NEW YORK (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton had 24 points, 10 assists and an All-Star Game-worthy dunk as the Indiana Pacers hammered the Brooklyn Nets 136-109 on Sunday night.
The Pacers shot 58 percent (49 for 85) from the field, including 49 percent (21 for 43) from three-point distance.
Haliburton shot 8 for 13 from the field, Pascal Siakam added 21 points and Obi Toppin chipped in 16 off the bench.
Reserve guard Nolan Traore had 17 points for Brooklyn, which has lost its first three games of the season.
Indiana trailed by two points at the end of the first quarter before outscoring the Nets 41-30 in the second period to take a 65-56 lead at the break. The Pacers shot 58 percent from the field and 42 percent beyond the three-point line in the first half.
The Pacers continued their good rhythm in the third quarter by blitzing the Nets 37-24 for a 98-74 advantage heading into the final period.
Haliburton, who missed last season while recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon, provided the highlight of the third quarter.
With 7:17 remaining, Julius Randle lost control of the ball at the top of the arc and Aaron Nesmith dove for it before Siakam picked it up and found a wide-open Haliburton, who bounced the ball to himself in front of the free throw line and threw down a two-handed dunk that drew the approval of his teammates.
Ivica Zubac was removed from the game after he sprained his left ankle with 4:57 left in the first quarter after he stepped on Kelly Oubre’s foot while chasing down a rebound.
Up next
Pacers: Visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
Luka Doncic has the ball while guarded by Keyonte George in the first half. Doncic scored 52 points against the Jazz. (Bethany Baker / AP)
Luka Doncic raised three fingers toward the Utah crowd. Fans were left counting more than just his points.
Doncic hit three clutch three-pointers late in the fourth quarter and took a momentum-swinging charge to lead the Lakers to a nail-biting 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday at Delta Center. Doncic led the Lakers (3-0) with 52 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the team fought back from an 18-point second-quarter deficit.
Guard Austin Reaves hit a dagger three with 34 seconds remaining to give the Lakers a seven-point lead. As Doncic salted the game away, he was serenaded with chants of “MVP!” Reaves finished with 29 points.
Center Walker Kessler was quiet in his return to Salt Lake City. After he joined the Lakers in a massive sign-and-trade deal that cost the Lakers two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps and a four-year, $130-million contract, Kessler was held to just two points on one-of-two shooting with seven rebounds.
Kessler had averaged 24 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during the Lakers’ first two games and shot a blazing 84.6% from the field while feasting off lob passes from Doncic and Reaves.
Kessler got an unremarkable mixed reception from the crowd with a large number of fans wearing Lakers colors. The Jazz didn’t play a highlight reel during the game to welcome the center back, as many teams often do for a player who returns on an opposing team.
When asked whether Kessler’s return would spark extra motivation for the Jazz, Utah coach Will Hardy dispelled any suggestions of revenge.
“In no way is tonight about Walker,” Hardy said. “Like it’s not a, ‘Oh wow Walker’s here so we better play harder.’ We’re gonna demand the same standard that we did in our last game. Some of the story lines I don’t quite understand. Like we have a lot of love for Walker. He’s somebody that we have a great relationship with and a lot of shared experience.”
The Jazz traded for Kessler after the Memphis Grizzlies picked him 22nd overall in 2022. He emerged as a strong rebounder and rim protector, but the Jazz, still in rebuilding mode, never challenged for a playoff spot. Kessler played in just five games last season after shoulder surgery.
Kessler picked up his fourth foul with 7:38 remaining in the third quarter, stuck on only two points and six rebounds against his former team. The Lakers instead used a starring performance from their backcourt to overcome an 18-point second-quarter deficit.
The Lakers gave up 16 second-chance points on six offensive rebounds during the first quarter, contributing to the early deficit. Reaves was held scoreless during the first quarter, but awoke for 15 points in the second.
Doncic capped the half with a flurry on both ends. He watched a fadeaway jumper circle the entire rim before dropping through for a three-point play, ripped the ball out of Ace Bailey’s arms for a steal then hit a three at the buzzer to put the Lakers up by three at halftime.
The Slovenian superstar was coming off an admittedly “terrible” game in which he had 23 points, seven assists and 11 turnovers in the Lakers’ home win over the Clippers. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic is still finding his rhythm after not playing with the national team over the summer as he typically does.
