It remains to be seen whether Walker Kessler (jammed finger) will make his preseason debut for the Lakers on Tuesday.
“I would say we’re not committed to that,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said at Lakers practice on Saturday.
The Lakers’ new franchise center has missed all three exhibition games after jamming his finger against the backboard during training camp.
Los Angeles Lakers player Walker Kessler (14) poses during media day at the UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, Calif., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Redick said Kessler at first fully participated in Saturday’s practice, but then his injury started bothering him.
“He was a live participant initially, and then we were doing a drill and he hit his finger,” said Redick, who added that Kessler went on to do everything else Saturday except for the live action drills.
“… So, [he] was in for about half the practice,” Redick said. “We’ll see [Sunday] if he can do live.”
The Lakers play the Warriors on Tuesday in their penultimate exhibition game.
So, the team has two more chances to try to get Kessler on the floor to get a glimpse of what their Big 3 will look like ahead of their season opener on Oct. 21.
Redick emphasized that Kessler’s injury is of no concern.
“Yeah, he’s fine,” Redick said.
Redick added that Collin Sexton (lower leg) is “a little bit further behind” Kessler in terms of making his preseason debut. He said Arthur Kaluma participated in Saturday’s practice, but Ziaire Williams is still dealing with a foot contusion.
“Again, it’s not a concern,” Redick said of Williams.
Luka Doncic is looking forward to see how things shape up when everyone becomes available, especially Kessler, whom the Lakers acquired in a sign-and-trade from Utah, giving up two unprotected first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps, signing him to a four-year, $130 million deal.
“I’m very excited,” Doncic said Saturday. “Obviously, kind of involved, not signing him. but there was a lot of communication with [Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations] Rob [Pelinka] and JJ about him, so I’m very excited to just share the floor with him.”
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 3: Joel Embiid #21 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during practice on October 3, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics host the Philadelphia 76ers in their home preseason opener. The 76ers have played 2 games so far, winning the first and losing the second. They sat their starters in the first game and won and played all of their starters in the second game and lost. Philly has one preseason game left after this one, at home against the Celtics. The Celtics have 2 more preseason games, one at home against Charlotte and the final game on the road at Philadelphia.
Jaylen Brown’s play with the 76ers will be a point of interest for Celtics fans all season. He was the only regular starter to play in both games. Nick Nurse has said that he will play his starters in one of the 2 games against Boston and it will likely be their home game. Since the Celtics starters sat out the first game. I expect them to play at least the first half in this one. But, with Joe, you never know.
The 76ers made one of the biggest moves of the off season, trading Paul George to get Jaylen Brown. They also signed LeBron James, Dean Wade, Ariel Hukporti and Anfernee Simons as free agents. They drafted Labaron Philon, Jr with the 22nd pick in the draft. Along with Paul George, they lost Quentin Grimes, Kelly Oubre, Jr and Andre Drummond.
I’m not going to post possible starters for this game. Both coaches are unpredictable and I’m sure whatever lineups I pick, the coaches will start someone else. Philadelphia started Caldwell-Pope, Edgecombe, Brown, Wade and Hukporti in their first game. They started Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, James and Embiid in their second game. The Celtics started Conley, Scheierman, Walsh, Gonzalez and Garza. He may go with the starters in this game or possibly even all the end of the bench guys.
The Celtics have just one player on the injury list and that is Ron Harper, Jr who is a game time decision with a shoulder injury. The 76ers have 5 players listed as out including Taco Fall (hip), Dminick Barlow (back), Adem Bona (foot), Ariel Hukporti (Achilles), and Anfernee Simons (hamstring). I’m sure there will be at least a few players out for rest as well. With Hukporti out for the season and Bona nursing a sore foot, they are weak at the center.
