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.
The Western Conference just underwent a power shift.
Thunder star Jalen Williams will undergo surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula. Cason Wallace suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder that also requires surgery.
Jalen Williams (8) of the Oklahoma City Thunder gives a thumbs up to the crowd while being carted off after an injury during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
But it also means there could be more of an opening in the crowded Western Conference, which means the Lakers must go all in this season.
Doncic leads the NBA in scoring (34.3 points per game). Reaves is tied for eighth (26.7 points per game). The Lakers have the top-rated offense in the league (125.9).
They’re the only team with two top-10 scorers. Doncic and Reaves are the highest-scoring duo in the league (61 points per game). And Kessler is living up to the team’s high expectations as the defensive anchor and franchise center.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers works the ball against Darryn Peterson (22) of the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
But they still have some notable weaknesses. They’re thin behind Kessler. Their defensive rebounding is in the league cellar, and their perimeter defense needs improvement. The Lakers are ranked 19th on the defensive end (112.4).
If the Lakers could shore up their holes, who’s to say they couldn’t compete with the NBA’s top teams?
The Western Conference is loaded with talent. Victor Wembanyama wants to lead the Spurs back to the championship round. The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert could be dangerous. Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet are on a mission to make the Rockets a real threat.
As for the Thunder, they’re still loaded with talent and depth. They went 39-10 without Williams last season. They have two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on their roster. But their injuries — coupled with their offseason moves, including trading Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe — make them thinner on the wing and weaker on defense.
That means the Lakers have an easier path against a team that has notoriously given them fits.
Austin Reaves (15) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Darryn Peterson (22) of the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
Last season, the Lakers went 0-4 against the Thunder, losing their regular-season games by an average of 29.3 points. The Thunder then swept the Lakers out of the second round of the playoffs.
The Lakers are a different team this season.
LeBron James left in free agency. Doncic is the head of the snake. They added nine new players over the summer. But still, it’s no secret that the Thunder were their kryptonite — and likely still are this season.
But things have shifted a bit.
The unfortunate injuries to the Thunder make one of the Lakers’ greatest foes a little less daunting. It makes LA’s path to the top of the Western Conference a bit less difficult.
The door is cracked.
And the Lakers should use everything they have left in their arsenal to blow it open.
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.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 23: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers defends during the game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on October 23, 2026 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. (Photo by Ben Liebenberg/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It took overcoming an 18-point deficit, but the Lakers remained 3-0 with Sunday’s road win over the Utah Jazz, led by Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves combining for 81 points.
LA’s major offseason addition, Walker Kessler, struggled to contribute offensively as Utah game-planned to overload the paint. He finished 1-2 from the field for two points with seven rebounds and a block. Still, the former Jazz big man ended the night with a plus-minus of plus-six.
While the return to Utah was quiet offensively, his first two games in the purple and gold were anything but. Kessler finished lobs and dump-off passes near the rim to average 24 points per night in those contests.
His scoring consistency will fluctuate throughout the season, but the Lakers traded for him to be a defensive anchor every night and he’s immediately been a force on that end. Over three games, the Lakers have a 105.6 defensive rating with Kessler on the court, which would be good for sixth overall, along with a +26 net rating.
The team’s entire defense hinges on his ability to protect the basket. The Lakers prefer to keep him in a drop coverage scheme, where he engages the ball handler enough for his teammate to chase over and recover, without letting his man roll behind.
Kessler has a quick-twitch jump and elite mobility for his size, allowing him to react timely to offensive players. Watch below as Kris Dunn rejects the ball screen and heads to the rim. Kessler is in position to dissuade the pass to the big man while easily rejecting Dunn at the basket.
While the Lakers would love to park Kessler near the rim at all times, that’s not how the modern game works. With the volume of screen actions every play and five-out offenses around the league, an elite big man must be able to defend the perimeter and still recover to the rim, sometimes multiple times per possession.