Doncic made just two of his first eight three-point attempts Sunday. He looked right back in rhythm when he splashed the tying three with 4:06 remaining in the fourth quarter and pushed his palms toward the ground to quiet the crowd.
The Lakers held a slim lead entering the fourth quarter after Dončić produced 39 points through the first three quarters. The two-time NBA scoring champ finished with 52 points.
Doncic is now tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 10 career 50-point games, which is the 11th most in NBA history. The Lakers guard passed Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who each have nine.
"When he's in the flow state, he gets into the showman mode," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "He's on stage performing and that's always fun to watch."
Dončić hit a pair of big shots to close out the second and third quarters of the game. He hit a stepback 3-pointer to close out the third period to give the Lakers a 103-100 lead. He finished with eight 3-pointers made, shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc.
"It means everything to me," Doncic said about being able to step up and lift his team on the road.
While Los Angeles trailed by as many as 18 points during the first half, the Lakers took a 3-point lead to the locker room at halftime after Dončić poured in his 25 points.
Dončić created an opportunity for the Lakers to jump ahead, stealing the ball from second-year player Ace Bailey under the Jazz basket and walking it down the court.
The Slovenian star created space with a move that made Bailey slip before Dončić hit the 3-point shot.
Luka Doncic adds name to Lakers' record books
Dončić added his name to the franchise record books, becoming the fastest Laker to score 3,000 points. The six-time All-NBA selection reached the feat in 95 games, beating out George Mikan (106) and Abdul-Jabbar (109).
Doncic's performance was his third 50-point game for Los Angeles, passing Wilt Chamberlain, Anthony Davis and Shaquille O’Neal, who all had two 50-point games for the Lakers. Doncic is tied with LeBron James for fifth-most in Lakers' history.
The six-time All-Star's double-double performance also made him the first Laker since 1963 to record at least 50 points and 10 assists in a game. He joins Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in the team's history to accomplish the feat.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 24, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Chemistry is a difficult thing to achieve for any team. The majority of teams never reach that point where comfort meets production, so when you have it, you hold onto it and cherish it. There’s beauty in chemistry because players instinctively know where their teammates are going to be on both ends of the floor, creating the appearance of five people moving as one.
Right now? The Suns’ first unit doesn’t have it. Two games into the season, I think we all hoped we’d see a little more connectivity from the starting unit. But thus far, it has yet to manifest itself.
I guess it’s understandable, right? After all, 40% of your starting lineup is new. Miles Bridges wasn’t on the team last season, and Khaman Maluach started only one game during his rookie year. So yeah, there’s going to be a learning curve.
I recognize that the Massacre at Moda in Portland is going to skew a lot of our overall numbers until at least the 20th game of the season. But you can still feel it on the court. You can see the discombobulation.
Suns’ Lineups vs. Warriors | hoopsjunkie.io
Defensively, we’re constantly seeing Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, or Miles Bridges collapse on the weak side, leaving opposing three-point shooters wide open. Against Portland, that open shooter was consistently Damian Lillard. You’re not going to make a living doing that.
The issue is that these guys don’t yet know when and where to provide help. There needs to be better communication within the starting unit, along with more repetitions so everyone understands when help is necessary and when it’s probably a good idea to avoid leaving a Hall of Fame three-point shooter open.
We witnessed the same issues against the Warriors, where the Suns consistently failed to operate as one cohesive unit. At times, multiple players would attack the ball. Other times, nobody would, creating a layup line for players like Will Richard, who could take the ball the length of the court and finish at the rim.
Offensively, we’re seeing similar problems. Two players will run over to set the same screen because neither seems to know who’s supposed to be setting it at that particular moment. Back screens are missed because players didn’t realize it was theirs to set.
This isn’t to say you give up on the group entirely. It’s a demonstration that this team is going to need time to gel. That continuity we believed could help propel the Suns through the early portion of the season, while opposing teams were still trying to figure themselves out, has become a moot point. It doesn’t exist right now. And it doesn’t matter.
You look at the second unit and see much more stability, a clearer understanding of roles, and players who seem to know where they’re supposed to be. Why? Because the roles within that unit are more clearly defined. Devin Booker noted as much following the win over the Warriors on Saturday night.
“I’d say right now they have more of a chemistry than our first group, and I think typically that’s how teams are,” Booker said. “You play against those guys every day in practice, and they know each other like white on rice. I’ve been guarding Collin and Oso, and having Goody picked me up for a long time now.”
