WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 10: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards and Ronald Holland II #5 of the Detroit Pistons look on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on October 10, 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 Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Detroit Pistons have a big problem. Or, more precisely, they have a Big problem. Starting center Paul Reed is struggling and starting power forward John Collins is playing poorly, and when he slides down to the five, he plays even worse than that. Reserve big man Tolu Smith is not playing at a level that allows you to trust him with significant minutes. And we can combine that overall ineffectiveness with foul trouble and a huge deficit on the boards. It’s been a recipe for struggles for the Pistons, and lately, it has led to some losses. Help is on the way in approximately two weeks when Jalen Duren returns from his hamstring injury.
Until that time, however, every Pistons fan has every right to worry that this problem is going to cost them games. That includes tonight’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. The Wiz are not a great team, but they have some talent, and their most talented player is Anthony Davis, who has historically given the Pistons fits. Consider me worried about Detroit’s ability to pull off victories in these next two games, both against the Wizards. Add to that that the Pistons will be on the second night of a back-to-back. Uh oh. The Pistons had one losing streak that lasted more than two games last season. JB Bickerstaff usually finds a way to get his team to bounce back. We will see what he can lean on tonight to get the Pistons back in the win column.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 4: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs blocks the shot of Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks during the game on November 4, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Los Angeles Lakers have ridden a five-game winning streak to the top of the Western Conference with a 9-2 record. Luka Dončić is playing like the MVP, Austin Reaves looks like a legitimate All-NBA guard and a host of role players, headlined by Walker Kessler, are flourishing.
While a favorable schedule has benefitted them to some degree, wins count all the same and the Lakers are largely taking care of business, dismantling lesser teams in comfortable fashion.
But Los Angeles is not the lone team out West piling up victories. The four clubs directly behind them have won a combined 23 games in a row, led by the San Antonio Spurs’ eight-game winning streak and the Golden State Warriors’ seven-game winning streak. Early season standings are almost always jumbled, but the West is particularly unforgiving thus far. The Portland Trail Blazers began the weekend atop the conference at 6-1, then dropped a back-to-back set to the now No. 1 and 2 seeds and tumbled to eighth.
Moving forward, I’ll regularly provide a snapshot of the Western Conference standings with a brief section on every team to offer a glimpse at the Lakers’ fiercest foes.
Net ratings are courtesy of Cleaning the Glass and exclude garbage time.
Playoff teams
1. Oklahoma City Thunder: 8-2, plus-8.4 net rating (6th in the NBA)
Lakers’ record vs. Thunder: 0-0
Before November even arrived, the Thunder were dealt a trio of serious blows as three starters — Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace — all suffered serious injuries and are out for the foreseeable future. After a couple hiccups following a 4-0 start, they’ve rebounded to rattle off four straight wins.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is carrying the mantle as their engine while Ajay Mitchell instills crucial secondary creation. Rookies Aday Mara and Bennett Stirtz have also stepped up amid all the injuries to assimilate themselves and help keep OKC afloat.
2. San Antonio Spurs: 8-2, plus-12.2 net rating (1st)
Lakers’ record vs. Spurs: 0-0
The Spurs opened the year with a pair of losses and have since rampaged through the league. During their eight-game winning streak, six of their victories have been by double-digits, including five by 16 or more. They’re the only team currently sitting top five in both offensive (third) and defensive rating (fourth). Victor Wembanyama is a two-way wrecking ball. Dylan Harper, now a starter, and De’Aaron Fox have flourished in complementary roles.
Their most pressing worry is Stephon Castle’s slow start. He’s struggled adapting to a greater off-ball role offensively, unable to burn teams from deep or attack the rim as often to draw fouls or finish inside. If he rediscovers his form of last year, they’ll be even more potent.
3. Minnesota Timberwolves: 8-3, plus-12.0 (2nd)
Lakers’ record vs. Wolves: 0-0
Despite losing Anthony Edwards two weeks ago, the Timberwolves have won five of seven games — including four straight — in his absence. LaMelo Ball’s wondrous shooting and playmaking have eased everyone else’s burden offensively. Rudy Gobert continues to dominate defensively as a nearly unmatched interior defender. Ayo Dosunmu (18.1 points per game) and Jaden McDaniels (17.0) are stepping up to fill the void left behind by Edwards. The Wolves are rolling.
4. Golden State Warriors: 7-3, plus-3.8 (12th)
Lakers’ record vs. Warriors: 1-1
An 0-3 start to the year is already forgotten as Golden State’s gone two weeks without losing. Over that span, they’ve scored impressive wins over the Timberwolves, Lakers, Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets. Stephen Curry is a supernova, averaging 31.3 points on 70.8% true shooting.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has proven himself a versatile front-court scorer — capable of posting up, spacing, rolling and handling — and paired aptly alongside Curry. Role players like Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton and Georges Niang are prospering. This team looks rejuvenated.
