LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Los Angeles Dodgers groundscrew worker paints the postseason logo on the field before the Milwaukee Brewers workout prior to the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, it looks like we’ll be sitting tight for a few days. Game 1 of the World Series won’t be until the night of October 23, so that means there will be no more baseball until then.
In the mean time, what are y’all planning on watching tonight? If you’re a basketball fan then you’re well aware that it’s Opening Night in the NBA, so there are a pair of really exciting games planned tonight as the Knicks host the Sixers and the Thunder host the Spurs. I’m still happy that the classic NBA on NBC theme is back, so that lone is enough to entice me.
Outside of that, is there anything else that y’all are planning on watching? If you’re still having trouble finding something to watch, here are some 2021 NLCS highlights to enjoy.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 20: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons and Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game on October 20, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA season is officially in full swing, and it took no time to produce an incredibly entertaining basketball game.
Things looked rough in the first half as Detroit struggled to knock down shots. They could only muster an 18-point second quarter as Boston finished the first half on a 23-6 run to take a 58-45 halftime lead. Paul George was scorching hot to start the second half and helped push the Boston lead up to 22. And yet, the Pistons kept slowly chipping away, and thanks to Detroit’s sparkplug Javonte Green, they were able to reclaim the lead halfway through the final frame. The Pistons beat the Celtics 121-113 in the NBA opener.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each led the way with 22 points. Duren added nine rebounds and two stocks while Cade had four rebounds, eight assists, and two stocks. These two instantly got back to what they do best:
Duncan Robinson started slow, but heated up quickly in the second half. He had 21 points while shooting 5-for-9 from deep, and one of his five threes resulted in the biggest crowd pop of the night:
Javonte Green certainly deserves a shoutout as he didn’t play in the first half, but still finished with 19 points while shooting 5-for-8 from deep. He played a huge part in providing a spark to the Detroit offense as they were struggling, and his impact was instantly felt. I will note: Ron Holland only played three minutes in the first half and didn’t play in the second. All of the backup PF minutes went to Javonte in the second half. If the ball made it to him, he was letting it fly:
Ausar Thompson finished with a double-double: 11 points and 11 rebounds, while also adding five assists. Seeing him take on more of an on-ball role is something I’m really excited about this season, because when he’s making plays like this, he’s one of the most entertaining players in the NBA:
I am so glad that Detroit Basketball is back, and they’re now 1-0 on the season. The Pistons will travel to Miami to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s new team on Friday night.
Ahead of the doors opening at Madison Square Garden, each seat was given a T-shirt that says "2026-27 Champions Night" in gold letters with an image of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The Knicks won last season's championship, which capped the 2025-26 season. Some people on social media are pointing out that the wording of the T-shirts celebrating that title on opening day of the 2026-27 season is a bit funny. Philadelphia Inquirer editor DeAntae Prince joked that "The Knicks have crowned themselves as the 2026-27 champions…. Prior to the season opener."
Illuminated NBA logo above the entrance to the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, September 29, 2026. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) | Gado via Getty Images
Finally.
I know we have to wait until tomorrow to watch the Rockets versus Mavericks (because they didn’t see enough of them in China) but actual basketball is here!
If you are a hoophead that’s been suffering from a lack of basketball, yes, the lack of Rockets action hurts a bit, but there’s still that sweet, sweet, relief that can only come from injecting basketball straight into your brain.
The NBA has set a good lineup for everyone tonight, as well.
Do you live in the USA? Do you want to watch the evening and night games? Guess what? What’s old is new again. You can hear “Roundball Rock” and watch the games on NBC. Just NBC, free to air.
Matinee: Boston vs Detroit
These are projected to be two of the top contenders in the NBA and last season Detroit won 60 games, and Boston won 56. I think win totals will be depressed somewhat by a lack of obviously tanking teams, especially with the March Tank-A-Thon likely being gone. That said, I have both these teams in the mid 50s for wins, and they’re in the running to make a Finals appearance.
This is an afternoon game, on a regular weekday in the US, and I can only conclude they offered this game for essentially Europe and the Middle East, so they’d get a night game to watch.
This game has been fun, with Boston taking a lead, and Detroit coming back. The best player in this game is exactly who you would expect: Paul George. Paul has 38pts/5rb/2ast/3TO/5STL just as you’d expect.
Boston made this one annoying at the end, perhaps in a tribute to Rick Carlisle, but the Pistons win it 121(!) to 113. The Pistons
Early Game – 76ers at Knicks
Time: 6:00 PM CST
Where to Watch: NBC, plain old NBC
We get to see the NBA Champions start their season at MSG. You can expect this will be a hot ticket, with lots of celebrities in the crowd. Philly has LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, to go along with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. The Knicks pretty much return their championship team, minus the guy actually drafted by the Knicks, Mitchell Robinson.
Late Game – Thudner at Spurs
Time: 8:30 PM CST
Where to Watch: NBC, also plain old NBC
The Finals loser San Antonio goes against their Western Conference Finals opponent. A contest of the consensus two best teams in the Western Conference, everyone is healthy, so it should be fun. It’s not such a late start that it should cause many problems, too.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives around John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on October 20, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics led the Pistons by 22 in the 2nd half. Then the game flipped as the Celtics, very much like they did in the first round last year, collapsed and lost to the Pistons, 121-113. It was a struggle for Jayson Tatum who had just 13 points on 6/23 from the field. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham’s 22 points and 8 assists won the day for the Pistons.