“I know how special players they are, and every time we can share the court together, I always enjoy that,” he added. “You can feel the crowd get involved. The ball is hopping around, and the defense is at a high level. As the first unit, we need to learn from them in a way, and the type that they play: everybody sacrifices in those groups, and you see the result that you get out of it.”
We know Collin Gillespie is going to be the tip of the spear and the primary facilitator of the offense. With that established, everybody else can fall in line because they’re not playing the same game of hot potato that the starting unit is, trying to determine whether Devin Booker or Jalen Green is supposed to be running the offense. We know Jordan Goodwin is going to be your point-of-attack defender and one of your best rebounders, crashing the glass whenever the opportunity presents itself. So when you see him guarding somebody, you’re not necessarily inclined to rush over and provide assistance. And we know Ryan Dunn is going to do a lot of the little things because he’s operating in the role he’s destined to play rather than one he’s being asked to play.
I’m finding it harder and harder to take my eyes off Ryan Dunn when he’s on the floor.
He’s quickly becoming one of my favorite Suns to watch this season.
Sure, you have the insertion of Luke Kennard, who made his season debut Saturday against the Warriors, but he’s a much more connective player. He fits into that existing structure rather than disrupting it.
And that’s ultimately the difference between the two units right now. The second group understands its responsibilities, trusts the players around them, and operates with a level of confidence that comes from familiarity. The starters are still trying to establish that same understanding. Talent can overcome plenty of deficiencies, but chemistry requires repetition, communication, and clearly defined roles. Phoenix has the pieces to make it work. Now Jordan Ott has to figure out how they fit together, because continuity means very little if nobody knows what they’re supposed to do.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 24: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 127-116. 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
Update: 6:51 p.m.: Edgecombe has been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. the Pistons. Before the game, Nick Nurse confirmed it was the shot to the midsection in Saturday’s game against Milwaukee and that he was very sore after.
Though not to the degree of years past, the injury bug is hitting the Sixers early in the 2026-27 season.
The latest to pop up on the injury report is second-year guard VJ Edgecombe, who is now listed as questionable with an abdominal contusion for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.
Edgecombe appeared to take a shot to the midsection early in Saturday night’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks while trying to contest a layup. He stayed in the game for a little while, even knocking down a pair of threes. He briefly left the game and headed back to the locker room, but remerged and was riding the stationary bike before checking back in.
Edgecombe finished the game with 17 points and 13 rebounds, nailing five threes. He also made two massive plays down the stretch — grabbing an offensive rebound which led to a Jaylen Brown three, then coming up with a deflection which Brown turned into a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope triple to essentially seal the win.
The Sixers already come into the contest short-handed. Joel Embiid (plantar fasciitis management) — despite his lobbying to play to the media postgame — and Jabari Walker (knee soreness) are out. Dominick Barlow (back) and Tacko Fall (quad) remain out of the lineup. Both Dean Wade and Caldwell-Pope are a little banged up as well.
Luckily, LeBron James is set to return to the lineup after missing the front end of the team’s back-to-back. The Sixers and Piston tip off at Xfinity Mobile Arena at 7:30 p.m.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 23, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard will reportedly miss his first game since returning to the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling. This means that Leonard will miss the highly anticipated matchup between the Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.
Ja’Kobe Walter will be inserted into the starting lineup in Leonard’s place.
With the Raptors and Timberwolves being two of the nine remaining undefeated teams, the showdown is the first real litmus test for both squads. While it’s unfortunate that fans won’t get to see their rosters at full strength, intrigue continues to surround this team’s long-term sustainability without Leonard, particularly against contenders.
The last time Leonard missed a game was against the Golden State Warriors on Apr. 12. It was the Los Angeles Clippers’ season finale. Before then, Leonard had played in 11 consecutive games, which included a 27-point performance in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Mar. 25. Leonard returned for the Clippers’ play-in game against the Warriors.
Leonard appeared in 65 games during his final season in Los Angeles. He hasn’t appeared in at least 60 games in consecutive seasons since 2015-17, both of which were his first two seasons as an All-Star. During the Raptors Media Day, Leonard suggested that he would like to play more this year.
In his legendary run with the Raptors in 2019, Leonard finished with 60 regular-season appearances.
During Toronto’s 112-102 victory over the Washington Wizards on Oct. 23, Head Coach Darko Rajakovic played Leonard 27 minutes. In the season-opener, the Klaw finished with 23 minutes. The Raptors play their first set of two games in three nights against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28 and 30.