Having lost two straight, the Rockets are in a minor lull after a 5-0 start. They’ve benefited from Fred VanVleet’s return and the arrival of Marcus Smart while Alperen Şengün (21-9-8-1-1, 59% true shooting) is loudly stamping his mark across games. Still a metronome of efficiency, Kevin Durant is averaging his fewest points per game (20.8) since his rookie year on a career-low 23.7% usage rate.
Subdued burst and ball-handling have limited his creation in recent years, so he’s mostly a high-level play-finisher these days. It’ll be interesting to see how Houston’s offensive hierarchy and performance shakes out by season’s end.
Play-In teams
6. Memphis Grizzlies, 6-3, plus-5.2 (9th)
Lakers’ record vs. Grizzlies: 0-0
The Grizzlies are a well-rounded group led by Ty Jerome’s full-fledged breakout. The veteran is averaging 26.6 points, 5.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game to power Memphis’ surprising start. Rookie Cameron Boozer’s passing and decision-making have popped but he’s labored mightily to score the ball, shooting 33.9% overall and 35.8% inside the arc.
Remedying that means figuring out how to get to his spots without touting an overwhelming strength advantage. If he can become an effective scorer, he’ll instill another valuable dynamic for Memphis.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: 6-3, plus-4.2 (10th)
Lakers’ record vs. Blazers: 1-1
Behind an array of complementary ball-handlers, some athletic and physical wing defenders and two imposing rim protectors, the Blazers have built a pretty nifty team. Fouls, turnovers and white-hot midrange shooting are sinking their defense (23rd overall) but they’re second in offensive rating with a multifaceted attack.
They’ll hope Ja Morant, who’s currently out with a hamstring strain, can return as quickly as possible to further enhance their dynamic offense.
8. Denver Nuggets: 5-3, plus-2.5 (16th)
Lakers’ record vs. Nuggets: 0-0
The Nuggets are still searching to find themselves early in the year, though they have won four of five. Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon have hardly looked like the terrifying forces of the past few years while the bench rotation hasn’t established much rhythm.
Spencer Jones made his season debut this weekend. He’ll help reinforce the wings. Christian Braun’s off-ball scoring resembles that of 2024-25 rather than 2025-26, which is an encouraging development for Denver. Trevon Brazile and Bryce Hopkins might be nice finds as rotation players. Jamal Murray is humming as a scorer and passer. Matchups with Houston and Memphis this week will help illuminate the Nuggets’ current quality.
9. Dallas Mavericks: 6-4, plus-2.8 (14th)
Lakers’ record vs. Mavericks: 0-0
Thus far, the Mavericks’ big swing in hiring Dusty May from the collegiate ranks has paid off. He’s established a movement-heavy offense that punishes gap help with cutting, relocating and snappy passing while utilizing all of the talent in the rotation.
Cooper Flagg is averaging 24-7-7-2 and playing like an early All-NBA candidate. Kyrie Irving’s shooting and off-ball instincts have paired snugly next to the Mavs’ budding superstar. Dallas should factor into the postseason conversation all year.
Peaks and valleys are the themes of the Pelicans’ first few weeks. They opened 0-4, then ripped off four consecutive wins and followed those up with a two-game losing streak. Jeremiah Fears has improved as a driver and finisher. Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III chip in with versatile scoring from the wing spots.
New Orleans seems too talented to bottom out but too clunky and incongruent to truly compete for a playoff berth. We’ll likely have a much better read on this team by December with another month of games under its belt.
11. Phoenix Suns: 3-5, minus-7.0 (23rd)
Lakers’ record vs. Suns: 0-0
Phoenix’s busy offseason in which it revamped its starting five to land Miles Bridges has not panned out through three weeks. That starting group is disjointed and incompatible, lacking the passing, driving and defense to thrive. Second-year center Khaman Maluach has struggled, though shown some flashes on the offensive glass, as a finisher and defending the rim. Devin Booker is lighting up the nets, averaging 25.3 points on 59.9% true shooting.
Two wins in a row, most recently over the Rockets, has helped right the ship a tad. We’ll see if they can keep the good vibes going on Tuesday against the Spurs.
12. Los Angeles Clippers: 2-7, minus-4.0 (19th)
Lakers’ record vs. Clippers: 2-0
The Clippers opened the year with a win over the Sacramento Kings before suffering seven straight losses, all of which came against postseason hopefuls or title contenders. Then, they knocked off the Pelicans Sunday night.