Boston Celtics Roster Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley Luka Garza Paul George Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Mitchell Robinson Baylor Scheierman Jayson Tatum Jordan Walsh Derrick White
2-Way Players Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams Exhibit 10 Players Devin Carter Tucker DeVries Hayden Gray Gabe MccGlothan Milos Uzan Injuries Ron Harper, Jr (shoulder) game time decision
Players to Watch
Jayson Tatum and Paul George
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Philadelphia 76ers Roster Jaylen Brown Kentavious Caldwell-Pope VJ Edgecombe Justin Edwards Joel Embiid LeBron James Tyrese Maxey Labaron Philon, Jr Dean Wade Jabari Walker
2-Way Players Caleb Love Rayan Rupert
Exhibit 10 Players Taco Fall Dillon Jones Duke Miles Jameer Nelson, Jr Saint Thomas
Injuries Taco Fall (hip) out Dominick Barlow (back) out Adem Bona (foot) out Ariel Hukporti (Achilles) out Anfernee Simons (hamstring) out
Players to Watch
VJ Edgecombe and Jabari Walker
Head Coach Nick Nurse
What to Watch How Jayson Tatum Plays – Jayson Tatum played in just 16 games last season, plus 6 playoff games. He looked good and averaged almost 22 points and 10 rebounds, however, he didn’t seem to have the same explosion that he did before the injury. He also played along side of Jaylen Brown for the past 10 years and will be playing as the Alpha without him for the first time in his career. We didn’t get to see him in the first game, so hopefully he will play in this game. How About the New Guys– Conley looked good in the start on Thursday and may or may not play in this one. How will Paul George’s game fit with Jayson Tatum and how will he play in the Celtics’ system. Does he still have a lot in the tank and can he still play at a high level? Will Mitchell Robinson start or come off the bench and how will his game fit with Mazzulla Ball? Can he hit his free throws? Chris Cenac, Jr, Dillon Mitchell and Devin Carter all impressed in game 1. Can they do it again in this game?
Offensive Rebounding – The Celtics dominated the boards on Thursday against the Cavaliers. They had 21 offensive rebounds to just 6 for the Cavs. Can the starters do just as well? Rebounding will be a key for the Celtics this season. The 76ers had 10 offensive rebounds in their first game and 6 in their second. The Celtics need to once again dominate the boards in this game.
3 Point Shooting – The Celtics picked up where they left off last season, shooting 47 three pointers and hitting 36.2% of them The 76ers reserves shot 46 threes in the first game against New York and hit 34.8% of them. In their second game against Brooklynwith the starters in, they shot just 27 threes and hit just 29.6% of them.
X-Factor It’s the Preseason – The preseason is a time for the coaches to get a look at players who may or may not make the team, to experiment with lineups and different plays. Wins and losses are not as important as learning things about the players and the team. We certainly won’t see the regular rotation for either team and that’s ok.
MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets jumps the opening tip against Morez Johnson Jr. #14 of the Dallas Mavericks during the 2026 Macao Games on October 9, 2026 at The Venetian Arena in Macao, China. 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
The Houston looked pretty good on Friday morning in their 135-117 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Fred VanVleet’s return to the lineup was triumphant and Alperen Sengun snagged a triple double in just 22 minutes. Were the Rockets perfect? Of course not. 21 turnovers leap off the stat sheet and defense was optional in the second half, but in a preseason overseas, you have to expect some issues.
For Dallas, Dusty May has stated that he expects Kyrie Irving to play one of the two games. Since Irving didn’t play on Friday, well the process of elimination sort of does the work for us. Kevin Durant is also listed as a game-time decision. Again, the league wants the stars to play and the teams know that, so we’ll see how May and Ime Udoka play this.
Houston’s next (and final) preseason game is on Thursday in Houston against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Then there’s no basketball until the following Wednesday (October 21) when Houston takes on these same Dallas Mavericks to open the season.
Tip-off
5am CT
How To Watch
NBA TV and Space City Home Network
Injury Report
Rockets
Kevin Durant: GTD
Mavericks
Do you really care?
The Line (as of this post)
I can’t find one and honestly, if you really need this line, please get some help.
SAN FRANCISCO – Playing their fourth game of the preseason, the Warriors had their regulars back on the floor Saturday night at Chase Center against the Sacramento Kings.
Steve Kerr again opened the game with a starting five of Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green. A tight contest all game concluded with a 111-106 Warriors win.
