MIAMI, FL - MARCH 12: Kel'el Ware #7 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on March 12, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Kel’el Ware is one of Milwaukee’s most exciting pieces after the Giannis trade. A 7’0” center who turned 22 in April, Ware showed flashes of high-level athleticism, brute physicality, and floor spacing that could make him one of the league’s best bigs in no time. In his second season, Ware averaged 11.1 PPG and 9.0 RPG on .530/.395/.740 shooting splits while averaging 2.0 stocks per contest.
Ware has the physical ability to break down opposing defences, given his height and 250-pound frame. That strength comes into play when he battles for rebounds, sets iron-hard screens, or backs down opposing centers in the paint. Moreover, he has surprising mobility and foot speed, while his 7’5” wingspan also proves invaluable when defending in the post and blocking shots.
Ware’s physical abilities translated decently well into production throughout his first two seasons in Miami. For one, he quickly became one of the league’s premier rebounders. His three-point volume also skyrocketed to match his red-hot shooting—about 36% of his field-goal attempts came from beyond the three-point line; he not only has the confidence to pull it from deep, but he can also convert those shots dependably. Ware’s three-point shot even made him a threat coming off screens, and he was dangerous barreling down the paint when rolling.
Ware was also an above-average defender for the Heat last year. He ranked 11th in block percentage (4.4%) and has the mobility to handle perimeter players. However, the big man occasionally struggled against the pick-and-roll, and more physical opposing centres sometimes exploited him. Additionally, as Jack has chronicled, concerns remain about Ware’s mentality and maturity; the young center frequently butted heads with head coach Erik Spoelstra in Miami.
On the positive side, though, Ware’s contract is also valuable for Milwaukee. As a high-upside young center, he is worth far more than the $4.7m cap hit the Bucks took to bring him to the Cream City. Milwaukee also holds a $7.1m team option for the 2027-28 season before he enters restricted free agency in the summer of ‘28. All in all, Ware is already a versatile piece that any head coach would love; he will be a breakout candidate this season for sure.
And it’s all come down to Rollins or Herro. Remember, this vote is for who is second.
DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 18: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 18, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Suns basketball is back! Starting today until at least early April, Phoenix will have at least one game a week to entertain Arizona fans, tipping things off tonight when they head to Michigan to face the Detroit Pistons.
Here are the three main questions we want your thoughts on with preseason finally here
Preseason strategy
While NBA teams aren’t as cautious as NFL squads are when the games don’t count, no team puts the investments into winning a preseason game like they do to win a regular-season game. This means that many players sit out games and don’t play the entire preseason slate, and many key contributors will sit out at least one leg of a back-to-back. I think it’s more likely that the Cardinals win the Super Bowl than Steph Curry plays both games of the Golden State Warriors’ back-to-back this week.
That being said, we have seen varying levels of playing time from the Suns and their key contributors in the preseason. How much do you want to see the main players playing this time around, and what benefit do you think it will provide?
Who needs to impress
With the Suns’ roster sitting at 21, six players will not make the roster. While players like Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Jalen Green are locks, unproven guys like CJ Huntley, Phillip Wheeler, and Koby Brea are not and are in legitimate danger of not making the roster.
Of the players who are on the bubble to make the team, who needs to make the biggest impression to get a spot on the roster, and what do they need to show you in preseason for you to believe in them?
What new guy are you excited to see most?
The Phoenix Suns kept their core from their surprising 2025-2026 campaign mostly intact, but they added three new players who are set to play three distinct roles this year.
Miles Bridges, who was traded for Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and draft compensation, is set to start at the power forward spot alongside Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and either Oso Ighodaro or Khaman Maluach at center. Luke Kennard, who is coming off arguably the best season of his career, which included a 27-point playoff game for the Lakers, is set to replace Allen as the marksman off the bench. Koa Peat, drafted 30th overall out of Arizona, adds to the young core that Phoenix is looking to build around the margins while being thin on draft assets. He looks to play a lot of minutes alongside many of the other young members of the team, both in the NBA and in the G League this season.
Of the three key additions the team made this offseason, who are you most excited to watch in the preseason and why?
On the Suns’ Plate This Week
After playing the Pistons tonight at 4:00 pm AZ time, they’ll head to Chicago to face the Bulls on Wednesday at 5:00 pm AZ time and then will have their preseason home opener on Friday at 7:30 pm AZ time against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
INGLEWOOD, CA - APRIL 7: Max Christie #00 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the LA Clippers on April 7, 2026 at Intuit Dome 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Tyler Ross/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks are less than a month away from the start of the 2026-2027 regular season. With that comes year-two Cooper Flagg, the return of Kyrie Irving, the eventual return of Dereck Lively and a handful of new faces from overseas. Within that mix is the last remnant from the Luka Doncic trade: Max Christie.