Darius Garland is scoring and shooting well (55.1% on 2s, 37.1% from deep) but is printing giveaways with 5.1 turnovers per game. Keaton Wagler is knocking down 39% of his triples and showcasing off-kilter craft to take 5.8 free throws each night (.712 free-throw rate) but cannot score inside the arc to save his life (28.1% on 2s). His development is the main priority this season.
13. Sacramento Kings: 1-9, minus-12.4 (27th)
Lakers’ record vs. Kings: 1-0
One of four one-win teams this season, the Kings are mostly a mess. Darius Acuff Jr.’s passing and off-the-dribble scoring are among the rare glimmers of positivity. The rookie is averaging 25.9 points and 7.4 assists while showing a real knack operating in ball-screens. Following a tough first four games, he’s also been pretty efficient, tallying 28.8 points and 9.2 assists per game while shooting 51.9% on 2s and 38.3% from deep (58.1% true shooting) over his last six outings.
14. Utah Jazz: 1-9, minus-11.9 (26th)
Lakers’ record vs. Lakers: 1-0
It is fitting the West’s most disappointing team will punctuate this week’s debrief. The Jazz entered 2026-27 with genuine aspirations and have catastrophically flopped. They’re on pace for their fewest wins and worst net rating since they began rebuilding in 2022-23.
Injuries are a factor. They dearly miss Jusuf Nurkic’s screening and passing — a reliance on him is a blaring alarm bell on its own — and Jaren Jackson Jr. has only played four games. But Utah is too often scattered and stagnant offensively, cannot protect the rim and does not generate turnovers. There’s lots of season left but the Jazz have hardly shown signs they’re nearing a turnaround.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 05: Will Richard #3 of the Golden State Warriors is guarded by Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat in the fourth quarter at Chase Center on November 05, 2026 in San Francisco, 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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors announced some surprising news on the team’s injury report for Monday night’s game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Per the Dubs official release, second-year guard Will Richard is out indefinitely with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb. A 2023 study found that NBA players who suffered in-season thumb UCL tears and underwent surgery missed on average 7.4 weeks of action (although there was a wide range of outcomes). Kings forward Keegan Murray suffered a similar injury last year and missed the first 15 games of the season.
The team has not ruled out Richard potentially wearing a splint and playing through the injury. However, they are waiting to see how the finger responds over the next few days before making that decision.
Whether Richard is out for a month, three, or more, head coach Steve Kerr will now have a fourth player on the roster unavailable to him in the rotation. Richard joins Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis on the Warriors list of players with prolonged absences. Richard was off to a promising start to his sophomore NBA season prior to the injury, averaging 5.1 points and 1.8 rebounds on 47.5%/42.9%/80.0% shooting in 17.2 minutes per game across 10 games (3 starts).
The Warriors acquired Richard on a draft night trade back in 2025, acquiring his rights via the 56th overall pick. Richard had helped Florida win a National Championship in his final collegiate season and quickly made an impression in Golden State, looking like an early steal. Richard exploded for 30 points in his seventh NBA game and quickly became a mainstay in the rotation. However, he never again reached those heights and became a solid role player whose effectiveness ebbed and flowed with his jump shot.
Thus far this season, Richard was making his threes, but he was also continuing to show veteran savvy as a backcutter in the Warriors offense. Moreover, he was one of Kerr’s go-to point of attack defenders against quick guards. Golden State already lacked point of attack defense, and the current roster does not have any obvious replacements for that component of Richard’s role. Gary Payton II will likely receive more opportunities with perhaps a few minutes for two-way wing Malevy Leons.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 13: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls the ball against Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks in the second half at Crypto.com Arena on January 13, 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Atlanta (7-4) needs to corral 40-points-per-game scorer Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers (9-2) to secure their fifth consecutive win.
Starting lineup
G Kingston Flemings
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Location: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Start Time: 7:00 PM EST
TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH), Atlanta News First (WANF)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming:Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - APRIL 12: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball up the court against Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on April 12, 2024 in San Francisco, 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 Kavin Mistry/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors will conclude their six-game homestand with Monday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBA TV and NBC Sports Bay Area.
Warriors fans were treated to another vintage performance from Stephen Curry on Saturday night. The 38-year-old superstar scored 41 points on 13-of-19 shooting from the field as he led Golden State to a 126-119 overtime victory against the Orlando Magic. Curry was especially brilliant down the stretch, scoring 17 points in the final seven minutes of regulation and overtime, as he carried the Warriors to their seventh win in a row.
"We don't forget where people thought we were at the beginning of the year."
After starting the season 0-3, the Warriors have flipped the script with seven consecutive wins, improving their record to 7-3. Much of that success has come during their current six-game homestand, which Golden State now has an opportunity to sweep with a win over the Pelicans on Monday night.