Less is more for Curry in the preseason, and he continued to only play the first half. Curry in 14 minutes scored eight points on 3-of-6 shooting and made two of his four 3-point attempts.
Golden State’s biggest story wasn’t two quarters of Curry. Lendeborg opened more eyes by displaying an array of skills that have Warriors fans already dreaming of a Rookie of the Year campaign. Lendeborg put up 23 points in 23 minutes on 10-of-14 shooting and also had 10 rebounds and six assists.
Kings top pick Darius Acuff Jr. was a problem for the Warriors and exposed their point of attack weakness. Acuff dropped 25 points in 27 minutes and blew past a list of Warriors.
Ben Simmons made his Kings preseason debut and scored seven points in eight minutes.
Here are three takeaways from a Warriors win that improved their preseason record to 2-2.
Follow Yaxel’s Lead
He’s 24 years old, spent six years in college – including three in junior college – and hasn’t played a regular-season game in the NBA. Yet Lendeborg continues to play like a seasoned veteran. The game just looks easy to him, especially on the offensive end.
Lendeborg scored eight of the Warriors’ first 12 points and finished the first quarter with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting and six rebounds. The Warriors’ first two possessions were a two-man game of Green and Lendeborg. Green first found him cutting behind the defense for an easy layup and then hit him in the right corner for a three after getting to the middle of the paint.
But the most interesting part was how the second possession began. Lendeborg brought the ball up the court before relocating and knocking down a three. Kerr already feels comfortable using Lendeborg as a ball-handler and is giving him the freedom to learn on the fly.
At Lendeborg’s size, he’s an automatic mismatch initiating offense as a playmaker, and using his length around the rim. He went coast to coast multiple times and couldn’t be stopped. Lendeborg in the first half scored an easy 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting and also had eight rebounds, three assists and no turnovers.
The end of the third quarter was another perfect example of what Lendeborg can do. He came with eight seconds remaining, grabbed a rebound off a missed free throw, took it the other way and found Brandon Williams for a three at the buzzer.
Even when they aren’t being seen as championship contenders, there still are so many talking points about the Warriors. Curry and Green always will garner headlines. So will Lendeborg’s rise throughout his rookie year, and Jimmy Butler’s rehab.
Santos can still get lost in the spotlight shuffle, despite coming off a breakout season. Saturday night was a reminder why he can’t be forgotten.
The forward started off slow in the first quarter and found his groove in the second. After taking just one shot and scoring two points off two free throws in his first seven minutes, Santos was a perfect 5 of 5 from the field in the second quarter for 10 points. All his work was done around the rim, with the furthest shot he made being eight feet away.
It was a display of fancy footwork for Santos. A patient approach of rip-throughs and euro steps was his ticket to scoring and the Kings’ defense didn’t have an answer.
Podziemski scored a modest 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting, including 3 of 7 from 3-point range and 3 of 4 at the free-throw line. He cut to the rim and found his way to the free-throw line early. He also hit back-to-back threes in the third quarter.
Plus, Podziemski’s seven rebounds were second to Lendeborg’s 10.
It won’t get talked about much but Podziemski’s ability to draw fouls is huge in his growth. Podziemski shot 63.3 percent from the free-throw line as a rookie and has improved ever since. He was up to 75.8 percent in his second season and 79.7 percent last season.
If Podziemski can be 80 percent or above, he can average north of 15 points per game and stack 20-point performances.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets speaks during a press conference at Brooklyn Nets Media Day at Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on September 28, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
No word yet on whether Mikel Brown Jr. will make his preseason debut Monday night in Washington vs. the Wizards and overall No. 1 pick, A.J. Dybantsa. A lot presumably will depend on how he does during practice on Sunday afternoon at HSS Training Center.
Last we heard from Brian Lewis at the Nets Fan Fest last Sunday, the No. 6 pick had been undergoing contact drills with the team’s coaching staff, having rolled his left ankle during workouts prior to the start of training camp. If he doesn’t play Monday, then it’s likely he and fans will have to wait till the final preseason game Wednesday in Miami vs. the new-look Heat.