Perhaps lost between the excitement of Flagg’s rookie year and the sideways tank of a 26-win season, was a very solid 2025-2026 campaign for Christie. He played in 77 games with 68 starts. Across those appearances, he shot 50.2% on two-point attempts and 40.4% from beyond the arc. Even more than his 3-point shooting percentage, his willingness to get them up was a bright spot as well. Christie paired the second-best 3-point shooting clip of his career with the most attempts per game of his career (5.8; more than a shot higher than his previous high). At 12.3 points per game, Christie had probably the best year of his young career, especially considering the state of change around the team last season.
The big question
The big question for Christie is whether or not he can take the next step. Coming off a solid season — arguably his best — this year will be a big one in determining if Christie can manage a leap in productivity. One thing that is often forgotten about Christie is that he is only 23 (and not turning 24 until February). He is barely entering his prime, but has already established a strong foundation of continuous improvement. Can he take the next big step forward, and will he do so this year?
Best case scenario
The best-case scenario for Christie is that he outright replaces Klay Thompson. Please don’t misconstrue that statement. I am not suggesting that Christie replaces one of the greatest shooters of all time this coming season. I am suggesting that his best-case scenario is that he becomes the team’s No. 1 3-point threat and commands his own gravity over the opposing defense. To do this, he will need to a) play a few more minutes per game (up from 29.1 last season), b) consistently hit 40% or more from deep and, c) shoot at least six 3-pointers per game. None of this should be out of the question, as he was already right there last season. If he can maintain accuracy with another attempt or two per game, that will be a very dangerous combination.
Worst case scenario
The worst-case scenario is that Christie doesn’t fit within the coaching overhaul the Mavericks have undergone. Assuming he gets the same minutes and opportunities he got last year at the start of this season, he should be fine. Thompson is gone, so Christie’s biggest competition at shooting guard is probably Zaccharie Risacher, who will also play other positions on the court. If Christie simply isn’t a Dusty May guy and/or struggles from the outset, that would be the worst-case scenario for a player poised to make a leap on what has been continual, gradual improvement since he entered the league.
Season Goal
Christie needs to avoid becoming a one-trick pony. His 3-point shooting is critical, sure. That said, he can’t simply live behind the arc waiting for the ball to find him. Part of what will give him a little added gravity will be development in the mid-range game and improving on the drive. Christie showed flashes of this for a stretch of games last season, then fell back into waiting at the 3-point arc. If the 3-ball isn’t falling on a given night and you have nothing else to fall back on, you’re cooked. Christie absolutely has the skills to drive to the hoop and pull up for mid-range shots (again, he shot over 50% inside the arc last year). He just needs to make sure he attacks at all levels this coming season.
Overall
Christie has a great opportunity to cement himself as the go-to starter at shooting guard this season and beyond. The team is forward-heavy, Thompson is in Miami, and even the return of Irving shouldn’t force him out (provided Flagg isn’t the primary point guard). Christie is right there as one of the best shooters on the team and he may only get better as time goes on. If he can consistently feature some versatility in his game, it’s not unreasonable to think he can average 15-17 points per game this season. He fits the timeframe of the team’s young core and could find himself being a big part of the franchise going forward if things go right.
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Sunday, October 4, was my official kick off into the new season of the San Antonio Spurs.
From noon until 3pm, the organization held the second annual Gregg Popovich Coach the Coaches Clinic. Organized in part through the Positive Coach Alliance, they held a quick ice breaker before introducing Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson. Johnson spoke about the values of the program and the importance of sharing knowledge. He spoke of the inspiration behind the event, Gregg Popovich.
While Johnson was speaking, Pop was escorted onto the court by Brett Brown. Johnson thanked Pop and then asked him to share a few words.
In typical Pop fashion, he spoke little of basketball, humorously stating “to some degree, it’s all bull$h!t.” Instead, he spoke passionately about creating relationships. He shared how both Dejounte Murray and Derrick White had called him in the years since leaving San Antonio to share gratitude for what they learned during their time with the Spurs. Pop emphasized that the goal is to “sustain the culture whether you’re winning or losing.”
They started their presentations with Dr. Guy W. Nicolette, Director of Sports Medicine who set a tone regarding health and well-being as the primary goals of sports, coaching, and competition. There is a wealth of knowledge on how many young players get injured and how many burn out on sports early on due to the pressures of the modern game.
