SAN ANTONIO, TX -OCTOBER 16: De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs goes for a loose bal against Sacramento Kings in the first half of a preseason game at Frost Bank Center on October 16, 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
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The Spurs got their first win of the season against a short-handed Mavericks squad on Saturday night, blowing them out 122-106 with a fourth quarter surge. They meet the Sacramento Kings tonight, who they destroyed 126-97 in their final preseason tuneup on October 16. Ben Simmons looked like the best player for the Kings in that game, but he’s now out for the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in practice before the season ever started. Zach Lavine seems to think the problem with the team is a lack of veteran leadership, which is a little ironic, since he’s a veteran and the highest paid player on the team. Doug Christie is on the hot seat, and this is pretty sad for a team that is just a few years removed from the ‘Light the Beam’ era in Sacramento.
On paper, this looks like an easy win for the Silver and Black at home, but they haven’t been playing all that great so far in the season, with just a 1-2 record so far, with Victor Wembanyama still in offseason mode. If they approach this matchup with appropriate fear, it could be over before halftime, but if they let the purple-wearing visitors hang around, it could be a long night for the good guys. Here’s hoping that they put this away early and we can see David Jones Garcia work on his game for most of the final quarter.
Let’s enjoy the game, and look for a dominant performance from the Silver and Black. Let’s GOO Spurs!!
Game Prediction:
De’Aaron Fox is ejected from the game after giving Damontas Sabonis a wedgie on court after dunking on him.
San Antonio Spurs vs Sacramento Kings October 27, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT Streaming: DAZN, League Pass TV: DAZN, CWSA Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 24: Head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers talks with referee Courtney Kirkland #61 during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Rocket Arena on October 24, 2026 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers clawed their way back from a 15-point first-half deficit to defeat the red-hot Minnesota Timberwolves127-125 in an overtime thriller on Monday evening. However, they may have gotten some help from the referees in completing the comeback. Based on the NBA’s Last Two Minute Report, the Cavs were the beneficiaries of two missed calls at the end of regulation and overtime that assisted in the victory.
The first incorrect call came at the end of regulation. The league says that Anthony Edwards should’ve been awarded free throws on a drive to the basket in the final seconds of regulation.
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It’s difficult to see any foul on this particular angle. Harden helped from the corner and certainly reached in. Maybe a different angle would give you a clearer view of the alleged foul. Edwards did throw his palms up in frustration when he saw a foul wasn’t called, suggesting that there was some contact there.
If this was called according to the report, the Cavs would’ve likely needed to make a basket to tie or win the game in the final 4.2 seconds of regulation.
The second missed call came at another important moment. LaMelo Ball shouldn’t have been charged with a foul on a late tie-up with Donovan Mitchell at the end of regulation.
This is a much more obvious missed call than the first one. Here, Mitchell does seem to just dribble into Ball’s foot and lose the ball. Any contact that occurred was after Mitchell just dribbled straight into Ball. The whistle shouldn’t have blown, and play should’ve been allowed to continue. The closing seconds could’ve played out differently if this wasn’t called a foul.
The Cavs earned a hard-fought victory on Monday. These two missed calls don’t take away from that, but Cleveland is fortunate that these decisions went in their favor.
A day after Anthony Edwards dropped 47 points during the Minnesota Timberwolves first loss of the season, ESPN’s Shams Charania hit us with some devastating news.
Just in: Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his ailing right knee and miss up to two months, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/HenrAY2APs
There were murmurs about the health of Anthony Edwards’ knees heading into this season. After developing “runner’s knee” in his right knee last season, he had to miss a handful of games with the ailment. The All-NBA guard went into the postseason hurting, but then brutally hyperextended his left knee in the postseason against the Denver Nuggets. He worked his butt off to get back on the court in time for the second round matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, despite operating at suboptimal health.
Edwards was listed as questionable leading up to tip-off on Monday, but ultimately exploded for a season-high in points. However, he had already been seen wincing in pain and grabbing at his knee throughout the previous contests. He’s even missed postgame media availability all season due to getting treatment on that very knee. Ant is notorious for playing through injury, but despite averaging a career-best 33.3 points per game this season, the Wolves award-winning medical staff decided this was the best route to go. A more long-term fix instead of season-long management.