After that, the Raptors get their first back-to-back, conveniently against the Los Angeles Lakers (Nov. 1) and the Clippers (Nov. 2). If the early load management means that Leonard is good to go for their business trip to Los Angeles, then this could be worth it.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks shoots a basket against Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2025 in New York City. 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 Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another two winless teams will square off at Madison Square Garden tonight, when the Knicks (0-2) host the Orlando Magic (0-2). The World Champs share the basement of the Eastern Conference with Disneys, but won’t for long. Paolo Banchero is out for Orlando with a bum ankle, as is Jonathan Issac, Noah Penda, and Izaiyah Nelson. As fo this early-morning writing, Orlando’s Anthony Black and New York’s Jose Alvarado (ankle) are game-time-decision.
This should be a gimme for our guys, so let’s see if they’re up to the task. Tip off is 7 pm EST on NBA League Pass. This is your game thread. This is Pinstriped Post. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!
Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players...
Oct. 25, 5:40 p.m.
Jose Alvarado popped up on New York's injury report on Saturday, and has now been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic with a left ankle sprain, according to head coach Mike Brown in his pregame press conference.
The backup point guard is the lone Knicks player to appear on the injury report.
Alvarado logged 11 minutes in the team's 107-103 loss against the Boston Celtics last time out and struggled on the court. He scored just two points to go along with two rebounds, two assists and a steal, but he turned the ball over three times and finished as a minus-10.
New York is still searching for its first win this season, having lost to the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers in their first two games.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 16: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards dunks during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 16, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards announced that forward AJ Dybantsa is out for tomorrow’s road game against the Charlotte Hornets, which was reported by our own Greg Finberg.
NEWS: AJ Dybantsa (ankle) is OUT for Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, per the Wizards' injury report.https://t.co/ENgG3TnGM4
It’s frustrating that Dybantsa has yet to play a game this season. But the Wizards are appearing to take a conservative approach and they are 2-1 this season. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on October 21, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Hornets won 110-103. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets are still searching for their first win of the 2026-27 season, and they’ll have to find it on tired legs.
Brooklyn nearly erased a 22-point deficit in Cleveland on Saturday, outscoring the Cavaliers 41-29 in the fourth quarter before falling 125-121. The Nets return to Barclays Center on Sunday to face the Indiana Pacers in the second game of a back-to-back.
Meanwhile, sixth-overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. won’t be active for this one. He’s already on a minutes restriction and it looks like the Nets will keep him out of second night of back-to-backs for the foreseeable future. He rolled his ankle in the preseason.
Indiana arrives in Brooklyn coming off their own 16-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Game Info & How to Watch
Matchup: Brooklyn Nets (0-2) vs. Indiana Pacers (1-1)
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN
Nets-Pacers Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. — OUT
Indiana Pacers
T.J. McConnell – OUT
Johnny Furphy – OUT
Ben Sheppard – OUT
Braden Smith – DOUBTFUL
💬 Discussion
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Oct 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jon Endow-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Two years ago, no one could have fathomed the idea of Luka Dončić retiring anywhere but Dallas. The Mavericks had built a team capable of making the Finals around him and his fierce loyalty all made it seem like a done deal that he’d be the Dirk Nowitzki successor and play his whole career in Texas.
Everyone knows what transpired next with Luka shockingly being shipped to Los Angeles. The Lakers have worked to build a team around their new superstar, who still remains as loyal as ever. And given how the Lakers have treated him, it’s not surprising that Luka now feels the same about his new franchise as he did about his last.
In a recent interview with Melissa Rohlin of the California Post, he said he feels comfortable in Los Angeles and wants to finish his career in purple and gold (emphasis added).
“After that, at training camp last year, I felt I was where I belonged,” Dončić told the California Post. “I feel very good in LA. I’m very excited. Very happy. Obviously it’s a beautiful place to live. But just being with the Lakers organization, being a part of it, it’s such an honor. It’s amazing to be here.”
Dončić has embraced the whiplash-inducing change he never envisioned.
When asked if he wants to retire as a Laker, he didn’t hesitate.
“Hopefully, yeah,” Dončić told the California Post. “But as you know in this NBA business, you never know what’s going to happen. But I feel like I’ve found something here that’s very comfortable for me. And hopefully [that happens].”
While this is the first time Luka has said he wants to retire with the franchise, the overall sentiment of wanting to remain with the franchise has been consistent pretty much since he landed in Los Angeles.