However, in order to do that, one area the Warriors will need to clean up is their work on the glass. Despite Saturday’s victory over Orlando, Golden State struggled to control the glass, particularly on second-chance opportunities, as the Magic held a staggering 24-3 advantage in offensive rebounds.
With the Pelicans’ 43.5 rebounds per game ranking just behind the Warriors (43.7), Monday’s matchup should present an opportunity for the Dubs to address their shortcomings on that end, especially with New Orleans playing without stars Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy.
It's rare that a player, especially a point guard, at 38 years of age has been as good as Stephen Curry has been.
For nearly two decades, the Golden State Warriors' superstar has wowed spectators, surprised teammates, and even coaches with his ability to take over games with a barrage of jaw-dropping, some head-scratching, heart-shattering shots.
Curry is in his 18th season, and what he's accomplished all-time has been nothing short of spectacular to start the year. His latest act featured a 41-point outing in a 126-119 overtime win against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, Nov. 7. He scored 17 of his 41 in the final 2:32 of the fourth quarter and overtime, lifting Golden State to its 7th consecutive win after a 0-3 start.
He's averaging 31.3 points per game through his first 8 games of the 2026–27 season. For however long it lasts, just don't take it for granted. Draymond Green doesn't and he's played with Curry since 2012. He tries to make a point to tell him congratulations for anything and everything he accomplishes.
"You work so hard to get into a position and then after you do something so many times, people don't even tell you congratulations anymore," Green said. "As human beings, you want to feel that ... so I try to make it a point no matter what he does. ... You want to hear other people acknowledge what you do. So I try to make it a point to never get kind of bored, if you will, of his greatness."
Steph Curry continues to dominate
Head coach Steve Kerr said Curry looks like he's a 29- or 30-year-old, if he didn't already know his age. He's impressed with everything that goes into the longevity of Curry.
"Work ethic, and good genes," Kerr said. "He's been blessed with a body that has held up, but he's also earned that through his strength training, his conditioning, fitness level. It's just off the charts. So remarkable, at 38, to watch him still do what he does."
Curry has the most 40-point games (16) for a player age 35 or older. He ranks 19th all-time in points scored with 26,778 career points. Most recently, he became the 14th player in NBA history to accumulate at least 25,000 points, 5,000 rebounds, and 5,000 assists. He's only the third point guard ever to do so, joining Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook.
Curry knows that as he continues to play the game, he's going to climb all-time stat lines as well. It's a testament to the work he's put in over the years, which he said includes his day-to-day, the off-season, and sleep. Is it a lot? Yes. But Curry appreciates every step of the way.
"It does make me super proud of the work that's gone in," Curry said of his 40-point at age 35 or older record. "Especially with some injuries and all of that, but just the idea I can still get to a certain level (and) can kind of feed off of that and especially when it's in a winning fashion ... I appreciate the longevity on that."
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 10: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards and Ronald Holland II #5 of the Detroit Pistons look on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on October 10, 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 Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards (4-6) will look to snap a three-game losing streak when they travel to Detroit on Monday for the third game of a four-game road trip. Washington is coming off its worst showing of the season — a 114-75 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday. It was their lowest scoring output since January 2018.
The Pistons (6-3) are on the second night of a back-to-back after losing to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday. Washington went 1-3 against Detroit last season and could’ve won twice if they didn’t blow a 13-point fourth-quarter lead.
Anthony Davis is AVAILABLE after missing the previous two games with an ankle sprain.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 and Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers watch a replay on the scoreboard during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 28, 2025 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Sixers released their injury report ahead of their highly anticipated matchup with the Boston Celtics Tuesday night, and it’s most notable in its omissions. Joel Embiid is not listed at all on the injury report for plantar fasciitis management in his right foot.
Embiid struggled on the last two games of the Sixers’ most recent road trip, shooting a combined 7-of-28 from the floor in those contests. The Sixers will hope he’s able to snap out of the funk as they take on Jaylen Brown’s old team for the first time this season.
There are still some injuries the Sixers are dealing with in the frontcourt. Adem Bona has been ruled out for his third straight game after suffering a cervical spine sprain on Nov. 4 in Detroit. Despite strong play at the backup five from Jabari Walker, Nick Nurse said over the trip that the job is still Bona’s when he returns.
Asked Nick Nurse what he saw from Jabari Walker.
“Played good. Same. He just goes out there, plays hard, plays well, and has an impact. He just seems to play well every time he hits the floor.”