Still, this sucks.
The Wolves were one of the most exciting and fun stories early in this season. Their 3-1 start and blossoming chemistry on and off the court was the talk of many shows and podcasts. This is a stark reality check that things can be snatched away in an instant. No one knows that more than the 2025 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, who recently lost two starters in Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to even more brutal and long-term injuries. There appeared to be a window for another Western Conference team to burst through.
That can still be the Timberwolves!
Luckily for Minnesota, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly has built this iteration of the team to be deep at the guard position. Ayo Dosunmu, fresh off signing a new five-year contract, has been nothing short of awesome for the Wolves. He’ll likely get first dibs at starting for the next few months. Terrence Shannon Jr. has found his footing this season, providing a steady offensive punch that his team will desperately need. There are decent peripheral options to backfill the bench guard positions between Jaylen Clark and Bones Hyland.
Obviously no one can fill the big shoes of Edwards alone. The team’s chemistry will truly be tested now. If it wasn’t for his Herculean effort against Cleveland yesterday, Minnesota would have likely been throttled in regulation. LaMelo Ball and Jaden McDaniels will have to step up as leaders on the court.
As far as Ant’s recovery timeline, it’s always hard to tell with these things. History will tell you that he’ll beat the projected return date. Two months from now would be end of December and just about 30 games away. That would immediately put Edwards out of contention for regular season awards, thus a true supermax extension option would be off the table. Will this matter later?
I’ll take the blame for this one though, ya’ll. I had to ask the stupid question of what Wolves fans biggest fears was and of course, it came to fruition. My bad.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers on January 19, 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
As their two days of rest ends, the Sixers released a pretty clean injury report for their nationally televised bout against the Indiana Pacers. VJ Edgecombe, who was a late scratch from Philadelphia’s previous game vs. Detroit with an abdominal contusion, is not listed at all. Neither is Joel Embiid for that matter, who missed the second part of that back-to-back with plantar fasciitis management, so the whole starting five will be good to go in Indy.
Indiana’s injury report is far more lengthy after falling to the Milwaukee Bucks two days prior. Ivica Zubac has already been ruled with an ankle sprain, and Tyrese Haliburton is questionable with left hamstring tightness. Haliburton has played in all four of the Pacers’ games so far since returning from his torn achilles.
Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith are at least probable. Andrew Nembhard is questionable after missing that Bucks loss with neck soreness. They have three more reserves already ruled out including former Sixer T.J. McConnell.
Injury Report for tomorrow's game against the 76ers:
Aaron Nesmith – Probable (left hamstring strain) Obi Toppin – Probable (left hand sprain) Tyrese Haliburton – Questionable (left hamstring tightness) Andrew Nembhard – Questionable (neck soreness) Ben Sheppard – Out (left… pic.twitter.com/Kdok5dcrkG
If the Pacers are down this many players, it lines up for plenty of opportunity for Kelly Oubre Jr. in his first game against the Sixers after spending the last three seasons in Philadelphia.
Per ESPN, the 25-year-old is having an “arthroscopic procedure” on his right knee.
Edwards had yet to miss any games for the 3-1 Timberwolves, averaging 33.3 points in 33.8 minutes per game. He was the early league leader in field goals made and attempted. On Monday, Oct. 26, he scored 47 points in 41 minutes against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was his second game with at least 45 points this season.
He was on the NBA's latest injury report, listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Now, though, he seemingly could be out until the calendar flips to 2027.
The Timberwolves took big swings this offseason, trading away Julius Randle and Naz Reid while bringing in LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. The early returns were promising, but now Minnesota must navigate a tough Western Conference without its best player.
Edwards is a perennial All-Star and the best pure shooting guard in the NBA. Through four games, he's avweraging 33.3 points per game, and he is a three-tier scorer, who is just as lethal from 3-point range as he is slashing to the basket and getting to the cup. He is one of the premier offensive forces in the world, and his competitive spirit sets the standard for the Timberwolves. He'll be sorely missed.
Yet, Minnesota's offseason acquisition of LaMelo Ball and its investment in backup guard Ayo Dosunmu does provide some relief for the Timberwolves to try to weather this stretch without Edwards. Ball has been solid for Minnesota so far this season. He's a player who can initiate offense and create his own shot. To be clear: spacing and defensive attention will be trickier with Edwards out, but Ball is equipped to take on more scoring responsibility.