The ball, then, is in the Lakers’ court. If Luka wants to be with the franchise for the rest of his career, it’s on them to put a team around him to remain competitive.
It is encouraging, though, that Luka wants to be here long-term. The challenge now is to make sure he keeps that mindset.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 10: Guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards guard Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 10, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 146-134. 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 have had a frustrating start to the season. They’ve shown how good they could be with impressive stretches throughout their first two games, but poor closes to both contests have made it clear that they’re far from a finished product.
The Cavs will welcome a good Minnesota Timberwolves team to town on Monday. Minnesota made a big move this summer by trading for LaMelo Ball, and so far, things have paid off. The Timberwolves have beaten the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic by a combined 47 points in their first two contests. They’ll be hosting the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 23: The sneakers worn by Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks against the Boston Celtics 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
Steve Kerr on Yaxel's game and his efforts defensively:
"Yeah, he's fearless, he's huge and he's got a great skill set. He can dribble pass and shoot. The biggest thing is just continuing to learn the NBA and he's feel that, he's gonna do that. Play in the first half where he… pic.twitter.com/s7PjW16dWs
Steve Kerr taling with Yaxel Lendeborg during Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
One moment in particular that Kerr reflected on was when Lendeborg launched himself into Khaman Maluach.
“In college he could do that, but this is a different league,” Kerr said. “He’ll learn. He’s playing a ton, and he’s gonna get all these reps, and we’re gonna keep showing him film, and he’s gonna get all these reps, and we’re gonna keep showing him film, and he’ll get better and better.”
Yaxel Lendeborg launches himself into Khaman Maluach during Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Getty Images
As Kerr knows Lendeborg will continue to grow, he also praised him for not being scared of the moment.
“He’s fearless, he’s huge, and he’s got a great skill set,” Kerr said. “He can dribble, pass, and shoot. The biggest thing is continuing to learn the NBA, and he’s gonna feel that; he’s gonna do that.”
Lendeborg’s exchange with Doncic has been considered controversial by some, but his teammate Draymond Green loved it.
After the game ended, Green told Evan Webeck of The California Post that regardless of the result, he was happy to see the rookie not back down against one of the best guards in the league.
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 23: John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons and Klay Thompson #11 of the Miami Heat wait for a rebound in game between the Detroit Pistons and the Miami Heat on October 23, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It will be a battle of early-season undefeated teams as the 2-0 Detroit Pistons will visit the 3-0 Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Both teams hope to contend for the Eastern Conference title, and both teams went about it in very different ways. The Pistons kept a young core intact, and their biggest move of the offseason was adding journeymen John Collins and Isaiah Joe. The Sixers, meanwhile, swung a huge trade of Paul George for Jaylen Brown and then convinced a little-known player named LeBron James of winding down his career in Philly.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Watch: TV: TV20 Detroit | Streaming: DAZN-Detroit Odds: Pistons +1.5
Analysis
While this stands as a great test for the Pistons, they will not have their full complement of players. Jalen Duren has already been ruled out for tonight and the next two weeks with a hamstring injury suffered against the Miami Heat. The Pistons might also be without star defensive forward Ausar Thompson, who sustained an ankle injury against the Heat.
Duren left that game early in the second quarter and Thompson exited early in the third, and the Pistons were still able to cruise to victory over the Heat. But the Sixers should be a different story.
The good news with Duren out is that the Sixers are also expected to rest Joel Embiid after the big man notched a triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. LeBron, who sat out that game Saturday, is expected to suit up.
The Pistons know that Paul Reed is more than capable of making winning basketball plays whether in a starter or reserve role. More interesting, and potentially worrying, is what the Pistons will do with their backup center minutes. I imagine it will be an opportunity for the organization to look at John Collins as a backup five. It also is another opportunity for the Pistons to become the prolific 3-point shooting team nobody thinks they are.
Without Duren and Thompson, two non-shooters, potentially replaced in the starting lineup by Reed and Isaiah Joe (or maybe Javonte Green), and having Collins play minutes at the five, expect a lot of five-out action. Last season, the Pistons attempted just 30.9 threes per game (29th in the NBA). It’s early, but through two games, they are hoisting 39 per game. After tonight, they could rank in the top five in 3-point shooting volume in the NBA. Weird.
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (2-0)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Joe, John Collins, Paul Reed
Philadelphia 76ers (3-0)
Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Adem Bona
Question of the Game
How many 3-point attempts for the Detroit Pistons tonight?