There were presentations by Mike Noyes, Director of Player Development, Assistant Development Coach Jimmy Barron, and Lead Assistant Coach Billy Donovan. Each utilized members of the Veterans Memorial Men’s Basketball who attended to support in demonstrations. Coaches attending represented all age groups from elementary to collegiate teams, and the staff did a wonderful job of incorporating skills and philosophies universal to players of all ages.
The entire presentation was a bout two hours, but it went by so quickly, you feel as if they are just scratching the surface at a much larger swatch of information.
There was a break for a couple of hours while the rest of the 14,000+ fans who were slowly lining up outside prepared to enter the Frost Bank Center for the annual Silver & Black Scrimmage. The teams played four 10-minute quarters with continuous clock (minus time outs and the last two minutes of each quarter).
The Silver & Black Scrimmage is a wonderful launch into the preseason. Fans can see starters, rotation guys, new draftees, and camp invitees playing in a similar way to how they scrimmage in daily practice. For the most part, it is a laid back look into the inner workings of the players and their dynamic. There is also some insight into their behind the scenes personalities.
For the second year in a row, Keldon Johnson served as MC while the draftees participated in karaoke for the crowd. Jayden Quaintance and Maliq Brown both performed Drake tunes, Ja’Kobi Gillespie sang Chris Brown, and Tarris Reed, Jr brought down the house with a rendition of the classic Bon Jovi tune “Living on a Prayer.” Keldon threw Carter Bryant into the mix and sang with him until Luke Kornet stole the mic and the spotlight. It really is obvious how much these players enjoy one another’s company. And it looks like the rooks have found their footing in an already tight-knit group.
Three more days until preseason. If the excitement when Victor Wembanyama slam dunked was any indication, this is going to be raucous season for Spurs and fans alike.
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DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 15: Naji Marshall #13 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Cody Williams #5 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at American Airlines Center on January 15, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Utah Jazz have spent the last few seasons collecting young talent without ever really focusing on winning. I think that changes this year.
Utah went 22-60 last season, but this roster looks completely different. They moved up to No. 2 in the draft. They landed Darryn Peterson, added Josh Green, Jaxson Hayes, and Josh Okogie, re-signed Jusuf Nurkić, and already had Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ace Bailey, and Keyonte George in place. Peterson is obviously the biggest addition, but there is enough NBA talent here now that another sub-30-win season would be hard to understand.
Utah Jazz: Over/Under 37.5 wins
Over: -110 Under: -120 To win an NBA Championship: +12500 To win Western Conference: +6000 To win Northwest Division: +7500
The case for the over starts with Peterson. I have extremely high expectations for him immediately. Utah did not just draft another developmental prospect. They drafted one of the best shot-makers in the class and someone I think can impact winning from Day 1. Put him next to Ace Bailey, who now gets another year of development, and suddenly Utah has two legitimate young building blocks instead of just a collection of prospects.
Then there is Markkanen. Health has obviously been the issue, but when he plays, he is still exactly the kind of offensive player you want around Peterson. He can shoot, score without dominating the ball, and punish defenses that load up on a primary creator. Jaren Jackson Jr. gives them another proven frontcourt piece, and even though I don’t love Keyonte George defensively, he averaged 23.6 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 37.1 percent from three. This roster has real scoring now.
Losing Walker Kessler hurts, but Utah at least attacked the position. Nurkić averaged 10.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists before his season ended, and Hayes gives them another athletic center who can run the floor and finish around the rim. It is not the same rim protection Kessler gave them, but I do not think the center spot ruins everything else they improved.
Thirty-eight wins is a massive jump from 22, but I honestly think Utah might have one of the biggest year-over-year improvements in basketball. Peterson, Bailey, Markkanen, and Jackson are a really compelling core if they stay healthy.
I am not ready to call them a playoff team, but they do not need to be one to hit this over.
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 4: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Utah Jazz during the NBA preseason on October 4, 2026 at CU Events Center, Boulder, Colorado. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Denver Nugget star Nikola Jokic often gets compared to Larry Bird, which is only partly fair. The funny part is, when people talk about Bird, they often suggest that he would be too slow to play in today’s NBA, but Jokic is far slower than Bird ever was, and he’s doing just fine.
The primary reason they are compared is because both have phenomenal vision and passing skills. Bird had an ability to pass to people when his back was turned. Somehow, he always knew where everyone was on the court at all times.
Jokic has some of that too, as we see here: He’s in the corner near the bench, half-turned, when he whips a behind-the-back pass through the defense to former UNC player Cameron Johnson, who is alone deep in the opposite corner. Caught completely off-guard: Lauri Markkanen, Jusuf Nurkic, and Svi Mykhailiuk.