The wait has been excruciating for fans anxious to see how the 20-year-old will perform, particularly when paired next to Egor Demin. In his first two preseason contests — both wins — Demin has looked like a different player and he didn’t look bad either during last season or Summer League. Fans see the two, the highest Nets back-to- back picks in 30 years, as the backcourt of the future. Brown Jr. and Demin do, too, each calling the other his “brother.”
In the meantime, fans have had rely on what others are saying about MBJ, starting with the man who picked him back in June, GM Sean Marks. Marks told Sirius/XM recently Brown Jr. has been acting more like a veteran rather than a rookie, organizing team dinners, taking teammates under his wing and emerging as a vocal leader on and off the court:
“He doesn’t act like a rookie. He has a presence about him that you’d say, he’s kind of been there, done that before. Took guys to dinner, took guys under his wing. He’s a vocal leader,” said Mark describing his “swagger“
”He shares the ball, very encouraging teammate… He wanted the best for others, and that really resonated within the locker room.”
Julius Randle, the team’s veteran leader with 13 years experience and it’s most accomplished player, agrees. He also thinks the Louisville product is the real deal.
“Usually when you’re a young player, you want to try to get a basket every single time, but he’s coming off a pick and roll and really understands how to read and play the game,” Randle said.
None of this is that much of a surprise to two people who have mentored him, his father Chris Brown Sr. and Bootsy Thornton, a shooting guard who played for St. John’s and coached Brown Jr. in Orlando. C.J. Holmes of the Daily News spoke to both in recent days.
Dad told Holmes what Mikel’s day entails.
The days have filled up quickly. Since Summer League, Chris said, Mikel’s alarm has gone off at 6:30 a.m. He reaches the facility around 7:30 and works with the team through early afternoon. Then comes the lifting, recovery and a massage. Most evenings, he returns to shoot around 7 p.m. and finishes close to 10 p.m.
Some of the work is learning the people who will share the court with him. Chris said his son studies his teammates’ tendencies and the shots they are trying to add. Mikel watches film with the coaches every day, sometimes going through the same material several times so he can carry it into the next practice.
“It’s one thing to make the NBA, it’s another thing to stick in the NBA,” Chris Brown Sr. said.
Thornton thinks that in the Nets system, with its emphasis on versatility and quick decision-making, Brown Jr. is a point guard but one who doesn’t shy away from the big shot.
“I envision him as a point guard, to be honest with you,” Thornton told Holmes. “He’s a point guard who can score.”
Thornton also said that he expects Brown Jr. will help the Nets immediately with his scoring and passing, adding that he’ll rack up so-called hockey assists, making the pass that leads to the pass that sets up the score.
One issue that the team and Brown Jr.’s recognize is that Brown’s slight frame is likely to make him a target for opponents. Indeed, Chris Brown Sr. told Holmes said the Nets have focused on Mikel’s base and core, building the foundation that will help him absorb contact and keep his balance through a drive.
Personally, Brown Jr. admits he has to be more patient, as he told Holmes.
At Louisville, defenders could sit in the paint and crowd his drives. The space in Summer League caught his attention. So did the touches he spoiled by rushing into it. Brown recalled getting stuck on drives, playing off one foot and making the wrong decision. He’s since worked on finding his spots and stopping on two feet, bringing his body under control before deciding where the ball should go.
“I just got to really slow down,” Brown added. That won’t affect his mindset, Brown Jr. advised.
“That swagger is going to stay regardless. And I’m a high-risk, high-reward guy. Obviously I know sometimes it’s better to hit the single and that’s what I’ve been talking to my coaches about, and I’ve gotten better at that.”
The Nets, as an organization, have embraced that swagger, producing a six-minute video of him at Media Day.
“I ain’t no model. I am a basketball player,” he’s quoted as saying. “I take the orange ball and put it in the orange hoop.”