The counter against a drop coverage is ball handlers with a pull-up jump shot, especially on 3-pointers. Against the Clippers and Darius Garland, Kessler was asked to meet the screen at the level to hedge the ball handler, as shown below, and recover to his man. Watch as he forces the ball out of Garland’s hands and still recovers to block Rui Hachimura at the basket.
Kessler leads the Lakers in rebounds, is tied for second in the league in blocks and leads the team in 3-point contests per game. Head coach JJ Redick, at his opening media availability, noted he hopes to use Kessler similarly to how the Spurs use Victor Wembanyama.
It’s a strategy where you start a rim protector on a less dangerous corner shooter. There’s a trust that he can protect the rim while recovering out enough in time to closeout effectively. Watch below as Kessler not only gets back in time to contest, but erases the rookie Keaton Wagler’s shot entirely.
Kessler’s mere presence taps into the strengths of the defensive talent on the roster. LA signed two-time All-Defensive player Matisse Thybulle and young, athletic wing Ziaire Williams to be perimeter pests.
He lets them be ultra-aggressive, knowing he’s flanking behind them. Watch as Thybulle chases over and takes multiple swipes at the ball against Draymond Green. If he’s out of position, Kessler is there to hinder any attack on the basket.
While the Lakers haven’t played a row of contenders to start the season, roles have been clearly defined throughout the team. For Kessler, that’s been just as crystallized as everyone else.
His job is to maintain his defensive motor and focus for every minute he plays. With his offensive responsibilities set to be a play finisher, he can save energy for the other side of the floor.
There’s still a long way to go this season, but so far Kessler has answered the bell on what he was brought here to do.
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 14: Pete Nance #35 of the Milwaukee Bucks boxes out during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 14, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers have opened the 2026-27 NBA season with Arthur Kaluma, Chris Mañon and AK Okereke occupying their trio of two-way contract spots. But according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, Los Angeles was intrigued by the possibility of adding Pete Nance on a two-way deal when Nance was a free agent earlier this month.
“The 76ers and Lakers, league sources say, both registered two-way contract interest in Pete Nance after Milwaukee released the 26-year-old last weekend,“ Stein and Fischer reported. ”But the Bucks, as The Stein Line reported last Sunday, believed they could get Nance to stay in Brewtown on a two-way with them and were proven correct. Nance is still a Buck.“
Since going undrafted in 2023, Nance — the younger brother of former Laker Larry Nance Jr. — has spent time with the Bucks, Sixers and Cleveland Cavaliers. As Milwaukee labored through a lost season last year, Nance received the most run of his brief career thus far. He played in a career-high 47 games, logged a career-high 737 minutes and averaged a career-high 5.4 points per game, headlined by a 23-point outing against the Houston Rockets and 11 other double-digit scoring nights.
Nance’s standout trait is seemingly his outside shooting, having drained 41.7% of his career triples (60-of-144). While he wouldn’t have presumably factored into the Lakers’ rotation, that floor-spacing as a legit 4 could’ve provided a nice duplicative element behind Sandro Mamukelashvili in times of rotational crisis. For now, though, he remains with the Bucks while the Lakers roll with Kaluma, Mañon and Okereke.
Among the three, only Mañon’s logged regular-season minutes (three) to this point, with two of the Lakers’ three wins being undecided until late in the fourth quarter. Most of their playing time will likely come with the South Bay Lakers in the G League, which begins its season Nov. 6 with the Tip-Off Tournament.
Both Kaluma and Mañon played for South Bay last season while Okereke is a rookie. In 35 regular-season appearances, Kaluma averaged 14.6 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 assists, and shot 54.5% from the floor (36.4% beyond the arc). Mañon made 33 appearances, averaging 10.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.0 steals.
The 2026-27 NBA season has kicked off, and we already have some fun things to break down. We had the 76ers spoil the Knicks’ good vibes on Opening Night before they came back from 29 points down to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers. We've had the Miami Heat struggle out of the gate, and the Timberwolves look amazing.
Among the early headlines, there's been some impressive fantasy performances and dynasty value implications.
Let's break down two risers and two fallers this past week before looking ahead to some NBA Draft prospects.