The Celtics started their preseason starters, Derrick White, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson. Devin Carter missed the game with mononucleosis. The Pistons started Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins and Jalen Duren. Tauren Prince (yes, he is on the Pistons now) was the only one out for Detroit.
It was a slow start for the Celtics, who had turnovers on their first 3 possessions. Jayson Tatum scored the first Celtics basket of the season, on an and-1 layup.
Jordan Walsh had a big impact early in the game, he had 4 rebounds (including 2 on the offensive side) in the first 5:46 of the game. However, the Celtics offense was sloppy as a whole, With 6 turnovers in the first quarter.
A Jayson Tatum buzzer beater had the Celtics leading at the end of the first quarter, 28-27. Tatum led the Celtics with 7 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, playing the whole first quarter. Payton Pritchard had 6 points off of the bench.
The Celtics played 11 players in the first 15 minutes of the game, they are clearly going to limit the Mitchell Robinson and Paul George minutes this year.
The Pistons were winning the turnover and rebounding battle early in the game. That is something that won’t sit well with Joe Mazzulla, who is constantly preaching the shot margins.
The Celtics went on a 15-0 run in the 2nd quarter to take a 50-39 lead in the 2nd quarter.
We had the double big lineup of Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta for the last 1:11 of the first half.
Kevin Huerter hit a buzzer beater at the end of the half but he did not get if off in time and the Celtics led 58-45 at the end of the first half. Paul George led the Celtics in scoring with 17 points while Tatum had 11 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.
George moved into 8th all time in three point makes in the first half.
Paul George has moved past Kyle Korver into 8th place on the NBA’s all-time 3-point makes list with the 2,451st make of his career.
George took over in the third quarter with 11 points in the first 4 minutes. He had 31 points midway in the third quarter, the most for any player in a Celtics debut.
Paul George has set the Celtics’ franchise record for most points in a debut performance.
He has 31 points through the midway mark of the third quarter.
After the Celtics took a 22 point lead, the Pistons went on a 19-6 run to cut Boston’s lead to 9. Former Celtic Javonte Green hit the big three pointer.
The game really flipped on the Celtics, all the sudden the Pistons were making all their threes and the Celtics couldn’t make a shot. Jayson Tatum had a missed layup and a pass thrown into the 2nd row in back to back possessions.
The Celtics led by 6 at the end of the 3rd quarter. George led the team with 31 points while Tatum had 11 points and 1o assists, while being held score less in the third quarter.
The Celtics got off to a good start in the 4th quarter, extending the lead to 12, 96-84.
After the Celtics took a 10 point lead, Duncan Robinson hit back to back threes to cut the lead to 4 with 7:34 left as Joe Mazzulla called a timeout.
The Pistons continued it out of the timeout as the Celtics collapse continued. An 18-0 run put the Pistons up by 8 107-99, with 5:10 remaining in the game.
A devastating collapse from the Celtics as the Pistons took a 13 point lead before a Derrick White layup ended a 23-0 run.
The Celtics cut the lead to 4 but a big Ausar Thompson shot put the Pistons back up 6 with 41 seconds to go in the game. Tatum then took a mid range shot that he missed and Duncan Robinson put the Pistons up 7 with 18 seconds to go.
The Celtics lost the game, 121-113. Paul George led the team with 38 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals. The Pistons were led by Javonte Green’s 19 points and Duncan Robinson’s 21 points.
The Celtics shot 46% from the field and 41% from three while the Pistons shot 43% from the field and 38% from three. The Celtics home opener is Friday at 7pm/EST on Prime Video against the defending champion New York Knicks.
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 5: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game against the Sacramento Kings during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 5, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
UPDATE: The Lakers announced on Wednesday afternoon that Collin Sexton had been downgraded to out with his calf strain.
Lakers say Collin Sexton (right soleus strain) has been downgraded to out for tonight vs. Golden State.
While Sexton is nearing a return, Wednesday’s game is too soon for him to be back. We’ll see if Friday is when he can make his Lakers debut.
Original story follows.
The Lakers will start the season without their two young prospects available.
LA took to the practice floor on Tuesday for their final tune-up before hosting the Warriors, but did so without either Cameron Carr or Adou Thiero. Head coach JJ Redick noted after practice that they held out yet again, a recurring trend heading into the regular season.
Hours later, the team made their designations and injuries official by releasing the first injury report of the season. Along with Carr and Thiero, Collin Sexton, who did not play in the preseason, was listed as questionable.
Sexton had been trending in the right direction — a go-to phase for the Lakers — this preseason and was a full participant in practice in each of the last two days. If nothing else, he at least feels close to getting on the court.
As for Carr, Redick has stated that it was an injury that came after he took a hit during preseason. It’s unclear how serious the strain is or how long he’s expected to be out, but it’s a disappointing start to his own rookie campaign.
Both players have been sidelined for games and practice this preseason. Redick had not shown any sense of worry that either player wouldn’t be available for the regular season, going as far as to call Thiero’s first missed game this preseason “maintenance.”
In typical Lakers fashion, a lack of clarity about injuries now leaves uncertainty about how bad injuries may be. With the regular season starting, it does mean that injury reports will become the norm. For LA, that means Tuesday night will provide some of that clarity on Thiero and Carr’s injuries.