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 13: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks to drive to the basket pasZach LaVine #8 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on March 13, 2025 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors return home for Saturday night’s preseason matchup as they take on the Sacramento Kings. The game will be played at 5:30 PM PT in San Francisco and can be watched on NBC Sports Bay Area.
The Warriors suffered a 123-118 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in their most recent preseason game Wednesday night, however, Golden State was without most of its key players, as they did not make the trip to Portland. The matchup marked the Warriors’ third game in four days, a stretch that began in Hawaii, as well as the second night of a home-road back-to-back.
Despite being shorthanded, the Warriors remained competitive behind strong performances from Dalen Terry and Miles Kelly. Terry finished with 23 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field, including four three-pointers, while playing a game-high 43 minutes. Kelly led the team in scoring with 24 points, doing most of his damage from beyond the arc as he knocked down six of his 11 three-point attempts.
Tonight’s matchup against the Kings marks Golden State’s fourth game of the preseason. The team’s usual starters are expected to return to the lineup, including shooting guard Brandin Podziemski. The 23-year-old will enter his fourth NBA season and is fresh off signing a five-year, $110 million contract extension ahead of Saturday night’s game. Podziemski was the only Warriors player to appear in every game last season and figures to play an important role for the team once again this year. Through two preseason appearances, he is averaging 11.5 points per game.
Breaking: Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has agreed to a five-year, $110 million fully guaranteed rookie-scale contract extension, his agent tells @ShamsCharania.
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 8: The sneakers worn by Sam Merrill #5 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 8, 2026 at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Lauren Leigh Bacho/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Dylan Harper (2) of the San Antonio Spurs looks on during an open scrimmage at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
This started when a woman accused Harper’s girlfriend, JoJo Lacey, of having an intimate relationship with her boyfriend. The woman also claimed Harper was aware of his girlfriend’s alleged affair with this man but remained in a relationship with her.
A social media post showing this woman’s allegations went viral, amassing over 7.7 million views in less than three days.
A woman has accused NBA star Dylan Harper’s girlfriend of sleeping with her boyfriend and claims Dylan Harper knows about the alleged affair but is still in a relationship with her. pic.twitter.com/Nl4uhzvonO
It didn’t take Lacey long to shut down these rumors. She did so with a post to her TikTok on Friday night. The video started with Lacey’s friend saying, “Do you know what I say? F–k them. Exclamation point!”
“F–k them!” Lacey, who was wearing a yellow dress, responded.
Dylan Harper’s girlfriend, JoJo Lacey, wearing a yellow dress while responding to cheating rumors. (TikTok/@jojolacey).
“Yeah. F–k them!” her friend fired back.
Then Lacey began dancing and said, “Now I want to f–k.”
The post was captioned, “To all the people believing I’d ever cheat on my hubbyy @DylanHarper.”
Harper has the top comment on the TikTok post. He broke his silence by writing, “We just gone let the world talk .” He also included a photo of he and Lacey smiling at each other with the Eiffel Tower in Paris in the background.
Lacey liked his comment.
Dylan Harper and his girlfriend, LoJo Lacey, interacting on TikTok. (TikTok/@jojolacey).
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MARCH 19: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns plays defense during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on March 19, 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 vs. San Antonio Spurs
When: 7:30 pm Arizona Time
Where: Mortgage Matchup Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Watch: Suns+, ESPN 2
Listen: ESPN Phoenix 620 AM, SiriusXM
Two preseason games down. Three to go. Tonight will be the home (preseason) opener for the Suns after they return from their trip(s) to Detroit and Chicago.
Phoenix dropped their first 2 preseason games, but that’s not what’s important about the preseason. Jordan Ott is trying to figure out which combinations work best and who he can trust.
It remains to be seen what rotations will look like on both sides for this one, but if Wemby suits up, it could be a game where we see a lineup change with Khaman getting the start to address the size. Miles Bridges seems to be just fine, but he may not suit up due to an ankle injury in Chicago. Plenty to track tonight!
Tale of the Tape
All of the statistics listed below are from last season.
Probable Starters
Injury Report
Suns
We shall see if Miles Bridges suits up. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Phoenix rest him as a precaution, with it being the preseason and all.