For Embiid, the plantar fasciitis has yet to cause him to miss a game so far this season, but it has caused the Sixers to be more cautious with his minutes. Nick Nurse and Embiid himself said after a win back on Nov. 2 that he was a minutes restriction for that night. They also said it’s something that will come and go and the team will just have to manage.
(Joel reached and hit the post button on this tweet on my phone during his own scrum?) https://t.co/0znTj9jtrY
On top of dealing with plantar fasciitis, Embiid has been pretty vocal about his struggles fitting in with this new, star-studded roster. There isn’t a better time to figure that out than against a heated rival on national television.
"It just feels like everything is crowded."
Joel Embiid says the Sixers’ half-court offense remains a work in progress as they search for better flow and spacing. | @FultonBankpic.twitter.com/HScnUo2oeg
ATLANTA — The NBA formally honored Luka Dončić for his play last week.
The league announced that the Lakers superstar was named the Western Conference Player of the Week for games played for Week 3 of the 2026-27 season, which spanned from Nov. 2-Sunday.
Luka Doncic averaged a league-high 45 points in games played last week. NBAE via Getty Images
Dončić averaged 45 points, 8.3 assists, 7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in the three games he played in that stretch, with the Lakers going 4-0 in the week.
Yaxel Lendeborg reacts to FlightReacts reacting to the scuffle between Georges Niang and Wendell Carter Jr. and makes a declaration:
“We finna be the remodeled Bad Boy Pistons, you feel me. We all— Yeah it’s just been too much going on bro. I feel like there’s 10 ejections in… pic.twitter.com/XqHZoUYPxQ
Wendell Carter Jr. and Georges Niang get into a scuffle in the second quarter of Saturday’s game. AP Photo/Justine Willard
The scuffle ignited near the 9:17 mark of the quarter when Georges Niang was seen pushing Wendell Carter Jr. off of him after Tristan Da Silva passed a ball over Draymond Green’s head.
During the play, Niang was seen reaching into Carter Jr.’s groin area, and he immediately turned around, and the two started grabbing each other’s jerseys and exchanging words with one another.
The tussle caused the players on the court to stop what they were doing and immediately try to separate them from each other.
Green, who’s never been shy to tell an opposing player his true feelings, was seen at the front lines of the scuffle and started grabbing Carter Jr.’s jersey and tossed in a few of his own words.
Yaxel Lendeborg compares Warriors attitude to the Bad Boy Pistons. AP Photo/Justine Willard
“Draymond’s like Ben Wallace, he just don’t be dunking that s—t. You know what I’m saying?” Lendeborg said.
Lendeborg then checked history knowledge asking, “If that was the bad boy Pistons era?”
“All I know is, that’s us. We finna be the remodeled Bad Boy Pistons.”
The rookie might need to brush up on his NBA history. No, Ben Wallace was not a member of the Bad Boy Pistons teams of the 1980s. But they were very physical, en route to winning a championship of their own.
“I think my boy Dray got two more in him. I feel like I might have two in me. Two in total though cause I’m a rookie; I can’t do this crazy stuff,” Lendeborg said.
Draymond Green covering Wendell Carter Jr. on Saturday night. NBAE via Getty Images
Lendeborg went on to say that he believes Graham Ike will have “three to four total,” and that he thinks Niang won’t receive an ejection but will have a couple of technical fouls this season.
The Warriors went on to win the game, 126-119, as Curry scored 41 points, making it the second time this season he’s scored over 40 points.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz on November 2, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In a very young 2026-27 NBA season that has been rife with injuries, the Spurs have mostly managed to stay above the fray, with Tobias Harris being the only rotation player to miss time with a strained calf suffered in training camp. (And even without him, the Spurs still have the same team that made the NBA Finals.) Tonight will be the first time they are missing a main rotation player, with starting wing Devin Vassell initially listed as questionable before being ruled out against the Suns with adductor tightness.
Vassell joins Harris and Jayden Quaintance (knee surgery) on the injury report. Two-way players Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown are also away from the team with the Austin Spurs. Just like last season, Vassell has been an integral part of the Spurs’ starting line-up not by putting up big numbers, but by being a steadying presence and reliable relief valve who can get a shot up in the midrange when things break down on offense. He has also been solid on defense despite often having to defend taller players while playing next to the guard trio.
This will mark the first time this season the Spurs will have to change the starting line-up. The safe assumption for his replacement would be Julian Champagnie, who was the Spurs starting power forward last season before moving to a bench role this season with Dylan Harper joining the starters. Hopefully Vassell’s injury is nothing serious and he will return soon (the fact that he was initially questionable suggests it likely isn’t serious, but adductors can be stubborn).
