CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with referee Courtney Kirkland #61 during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Rocket Arena on October 24, 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 Cleveland Cavaliers clawed their way back from a 15-point first-half deficit to defeat the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves127-125 in an overtime thriller on Monday evening. However, they may have gotten some help from the referees in completing the comeback. Based on the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report, the Cavs were the beneficiaries of two missed calls at the end of regulation and overtime that assisted in the victory.
The first incorrect call came at the end of regulation. The league says that Anthony Edwards should’ve been awarded free throws on a drive to the basket in the final seconds of regulation.
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It’s difficult to see any foul on this particular angle. Harden helped from the corner and certainly reached in. Maybe a different angle would give you a clearer view of the alleged foul. Edwards did throw his palms up in frustration when he saw a foul wasn’t called, suggesting that there was some contact there.
If this was called according to the report, the Cavs would’ve likely needed to make a basket to tie or win the game in the final 4.2 seconds of regulation.
The second missed call came at another important moment. LaMelo Ball shouldn’t have been charged with a foul on a late tie-up with Donovan Mitchell at the end of regulation.
This is a much more obvious missed call than the first one. Here, Mitchell does seem to just dribble into Ball’s foot and lose the ball. Any contact that occurred was after Mitchell just dribbled straight into Ball. The whistle shouldn’t have blown, and play should’ve been allowed to continue. The closing seconds could’ve played out differently if this wasn’t called a foul.
The Cavs earned a hard-fought victory on Monday. These two missed calls don’t take away from that, but Cleveland is fortunate that these decisions went in their favor.
Per ESPN, the 25-year-old is having an “arthroscopic procedure” on his right knee.
Edwards had yet to miss any games for the 3-1 Timberwolves, averaging 33.3 points in 33.8 minutes per game. He was the early league leader in field goals made and attempted. On Monday, Oct. 26, he scored 47 points in 41 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was his second game with at least 45 points this season.
He was on the NBA's latest injury report, listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Now, though, he seemingly could be out until the calendar flips to 2027.
The Timberwolves took big swings this offseason, trading away Julius Randle and Naz Reid while bringing in LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. The early returns were promising, but now Minnesota must navigate a tough Western Conference without its best player.
Edwards is a perennial All-Star and the best pure shooting guard in the NBA. Through four games, he's avweraging 33.3 points per game, and he is a three-tier scorer, who is just as lethal from 3-point range as he is slashing to the basket and getting to the cup. He is one of the premier offensive forces in the world, and his competitive spirit sets the standard for the Timberwolves. He'll be sorely missed.
Yet, Minnesota's offseason acquisition of LaMelo Ball and its investment in backup guard Ayo Dosunmu does provide some relief for the Timberwolves to try to weather this stretch without Edwards. Ball has been solid for Minnesota so far this season. He's a player who can initiate offense and create his own shot. To be clear: spacing and defensive attention will be trickier with Edwards out, but Ball is equipped to take on more scoring responsibility.
Dosunmu should be elevated into a starting role. He's also a talented scorer and wields dynamic speed and athleticism. He also showed last postseason — when both Edwards and guard Donte DiVincenzo were knocked out with injuries — that he could carry the Timberwolves, at least in a spot basis; in Game 4 of Minnesota's first round series against the Nuggets, Dosunmu dropped 43 points in a victory in which the Timberwolves were massively shorthanded.
Minnesota's Anthony Edwards will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right knee and could miss up to two months, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. However, Edwards could return sooner than eight weeks, depending on what the doctors find during the surgery.
This is a proactive move by the Timberwolves, who look at how they have played and the landscape of the West early in the season and think they can be in the mix to come out of the conference. By having the surgery now, Edwards will be back around Christmas at the latest, and the team will have plenty of time to ensure a high seed and get its chemistry right before the playoffs.
While it's just four games, Edwards has played at an MVP level to start the season and has led the Timberwolves to a strong 3-1 record. He's averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range.
More scoring and shot-creation load will now fall on LaMelo Ball and Jaden McDaniels.
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Anthony Edwards was among the NBA’s leading scorers through the first week of the season, and he was helping make the Minnesota Timberwolves the most exciting team in the league. Now the 25-year-old superstar is set to miss the next two months as he’s set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Edwards’ knee had been bothering him during preseason, but he fought through it to drop 45 points in the season opener, and then 47 points in an overtime loss to the Cavs on Monday night. One day later, the team decided its best for Edwards to take care of his knee now so he can be healthy for the most important games of the season. This injury seemingly ends Edwards’ MVP case — candidates must play at least 65 games — and will probably put a big dent in Minnesota’s regular season record.