Thiero had a strong preseason before the injury, emerging as someone who could potentially see rotation minutes to open the season. Carr, meanwhile, shined in his limited minutes, mostly in garbage time, before suffering a contusion early in the exhibition slate.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 7: Brayden Burries #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to shoot during the first half of the preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 7, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 William Purnell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For aspiring professional basketball players, there’s few places better to play in college than the University of Arizona.
The Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball program has long cemented itself as a training ground for NBA players. That’s never been more true than now. Sixteen former Wildcats are on NBA active rosters as the league tips off the 2026-27 season on Tuesday.
Arizona’s 16 active players is third-most among all college programs, trailing only Kentucky and Duke. The program also boasts one of the winningest active coaches in Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
Here is a look at the Wildcats in the NBA in alphabetical order.
Tobe Awaka, Chicago Bulls
Awaka enters his rookie season with the Bulls after going undrafted. Awaka signed with Chicago on a two-way contract. The fact he made the Bulls’ opening day roster bodes well for his chances of sticking in the league as a first-year player.
Deandre Ayton, Washington Wizards
Ayton was traded to the Wizards in early July after playing last season for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ayton is expected to come off the bench behind Anthony Davis for a Wizards team that also features top overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa. Ayton averaged career lows in points (12.5) and rebounds (8) last year.
Jaden Bradley, Toronto Raptors
Bradley must have made a strong first impression with the Raptors in order to secure a four-year, $9.3 million contract this offseason. The former Big 12 Player of the Year will begin the year deep on the Raptors’ depth chart, but Toronto clearly has high expectations.
Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs
Bryant will be competing for a bigger role in his second season with the Spurs. As a rookie, he averaged 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game. Bryant has room to grow offensively, as he shot 40.8% from the field last year. By comparison, he shot 46% his one year at Arizona.
Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks
Burries arrives in Milwaukee with high expectations as the 10th overall pick of the NBA Draft. Burries likely won’t start to begin the season, but he should have an immediate impact on the new-look Bucks. New acquisition Tyler Herro is expected to start at shooting guard, with Burries backing him up.
Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Gordon is entering his 13th year in the NBA, which feels hard to believe for some Arizona fans. Gordon has been one of the most consistent players in the league, both in production and availability, over the past decade. Last year was an exception, as he missed most of the season due to injuries. The 31-year-old is healthy and back to being himself, according to reports out of Denver.
Josh Green, Utah Jazz
Green is on his third NBA team after being traded from Charlotte to Utah in late August. The trade pairs up Green with Lauri Markkanen, making the Jazz one of two teams to feature multiple Wildcats. Green has developed into a steady role player, but he would like to increase his scoring average from last year’s 4.3 points per game.
Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat
Johnson enters his third season with the Heat as a two-way player. Last season Johnson appeared in 32 games, double the number of games he played in as a rookie. He averaged 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds. Johnson will have a lot of competition for playing time in a Miami front court led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat
Larsson secured the bag this offseason, signing a four-year, $60 million contract with the Heat. That’s a lot of money for a player who may not even start to begin the season. Larsson’s top competition is Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson, who the Heat signed over the summer. Larsson is coming off a strong second season in which he averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
Caleb Love, Philadelphia 7ers
Love gets a fresh change of scenery by joining a 76ers team that also features LeBron James, the father of Arizona guard Bryce James. Love is not projected to get a ton of minutes in a busy 76ers backcourt, but his success last year in Portland shows that he can be a difference maker when he’s making shots. Love averaged 10.4 points in 49 appearances.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen is the highest-paid former Wildcat with a base salary of $46 million. That goes a long ways in any place but especially Salt Lake City, where Markkanen has built an All-Star career over the past four seasons. Last season Markkanen averaged 26.7 points but missed approximately half the season due to injuries.
Bennedict Mathurin, New Orleans Pelicans
Mathurin is on his third team in third years after joining the Pelicans on a two-year contract. Mathurin developed a sixth-man role in his previous stops with the Pacers and Clippers and that should continue in The Big Easy. The 24-year-old averaged 17.6 points and 5.4 rebounds last year.
TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers
McConnell enters the year with uncertain status after missing the entire of the preseason due to an undisclosed injury. Once McConnell gets healthy, he should continue to be a steadying force for the Pacers backcourt. The 34-year-old averaged 9.4 points and 5.1 assists last year. He’s as excited as anyone in Indianapolis for Tyrese Haliburton to be back.
Zeke Nnaji, Denver Nuggets
Nnaji is a bit of an enigma in Denver. Through six seasons, he has yet to develop beyond a small role player. Yet Denver continues to play him, and there’s reason to think his job is in immediate jeopardy. Nnaji averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds last year.
Koa Peat, Phoenix Suns
Peat is sure to be a fan favorite for his hometown Suns, who drafted him 30th overall. Peat didn’t show a lot of offense during the preseason, but his presence on the glass and defensively assures he’ll see immediate playing time. Peat could share the front court with another Tommy Lloyd-coached forward, Drew Timme, who signed with Phoenix earlier this week.
Brandon Williams, Golden State Warriors
Williams is in his first season with Golden State after spending the past three seasons with the Mavericks. The 26-year-old averaged a career-high 13 points across 66 games last year. He’ll be competing for backup point guard minutes for Steve Kerr’s squad.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Zuby Ejiofor of the Atlanta Hawks and Dillon Mitchell #20 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 14, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As the NBA regular season officially tips off on Tuesday, the Red Storm will have their most representation in the Association in decades.