There has been no timeline offered for Harris’ potential return, although Mitch Johnson has stated that they are being “very methodical” about it, especially considering the Spurs’ fast pace. With an exponential rise in ruptured Achilles associated with playing on sore calves in recent years, who can blame them?
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 8: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers grabs the rebound during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 8, 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Only a handful of players around the league are rebounding the ball better than Walker Kessler this season. On a per-game basis, he ranks sixth in total rebounds, sixth in offensive rebounds and 11th in defensive rebounds. When he’s on the floor, the Los Angeles Lakers’ offensive rebounding rate is 6.9% better than when he sits, according to Cleaning the Glass.
During Sunday’s impressive road victory over the Detroit Pistons, Kessler gobbled up 16 rebounds, seven of which came on the offensive glass. Over his last six games, he’s collected 28 offensive rebounds. On a team full of talented on- and off-ball shot-makers, Kessler is helping give the Lakers more bites at the apple offensively.
“Seven offensive rebounds. The last six, seven games, he’s just been relentless with keeping possessions alive for us,” head coach JJ Redick told reporters Sunday. “I thought he was awesome. I thought he was awesome protecting the rim. … I love the consistency right now for him. He’s like, ‘I’m going to protect this rim and do it over and over and over again.’ He had a big and one there in the fourth.”
Kessler’s been a pretty prolific offensive rebounder since he debuted in 2022, averaging 3.4 per game for his career. In 2024-25 — his last fully healthy season — he led the NBA in both offensive rebounds per game (4.6) and offensive rebounding rate (16.6%). He recognizes his 7-foot-2 frame helps him excel but makes clear there’s much more to it than simply being tall and believes he has another level to reach — and will.
“Obviously with my size, that definitely helps, but definitely a lot of it is about timing,” Kessler said Sunday, when he chipped in 12 points, four assists, three blocks and one steal alongside his 16 boards. “A lot of it is about hitting the guy first, not getting pushed onto the rim and I got to do a better job of those balls that I get my hands on, securing the ball. But that comes with time and my hands get back normal, that’ll be good as well.”
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 14: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 14, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Who: Phoenix Suns (3-5) vs. San Antonio Spurs (8-2)
When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Suns+, 3TV/AZFS
Listen: KMVP 98.7
The fourth week of the NBA season kicks off Monday night as the Phoenix Suns open a back-to-back by welcoming Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to town for their only visit to Phoenix this season.
The Suns are coming off easily their most impressive victory of the season, having held a potent Houston Rockets offense to fewer than 100 points en route to a much-needed win. While the offense has begun showcasing greater connectivity and accountability, it’s the defense that has truly stood out over the past two games. Since last Thursday, Phoenix has averaged 11.0 steals per game, the second most in the NBA during that span.
If the Suns hope to knock off a formidable Western Conference opponent in the defending conference champion Spurs, that defensive intensity will need to continue. San Antonio opened the season with consecutive losses before responding by rattling off eight straight victories, establishing itself as one of the hottest teams in basketball. The Spurs are playing with confidence, executing on both ends of the floor, and beginning to look every bit like the contender many expected them to be.
That being said, Phoenix has been something of a thorn in San Antonio’s side over the past few seasons. Since 2023, the Spurs hold a narrow 6-5 advantage in the head-to-head series, illustrating that the Suns have been more than capable of making life difficult for Wembanyama and company.
If Phoenix can carry the defensive energy and collective effort it displayed against Houston into Monday night’s matchup, perhaps it can find a way to make things uncomfortable for San Antonio once again.
Tale of the Tape
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
Mark Williams — OUT (Left Shoulder Surgery)
Jordan Goodwin — QUESTIONABLE (Right Calf Soreness)
Spurs
Tabias Harris — OUT (Left Calf Strain)
Jayden Quaintance — OUT (Right Knee Surgery)
Devin Vassell — OUT (Left Adductor Tightness)
What to Watch For
How can you not have your eyes on Victor Wembanyama in this matchup? The guy is an absolutely domineering presence on the floor, capable of shrinking the court defensively while continuing to expand his offensive skill set with each passing season. Now in his fourth year, he already has a Defensive Player of the Year award on his résumé, and he’s making a legitimate case for MVP consideration.
So how exactly do the Suns go about neutralizing one of the premier talents in the NBA? Or is the better strategy to focus their energy on the players surrounding him?
Perhaps the answer lies in limiting the damage inflicted by De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper, forcing Wembanyama to shoulder as much of the offensive burden as possible. After all, think back to last week, when Wembanyama delivered one of the most absurd statistical performances we’ve ever witnessed, pouring in 52 points, grabbing 24 rebounds, and blocking eight shots. And the Spurs won that game by one point.