There have been so many injuries already early in the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder likely lost Jalen Williams for the year to a nasty dislocated ankle, then lost Cason Wallace for several months to a torn labrum. The Pistons are already down Jalen Duren to a hamstring strain, and the Utah Jazz are now without Jaren Jackson Jr. for two months after a torn MCL. The Orlando Magic have already seen Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs go down. That’s just the start of it.
Injuries impact every season, and they’re coming for this one early. Here’s hoping Edwards can get right again for the games that really matter.
Kawhi Leonard's return to the Toronto Raptors has encountered a concerning setback, and he's likely to miss his lone scheduled game back in Los Angeles against his former team because of it.
The Raptors announced on Tuesday, Oct. 27, that Leonard will undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program to address swelling in his left knee. Medical imaging did not reveal an acute injury, according to the team, and he will be reevaluated in one week.
The relatively light punishment cleared the way for Leonard to join a Raptors team with hopes of contending in the Eastern Conference this season. Now, however, he's not expected to be available when Toronto plays its only game of the 2026-27 regular season against the Clippers at Intuit Dome on Nov. 2. The Raptors' outlook, meanwhile, suddenly depends on whether Leonard's swelling subsides or becomes a lingering concern.
Here's more on his injury situation and what it means for the Raptors moving forward:
Leonard posted a message on social media that appeared designed to reassure Raptors' fans. It noted he would be "returning soon." The Clippers did not release a specific timeline for Leonard's return, other than to note he would reevaluated in one week.
"It's always frustrating missing time," Leonard said. "I came back to compete with this team and I'm focused on getting back to 100."
Leonard is coming off one of his healthiest years in recent memory, having appeared in 65 games for the Clippers during the 2025-26 season. But there were nonetheless concerns about his durability given his injury history and age.
The uncertain nature of this knee ailment only underscores the potential issues the Raptors could be forced to manage the remainder of the season. Knee swelling can sometimes become a recurring issue over the course of an 82-game season, particularly for a 35-year-old player with Leonard's extensive injury history.
There good news is an MRI revealed no structural damage, which decreases the chances that Leonard is facing an extended absence. It's also not an injury to the right knee Leonard has had surgically repaired multiple times before and during his NBA career.
What Kawhi Leonard's injury means for the Raptors
If Leonard is out for "weeks," as an ESPN report suggested, the Raptors should still be able to remain in contention while he's out.
Toronto finished as a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference a year ago, and a core featuring Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett can provide enough firepower to stay afloat. Second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who has drawn comparisons to Draymond Green, could benefit the most with an increased role while Leonard is sidelined.
The roster isn't quite as deep after the moves required to acquire Leonard, but Toronto's championship aspirations ultimately hinge on having him healthy in April and May, not October and November.
Kawhi Leonard stats
Leonard is averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals through two games this season with the Raptors. He averaged 27.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season with the Clippers.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After sitting out Sunday’s game between the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves because of knee swelling, Kawhi Leonard “is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“MRI on Leonard’s knee showed no structural damage,” Charania said, “but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason.”
Toronto's Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee, sources tell ESPN. MRI on Leonard's knee showed no structural damage, but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason. pic.twitter.com/DBAgI3v38D
Leonard’s reportedly multi-week absence means he’ll miss the upcoming game Sunday between the Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. It also means he’ll miss his return to Intuit Dome against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, so their fans cannot greet him with boos (if they elected to) for his role in the organization’s salary cap circumvention, which will ultimately cost the Clippers five first-round picks. This is a very Clippers scenario. Rarely do things pan out for them throughout the course of NBA history.
Prior to his injury, Leonard had opened the season slowly. Through two games, he was averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.5 assists while shooting 32.4% from the floor and 28.6% beyond the arc. While Toronto will surely miss his impact and general presence, it’ll hope an extended rest helps him find his All-NBA groove once he’s back.
Despite Leonard’s struggles, the Raptors won their first two games by double digits before the Timberwolves routed them, 117-94, while Leonard sat. They’ll host the Paolo Banchero-less Orlando Magic on Wednesday and Friday ahead of a four-game road trip that kicks off Sunday against the Lakers.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 12: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards shoots a free throw during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 12, 2026 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
AJ Dybantsa was upgraded to questionable for Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, per the Wizards’ injury report.
Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has missed Washington’s first four games after spraining his left ankle in the team’s preseason finale.
The 6-foot-9 wing led all NCAA Division I scorers with 25.0 points per game as a freshman at BYU last season. His elite athleticism, 42.5-inch maximum vertical and efficient scoring at the rim made him the top prospect in a talented draft class.
Dybantsa is expected to start alongside Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr upon his return. Bilal Coulibaly, who started and played well in Dybantsa’s place, will move to the bench.
Champagnie injury update
Justin Champagnie suffered a “right foot injury” in the Wizards’ 110-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, per the team’s injury report.
Champagnie appeared to injure his foot late in the first quarter. 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.
The Wizards quickly ruled him out with a right foot injury. Champagnie was one of Washington’s best players through the first three games. The Wizards were a +36 with him on the floor and a -30 with him off. He tallied 11 points and 14 rebounds and was a +18 in the team’s win over the Bulls.
“[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.”
Davis not on injury report
Anthony Davis was not listed on the Wizards’ injury report after he was seen shaking out his right hand toward the end of the fourth quarter.
Brian Keefe said postgame he thought Davis got hit in the hand and had no update. Davis took a more sarcastic approach postgame when asked about the potential injury.
“Oh no, I was hitting too many shots, and I was just shaking it out — it was kind of hot,” Davis said.
It was a devastating 24 hours in Oklahoma City. Everyone who saw Jalen Williams go down against the Clippers knew how bad it was, as Thunder GM Sam Presti put it, "This is an injury that generally we see more in football players." On top of that came the news that Cason Wallace has a torn labrum and will need to undergo surgery. Presti and OKC won't put a timeline on things, but history suggests neither player will touch the court again this season.
Now what?
What should we expect from the Thunder going forward? First: Expect a lot of wins. This team was without Williams for large chunks of last regular season and still won 64 games, most in the NBA. In their one game so far without their two starters (not to mention no Chet Holmgren or Alex Caruso), the Thunder still easily handled the Suns. The other change is that while the defense will still be good, it will not be elite. Instead, this is about to become an offensive team. That wins a lot of regular-season games.
But what about the playoffs? And what should we look for?
More Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain
The Thunder have a natural replacement for Wallace: Ajay Mitchell. In his first game in that role this season, Mitchell stepped up, showed off his physicality and midrange game, and dropped 30 on the Suns.
Mitchell is not the All-Defense-level player on that end that Wallace is, but he works hard and is a plus defender who fits within the system.
Williams is a more difficult role to fill, largely because there aren't other players like him. There will be more Alex Caruso, but coach Mark Daigneault and the Thunder know they can't overtax him. Jared McCain will get more minutes, but he is a guard, not a forward. Kenrich Williams may see the biggest jump in minutes, and he is rock solid, but he's not an All-NBA level talent like Williams.
Lean into center rotation
Oklahoma City has the best big man rotation in the NBA. Chet Holmgren — second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season while averaging 17.1 points per game — and Isaiah Hartenstein start at the four and five. However, what makes this work is the depth. Jaylin Williams is the kind of big off the bench every team could use, and rookie Aday Mara has proven he deserves a spot in the rotation.
Aday Mara MAKING PLAYS in his first NBA game
Big-time swat at the rim. Two-hand alley-oop slam.
Oklahoma City needs to lean hard into its strengths, and it has the best center rotation in the league.
Don’t expect big trade
When asked about what the injuries mean in terms of a roster move, Thunder General Manager Sam Presti said he hadn't thought about that yet. He was still processing the injuries.
However, the tea leaves suggest OKC is not likely to make a big move. First, this team is already good, has great locker-room chemistry and wins games. Why mess with that?
Second, this team made moves this offseason that Presti admitted weren't basketball moves but were about saving money, trading away Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. As constructed, the Thunder are expensive and about to get even more so in the coming years. Oklahoma City is already over the first apron of the luxury tax and is about $6.9 million below the second apron, a line they are very unlikely to cross during the season. While the Thunder have an open roster spot and can get a disabled player exception for Williams worth close to $15 million, no game-changing free agents are available for them to snap up. The Thunder could consider a trade depending on how the season plays out, but they don't want to mess up their chemistry or take on much more money.