After breaking out in 2024-25, Ty Jerome signed with the Grizzlies in the 2025 offseason. This season, he is currently averaging 29.8 PPG, 3.5 REB, 6.3 AST, while shooting 51% from the field, 37% from three and 88% from the free-throw line. He's establishing himself as a starting level point guard in the NBA.
Jerome will not continue to produce at this level, but he will be a very good fantasy player as long as he is in Memphis. There is still a lot of usage available in Memphis, so it wouldn't be crazy if he averages 23 points per game moving forward. If you're a win-now team, acquiring Jerome might be one of the best bargain plays you can find because of two key reasons.
Jerome has two inexpensive years remaining on the three-year, $27.6 million contract he signed last offseason. The Grizzlies could cash in given that he's 29 years old.
Jerome has had a lot of injuries during his career which could result in a decline earlier than anticipated. Over the previous three seasons, Jerome played just 87 games, with his lone healthy season coming during his breakout year in Cleveland.
There is a world where Jerome remains healthy and ends up being a great point guard into his 30s. There's also a world where he gets hurt again and he ends up not being fast enough to get by defenders, or he just stops hitting his shots at the rate he has been, and he falls out of the league quickly as his body breaks down. With these clear risks, you will not have to pay premium value in dynasty leagues for the production he's giving you.
Leonard Miller, Chicago Bulls
Miller has found favor in the eyes of new coach Tiago Splitter where he is getting a full-time consistent role for the first time in his career.
Last season for Chicago, Miller averaged 11.7 PPG, 5.8 REB, shooting 55.5% FG/35.6% 3PT/76.2% FT on 23.1 minutes. On a per-36 minute basis, he averaged 18 points and nine rebounds.
Tiago has had some success with Deni Avdija, and Leonard is a similar player in terms of his game as a driver. The 22-year-old (23 next month) is unlikely to overtake Matas Buzelis or Caleb Wilson in the rotation, but his scoring and rebounding could make him a valuable option in deeper fantasy leagues. He also has the potential to deliver top-100 value if given a starting role.
The biggest faller of the week is undoubtedly Kristaps Porziņģis, who is reportedly "contemplating his future in basketball" with recurring symptoms of POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), per Shams Charania of ESPN.
For those unfamiliar, POTS is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates functions such as heart rate and blood pressure. The condition can cause an excessive increase in heart rate when standing, along with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue and difficulty tolerating exercise.
At the end of the day, medical retirement is absolutely in the realm of possibilities. Naturally, that will hamper any return you’ll get if he’s on your roster in a dynasty league. Porziņģis has a $20 million player option for next season, but only $3 million is guaranteed.
If you're a rebuilding dynasty manager with Porziņģis, you have to sell him for whatever you can get. If you're a contending team, I would be interested in giving up any of the following for him.
A 2027 second-round pick that is outside the top 35 to get him given how this upcoming second round is going to look.
A top 300 dynasty asset on the chance that Porziņģis gives it one more go. The hope is that you get top 150 production for a month or two in your playoffs.
It's a pure risk and it might end up not working out, but if you're trying to win, you should be trying to take that risk if the price is low enough. Maybe it's someone like Cody Williams or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope if your league is that deep.
Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
On October 25, Jalen Williams went down with a gruesome injury which resulted in a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula. He is expected to miss significant time and potentially the rest of the season. Comparable injuries in recent NBA history include those suffered by Paul George and Gordon Hayward. George eventually returned to form whereas Hayward was never the same after the injury, although he remained productive.
We will need to knock Williams down dynasty rankings but do not panic sell him. He is still a top-40 dynasty asset at worst and likely belongs closer to the top 30. There will be managers trying to buy low and hoping you accept a deal that is way lower than it should be. Do not do it. If I'm selling Jalen, I would want someone on a similar timeline that's also an established fantasy star. An example of this would be Franz Wagner, Deni Avdija, Paolo Banchero, or Jalen Duren. I also would be fine holding until he gets back and then reassessing the situation.
Prospect Corner
The college basketball season is right around the corner. Let’s take a look at some of the most intriguing matchups involving NBA Draft prospects.