In our opinion, this is the rare play that Bird could not have made. Why?
Because to move a ball that far, that fast, behind your back, takes a lot more strength than Bird had. But if you’d told Bird that, the basketball sociopath would have just told you that he didn’t need to do that because he had plenty of other options. Then he would have told you what he was going to do to you, and then done it, and taunted you afterwards because you couldn’t even stop what you knew was coming.
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HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 22: Fred Vanvleet #5 of the Houston Rockets speaks with the media during the Houston Rockets Media Day at Hilton Americas-Houston on September 22, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As the Houston Rockets headed into the 2025-2026 season, the biggest question is how Kevin Durant will fit with his new team. The Rockets made the biggest move of that offseason when they traded Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks for the future Hall of Famer.
With the move, the Rockets were expected to be a favorite in the 25-26 season, bringing back three of their five starters and coming off their first playoff appearance since 2020. Adding Durant, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, and Fred VanVleet should have given the Rockets one of the NBA’s best starting lineups. But that’s not what happened for the Rockets last season.
As the Rockets prepared to start day one of their 2025 training camp, VanVleet suffered a major injury during an offseason workout. At the time, no one knew if it would be season-ending, but the Rockets realized VanVleet would be out for a long time, at the very least. The Rockets prepared as if VanVleet would not see the floor for at least the entire regular season.
As the season went on, two things became clear to everyone following the Rockets. First, the Rockets lacked a suitable replacement for their veteran point guard. The Rockets at times had Reed Sheppard take over as the starting point guard, but for the most part, Amen Thompson was the lead guard, a position he did play frequently before entering the NBA.
Despite both players’ progress throughout the season, it wasn’t always enough to help the Rockets win games. That led Ime Udoka and his staff to improvise by having Durant or Sengun initiate the offense at the top of the key, with mixed results. The Rockets struggled in close games and in the playoffs as teams increasingly blitzed their ball handlers throughout the season.
That’s exactly why the Rockets brought VanVleet in via free agency a few years ago: they needed someone who could orchestrate the offense and limit turnovers. VanVleet has done that since joining the team, especially in his first season, when the Rockets finished with one of their best seasons in years, and he took care of the ball.
The Rockets ranked 24th in turnovers last season, their worst ranking since VanVleet joined the team. The previous season, when VanVleet was in the lineup, the Rockets ranked 15th with over a full turnover less per game. Although VanVleet wasn’t seen as a typical point guard before coming to the Rockets, he proved he could be a pass-first guard, posting a career-high in assists in his first season with the team.
Another area that VanVleet will help the Rockets this upcoming season is from beyond the arc. Despite a down season from the 3-point range in 2024-25, VanVleet has a career average of 37.1% from downtown, and with the addition of Durant, he is expected to bounce back from that .345 average he shot that season.
SB Nation asked VanVleet about the benefits of being a veteran, and even though he hadn’t played with Durant before, they should hit the ground running because of their experience.
I asked Fred even though him and Kevin did not play together last season will both of them being vets will make it a lot easier to hit the ground running this season.
“Kevin is probably maybe the greatest plug and play guy y’all find He can play in any system any court any team… pic.twitter.com/5HXMXuAiup
Another positive of having VanVleet back on the court is that it puts everyone back in their normal position, specifically Thompson. Thompson has thrived in the NBA playing at the dunker spot from his forward position. Last season, as mentioned earlier, Thompson had to play a lot more lead guard, which at times slowed down his offensive output. Now he can play more off-ball, which should lead to a career year on offense.
Another plus is that the Rockets bench should be much better than its league-worst ranking last season. The additions of veterans like Marcus Smart and Bogdan Boganovich will defintely help, and having Sheppard and Tari Eason off the bench will help too, since they won’t have to start games with VanVleet back.
Of course, VanVleet’s return won’t solve all of the Rockets’ issues. They still have to shoot better overall as a team, communicate better on the defensive end, play at a faster pace, and have better team chemistry, but getting their on- and off-court leader back this season will make everyone’s life a alot easier than last season.
For the first time in Brooklyn Nets history, the franchise held ‘Nets Fest’ at the Major Owens Community Center in Brooklyn. In the past, fans celebrated the upcoming NBA season at ‘Practice In The Park’, but the Nets came up with a new idea for this year: a full on festival. The goal? Celebrate all things Brooklyn Nets and honor the history of the franchise, as well as get excited for the future. NetsDaily was on hand for the first event of its kind.