The Thunder are going to stick with the players they have, and at the trade deadline they can make small adjustments as needed, but it's far more likely to be small moves, not a blockbuster.
What does all this mean for the Thunder in the playoffs? It's far too early to have a clear picture of the West, but Oklahoma City has gone from the early favorite in the West to a team that will enter the playoffs with matchups in mind. Who do they have now who can defend Luka Doncic or Kevin Durant?
The road for the Thunder back to the NBA Finals just got bumpier and steeper, but it's not closed off. Things will look different, but OKC could still win it all.
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 23: The sneakers worn by Luka Garza #52 of the Boston Celtics against the New York Knicks on October 23, 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 Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - FEBRUARY 27: Hugo Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Celtics defends Terance Mann #14 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at the TD Garden on February 27, 2026 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. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Brooklyn Nets (0-3) at Boston Celtics (2-1) Tuesday, October 27, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #4, Home Game #3 TV: NBCSB, YES, League Pass Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 101.9 FM, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Brooklyn Nets for their 3rd straight home game. This is the first of 4 games between these two teams this season. They will play again in Boston on January 16. They will meet twice in Brooklyn on December 13 and March 23. The Celtics were 3-1 against the Nets last season, with Brooklyn’s lone win in Boston. The Celtics are 148-75 overall, all time against the Nets. They are 78-35 all time in games played in Boston.
The Celtics are playing on the second night of back to back games. This is the first of 16 back to back sets for the Celtics this season, which is the most for any team this season. The average is 14.2 back to backs. The Celtics early schedule is brutal with four stretches of three games in four nights before December. They had an easy win on Monday with no player going more than 27 minutes. Hopefully their depth will help them maneuver this stretch successfully.
The Nets have made several changes in the offseason. Their biggest addition is Julius Randle, who they got in a trade with the Timberwolves. They also added Moritz Wagner, Keon Ellis, and former Celtic, Josh Minott. They drafted Mikel Brown, Jr with the 6th pick and Joshua Jefferson with the 28th pick. They lost Malachi Smith, Ochai Agbaji, Tyson Etienne, EJ Liddell, Zaire Williams and Jalen Wilson.
The Celtics went 4-0 in the preseason, winning with their starters in 2 of the games and winning two other games with their reserves and Exhibit 10 players. They beat Cleveland, Charlotte and Philadelphia twice. The Nets also had a good preseason, beating Charlotte, Philadelphia and Washington before losing to the Miami Heat.
After this game, the Celtics will play home against Chicago for the first NBA Cup game. They will then play at Orlando and Houston and then home against Milwaukee before a road trip takes them through Charlotte, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Toronto. They play Dallas and Orlando at home before a West coast trip that takes them through Denver, Sacramento, Golden State, and Washington.
The Nets will host Detroit before traveling to Indiana and New York. Then they have one game at home before playing at Atlanta, Dallas, New Orleans and Memphis. Next they host Philadelphia, Chicago and Orland before games at Minnesota, Milwaukee, Toronto, and Charlotte. Then they have a home and home set against Oklahoma City before hosting Boston. Then they play at Detroit before a 6 game home stand against Dallas, Orlando, Washington, Portland, San Antonio and New Orleans.
The Celtics started Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson in the first 3 games and I have once again listed the same starters for this game. It’s also possible that Joe may change this up for this game, especially if the Celtics plan to rest Tatum, George, or Robinson on the second night of back to back games. I’ve listed the Nets starters from their last game, which are Egor Demin, Keon Ellis, Michael Porter, Jr, Julius Randle, and Day’Ron Sharpe.