Mark Williams — OUT (Torn Left Labrum)
Miles Bridges — DTD (Ankle)
Jordan Ott said the x-ray on Miles Bridges’ ankle was negative. He’s fine but they want to be smart about tomorrow too.
There are numerous position battles throughout the roster; that’s where a lot of focus will be. Between Oso and Maluach for the starting center job, and which of the trio of Dunn, Fleming, or Peat cracks the rotation for that 10th spot, with the top 9 seemingly locked in, barring injury.
Whoever starts in Bridges’ place (if he misses the game) will tip Ott’s hand to who they feel best about. Or maybe it’s just continued experimentation of groups and combinations together. Who knows!
Devin Booker’s shooting woes are a storyline as well. I’m not reading into a rough shooting night in a road preseason game in October, but you know how that discourse goes. Coach Ott instilled faith in him, saying, “If he sees the rim, let it go.”
How will they guardWemby? How will they deal with the trio of guards that start? It could even be a game where we see Jordan Goodwin get a starting nod due to the lineup build of the Spurs, with Wemby being surrounded by shooters and quick combo guards.
"We're going to be really hard to guard… Me and Steph get downhill, Fox has the same ability…There's going to be a whole lot of mismatches…We understand what we all have to do to win. It's going to be great."
It’s a win if the young guys show progress. It’s a win if everyone leaves the game healthy. It’s a win if the starters click again early on. It’s a win if the second and third units show a little more unity.
The final score does not matter to me, but the process of how we got there does. We only have two more of these things after this one, so we could see more of a sense of urgency from the guys battling for spots, minutes, etc.
"We'll take the same preseason approach. Five of these games. Two young guys. They continue to get better. Have different gifts that we're still trying to figure out. Mix and match a little bit even in these last three games."
My prediction? There will be 48 minutes of action (unless we’re tied). Basketball will be played. And people will overreact to whatever happens. Thus is the life of preseason basketball in the association.
I’ll repeat what Voita said in his first prediction. The preseason isn’t about wins and losses. It’s about the development that occurs along the way.
Let’s get our first win of the preseason, folks. How about in a thriller on a Jamaree Bouyea buzzer-beater?
Brooklyn Nets center Moritz Wagner (13) and Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) battle for a rebound during the first half of an NBA preseason game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
The 76ers have gone all-in for a crack at an NBA championship with the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, but young starter VJ Edgecombe admittedly has a bigger basketball goal.
Brooklyn Nets center Moritz Wagner (13) and Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) battle for a rebound during the first half of an NBA preseason game at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. Heather Khalifa for NY Post
“For the USA, y’all win all the time. But for my country, that’s probably one of the best things in the world.”
The Bahamian national team has never appeared in the Summer Olympics, with the 21-year-old Edgecombe acknowledging it’s “a small country…not known for basketball.”
The Bahamas nearly qualified for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, going 4-0 in pre-qualifying before losing in the FIBA tournament to Spain. Edgecombe, at 18, played on that team alongside NBA players such as Eric Gordon, Deandre Ayton and Buddy Hield.
Edgecombe, an All-Rookie selection last season for the Sixers, also told Brown that playing in the Olympics would be meaningful “more so for the community and for the country.”
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) blocks a shot by Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) during the 2026 NBA playoffs. Jason Szenes for the New York Post
“It’ll bring more attention for other kids in that position. Now everyone is starting to look into The Bahamas and at least kind of notice them,” Edgecombe said. “I’ve been to all these different camps, and I wasn’t noticed early. So I think that would help show that we got a little [talent].”
The 6-foot-4 Edgecombe, who moved to the United States in the ninth grade, was the third overall pick by Philadelphia in the 2025 NBA Draft out of Baylor.
He averaged 16 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 35.4 percent from 3-point range over 75 games (all starts) in his debut season to finish third behind Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel in Rookie of the Year voting.
Podziemski (better known as “Podz”) wasted no time celebrating this deal on social media. He posted a graphic announcing the extension to his Instagram Story on Saturday and added the caption, “gods timing ”.