As a dynasty manager, it will be important to keep tabs on these prospects as they could be the future for your team. Here's a look ahead to next Monday when the college season starts with two big prospect matchups.
Ohio State vs. BYU (9 ET)
Anthony Thompson (Ohio State) and Bruce Branch (BYU) are projected top 10 picks on most mainstream mocks. Both are wings who are projected to be in the 3-and-D role.
UCLA vs. Arizona (10 ET)
Nikola Kusturica is a projected top-three pick in the 2028 NBA Draft, and Arizona has 3 potential lottery picks with Caleb Holt, Motiejus Krivas, and Ivan Kharchenkov.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 22: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Vj Edgecombe #77, Jaylen Brown #7, Joel Embiid #21, LeBron James #23, and Tyrese Maxey #0 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 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
It’s hard to know exactly what to make of the new-look Sixers through four games. There have been encouraging signs, especially when it comes to the starting group. Injury, rebounding and backup center concerns have all come up as well.
All that said, they’re 3-1 heading into a matchup with the Indiana Pacers Wednesday. It should be a stiff test for Joel Embiid — Tyrese Haliburton and company want to run, not unlike this current Sixers group. Embiid has been a net positive so far this season, but this will be a good gauge of where he is more than a week into the season.
What’s on your mind as the Sixers get set to play their fifth game? Hit me with your thoughts and questions and I’ll do my best to respond to as many of you as possible.
The Indiana Pacers spent one season outside the Eastern Conference conversation. They did not spend it rebuilding.
Indiana reached Game 7 of the NBA Finals in June 2025. Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his right Achilles early in that game, missed the entire following season and watched the Pacers fall to 19-63.
Now Haliburton is back, several members of Indiana’s Finals core remain and the Pacers again expect to be part of the East race.
Whether Haliburton will face the Sixers on Wednesday is uncertain. Indiana listed him as questionable Tuesday because of left hamstring tightness. The designation came one day after he played 35 minutes on the second night of a back-to-back.
That is the team the Sixers will meet Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse — much different from the depleted group they swept last season, but reshaped since coming within one victory of an NBA championship.
Haliburton looks like Haliburton
Four games do not erase the work required to return from a torn Achilles. They have shown that Haliburton’s playmaking and creativity remain intact.
He has averaged 21.8 points and 9.5 assists while shooting 51.6 percent from the field and 37 percent from three-point range. Haliburton has recorded 38 assists against nine turnovers.
That control is central to an Indiana system that has ranked among the NBA’s top five in both ball and player movement for six consecutive seasons.
Haliburton had 23 points and 12 assists in his first regular-season game in more than 16 months, leading Indiana to a 123-120 win over New Orleans. He followed it with 24 points and 10 assists Sunday against Brooklyn, including a self-assisted alley-oop off the floor that prompted a simple assessment from Rick Carlisle.
Haliburton then played 35 minutes on the second night of Indiana’s back-to-back and finished with 22 points and nine assists against Milwaukee. The Pacers led by 11 at halftime but lost, 110-102, after missing their final 10 field-goal attempts.
Afterward, Haliburton acknowledged that his conditioning and shooting legs are still returning.
“Just getting my legs back is the biggest thing,” Haliburton said Monday night. “It’ll take a couple weeks.”
The Pacers are 2-2 and have already experienced four very different games. They rallied to win their opener, allowed Dallas to score 77 first-half points in their home opener, routed Brooklyn and then gave away a second-half lead in Milwaukee.
As Haliburton said following the Dallas loss, “It’s not all fairytales, sunshine and rainbows.”
Wednesday will be Indiana’s second home game. Its first went poorly.
The Pacers trailed Dallas by 34 points at halftime and heard boos during Haliburton’s first regular-season game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in 490 days. Carlisle called it “one of the best crowds I’ve ever seen here,” but said his team did not compete well enough to reward it.
Both of Indiana’s wins have come on the road. The Sixers will get the Pacers’ second attempt to give their home crowd something to celebrate.