This festival saw everything from face painting to manicures, to a built-in barbershop, to an NBA 2K space, to main stage events where Kenyon Martin, Buck Williams, and current players like Julius Randle took part in a Q&A. There were also on-court activations like basketball clinics held by current Nets players, and the bustling ‘Streetball Showdown’, where teams of five would compete for prizes. There was truly something for everyone.
This was a way for the Nets to give back to the community, and that’s exactly what made it so special. While it may have taken ‘Practice In The Park’ away for this season, fans seemed to equally enjoy Nets Fest. For current players like Mikel Brown Jr. and Egor Dëmin, and even legendary Nets like Albert King, community was a focal point.
“I think it’s huge,” Demin said. “Being able to connect — I think Brooklyn is all about the community, and for us, as a team, it’s very important to be able to connect with people, with our fans. For me personally, I think it’s very important to not be separate. I feel like a part of the city, and I want to embrace that.”
Mikel Brown Jr. was in agreement. “It’s very important. As I said before, influencing the youth, the youth that’s coming behind us, we kind of are like role models for them, in a sense. I’ve had plenty of kids come up to me and be like, ‘Yo, you’re my favorite player,’ and just to hear that, it makes me want to go harder, and it motivates me.”
Of course, the main goal was to get Brooklyn Nets fans hyped for the upcoming season, which begins with a preseason matchup on the road against Charlotte Hornets, Tuesday night. They then match up with the Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat before the regular season kicks off on Wednesday, October 21st.
With the season inching closer, Dëmin and Brown had a message for the fans, the same message we’ve been hearing all offseason: “Shock the World”
“I think we’re going to try to win every single day,” Demin told NetsDaily. “Whether it’s a game or a practice, or whatever it is, all we need from them is support and being there for us and not against us.”
“My message is just one: Show out,” Brown Jr. told ND. ”Show out. Come to the games. Pack it out. We need all the help we can get and all the love we can get. And two, I’m going to keep saying it. I feel like we’re going to shock the world. I really do feel like we’re going to shock the world with this team and this group of guys that we got. This coaching staff has been pushing us very hard the past couple of days in training camp, so we’re just going to continue to work.“
When asked about his goals entering his second season, Dëmin of course ND, “to win as many games as possible,” adding, “I think our process is oriented now on getting better each day. At least a little bit. But getting better. No matter what, even if it’s gameday, practice day, or an off-day.”
Brooklyn native and former Net Albert King also spoke with NetsDaily: “As I said, I’m from only one chapter of what has happened with Brooklyn basketball. I think that the fanbase has been very good to the team, and we’re all excited to just be a part of it. It’s going to take time for people to realize and see what this team can do, but I think they’re going to work hard, put in the time, and don’t be surprised, anything can happen in the future. So, 60 years. Celebrating 60 years, different chapters, different exciting players, different exciting fans, loyal fans who have been with the team for decades, it means a lot.”
King was also asked about his hopes for the future of this current generation of Nets players for the season: “I think one of the big things, as a former player and listening to the coach, is to go one game at a time. I think that it’s a long season, of course. But I think you have to take it one game at a time. They have to work hard. Anything is possible. You never know in this league what’s going to happen. You don’t always have that name recognition. It takes time.”
The Brooklyn Nets finished last season with a record of 20 wins and 62 losses. The last couple years have been lackluster to say the least. But the mindset entering a new year, holding a 0-0 record, is to shock the world. If nothing else, Brooklyn’s inaugural Nets Fest confirmed what fans have been feeling all summer: the next generation of the Brooklyn Nets are here, and the future is bright.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 10: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round Two Game Four of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 10, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Is there really a game already? Oy vey. We are still getting used to how brief the summer break is when the basketball team you cover is actually successful in the postseason.
Indeed, the NBA champion New York Knicks open their preseason schedule tonight. They’ll travel to face a Philadelphia 76ers club that has bolstered its own championship aspirations this summer. What was a solid but flawed Eastern Conference contender now features LeBron James and Jaylen Brown alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and sophomore VJ Edgecombe, assembling one of the most star-studliest lineups in the league.
For the defending champions, this scrimmage will be the first peek at what Mike Brown hopes to tweak for the upcoming season. The second-year coach has already stressed that he intends to ease his core into the exhibition slate. They had a short summer recess, after all. Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG (The Tippinator) Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns will not shoulder heavy workloads right away, which should open the door for extended looks at the players still fighting for roster security and rotation minutes. Additionally, sophomore Mohamed Diawara will be challenged to prove that he’s ready for a leap after a promising first season and fizzling out in summer league.