Brandin Podziemski’s Instagram story post after signing a five-year, $110 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors. (Instagram/@iab_podz).
Podziemski has cemented himself as a key part of the Warriors’ roster since they selected him with the No. 19 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft.
He averaged 13.8 points in 28.5 minutes per game last season while playing in all 82 regular-season contests. His 45.5 field-goal percentage was also the highest of his career across a full season.
Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a free throw during an NBA preseason game against the LA Clippers on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu. NBAE via Getty Images
The jury is still out on the Warriors being competitive in the Western Conference this season. What’s for sure is that they’ll need Podz to not only produce but potentially continue developing into an elite offensive threat if they’re to make any noise in the postseason.
Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a picture during media day at Chase Center on Monday, September 28, 2026, in San Francisco, California. Getty Images
ESPN's Shams Charania first reported the news on X on Saturday, Oct. 10, citing Podziemski's agent, Bill Duffy of WME Basketball. The Warriors have since confirmed the move to USA TODAY Sports. The rookie-scale extension is fully guaranteed with a mutual option in the fifth year and a trade kicker.
The Warriors confirmed to USA TODAY Sports that the team agreed to a new contract with Podziemski.
Podziemski will be playing in the last year of his rookie contract this season. His extension will kick in next season.
What are Brandin Podziemski's stats with Golden State?
Brandin Podziemski has played three seasons in the NBA, all with the Golden State Warriors. He averages 11.6 points, 3.6 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game.
He played all 82 games last season in the 2025-26 campaign and started 43 times. He averaged 13.8 points, 3.7 assists and 5.1 boards per matchup.
When do the Warriors start the 2026-27 NBA season?
The Golden State Warriors tip off their 2026-27 season on Wednesday, Oct. 21 in an away game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 5: Ebuka Okorie #23 of the Detroit Pistons is interviewed after the game against the Phoenix Suns during a preseason game on October 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA preseason is a great time to work out some kinks, give reserves more opportunities to thrive, and for players to get their legs back under them. The Detroit Pistons did most of that in their first preseason win over the Phoenix Suns.
Detroit travels to the nation’s capital in a matchup with 2026 first overall pick AJ Dybantsa and the Washington Wizards. The Detroit key players only played around 20 minutes Monday night. Let’s see if J.B. Bickerstaff ramps that up a bit and gets Jalen Duren out there, or will it be the Ebuka Okorie show.
GAME VITALS
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
When: 7:00 PM EST
Watch: TV20 Detroit/DAZN-DET
Odds: Pistons (-4.5)
Bickerstaff said Duren will play in the preseason and could make his debut tonight. Duren said he wants to improve as a rim and pick-and-roll defender. If he does suit up for a bit tonight, he’d have plenty of opportunities to show PnR growth with Trae Young, Anthony Davis, and Deandre Ayton spamming actions. Washington has downhill guards he can sway away from the basket if they manage to get by Detroit’s perimeter defenders.
Ausar Thompson showed growth in his biggest swing skill for this Pistons build to work: creation. His jumper is always at the top of the conversation, but being a legit playmaker next to Cade Cunningham unlocks this team.
Ausar was aggressive getting to the rack, keeping his options open versus the Suns. He’d rim run to score or to throw dimes to Paul Reed and spot-up shooters. Seeing his midrange jumper drop spoke to his mindset in that outing. The makes were cool, but the attempts were better. Getting them up to gain the defense’s respect will aid his playmaking chops.
Ron Holland attempted the most shots on the squad. Some were good looks, some were out of control, but his game-wrecking defense was there as always. Holland flew around the court terrorizing Phoenix backups. The Wizards have a ton of guards with off-the-bounce juice. Holland will see plenty of Tre Johnson, Tre Mann, and maybe Young tonight.
Okorie was thrown into the fire with 10 minutes to go and did not disappoint. His defensive effort was there. The microwave scoring was as good as advertised. We should get used to those extended finishes. Okorie uses every bit of his 6-foot-8ish wingspan and turbo jets to get by defenders and finish from different angles. Bickerstaff praised the 19-year-old’s ability to finish at that age. He’s ahead of the curve.