Five former St. John’s men’s basketball players made opening day rosters this year, including the Red Storm’s three-man rookie class of Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins.
The Red Storm’s All-Big East frontcourt trio were all selected in the 2026 NBA draft, marking the first time in the two-round era that three St. John’s players were selected in the same NBA draft.
As a first-round pick, Ejiofor is on a guaranteed contract and is expected to battle for frontcourt minutes off the bench with fellow rookie Henri Veesaar, Jock Landale, Asa Newell, and Mouhamed Gueye, while Mitchell and Hopkins are on two-way deals and will likely split time between the NBA and the G-League.
Julian Champagnie, the most experienced Red Storm alum in the league, is set to begin his fifth professional season with the reigning Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs. After the Philadelphia 76ers waived him midway through his rookie year, the undrafted Brooklyn native quickly found a home deep in Texas and has served as the Spurs’ 3-and-D weapon ever since.
Last season with the Spurs, Champagnie was one of 18 NBA players to play all 82 of their regular-season games. He averaged a career-best 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds on 43.7% shooting from the field and 38.1% from deep. On New Year’s Eve, he set the Spurs franchise record for most threes made in a game with eleven treys in a 134-132 win over the Knicks.
The former All-Big East Most Improved Player award winner started all 23 playoff games for the Spurs in his postseason debut last season, including all five NBA Finals games, becoming the first St. John’s alum to play on the sport’s biggest stage since Ron Artest (a.k.a. Metta World Peace) won the championship with the Lakers in 2010.
5 TRIPLES IN THE FIRST HALF FOR JULIAN CHAMPAGNIE 👌
Unfortunately for Champagnie (and luckily for many Johnnies fans around New York), the Spurs blew double-digit leads in all four losses to the eventual champion Knicks, including a 29-point advantage in Game 4—the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
During the offseason, Champagnie inked a new three-year, $45 million contract that will keep him with the San Antonio Spurs through the 2028-29 season. He might lose his starting power forward spot to new addition Tobias Harris once the 34-year-old veteran returns from injury, but Champagnie will still be a key contributor for a serious title contender.
Like Champagnie, Daniss Jenkins entered the league as an undrafted rookie and cut his teeth in the G-League before he could solidify a role with a playoff contender. Jenkins is entering his third season in the NBA and his second with a full-time role with the Detroit Pistons.
After making only seven appearances as a rookie, the Texas native became Cade Cunningham’s backup at point guard, logging 9.3 points and 3.9 assists per game across 72 contests and 19 starts for the Pistons, who finished as the No. 1 seed in the East. Back in February, the Pistons upgraded Jenkins’s two-way contract to a two-year, $8 million standard NBA deal.
Jenkins had some clutch moments in his first taste of playoff basketball. He sank a buzzer-beating triple to end the third quarter as part of a 16-point, 5-assist performance in Game 7 of their first-round series to help the Pistons complete a 3-1 series comeback. He then averaged double figures and started his first-ever playoff Game 7 against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, though the Pistons were knocked out in an inauspicious 31-point loss in that game.
The Pistons exercised Jenkins’s $4 million team option to keep him for the 2026-27 season. He’ll continue to play as the first point guard off the bench and could earn more starting opportunities at two-guard this season.
Other Red Storm alumni who could spend time in the league include Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Deivon Smith, who were teammates on the 2025 Big East champion squad and played in this July’s NBA Summer League.
Richmond made his NBA debut last season with the Washington Wizards, but spent most of his time with the G-League’s Capital City Go-Go before the Cavaliers traded him to their G-League affiliate, the Canton Charge; the Cavaliers then waived him in the preseason. Scott most recently earned a training camp deal with the Brooklyn Nets, then was waived and will likely play for their G-League Team, the Long Island Nets. The same has been done for Smith, who was signed and then waived by the Golden State Warriors in hopes of keeping him on their G-League team.
CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Joel Embiid thought he was done.
After fighting his body for a decade, he wondered if it was time to stop fighting. Most people wouldn’t have blamed him. We all know the laundry list of injuries. The torn meniscus in San Francisco could’ve been it. Sure, Embiid came back, fought his ass off in a tough series against the New York Knicks, then helped LeBron James and Team USA secure a gold medal.
But after playing 19 games in 2024-25, it was impossible to know what you’d get from Embiid last season. He himself admitted he thought about walking away, while many fans began frantically looking up “medical retirement” as Embiid’s massive extension was set to kick in.
But he got through last season, feeling good about his knee. With no surgeries or major injury issues this offseason, he was able to actually put in work on a basketball court, not just in the athletic trainer’s room.
“I feel good,” Embiid said. “I won’t get into all the details of what I did, but I felt like I did the right things to put myself and the team in a position to succeed. … Focus on everything that I needed to focus on — my mind, first of all, my body and, yeah, it went pretty well and now it’s time to go.”
Embiid wasn’t himself for much of the last two years. It was obvious to anyone watching him. Coming off an MVP season in 2022-23, Embiid looked well on his way to repeating after putting up video game numbers in his first year under Nick Nurse. After the latest meniscus tear, he looked like a shell of himself, culminating in a nightmare 2024-25 season.
The 2025-26 season was no picnic. He got off to a horrid start, but he kept playing. After an abysmal game against James and the Los Angeles Lakers in December of 2025, Embiid turned to his longtime trainer, Drew Hanlen, to get in extra work — something Embiid had not done with all of his focus being on rehab. The next game, while the sports talk radio stations were ablaze with takes, Embiid dropped 39 points.