We’ll be focused on the center position where the coaching staff is still sorting out depth behind Towns and former Sixer Andre Drummond. Journeymen James Wiseman, Tony Bradley, and Drew Eubanks are all competing in camp for the third-string spot, and Monday’s game affords them a chance to show how they stack up against Embiid and ex-Knick Ariel Hukporti.
As for the health of New York’s starters, Hart continues to play with a damaged digit, and Brunson has reportedly looked sharp in camp after recovering from wrist surgery. Meanwhile, there’s an undercurrent of unresolved contracts, with Towns, Hart, and Miles McBride all eligible for veteran extensions. Because they are in (or effectively in) the final year of their deals—McBride on an expiring contract, Towns with a $61M player option for 2027-28, and Hart with a $22.4M team option for 2027-28—they can negotiate and sign extensions at any point until June 30, 2027. All three have expressed interest in buttoning up their paperwork sooner than that, but this seems like the storyline that will hang over the entire season.
For the Fightin’ Cheesesteaks, our curiosity centers around how coach Nick Nurse will get James, Brown, Embiid, and Maxey to share the ball and defend consistently. We expect their early games to have some of the confusion of an All-Star game, when the alphas try to figure out who will be less-alpha on any given play.
Prediction
Really, the primary goal of a preseason game is “Don’t break nothin.” You won’t see Captain Brunson take a charge tonight, or Hart do anything that could make his finger fall off. New York swept the Liberty Bells in the second round of the playoffs, as part of a 13-game win streak, and while tonight’s opponent has improved, neither club wants to reveal its tricks in a meaningless contest. They’ll save the good stuff for opening night, when they clash on banner night at Madison Square Garden. Still, it will be fun to see our champs take the floor again. And so soon. Prediction: Knicks by six.
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (0-0) at Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) Date: Monday, October 5, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET Place: Xfinity Mobile Arena (formerly Wells Fargo Center), Philadelphia, PA TV: MSG Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
SAN ANTONIO, TX -SEPTEMBER 28: Stephon Castle #5, De'Aaron Fox 34 and Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs pose for photos during San Antonio Spurs Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center on September 28, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The unofficial start to the 2026-27 San Antonio Spurs season arrived on Sunday night, as nearly 15,000 fans packed the Frost Bank Center for annual the Silver and Black open scrimmage, their first look at the squad since its run to the NBA Finals just over four months ago.
Here are three takeaways from the open scrimmage:
Tobias Harris to miss preseason
The biggest news from Sunday’s scrimmage came before the ball ever hit the floor. The Spurs announced that Tobias Harris, their lone acquisition from the offseason, would miss the entire preseason after suffering a left calf strain during training camp.
Harris averaged 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Detroit Pistons a year ago and filled what the Spurs were missing during that NBA Finals run: size and versatility. After the scrimmage, Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said the team would not rush the veteran forward back, adding there isn’t a cause for concern.
“It’s a calf strain, the seriousness is what it is,” he said. “We won’t rush him at all. I guess the question will be is he ready for the season opener? Totally questionable and we will not push that at all. So, we’ll take it slow. There is no concern of this level of seriousness, and at the same time, we will not rush him at all.”
Luckily for the Spurs, they have players they can turn to in these type of moments. Expect Julian Champagnie to fill Harris’ shoes in the starting unit.
Champagnie to build on breakout season
Julian Champagnie earned himself a big payday after his breakout season a year ago, which saw him become a threat from outside and a key cog in this young Spurs team’s rise to the NBA Finals. Now, he is looking to build on that and show why San Antonio had faith in him to ink him to a big contract.
Spurs assistant coach Billy Donovan drew up an elevator screen for Champagnie, who knocked down the triple from the top of the key. He continued to get out in the open court and scored in transition. Something new he added to his game? He attacked the rim and drove inside instead of settling for three’s.
That could be another added weapon for the Spurs, who got too “three happy” on more than one occasion during the postseason run last season. Coach Johnson along with Donovan will likely make changes for the Spurs to work inside and out more often this season. That will be something to watch when the preseason begins on Thursday.
Welcome back, DJG!
David Jones-Garcia underwent surgery earlier in the year after suffering an ankle injury with the Austin Spurs. Over the summer, San Antonio re-signed DSG to a two-way contract. His return to the court has been a long journey, but if Sunday’s scrimmage if anything to go by, he is ready to make his mark on the game.
Jones-Garcia was pulling up from three, driving the paint, and getting out in transition. He showed his quickness, running with Wembanyama and Fox on a three-on-one rush to the basket and his ankle looked like it was holding up well.