The Celtics still have Devin Carter on the injury report due to illness. After missing the final 3 games of the preseason, Carter was diagnosed with mononucleosis and is without a timetable for a return. Derrick White has been added as probable with hip synovitis. As of this time, no players are being held out for rest due to the back to back games. For the Nets, Tyler Bilodeau, Joshua Jefferson, Grant Nelson, Drake Powell, and Ben Seraf are all listed as out due to G-League assignments.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Egor Demin
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesEgor Demin | Getty Images
SG: Jordan Walsh vs Keon Ellis
Jordan Walsh | Getty ImagesKeon Ellis | Getty Images
SF: Paul George vs Michael Porter, Jr
Paul George | NBAE via Getty ImagesMichael Porter, Jr | Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Julius Randle
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesJulius Randle | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Mitchell Robinson vs Day’Ron Sharpe
Mitchell Robinson | NBAE via Getty ImagesDay’Ron Sharpe | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley, Jr Luka Garza Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Baylor Scheierman Two Way Players Devin Carter Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams
Injuries/Out Devin Carter (illness) out Derrick White (hip) probable Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Nets Reserves Mikel Brown, Jr Noah Clowney Joshua Jefferson Terrance Mann Josh Minott Drake Powell Ben Seraf Nolan Traore Moritz Wagner Danny Wolf
Two-Way Players Tyler Bilodeau Chaney Johnson Grant Nelson Injuries/Out Tyler Bilodeau (shoulder) questionable
Head Coach Jordi Fernandez
Key Matchups Paul George vs Michael Porter, Jr Porter is averaging 27 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1 assist and 3.5 steals per game. He is shooting 51.3% from the field and 45.0% from beyond the arc. He is a threat from both in the paint and on the perimeter and the Celtics need to defend him wherever he is on the court. The Celtics also need to be careful handling the ball around him because he is averaging 3.5 steals per game. Although Paul George has said he plans to play in back to back games this season, it’s possible that Joe may sit him for rest in this one.
Jayson Tatum vs Julius Randle Randle is averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists per game. He is shooting 58.1% from the field and 55.6% from beyond the arc. As with Porter, he is a threat both inside and on the perimeter. He is strong and will be tough to stop in the paint. The Celtics need to defend him closely and play him for both the shot and the pass.
Honorable Mention Derrick White vs Ego Demin Demin is averaging 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. He is shooting 35% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc. He is capable of having a big game so the Celtics need to guard him closely. The Celtics also need Derrick White to get back to being a consistent offensive threat. He is listed as probable with hip synovitis so hopefully he will be able to play at 100%.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is the key to winning this, and every, game. In the preseason, the Celtics were tops in the league with a defensive rating of 98.6. The biggest problem in the Celtics collapse against the Pistons was their failure on the defensive end. Likewise, one of the biggest factors in their win over the Knicks was their defense. They held New York to just 103 points and also forced 18 turnovers, leading to 19 points off turnovers. The Celtics need to continue to make defense their priority.
Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning. The Celtics have to crash the boards as a team and go after every rebound. In the preseason, the Celtics were 1st with 55 rebounds per game and 3rd with 16.8 offensive rebounds per game. So far in the regular season, they are 17th in rebounding with 43.3 rebounds per game. The Nets are 20th with 42 rebounds per game. Robinson and Queta are 2 of the best rebounders in the league and they need to be aggressive on the boards. The Celtics need to do what they do best and win the rebounding battle against the Nets.
3 Point Shooting – The Celtics are 5th, shooting 41.7 threes a game while the Nets are 8th, shooting 37.8 threes per game. The Celtics are 1st, shooting 42.4% from beyond the arc while the Nets are 8th, shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc. Both teams shoot a lot of 3’s and make a good percentage of them. The Celtics can’t afford to have a drought from beyond the arc as they did in the 2nd half against the Pistons. They need to focus on taking and making good shots. If the 3’s stop falling, they need to take the ball into the paint. Be Aggressive and Play Hard – One of the hallmarks of the Nets in recent years is that they play hard. The Celtics have to be the team that plays harder. They need to be aggressive on the boards, in going to the hoop, in diving for loose balls, and just overall throughout the game. Talented teams can be beaten if they allow their opponents to play harder than them. I know that they are playing on the second night of back to back games, but they have to come out strong and play hard right up until the final buzzer.
Take Care of the Ball – Going into Monday’s game, the Celtics were best in the league at taking care of the ball with just 12.5 turnovers per game. Against the Bulls on Monday, they turned the ball over 24 times, which dropped them to 16th, averaging 16.7 turnovers per game. They have to clean that up and take better care of the ball. They need to be more careful with their passes and also focus on handling the ball without losing it.