Dosunmu should be elevated into a starting role. He's also a talented scorer and wields dynamic speed and athleticism. He also showed last postseason — when both Edwards and guard Donte DiVincenzo were knocked out with injuries — that he could carry the Timberwolves, at least in a spot basis; in Game 4 of Minnesota's first round series against the Nuggets, Dosunmu dropped 43 points in a victory in which the Timberwolves were massively shorthanded.
Minnesota's Anthony Edwards will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his ailing right knee and could miss up to two months, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania. However, Edwards could return sooner than eight weeks, depending on what the doctors find during the surgery.
This is a proactive move by the Timberwolves, who look at how they have played and the landscape of the West early in the season and think they can be in the mix to come out of the conference. By having the surgery now, Edwards will be back around Christmas at the latest, and the team will have plenty of time to ensure a high seed and get its chemistry right before the playoffs.
While it's just four games, Edwards has played at an MVP level to start the season and has led the Timberwolves to a strong 3-1 record. He's averaging 33.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game while shooting 40% from 3-point range.
More scoring and shot-creation load will now fall on LaMelo Ball and Jaden McDaniels.
On Tuesday, Williams was asked about the league’s ruling and said that if he had to do it again, he’d do it.
“Do I agree with it? Not necessarily, but it’s the league’s rule,” Williams told Khobi Price of the California Post. “I paid my fine. If I gotta flop again to get a win, then that’s what I’ll do.”
Ziaire Williams on the NBA fining him $2K for flopping late in Sunday's win over the Jazz.
Said he doesn't necessarily agree with the league's ruling ("I thought it was a good defensive play) and is hoping to appeal the fine. Added: "if I gotta flop again to get a win, then… https://t.co/oFY6KESqeGpic.twitter.com/etqpUqo0PH
Lakers forward Ziaire Williams opens up about being fined $2,000 for flopping. NBAE via Getty Images
Williams added that he asked his agent, Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports, to look into appealing it.
“I thought it was a good defensive play,” Williams said. “… I sent it to my agent; hopefully we can appeal it, but if not, it is what it is.”
Williams was asked if the money has already been pulled from his bank account. “Oh, I’m pretty sure they did. I don’t know where that money is going, but they [took] it out of that account real quick.”
Williams’ flop happened at the 4:44 mark of the fourth quarter after he exaggerated contact when Jazz guard Keyonte George drove to the basket.
George’s attempted play was a midrange shot that would’ve put Utah up by three points. Instead, he was called for an offensive foul — resulting in Los Angeles gaining possession of the ball.
The Lakers’ Ziaire Williams opens up about being fined $2,000 for flopping on Sunday. NBAE via Getty Images
While the Lakers went on to win the game, Williams said his play isn’t the worst flopping play the NBA has seen and is curious to see what happens the rest of the season.
“I’m not mad about [it] or anything, and it’s not going to affect the way I play defense. I’m always going to do what it takes to win,” Williams said.
The Lakers’ Ziaire Williams attempts to block Jaren Jackson during the Lakers’ comeback victory Sunday. Getty Images
(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Anthony Edwards was among the NBA’s leading scorers through the first week of the season, and he was helping make the Minnesota Timberwolves the most exciting team in the league. Now the 25-year-old superstar is set to miss the next two months as he’s set to undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Edwards’ knee had been bothering him during preseason, but he fought through it to drop 45 points in the season opener, and then 47 points in an overtime loss to the Cavs on Monday night. One day later, the team decided its best for Edwards to take care of his knee now so he can be healthy for the most important games of the season. This injury seemingly ends Edwards’ MVP case — candidates must play at least 65 games — and will probably put a big dent in Minnesota’s regular season record.
There have been so many injuries already early in the season. The Oklahoma City Thunder likely lost Jalen Williams for the year to a nasty dislocated ankle, then lost Cason Wallace for several months to a torn labrum. The Pistons are already down Jalen Duren to a hamstring strain, and the Utah Jazz are now without Jaren Jackson Jr. for two months after a torn MCL. The Orlando Magic have already seen Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs go down. That’s just the start of it.