Alex Sarr is questionable after missing Washington’s first preseason game. He’s a do-it-all big that Isaac Jones, John Collins (who had a Detroit-like debut), and Reed will deal with in their minutes. Jones was more than solid defensively Monday night. He set advantage-creating screens that freed up himself and his teammates.
Preseason is like a practice test. See what you got wrong and drill those principles for the real thing. The starters came out flat offensively, but Bickerstaff acknowledged that a new offense takes longer to click than defense. Use this game to get going.
PROJECTED LINEUPS
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins, Jalen Duren
Washington Wizards: Trae Young, Kyshawn George, AJ Dybantsa, Alex Sarr, Anthony Davis
QUESTION OF THE DAY
What do you want to see from Jalen Duren the most this season?
HONOLULU, HI - OCTOBER 4: Brandin Podziemski #2 of the Golden State Warriors shoots a free throw 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
It’s safe to say that Brandin Podziemski has been the star of training camp for the Golden State Warriors. The fourth-year guard earned rave reviews at the start of camp for his play, looks to be in pole position for a starting job, and has shined in the team’s preseason games. And now he’s getting paid.
On Saturday morning, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news that Podziemski and the Warriors had agreed on a contract extension for five years and $110 million. Per ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the first year of Podziemski’s deal (2027-28) will pay him $18.9 million, with subsequent pay raises pushing him to $20.4 million, $22 million, $23.5 million, and $25 million. The final year of the deal (2031-32) is a mutual option and, like most large NBA deals, the contract also includes a trade kicker, meaning Podziemski will receive a pay bump if the Warriors trade him (though the kicker can be waived to facilitate a deal).
Podziemski, who averaged a career-high 13.8 points per game last year while playing in all 82 of the team’s games (and starting 43 times), is in the final year of his first-round rookie scale contract. While the lefty made it clear that he was more focused on basketball than on future deals, there was a little bit of urgency in getting an extension sorted out because of the timeline. Players entering the final year of their rookie-scale contract have until the eve of the season to sign an extension; if a deal is not agreed upon by then, it cannot be signed during the season, and the player will enter restricted free agency in the offseason.
The deal makes lots of sense for both sides. For the Warriors, it’s a fair rate when you account for both the player Podziemski currently is, and the player the team hopes he can continue to develop into, while also locking him in for a great price if he has a breakout season, and keeping him from running up the price in a free agent bidding war. For the 23-year old Podziemski, it gives him a hefty pay raise (he’ll make $5.7 million this year), and also offers him security from any setbacks this year, such as injuries.
We’ll see if Podziemski celebrates by going off in tonight’s preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.
From the Warriors' perspective this feels like smart business, they hang on to someone they see as part of their future without impacting cap space.
Golden State fan favorite Brandin Podziemski is staying in Golden State after the sides agreed to a five-year, $110 million rookie contract extension, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports. There is a mutual option for both the player and the team in the fifth year.
That's solid starter money for the 6'4" guard who played in all 82 games for the Warriors last season (starting 43) and led the team in mintues, averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game while shooting 37.1% from 3-point range. He's also a solid perimeter defender, which the Warriors need next to Stephen Curry, even if that pair doesn't always feel like the most natural fit (like Klay Thompson was). That said, Steve Kerr and the Warriors staff clearly trust him by how much they have him on the court.
While the Warriors could have held out to try and get Podziemski to sign for less as a restricted free agent, they wanted to keep a fan favorite and not risk another team making an even larger offer next summer to try and poach him.
This contract will start at $18.9 million next season, reports Anthony Slater of ESPN. Podziemski's cap hold for next summer would have already been $17 million, so this contract doesn't really eat into the $55-60 million in cap space the Warriors expect to have next summer to chase a star or stars to put next to Curry (or re-sign Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green).
Podziemski becomes the fifth player from the 2023 NBA Draft class to reach a rookie-scale extension so far, joining Victor Wembanyama, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George. The deadline for extensions for anyone else in that class is Oct. 19.
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