X-Factors Home Game – The Celtics need to take advantage of home court and the boost their fans can give them. The Nets will face a hostile crowd and an unfamiliar arena along with travel which will hopefully give the Celtics the edge. The Celtics need to play hard and protect home court and use the advantages it gives to get a win. Back to Back – The Celtics could be facing fatigue from playing the night before. They do have the advantage that they didn’t have to travel after Monday’s game. They also were able to limit everyone’s minutes on Monday and that should help them in this game. The Celtics should use their depth to avoid a let down from tired legs. The Celtics have young players who should be able to give them a boost if the starters start to feel some fatigue from playing the night before.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game. The Celtics also have to be aware of the new points of emphasis for this season and try to avoid flopping, off‑arm push‑offs, reckless closeouts, delays before free throws, and illegal screens. Paul George was already fined for a flop in the first game.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets drives 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
The Houston Rockets couldn’t have gotten off to a better start to the season as they entered their rematch with the Atlanta Hawks at 3-0, and one of the four teams playing that night was still undefeated. The Rockets were without Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Marcus Smart on Saturday, with VanVleet the only one of the three not dealing with an injury.
We got word Sunday that both Smart and Adams would also miss Monday’s game, and before the contest SB Nation asked Ime Udoka if both players were more game-to-game or were they possibly longer-term injuries.
From Udoka’s response, it seems Smart could be back for Wednesday’s game, but Adams could be out for at least another week. Adams missed the last few months of the 2025-26 season as the Rockets plan on taking a more cautious approach with the veteran big man this season.
The Rockets got back VanVleet, which moved Reed Sheppard to the bench after one of the best games of his young career. The Rockets handed the Hawks their first loss of the season as they controlled the game from the tip to the final buzzer.
Houston Rockets vs Atlanta Hawks
The Rockets knew the Hawks would try to come out of the gate with more purpose after the Rockets’ victory on Saturday. That made the Rockets’ start even more important as they got off to an early 7-2 lead, with Sengun making his sixth 3-pointer of the season.
After that hot start, it was a back-and-forth game as the teams traded baskets and leads to end the first quarter with the Hawks finishing the quarter strong and taking a 35-32 lead into the second quarter. The second quarter was more of the same as the Rockets briefly took the lead in the second before the Hawks took back control of the game with three baskets in a row.
The Hawks scored 31 in the second quarter and maintained their three-point lead into halftime. The Rockets finally were able to slow down the Hawks in the third quarter as the Hawks only had 10 points eight minutes into the quarter. The Rockets had their biggest lead of the game, 84-76, after a Sengun layup following a forced turnover. Rockets won the quarter 28 to 19 and took a six-point lead into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the Rockets took over the game as they have done for most of the season. The Rockets continued their improved second-half defense as they pushed the lead to 20 points after a Sheppard 3-pointer following an offensive rebound.
The Rockets cruised to a 120 to 110 victory for their second straight win over the Hawks as they close out their regular-season matchup with Atlanta. The win moves the Rockets to 4-0 on the season, their best start in over a decade.
Postgame
After the game: Ime Udoka, Kevin Durant, and Alperen Sengun spoke to the media and talked about their hot start to the season. Udoka spoke about the Rockets’ chemistry and how much more balanced the team is this season. Durant spoke about being able to sit the entire fourth quarter and also told SB Nation that his defense can have just as big an impact as his offense.
Kevin Durant finished with 4 blocks tonight in the Rockets win over the Hawks. I asked KD if sometime his defensive impact can be just as important as his offense even though his defense isn’t talked about as much.
Durant also talked about Sengun’s great start to the season.
Kevin Durant on Alperen Sengun great start to the season.
“Teams playing one on one down there in the post on the elbow they think they can stop him they must have read a bunch of bad articles this summer on him.” pic.twitter.com/tljU8HbHd0
The Knicks will at times be without an integral member of the coaching staff.
Assistant coach Chris Jent will be away from the team for an undisclosed period of time for personal reasons, The Post has learned. He is expected to miss games in the near future but the situation is fluid.
Jent — the associate head coach who is in charge of the offense — was not on the bench for the second and third games of the season, missing losses to the Celtics in Boston and Magic at Madison Square Garden. He will not be with the team during Tuesday night’s game against the Pistons at MSG either, according to league sources.
OG Anunoby (l.) sits with Knicks assistant Chris Jent before Game 4 of the NBA Finals on June 10, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Assistant T.J. Saint filled his role on the front of the bench during those two games and was seen with a clipboard leading huddles during timeouts. Saint was the Knicks’ Summer League coach this year and will continue to be on the front of the bench for games that Jent misses, according to league sources.
