sustainable dynasty. Gilgeous-Alexander is still in his prime, the supporting cast is absurdly deep and last season’s disappointment should provide ample motivation. Boston’s experience carries them through the East, but the Thunder’s athleticism and defensive versatility ultimately prove too much. The league gets another champion from a small market – ending an unprecedented run of eight different champions in eight seasons – and the rest of the NBA gets another reminder that continuity might actually matter. BAG
Spurs 4-1 Knicks. The Spurs get revenge and beat the Knicks, kicking off a new championship rivalry for the era. But this time, instead of riding Wemby till he runs out of gas or deferring to De’Aaron Fox in the clutch, Mitch Johnson puts the onus on Harper – who makes the leap from supersub to superstar to finals MVP. He and Wemby emerge as the Shaq and Kobe of their day, with San Antonio fans holding their breath in hopes that their egos remain modest and keep this dynasty in the making from blowing up in Kawhi-like fashion. AL
Thunder 4-3 Pacers. Nobody repeats in the parity era, but the Thunder got close. With injuries to two vital offensive contributors, they still wrestled their biggest rival to a tight Game 7 in the Western Conference finals. I think they exact revenge over the Spurs this year. The retooled and revitalized Pacers will be the last team standing after a bloodbath in the East. In the finals, they’ll provide a sequel to their magnetic series from 2025, only Haliburton will be healthy for Game 7. We’ll just get the same result. OL
The New York Knicks are aiming to repeat as champions after ending a 53-year title drought, but they will face tough competition to do so.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs figure to lead the conversation, while the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics were among the teams that retooled in order to go up a level.
So, who will come out on top? And what about other important parts to the season, such as the NBA Cup and MVP award? Strat-O-Matic broke it down with a simulation of the upcoming season:
Best regular-season record
The Thunder went 64-18 to own the league’s best regular-season record last year. The simulation has them repeating the same record, while the Spurs drop a few wins at 59-23.
NBA Cup winner
The three NBA Cups have been won by the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks and Knicks. The simulation does not include a new winner, as the Lakers are predicted to top the Celtics for their second NBA Cup triumph.
MVP and Rookie of the Year winners
Three players have three-peated the regular-season MVP award: Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell. That could hit four players total, as Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is predicted to win the MVP award for the third year running.
The league is also seeing an exciting crop of youngsters joining the league. Utah Jazz guard Darryn Peterson is predicted to claim the Rookie of the Year award, with Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer and Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson among the finalists.
Scoring leader
The scoring title in the league belongs to the player who finished with the highest points-per-game mark in the regular season. Lakers star Luka Doncic is predicted to win his third scoring title with an average of 32.4 points per game, slightly above Gilgeous-Alexander’s predicted 32.2 figure.
NBA Finals winner and Finals MVP
Sorry, New York. The Knicks’ repeat bid is predicted to end in the conference finals, where they fall to the Celtics in five games. On the other side, the Spurs take down the Houston Rockets in six games, pitting San Antonio and Boston in the NBA Finals.
From there, the Spurs go on to win in Game 7, with Victor Wembanyama winning Finals MVP after averaging 26.4 points per game.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 28: Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for a portrait during Media Day at Target Center on September 28, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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
On the eve of the 2026-27 NBA season, ESPN’s Shams Charania dropped an unexpected piece of Timberwolves-related news.
Minnesota Timberwolves All-Defense forward Jaden McDaniels has agreed to a one-year, $40 million extension that will keep him under contract through the 2029-30 season, agents Nima Namakian of Innovate Sports and Bill Duffy of WME Basketball tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/PYtDRrLves
It seems to be the theme of this offseason for Minnesota. They have consistently been in the news with rarely a long break between important roster moves. From sending off two-thirds of their frontcourt for LaMelo Ball, to the LeBron “White Board” Saga, to Jonathan Kuminga choosing the Wolves over the Lakers – it’s been an active offseason!
For fans wondering why McDaniels seemed to almost randomly sign this one-year extension, Charania further provided details in a follow-up post. This was likely all information shared by Jaden’s agent, Nima Namakian.
McDaniels strategically secures an additional $40 million guaranteed for an additional season while protecting his upside and creating the flexibility to negotiate another extension as early as 2028 at a starting salary of up to 140% of the new higher $40M salary — or enter free agency in 2030 with 10 years of NBA service.
The 26-year-old now has total of four years and $124M on his Wolves deal.
Former Canis Hoopus employee, Dane Moore, had hinted in a podcast episode four months ago that this could’ve been an option. Just as he did when hypothesizing the Julius Randle to Brooklyn Nets salary dump option, Moore was once again on top of this one. For those who are concerned about the dollar amount, he provided a bit of context that should ease concerns about if he’s worth it.
The $40M extension Jaden McDaniels received is for the 2029-30 season.
In 2029-30, $40M will be 21% of the salary cap. 21% of the cap in this year's dollars is $34.6M. Below are the players making around that amount right now.
Jaden had a career season last year, averaging several highs in statistics like points per game, assists per game, and all three shooting percentages. He only further upped his game in the postseason, most notably embarrassing the Denver Nuggets in the first round the postseason.
It’s never a bad day to relive that performance.
Wolves President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, has rewarded the recently turned 26-year-old with a favorable extension. This may be a great time as well, considering the new role he’ll have as one of the leaders of the new-look Timberwolves. Yes, it’s just preseason, but he’s already proven that he’s ready for yet another breakout season.
Jaden McDaniels stats
PTS
REB
AST
STL
BLK
FG%
3P%
FT%
2025-26
14.8
4.2
2.7
1.1
1.0
.515
.412
.835
2026 postseason (vs DEN)
17.8
6.8
2.7
0.5
0.7
.494
.111
.810
2026-27 preseason (per 36)
25.7
7.4
2.6
1.3
0.9
.606
.714
1.00
Some of you have been arguing about his nickname in the comments section. Sith Lord. Seatbelt. Slim. McD. Whatever you want to call him, there’s one thing we can rest assured he will be called for the next four years.
Kurt Helin
Raphielle Johnson