The Finals core has changed around him
Pascal Siakam, Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Obi Toppin remain from Indiana’s Finals rotation. Siakam has led the Pacers in scoring at 23.5 points per game and is coming off a 20-point, 13-rebound performance against Milwaukee.
The frontcourt looks different.
Myles Turner left for Milwaukee following the Finals. Indiana acquired Ivica Zubac from the Clippers last February, sending Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson and significant draft capital to Los Angeles.
Zubac gives Indiana a more physical presence around the basket than Turner did, but he changes how the Pacers play. Turner could space the floor by popping behind the three-point line. Zubac is a traditional screener and roller who does most of his work around the rim.
The Sixers will not see that version of Indiana on Wednesday.
Zubac sprained his left ankle Sunday against Brooklyn and has been ruled out. Jay Huff started in his place Monday, recording six points and six rebounds in 23 minutes. Larry Nance Jr., Toppin and Jarace Walker also received frontcourt minutes.
The Sixers have been vulnerable on the glass, but Indiana may not be positioned to exploit that weakness as well as expected. Without Zubac on Monday, the Pacers were outrebounded 61-48 and allowed Milwaukee to score 24 second-chance points.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, will have Joel Embiid back. Embiid is not listed on the injury report after sitting out Sunday’s loss to Detroit for right plantar fasciitis management.
VJ Edgecombe is also off the report after missing Sunday with an abdominal contusion. Edgecombe and Tacko Fall were full participants in Tuesday’s practice, although Fall remains out against Indiana with a quadriceps injury.
The Sixers’ other unavailable players are Jabari Walker, who will miss his second straight game with left knee soreness, and Dominick Barlow, who remains sidelined by a lower-back stress reaction.
A familiar face in Indiana
The Pacers’ other significant addition is Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre signed a two-year, $17 million deal with Indiana after spending three seasons with Philadelphia. He started 150 of his 178 regular-season appearances as a Sixer.
Oubre started Monday with Nembhard sidelined and scored nine points in 23 minutes. His role against Philadelphia could extend beyond facing his former team. Haliburton praised Oubre for taking difficult defensive assignments while Indiana’s rotation has been depleted.
Nembhard is questionable again Wednesday because of neck soreness. If he remains unavailable, Oubre could start and spend time against one of Philadelphia’s primary scorers.
Indiana’s backcourt depth may be tested even further if Haliburton sits. Former Sixer T.J. McConnell is out with a right hamstring strain, while Ben Sheppard and Johnny Furphy remain sidelined by significant knee injuries.
Nesmith and Toppin are listed as probable.
Matchup to watch: Who gets the game moving?
Haliburton and Tyrese Maxey will not necessarily defend each other throughout the night. If Haliburton plays, they will have the greatest influence over the game’s pace.
Maxey was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 28.8 points during the Sixers’ 3-1 start. Philadelphia’s best offensive stretches have often come when its defense creates opportunities for Maxey to attack before opponents can organize.
Haliburton looks for early outlet passes, advances the ball quickly and frequently initiates offense before the defense has selected its matchups.
That makes Philadelphia’s transition defense important. The Sixers cannot allow missed shots or turnovers to become open Indiana threes. When Haliburton is forced to operate against a set defense, the Pacers become easier to contain.
The same applies in the opposite direction. Without Zubac protecting the rim, Indiana may be more vulnerable when Maxey, Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown get downhill before its defense is set.
If Haliburton is unavailable, Indiana will lose the player most responsible for establishing its pace and organizing its offense. That would place more creation duties on Siakam, Oubre and potentially Nembhard.
What Vegas thinks
The Sixers were favored by 2.5 points Tuesday afternoon. The total sat between 238.5 and 239.5 points, depending on the sportsbook.
Those numbers may move based on Haliburton’s and Nembhard’s final statuses.
Philadelphia swept last season’s series, 4-0. Haliburton did not play in any of those games. In the previous two seasons, the Pacers went 5-2 against the Sixers.
The Sixers already know how little last year’s results mean. Whether he plays Wednesday or not, Haliburton has given the Pacers their engine back.
Raphielle Johnson