Over the next 24 games, Embiid started to look like … Embiid. He averaged 29.8 points per game and seemed to be finding his groove playing alongside Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Unfortunately, it was short-lived as he missed the end of the regular season and start of the playoffs after an emergency appendectomy.
But his return in Game 4 and ability to completely turn their first-round series against Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics around, proved he’s still a game-changer. He was a gamer, going out there mere weeks after doctors cut through the skin, muscles and fat of his abdomen. That’s when he knew he could still do this.
The second round was a disaster as the aftereffects of Embiid’s surgery became apparent, Maxey’s finger was affecting him more and more and George’s age started to show after an outstanding series against Boston. The overall lack of depth of the roster was also made apparent.
But Embiid confidently went to the podium after the Knicks crushed them in four games, saying he’d gone from considering retirement to feeling like his knee issues were behind him. Dr. Jonathan Glashow did wonders for Kawhi Leonard, who went from playing 37 games in 2024-25 to 65 this past season at age 34. They’re different players with different bodies, but Glashow has Embiid believing.
And that might be the most important thing. When we finally got our first look at the Sixers’ new starting five in a preseason game against the Nets, Embiid looked rusty. He committed eight turnovers — some the result of new teammates, others were just plain sloppiness. Labaron Philon’s ill-fated alley-oop was also a low point. It wasn’t pretty to watch.
The final preseason game against the Celtics didn’t get off to a great start, either. Then Embiid found it. He got his rhythm sometime in the second quarter, then looked like … Joel Embiid. He needs to trust his body. He needs to trust his teammates. Both of those things tend to take longer with Embiid than the average player.
This season, though, it needs to happen fast. The Sixers don’t have a lot of time. The season is only just beginning, but before you know it, the dog days will be here. This group needs to come together. They need to be tested. They need to find out what works. They need to find out what doesn’t work and adjust. Embiid will be as big a part of that process(!) as anyone.
James wouldn’t have signed here if he didn’t believe in the current version of Joel Embiid.
“Jo is one of the most talented guys that we have in the world,” James said on media day, “and obviously, we all know that for him it’s just been about health. How can he stay healthy to be the best version of himself, be the best version of himself to be the best version of us as a team? And I’ve seen he put in a lot of work on his body, putting a lot of work in his game, a lot of work on his mental this offseason.
“So that is a big upside, not only for us as his teammates, but I guarantee it is for him. I don’t want to speak for him. You guys are talking to him, but I guarantee that’s a good feeling for him. So, me as like the elder statesman of the team, the guy that’s been through a lot, hopefully, I can just give him resources and give him whatever he needs on a day-to-day basis to make him feel even more and more comfortable about where he is, about where we are as a team, both on the floor and off the floor. So, I’m definitely in his corner, and I can’t wait to be out there on the court with him again, like he was in the [Olympics].”
When has Embiid ever had a legendary player with praise-worthy habits “in his corner”?
Embiid has been through it all. He knows where he’s let the team down and vice versa. None of it matters now, though. This is it. This is the best chance Embiid has ever had of not only getting over the second-round hump, but of actually winning a championship.
Imagine that legacy — his whole career in Philadelphia, multiple-time All-Star and All-NBA pick, MVP and NBA champion. It’d be one hell of a boon to a resume that’s likely already Hall of Fame worthy.
There’s no time like the present to get it done.
“It’s hard to win when you get a group of guys together for one year, two years, maybe,” Embiid said. “That’s why I’m extremely excited about this team because we got the right mix of veteran leadership and the younger guys and everybody being on the same page. So I feel like we might have some ups and downs, but we’re gonna get there.”
SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 10: Charles Bassey #28 and Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors high five during the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 10, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors are one day removed from kicking off the 2026-27 NBA season, as they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. PT. And while Monday brought them some good injury news — Steph Curry avoided a serious ankle injury, practiced, and is expected to play in the opener — Tuesday brought some worse news.
Speaking after Tuesday’s practice, coach Steve Kerr revealed that neither Brandin Podziemski nor Charles Bassey partook in the final practice of the preseason, and both players are questionable for the opener. The former is dealing with lower back soreness, while the latter is working through knee tendonitis that removed him from Friday’s preseason game.
Needless to say, if Podziemski and Bassey cannot play, it would be a huge loss for a team that is already operating without Jimmy Butler III, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Moses Moody. While Kerr has yet to reveal the team’s starting five, Podziemski, a fourth-year guard who just inked a five-year, $110 million extension, is a lock to be in the opening unit. Kerr openly has said he is leaning towards a starting five of Curry, Podziemski, Yaxel Lendeborg, Gui Santos, and Draymond Green, but started Bassey over Santos in the preseason finale, leaving the door open for the sixth-year center to get the opening day nod.
If Podziemski is unable to play, it’s likely that either De’Anthony Melton or Brandon Williams will slide into the starting lineup, with Gary Payton II and possibly Will Richard picking up some extra backcourt minutes. If Bassey is ruled out, you can expect to see some playing time for Graham Ike, who is on a two-way contract. Kerr has not hidden his desire to play Ike meaningful minutes, and those minutes will be easy to find if Al Horford is the only other healthy option at center.
MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: A Dallas Mavericks boot foam finger is seen on a seat before an NBA preseason basketball game against the Houston Rockets at the Venetian Arena on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, in Macao. (Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News via Getty Images)
Our next roundtable was easy: Predict the Dallas Mavericks record and seed, and then explain yourself!
Joe: Looks like I get to go first! My prediction for the Mavs is to finish as the 9 seed, winning the 9/10 play-in as the 10 seed, and losing the win-and-in game for the 8 seed. My reason is simple: Cooper Flagg. I wrote about this back in August, but I simply don’t think anyone, including the Mavericks and us, are ready to win, but Cooper is going to be. He’s going to take a leap, the type that generational players take in year 2. Think LeBron. Think Kobe. Think Luka. He’s that good, and the wins will follow with it. Regardless if you think Kyrie, PJ, Naji, or anyone else is gonna be on this team in April, he will, and that’s why regardless of other injuries, transactions, and any other crap that plagues this team this year, Cooper is going to keep them in it till April.
Matt M.: The Mavs will finish 38-44, 10th in the West, I believe. They will give the 7-seed everything they bargained for and more in the play-in before bowing out. There will be moments this bunch looks playoff-ready, but there will be a few more where Cooper Flagg is forced to drag this roster along as he takes a superstar step forward in year two. Dusty May will let Flagg and Kyrie Irving freelance, and it’ll be sad to see Irving go at the trade deadline. Many will wring their hands over what could have been at the end of the season, but it will have been for the best. Sound decision-making with the future in mind doesn’t always feel good right now, but when the dust settles, we will be left to wonder if this team is “ahead of schedule.”
Michael: I believe I’m required to predict the Mavericks go 0-82. Given my optimistic record predictions of the past two seasons (which were well better than reality), I’m convinced that saying “0-82” ensures we’ll end up being a solid 50-win playoff team. Self-inflicted cynicism aside, I’ll go with 44 wins and the #9 seed. 44 wins is a massive leap up from last season’s 26 wins, and in and of itself would be a huge celebration-worthy accomplishment. Do I not so secretly think I’m being ambitious with that win total? Yes. It’s going to be very difficult to make a jump like that, even with the return of Kyrie Irving. The team has a rookie head coach with zero NBA experience, is starting with injuries to a couple of key rotation pieces (Dereck Lively and Santi Aldama), Irving is going to get rest days, and the best player on the team is still not old enough to purchase alcohol. That all said, I’ll stick with my optimistic approach. The team has a lot of talent and one of the best young players in the game. It’s really a matter of how quickly they can gel and whether a surprise player can add an unanticipated dimension to the team. Hope to see you all in the Play In!
Sudarshan: 30-52. 11th/12th seed
A step forward from Cooper Flagg and Kyrie’s return should see some improvement in the team’s overall play, but this is still Year 1 of the reset with Dusty May in charge. The roster is still a complete mish-mash of pieces that don’t necessarily fit together, with way too many forwards and not enough creation. Morez and Larry were drafted to be key rotation pieces and building blocks for the future, but will go through the usual Year 1 growing pains. Dallas will definitely be more enjoyable to watch overall, but the improvement in their record might only be marginal, considering a stacked Western Conference.
Salvador: I’m going to go 36-46 and the 10th seed. Cooper Flagg looks like he might be a borderline All-NBA player this year, and Kyrie looks like he hasn’t lost a step. Even with the growing pains of the roster, I imagine they’ll start to get more chemistry as the year progresses. Also with the amount of young talent on the roster I think they will also improve as the year progresses and they get more reps.
David: Fine. I am gonna do it. The Mavericks will finish 43-39, make the playoffs as the 8 seed, and knock out the Thunder in the first round. Kidding, kidding. They will be the 1 seed. In all seriousness, I will predict them to actually finish 43-39 and make the playoffs as the 8 seed. They will not win a first-round series, but I think one or two moves off of a forward and into a guard could make this team very interesting. Cooper Flagg will be too good to lose 40 times in one season again.
Bryan: The Dallas Mavericks are going to finish with a 40-42 record as the 9th seed in the Western Conference play-in. Kyrie Irving is here to dive headfirst into the Grand Canyon-sized void of ball-handling and playmaking and fill as much as he can. Marcus Sasser will help off the bench in that regard, and Cooper Flagg is a much improved ball-handler and shot creator from his rookie season. These improvements, coupled with a more optimized, team-wide shot diet via Dusty May, are enough to facilitate a 10+ win increase from last year with what is essentially 70% the same roster. The reason I have them at 40 wins and not closer to 45 is because there will be an “evaluation period” during the first month or two of the season where Dusty and the front office will be testing players to see who fits the vision going forward. They are going to drop an uncomfortable number of games that they shouldn’t during this span, but when the roster tweaks and trades begin, the results will reflect the improved process.
Jack N.: My prediction for the Dallas Mavericks this season is 33-49. I know this feels low. The Mavericks made ample changes to their roster this season, not to mention getting a healthy Kyrie Irving back in the lineup. I do think the Mavericks will be a better team than last season, while being infinitely more fun to watch; however, I still think this team is a year away from playoff dreams. Outside of Flagg and Iriving, there is very little ball-handling on the roster. The back end of the roster has improved offensively, but the top of the roster still can’t shoot. Not only that, but the defense is very concerning without Dereck Lively (who won’t be available until December at the earliest). The NBA is also much better than last year. 14 out of the 15 teams in the Western Conference are trying to win games this season, with a mediocre 2027 draft class not enticing teams to tank. The Mavericks will likely make trades to offload veterans at the deadline, and could look to trade Irving if the season isn’t going great. 33 wins would be disappointing, but it would be a 7-win improvement over last season. The Mavericks need to take a step forward, but they won’t leap until more sweeping roster changes are made.