That’s what makes this matchup so fascinating. Even when Wembanyama puts together a performance that looks like something generated by a video game with the difficulty turned all the way down, San Antonio isn’t necessarily guaranteed to dominate. There may be an opportunity for Phoenix to survive an extraordinary individual performance if it can prevent the supporting cast from finding its rhythm.
So what I’ll be watching tonight is the defensive philosophy Jordan Ott and his staff employ against Wembanyama. Do they dedicate additional resources to containing him, knowing that doing so could create opportunities for San Antonio’s other offensive weapons? Or do they accept that Wembanyama is going to get his and concentrate on neutralizing the players around him?
Key to a Suns Win
Rebounding, right? Yes, that’s generally my default mode. But if I want to dig a little deeper into this matchup, I think three-point shooting will play a significant role if the Suns hope to come away with a victory.
Given Wembanyama’s affinity for denying opponents at the basket and his ability to quite literally change the geometry of the game, I expect Phoenix to be firing away from beyond the arc. That’s going to present a challenge when Oso Ighodaro is on the floor, because every time he catches the ball above the break, Wembanyama can comfortably sag into drop coverage, knowing he doesn’t have to respect Oso as a three-point threat.
While Ighodaro has been a welcome addition to the Suns’ starting lineup, his offensive strengths, particularly his effectiveness in dribble handoff actions, become more difficult to utilize when Wembanyama doesn’t necessarily have to involve himself in those actions defensively.
So can the Suns consistently generate quality three-point opportunities, and more importantly, can they knock them down? If the answer to both questions is yes, Phoenix has a legitimate chance to win this game.
Prediction
The Spurs are good. Really good. And it’s difficult for me to envision a scenario in which the Suns win this game. What I’m hoping to see is Phoenix maintain a competitive pace and build on what it accomplished against the Houston Rockets, further solidifying an identity that has been defined by early-season inconsistency.
If the Suns can impose aspects of their will, play physically against a San Antonio team that possesses some sizable guards, and remain competitive throughout the game, I’ll view that as progress in and of itself. Not a moral victory, but another step in the right direction for a team still trying to prove it can perform with consistency.
But when all is said and done, I expect San Antonio to leave Phoenix with the win.
After an 0-3 start to the 2026-27 NBA season, the Warriors finally are clicking and have won seven straight games entering their matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night at Chase Center.
A huge part of Golden State’s early success has been its bench depth, with players both brought in and brought back by Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy this summer helping to lead the second-unit charge. After what some considered a lackluster offseason, expectations around the Warriors this season are starting to change — but Dunleavy isn’t surprised.
“Look, people were looking for a more splashy move or moves or whatever it was, but we focused in on what we thought could help the group that we currently have,” Dunleavy told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Bonta Hill, Chris Mullin and Festus Ezeli on “Warriors Pregame Live” before Monday’s game. “And part of the tricky thing was knowing Moses [Moody] and Jimmy [Butler] weren’t going to be available to start the season.
“So how do we hold down the fort without those guys, and bringing guys back like Al [Horford] and [De’Anthony Melton] and then adding guys like [Charles] Bassey, adding guys like Brandon Williams, you mentioned [Georges] Niang. All these guys have chipped in, they’ve done their part, and that’s how you have a good successful team. That’s how you rattle off seven in a row and, I mean, look, we’re an eighth of the way into the season, so we’ve got a long way to go, but, you know, so far, so good.”
The Warriors failed in their pursuit of NBA superstar LeBron James this summer — just one of many free-agency airballs for the franchise in recent years as they try to maximize Steph Curry’s remaining seasons. While Dub Nation and pundits around the league alike longed for a slam-dunk signing, Dunleavy quietly assembled a roster that, so far, has done plenty to silence any naysayers.
While Curry’s superpowers have led the way for Golden State — the 38-year-old is averaging 31.3 points per game entering Monday night — the bench is doing its part, too, by keeping the Warriors in games when Steph is on the bench.
Williams (11.1), Melton (9.4), Niang (8.2) and Bassey (7.1) round out Golden State’s top seven scorers per game behind Curry, rookie revelation Yaxel Lendeborg (21.2) and Brandin Podziemski (15.8). Given the under-the-radar moves the Warriors made this offseason and the absences of Butler and Moody, the team needed its No. 11 overall draft pick to step up right away, too.
And he certainly has, undeniably asserting himself as the Warriors’ most exciting addition in a season with plenty of new faces on the roster.
“With these rookies, everybody runs their own race. Some of these guys are 19 years old. In five years they’re going to be really, really good. But for us and what we need right now, Yaxel’s the guy,” Dunleavy said. “He’s 24, but he’s also [6-foot-9], 240. He can shoot, pass, dribble, defend. I don’t think those things are going to change, and for us it really works.