With the preseason starting on Thursday, Jones-Garcia will look to do more to impress the coaching staff and make the most of his time on the court. If he can build on his season from last year and his ankle continues to show its improvment, he could surprise everyone in 2026-27.
Strus suffered a non-contact right foot injury after seeing limited action as he tried to cut across the top of the key to receive a pass from guard Darius Garland during the first quarter.
He was seen limping back to the locker room. Strus saw just five minutes of action, missing his only shot attempt. He did collect a single rebound.
Strus averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and two assists per game in 12 games played last season. He suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot during offseason training in 2025 while he was with the Cavaliers.
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Collin Sexton #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during NBA Media Day on September 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
At last, the Lakers will play their first preseason game on Monday against the Kings in Sacramento. It will be the front end of a back-to-back and the first of three games in four days this week.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings
When: 7:00 p.m. PT
Where: Golden 1 Center
Watch: NBA TV
After lots of talk during training camp, the Lakers finally take the court on Monday to kickstart a busy week of preseason action.
Despite controlling their own scheduling, LA will open with a back-to-back this week before playing a third game on Thursday. It’s a bizarre choice, and one that head coach JJ Redick doesn’t seem to love, but it will give fans plenty to digest in a short period of time.
It also means, however, that there will very likely not be full rosters available for any of these games. In previous preseasons, the team has played their superstars in just one of the three games. With a younger team looking to build chemistry, perhaps that changes. But there is a precedent of how things could play out.
Still, starting on Monday, we’ll have our first chance to see lots of new players donning the purple and gold for the first time.
Injury updates and notes
Because it’s the preseason, teams are not required to release injury reports, meaning we almost certainly won’t know who is and isn’t playing until the pregame pressers for coaches.
We have an exciting new feature in our app this season. It’s easier than ever to chat in our game threads. Each game, this post will become a live chat and will be easy to find at the top of the Lakers community page, so be sure to download the app and give it a try this preseason!
HONOLULU, HI - OCTOBER 4: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket during the game against the LA Clippers during the 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 4, 2026 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jay Metzger/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
‘Twas only the first game of the preseason, but if it was a portent of the season to come for the Golden State Warriors, it wasn’t a particularly hopeful indicator.
Granted, both Steph Curry (10 points) and Draymond Green (two assists, two steals) played a shade under 15 minutes and saw a grand total of zero second-half action. But the depth behind them, while showing flashes of promise, did not inspire confidence.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg had a measly four points on 1-of-6 shooting but was able to haul in nine boards. A particular aspect of his game that showed some intrigue was his passing in the pick-and-roll:
Head coach Steve Kerr did, however, emphasize the need for Lendeborg to be more aggressive in terms of scoring and looking for his own offense. Considering the dearth of offensive options on the team, it’s imperative that Lendeborg establish his role on the pecking order immediately on that end of the floor.
Steve Kerr mentioned an early third quarter Yaxel Lendeborg mistake where he tried to fit in a pass instead of attempting a layup, leading to turnover and transition 3.
“We need him to have an aggressive scoring mentality and that’s something we are going to work with him on.” https://t.co/oN8SJ4eSUj
It was a sentiment that Curry echoed after the game:
Asked Steph Curry how Yaxel Lendeborg needs to balance his feel for the game with aggressiveness: “We don’t want anything passive.”
Really insightful breakdown in his full answer https://t.co/4E5xGkP25g
Offseason signing Brandon Williams was reportedly very speedy and shifty — with an incredibly high motor, to boot — during practices. Needless to say, he lived up to his rather rapid billing immediately, while promising to bring the much-needed change of pace in the halfcourt that the Warriors have sorely needed:
Dubs go to their "Thumb out" set for Brandon Williams. The get action gives him the downhill momentum for the paint touch and finish at the rim. Such a welcome addition he’s been proving to be so far. https://t.co/0eqPjqYH8w
All in all, save for a few eye-catching moments, this collective performance was overall nondescript. Few things stood out as legitimately mouthwatering. The advertised “5-out” offense that Kerr promised was obvious in the manner in which it was clearly a work in progress. One of the more intriguing aspects of that revamped approach was directly using the five-man as a bring-up ball handler, flowing into an inverted pick-and-roll with the floor spread, and dishing to the screener for a three, as shown below involving Al Horford as the ball handler and Curry as the screener — leading to Curry’s first preseason three:
Going straight into a spread inverted ballscreen for Steph Curry’s first preseason three. https://t.co/Jy74aQkUlS
There was also this exquisite after-timeout (ATO) set drawn up by Kerr, using Williams’ speed and downhill momentum to create a paint touch and lob opportunity for Gary Payton II:
Nasty "Finland" -esque set with the rip screen for GP2, weak-side corner emptied, and Williams with the lob for GP2. Again, the downhill actions will favor Williams’ speed, motor, and ability to do damage in the paint. https://t.co/sliF4npcHu
Not much else can be said of the tilt, with second stringers, third stringers, and camp invitees rounding out the rest of the game in what was, to no one’s absolute surprise, a meaningless result. The process, however, provided some early insight behind what is to come during the regular season.