Tyler: I think Sudarshan and I are, by far, the lowest on this team on site. I think these Mavericks are improved off of last year’s 26-win campaign, but not by as much as FanDuel or many of my fellow contributors here. Cooper Flagg is absolutely that guy, but look around at the rest of this roster. Yes, Kyrie is back, but for how long? The trade winds will only pick up if the team gets off to a slow start. The rest of the group remains ill-fitting, as it’s Nico ball with better public relations packaging. To top it all off, Dusty May is in his first year in the NBA. While I believe in him and think the future is bright, there’s a learning curve there. I think this is a 30-52 ball club and a distant 12th seed in the West.
Kirk: I think the start of the season is going to be very bad and then the guys will figure this out and start winning by December. Give me a 38-44 record and a 9th place finish in the West!
The NBA picked the right game to headline an opening night slate with the New York Knicks welcoming the Philadelphia 76ers to Madison Square Garden.
LeBron James begins a new era as he suits up for a Sixers squad with high aspirations. Leaving behind Hollywood for the bright lights of Philadelphia also means a great big spotlight on championship expectations.
The Knicks come in rare form, as the defending champions. While Tuesday will be a celebration of last year's triumph, the first game will go a long way to answer if they are ready to go back-to-back since the Golden State Warriors did so in 2017 and 2018.
USA TODAY Sports will have live updates, highlights and analysis for this marquee event as the Knicks take on the 76ers.
New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers score, highlights
1st quarter: Knicks 25, 76ers 23
07:52 PM ET, October 20 2026, Scooby Axson
NEW YORK - Tyrese Maxey got the night started with the game’s first six points on two deep threes, and the 76ers jumped out to an early six-point lead. Maxey finished the opening frame with 8 points, while LeBron James had two points and three assists.
The Knicks’ offense looks ragged so far, with most trips down the floor resulting in empty possessions. Philadelphia shot 41% in the quarter, while the Knicks hit 37% of their shots, going 2-for-11 from the 3-point range. Mikal Bridges had four points and two rebounds for New York, while new acquisition Andre Drummond provided a spark off the bench with six points and six rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns picked up two early fouls and headed to the bench for the rest of the quarter.
LeBron James scores first points as 76er
07:46 PM ET, October 20 2026, Scooby Axson
NEW YORK - LeBron James' first shot attempt of the night was off, a 23-foot three-pointer that clanked off the rim. The NBA’s all-time points leader finally got in the box score when he turned the ball over at the 9:52 mark and assisted on Jaylen Brown’s layup a minute later. He then fouled Josh Hart on a jumper, and argued with an official. His first points of the night came at the 3:22 mark when he lost his defender and scored an easy layup, cutting into the Knicks' lead 19-18.
The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have tipped off and are now playing in their season opener at Madison Square Garden. The Sixers are off to a hot start with six straight points from Tyrese Maxey. The guard drained two unanswered three-point shots to give Philadelphia an early lead.
New York Knicks receive championship rings
07:19 PM ET, October 20 2026, Victoria Hernandez
Put your shades on because these rings are dazzling!
The New York Knicks received their championship rings on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden ahead of their season opener. The arena was buzzing as Knicks and ABC play-by-play announcer Mike Breen led the ceremony. Knicks superfan Ben Stiller was in the crowd filming the festivities on his phone.
The rings were crafted by Jason of Beverly Hills and feature the Knicks logo in blue and orange gems on the ring face. The top opens up to reveal the inside of Madison Square Garden. The back of the band has "Knicks in Five" engraved on it, to commemorate that New York beat the San Antonio Spurs 4-1 in the NBA Finals.
Championship ceremony kicks off at Madison Square Garden
06:50 PM ET, October 20 2026, Scooby Axson
NEW YORK - The crowd yells "Knicks in five" as the videoboard shows images of the championship ring and highlights of the season, including OG Anunoby's tip-in from Game 4 to cap off a 29-point comeback and the parade down the streets of Lower Manhattan. Knicks and ABC play-by-play announcer Mike Breen is MC for the ring ceremony. Among the guests are Jon Bon Jovi and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Former Knicks Walt Frazier, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe and Bill Bradley are also in attendance.
Josh Hart has Larry O'Brien braided into his hair
06:45 PM ET, October 20 2026, Victoria Hernandez
Josh Hart is taking the celebration of the New York Knicks' 2025-26 championship a step further than getting a ring or wearing gold sneakers. The guard has the Larry O'Brien Trophy braided into his hair.
The team shared a video of the art, which features braids framing the trophy just above Hart's sweat band.
Madison Square Garden buzzing ahead of Knicks vs. 76ers
06:39 PM ET, October 20 2026, Scooby Axson
NEW YORK - Some 20,000 fans are settling in for the season opener for the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers at a raucous Madison Square Garden. Fans were treated to championship t-shirts in their seats, which ironically read 2026-27 champions. Of course, the Knicks finished off the San Antonio Spurs in five games as they were crowned champions of the 2025-26 season for their first title in 53 years.