He is one of the most respected assistants across the league and was instrumental in the change to the Knicks’ offensive scheme after falling behind to a 2-1 series deficit to the Hawks in the first round of the playoffs last year. He helped implement a system that featured Karl-Anthony Towns as a “hub” at the elbows, which created better shots for Jalen Brunson, brought out the best in OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges and helped fuel the team’s championship run.
This is Jent’s second season as an assistant with the Knicks after head coach Mike Brown brought him in as part of his staff last year. Jent interviewed for the Blazers’ head coach opening this past offseason, though Brown thought he should have been an even bigger head coaching candidate.
“He’s been around for a long time,” Brown said after the Knicks won the championship. “Somebody needs to give him an interview because he’ll help your team win at the highest level.”
Jent had a brief 18-game stint as the Magic’s interim head coach to end the 2004-05 season. Otherwise, he’s been an NBA assistant coach for 18 seasons for eight different teams – the 76ers, Magic, Cavaliers, Kings, Hawks, Lakers, Hornets and Knicks.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown (r.) looks on with assistants Chris Jent (c.) and Rick Brunson (l.) during the Ring Ceremony prior to the game against the 76ers at MSG on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026. Getty Images
A former Ohio State star as a player, Jent had a brief NBA playing career — including playing three games with the Knicks during the 1996-97 season. He was also part of the Rockets’ championship team in 1993-94. He spent most of his playing career overseas.
He previously worked on Brown’s staff with the Cavs, where he garnered praise from LeBron James as his personal shooting coach. Jent and LeBron later reunited with the Lakers.
Jent has a wealth of knowledge that is highly valued throughout the Knicks organization.
They’ll at times have to find a way to replace that.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 23, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (14) high five as they run down the court against the LA Clippers on October 223 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Late in the fourth quarter of Luka Dončić’s 52-point detonation against the Utah Jazz on Sunday to propel the Los Angeles Lakers to a 3-0 start, Salt Lake City’s Delta Center broke out in “M-V-P” chants for the Slovenian.
While Dončić’s dominant performance rightfully warranted such a coronation, this isn’t the first or second time during the 2026 calendar year that he’s received MVP chants inside an opposing team’s arena. When he dropped 60 points, seven rebounds, five steals and three assists in a road win over the Miami Heat on March 19, Kaseya Center also broke out the MVP hymn.
“Lakers fans travel, I guess. Getting MVP chants in someone else’s arena is crazy,” Walker Kessler told reporters following Sunday’s victory over Utah. “But, I mean obviously deserving. It speaks for itself, but it’s good to hear.”
Heck, 2.5 years ago — before he even became a member of the Lakers — he notched 35 points, 18 rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one block as Dallas dispatched the Brooklyn Nets inside Barclays Center, which prompted MVP chants down the stretch. This is a recurring phenomenon throughout Dončić’s esteemed career.
Collin Sexton, a fellow member of Dončić’s 2018 draft class, has watched his new teammate take over games for many years as an opponent. But now, they’ve joined forces on the Lakers. Sexton prefers seeing these spectacles while wearing the same colors as Dončić.
“Honestly, being on his side, once he gets hot, he gets hot,” Sexton said Sunday. “I feel like he’s always under control. He’s always at his own pace. I’ve been on the other side where he can’t miss so it’s definitely good to be on this side for sure.”
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 26: Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 26, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Washington Wizards forward Bilal Coulibaly has been involved in contract extension negotiations, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line. That said, nothing was finalized. Here is the snippet:
The Stein Line has learned that the Wizards and Bilal Coulibaly did engage in some 11th-hour discussions last Monday. No deal was ultimately reached, meaning Coulibaly is also headed for restricted free agency next summer, but the late-stage talks leave an impression that Washington still sees the formerNo. 7 overall pick as part of its future.
Coulibaly is averaging 8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game so far in the 2026-27 NBA season. He has played for Washington since the 2023-24 season.
I’m not surprised that the Wizards would make a good-faith attempt to keep Coulibaly beyond this season for his second NBA contract before he enters restricted free agency. However, though Coulibaly may be in Washington’s plans, his position overlaps AJ Dybantsa’s so it’s likely that he will be coming off the bench sooner rather than later. Furthermore, Coulibaly hasn’t been a strong presence for Washington on offense during any of his three previous seasons.
Do you think Coulibaly should return to the Wizards next season? If so, how do you envision his role? If you believe he shouldn’t return, does it make sense to trade him before the deadline? Let us know in the comments below.