Needless to say, they will have their work cut out for them if they hope to garner, at the very least, a play-in appearance — let alone, a playoff spot.
The Warriors will next meet the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center on Tuesday, the front end of a preseason back-to-back slate.
BOULDER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 4: Lauri Markkanen #23 of the Utah Jazz passes the ball to Keyonte George #3 in the first half of a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets at CU Event Center on October 4, 2026 in Boulder, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The grid-bound streets of Salt Lake City are ablaze — the Utah Jazz have won an NBA basketball game.
Shout it from the rooftops, sing it from the mountains: the Utah Jazz are a winning basketball team once again. But maybe leave out the fact that this was a meaningless preseason game in which most of the starters were pulled by halftime.
It’s an odd feeling to have a basketball game turned on its head like this. Typically, the first and second quarters are the least interesting half of any given contest, with the stakes truly setting in as we approach the final buzzer. In the preseason, when the result of the game is meaningless, it’s quite the opposite.
We got to see Will Hardy’s first starting lineup of the year: Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson at the guard line, Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. holding down the forward slots, and Jusuf Nurkic anchoring the center position in Walker Kessler’s absence.
We got our first taste of Darryn Peterson against legitimate NBA talent (even if it still took place on a college court). We witnessed Will Hardy’s dynamic offense function without restraint. We even got a Mo Bamba Sighting (TM). And though the result of the game was largely irrelevant for the final 24 minutes, we saw the Utah Jazz build and maintain a lead against an NBA Finals contender and the current best player on the planet, Nikola Jokic.
No one is counting preseason wins, but everyone will take stock of individual performances.
In my eyes, three Jazzmen deserve the lion’s share of acclaim for Sunday night’s success.
3 Utah Jazz Impact Players vs. Denver (10/4):
Lauri Markkanen
Stats: 17 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal
Lauri Markkanen is the rock of this Utah Jazz team. Utah’s success is largely predicated on Markkanen’s effectiveness as a scorer and defender, and what we witnessed on the basketball floor of the University of Colorado, Boulder, was nothing short of vintage.
He hit 3 of his 7 three-point attempts, and attacked the basket early and often. Was it his most efficient shooting night ever? No, 5-12 is only fine for a player of his caliber, but he scored 17 points in 16 minutes and set the tone for his teammates. Utah jumped out to a 36-26 lead at the end of the first quarter, and the rest was history.
Keyonte George
Stats: 15 points, 3 assists, 4 rebounds
Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. Keyonte is running the show like a veteran point guard and looked incredibly comfortable operating within the offense tonight. He led all Jazzmen in minutes with 21, where he converted 5-8 from the field, 1-3 from three-point land, and hit 4-5 from the stripe.
Add a dash of playmaking (3 assists to 1 turnover) to the pot, and you’ve got a stew cookin’.
For a player who entered the NBA labeled as a high-volume, low-efficiency black hole, Keyonte has turned himself into quite the effective presence in Utah’s backcourt. If he continues this level of play in the regular season, he could make some noise as an All-Star nominee.
But where Keyonte impressed the most was his defensive effort. George wasn’t timid from the podium at Media Day when he addressed how his defense needed to improve — and had improved — over the offseason. And though he may never be a defensive specialist, he clearly took pride in his defensive effort on the perimeter.
Blake Hinson
Stats: 14 points, 4 offensive rebounds
Blake the Make, Hot-Shot Hinson, whatever you want to call him, Utah’s two-way standout held a flaming basketball at his fingertips in Colorado and hit 4 of his 5 three-point attempts.
When the second and third units took to the court, Hinson was the clear star, and he did what he does best: put the ball directly into the basket. It’ll be interesting to track Hinson’s progress this season and learn if he can distinguish himself as a part of the Jazz’s short-term future, rather than as a flyer on the two-way line.
Calvin Barrett is the Associate Editor for SLC Dunk. Originally from Springville, Utah, he currently lives in Japan and has covered the NBA and college athletics since 2024.