Knicks go gold for championship celebration at season opener
06:03 PM ET, October 20 2026, Victoria Hernandez
Trinidad James' "All Gold Everything" must be playing in the locker room ahead of the New York Knicks' season opener because, well, they are wearing all gold everything.
Ahead of their ring ceremony and tipoff, the team revealed their jerseys for tonight. They feature gold foil letters and numbers along with a gold championship patch commemorating last season's title victory.
Jalen Brunson, who was the NBA Finals MVP, was seen warming up on the court wearing shiny gold sneakers. PJ Tucker gave fans a close-up of the Nike Kobe 6s on his Instagram stories, saying, "Lil bro with the hardest Kobe's EVER made."
Jalen Brunson’s “Ring Night” Kobe 6 PEs are an instant classic. 🏆
“Lil bro with the hardest Kobe's EVER made,” says PJ Tucker
Don't believe they can win a repeat title? Just watch...
LeBron James arrives for first game with 76ers
05:47 PM ET, October 20 2026, Victoria Hernandez
Not the Fresh Prince, but the Fly King is ready for his debut as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers.
LeBron James has arrived at Madison Square Garden for the season opener against the defending champion New York Knicks. He was ready for business in a navy double breasted suit, a crisp white button-up underneath and patent shoes. Aviator sunglasses completed his game face.
James is entering his 24th NBA season and joined the 76ers as a free agent this summer after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers. He won one of his four NBA championships and became the league's all-time leading scorer while spending eight seasons in the gold and purple.
The Knicks aren't the only team bringing excitment to Madison Square Garden, their opponent, the Philadelphia 76ers, arrive with hype of their own after signing LeBron James in free agency and acquiring Jaylen Brown in a trade with the Boton Celtics during the offseaon.
James, a four-time league MVP and four-time NBA champion, and Brown, the 2024 NBA Finals MVP, join 2023 MVP Joel Embiid, two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, who finished third in the most recent Rookie of the Year voting.
Knicks championship shirts ready at Madison Square Garden
05:30 PM ET, October 20 2026, Victoria Hernandez
The New York Knicks are celebrating their first NBA Finals win in 53 years at their season opener.
Ahead of the doors opening at Madison Square Garden, each seat was given a gray T-shirt that says "2026-27 Champions Night" in gold letters with an image of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The Knicks won last year's championship, which was the 2025-26 season. Some people on social media are pointing out that the wording of the T-shirts is a bit funny. Philadelphia Inquirer editor DeAntae Prince joked that "The Knicks have crowned themselves as the 2026-27 champions…. Prior to the season opener."
The buzz in Midtown Manhattan will be even larger than usual as the New York Knicks raise their championship banner and receive their championship rings before taking the court for one of the most highly anticipated season openers in recent memory.
The Knicks won their first championship in 53 years this summer, defeating Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the 2026 NBA Finals. Now, nearly all of the players that were part of that title-winning team, including Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, will be back on the court at Madison Square Garden for the season opener against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers.
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Brought to Boston as part of the Jaylen Brown trade, George had 31 points in his first 20 minutes of action, setting a new franchise record for a Celtics debut. He finished with 38 points but the Detroit Pistons stormed back to stun the Celtics.
The 36-year-old played well off of Jayson Tatum, suggesting this partnership could keep the Celtics among the Eastern Conference's elite if George can stay healthy. That's a big if considering his recent track record, but George's debut for Boston was a treat ... until things went sideways for the Celtics.
The AJ Dybantsa Rookie of the Year train will not leave the station on time Wednesday.
Dybantsa will miss the Wizards' opener against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday with a tweaked ankle, coach Brian Keefe told reporters. He added that Dybantsa is day-to-day going forward. The Wizards have a back-to-back over the weekend, hosting Toronto on Friday then traveling to Chicago on Saturday.
The Wizards selected Dybantsa with the No. 1 overall pick, and hopes are high that he can be a catalyst to help turn a long-struggling franchise around. After an impressive Summer League, Dybantsa was still finding his footing in the preseason, averaging 12.8 points per game on 43.9% shooting, and just 18.2% from 3-point range.
Dybantsa is paired with All-Stars Trae Young and Anthony Davis to start his rookie season, and there is debate around the league about whether or not this is good for his development. Scouts were divided about the idea, as they detailed to Josh Robbins in a fantastic story at The Athletic. Some scouts said it would be a "massive positive" not to have Dybantsa carry so much of the load and that he can figure out the game without having to create a ton of offense. Another scout felt this way:
"Ideally, you put the ball in his hands, and you let him figure it out," one scout said. "He's talented enough that, as you grow your team, he'll get better... It can certainly kind of hinder some aspects of his development, him being better as a creator. If he doesn't have those opportunities, if he's kind of boxed into spacing the floor and not being like a knockdown shooter, he would benefit from having the ball, posting up smaller guys, driving, getting into the teeth of the defense."
For the Wizards, it's about starting to win more now, not waiting for Dybantsa and the Wizards' other key young players — Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson — to figure it out. Young and Davis help this team win games now.
Dybantsa won't be figuring anything out on opening night, he'll be in street clothes.
Oct 13, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) warms up against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Congratulations to you all. After a long, long offseason, we have officially reached the regular season. Pat yourselves on the back for surviving the dog days of the summer.
In what will hopefully become a weekly piece, let’s take your questions heading into a new season. Whether it’s about the Lakers or the NBA in general, fire away with any questions.