“We were fortunate to get him at 11, and we trust him in the spotlight here just because of the injuries we’ve had with Jimmy, with Moses, obviously with [Kristaps Porziņģis] not being here, he’s taken on a bigger role, and he’s passing with flying colors.”
After the Warriors’ 7-3 start, Dunleavy sees a team that’s connected and ready to prove people who doubted the team’s offseason very, very wrong.
“I think just more than anything we’re connected, right?” Dunleavy said. “Steph’s been amazing. Yaxel’s stepped up. Podz has been sneaky, under the radar … I just think overall, like everybody’s kind of done their part. Give Steve [Kerr] credit — the group’s connected, they’re together. You know, you start off 0-3, you can start splintering, but these guys have hung in there and we’ve done a nice job protecting home court here.”
The connected Warriors are going for an undefeated homestand Monday night against the Pelicans, and if they can do that, they’ll take an eight-game winning streak on the road to face the Rockets in Houston on Wednesday night.
SAN FRANCISCO – Warriors fans have had plenty to cheer about as of late, and the good vibes only continued Monday night at Chase Center.
With three minutes left in the third quarter, the Warriors led by 40 points on their way to a 51-point, 138-87 blowout of the New Orleans Pelicans for their eighth straight win to complete an undefeated six-game homestand.
The Warriors now are the first team in NBA history to start a season 0-3 and then win eight straight games.
Steph Curry (25 points), Brandin Podziemski (25 points) and Yaxel Lendeborg (23) all scored 20-plus points on a combined 61.5-percent shooting (24 of 39).
Golden State’s bench continues to be a bright spot, too. De’Anthony Melton led the way for the reserves with 16 points, and the bench outscored the Pelicans 60-41.
Here are three takeaways from the Warriors’ eighth straight win.
Taking Care Of Business
For the second straight game, the Warriors raced to a strong start after opening games notoriously slow to begin the season. Steve Kerr used 10 players, and six scored at least four points in the first quarter. Their defense also held the Pelicans to just 20 points on 30.4-percent shooting (7 of 23).
What Kerr will love most is that his team took great care of the ball to set the tone as well. The Warriors in the first quarter had 10 assists and just one turnover. The difference Monday night compared to Saturday is that the Warriors’ fast start wasn’t for naught this time.
A 16-point halftime lead was erased over the weekend against the Orlando Magic because of the Warriors’ carelessness with the ball and getting crushed on the glass, leading to a huge discrepancy in shot attempts. The Warriors rallied back for a comeback win, but there was plenty to clean.
It was a different story two nights later against the Pelicans. Through three quarters, the Warriors had 29 assists and five turnovers. They finished with 11 turnovers for just nine Pelicans points.
No Curry Flurry Needed
All 44 of Curry’s points were needed to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves. Same with his 31 points to beat the Los Angeles Lakers, his 34 points to beat the Phoenix Suns and his 41 points to outlast the Magic in overtime. Heroics weren’t required against New Orleans.
In just 20 minutes, Curry scored 25 points on 6-of-10 shooting, going 4 of 7 from three and 9 of 9 on free throws.
Curry came into Monday night averaging an absurd 31.3 points per game while averaging 29.6 minutes. Only Wilt Chamberlain has averaged more points than minutes in a season. The efficiency Curry has displayed at 38 years old in his 18th season is out of this world.
Luckily for Curry and the Warriors, he could sit back and watch the show before a huge five-game road trip. He only needed to play 11-plus minutes for the Warriors to have a 29-point lead at halftime, and sat for good halfway through the third quarter.
The Warriors open with games against the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs, and they’ll need Curry to be as healthy and rested as possible to keep their win streak alive.
Two-Way Contract Contributions
A larger spotlight will be placed upon the performances of Curry, Podziemski, Lendeborg and others like Melton, but the bottom of the roster deserves recognition when given opportunities.
That includes the Warriors’ three players on two-way contracts. LJ Cryer entered the game during the second quarter and scored 10 points on 4-of-9 shooting. His 3-point shooting always can be a weapon, and he might be needed more soon, too.
Brandon Williams left the game early because of a left hamstring injury and is scheduled for an MRI.
He isn’t the only one giving the Warriors injury concerns. Will Richard popped up on the injury report with a UCL tear in his left thumb. His next steps will depend on swelling. Richard either will undergo surgery or play with a splint.
Without him, the Warriors could lean on Malevy Leons more. Leons started the fourth quarter and was scoreless, but grabbed three rebounds and blocked one shot. Graham Ike also started the fourth with Leons two nights after a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double in the Santa Cruz Warriors’ season opener. Ike added four points, five rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot.