Injuries impact every season, and they’re coming for this one early. Here’s hoping Edwards can get right again for the games that really matter.
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 7: Head Coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 7, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Fall is settling into the Valley of the Sun, and the nights are finally becoming crisp. I think nothing of it when my wife gets up in the middle of the night to turn off the ceiling fan. Unfortunately for me, the ceiling fan switch sits next to two other switches, one of which controls the outlet on my side of the bed. How I became the lucky bastard who inherited the switched outlet is one of life’s great mysteries, but here we are.
So when I woke up this morning and discovered that my phone hadn’t charged all night, I quickly pieced together what had happened. While stumbling around in the darkness, the Mrs. had initially missed the ceiling fan switch and inadvertently turned off the outlet powering my charger. And as I stood there staring at my lifeless phone, the first thought that entered my basketball-obsessed brain was, “Well, crap. I’ve been disconnected. Much like the Phoenix Suns defense.”
I landed that plane, didn’t I?
After surrendering 143 points in the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, your instinct was to chalk it up as a variance game. “Shit happens,” as Forrest Gump says, and with all the emotion Portland was riding into its season opener surrounding the return of Damian Lillard, you could rationalize the Suns being unprepared to match that energy.
But since then, they’ve surrendered 122 points to the Santa Cruz version of the Golden State Warriors and another 125 to an extremely banged-up Oklahoma City Thunder team. It’s beginning to look less like that season opener was a fluke and more like the defensive identity of the Phoenix Suns, much like a lonely iPhone in the night, is disconnected.
Watching their collective performance has been a shock to the system for a team that built its reputation on that side of the ball a season ago. And the only thing more disappointing than watching it unfold is opening up the stats section on NBA.com to assess the damage. Because yes, it is damaging.
The Suns are allowing 123.7 points per game, which shockingly is only the fifth-most in the NBA. But their 124.5 defensive rating? Yeah, that’s the worst in the league. Their rebounding percentage sits dead last at 42.9%, and they’re tied for allowing the most second-chance points at 23.0 per night.
This team reminds me of the one we watched during the back half of last season. You know the one. The team that went 14–16 over its final 30 games. But there was justification for that team being as discombobulated as it was, right? Injuries were the culprit, not the system. You could point to the fact that over those final 30 games, Devin Booker missed 10, Dillon Brooks missed 20, and Mark Williams missed 10. The stability Phoenix had experienced for most of the season had disappeared, and the results reflected it.
What we witnessed at the end of last season looks an awful lot like what we’re seeing at the beginning of this one. Opposing teams are manipulating the Suns’ defense in ways that are both predictable and unacceptable. Guards are slicing into the lane unimpeded, getting to the rim for layups that are weakly contested because the rotating big man arrives late. And why is he late? Because he’s busy guarding his own guy. You can’t have catastrophic defensive collapses where nobody stops the ball and then expect your center to magically erase the mistake at the rim.
When perimeter defenders are continually beaten, and penetration occurs, the defense collapses to compensate. And when that happens, wide-open three-pointers become available. The Suns currently rank 29th in perimeter defense, with opponents shooting 40.7% from beyond the arc through the first three games.
Oh, and the rebounding? Per Basketball University, the Suns are permitting their opponents to grab 43.3% of their own misses. If Phoenix does somehow stop the opposition on a possession, odds are they’ll get another crack at it.
Phoenix is currently allowing opponents to grab 43.3% (!) of their own misses. Impossible to produce good defense when you have to defend 1.5x more possessions than you should have to.
Part of me is beginning to wonder whether we were too quick to blame injuries for the way Phoenix struggled down the stretch last season. Because what we’re witnessing at the front end of this year looks remarkably similar to what we saw at the back end of last year. Is it the same issue? Is unfamiliarity the primary culprit? Because if it is, that problem was never fixed last season.
And when I look at teams like the Warriors and Thunder, who have been limping through games against Phoenix over the past two contests, they still appear connected defensively. They have guys out there I’ve never heard of (I’ve got a vanilla iced protein latte for Josh Dix here), yet somehow, strategically and schematically, they’re finding ways to defend as a cohesive unit. Hell, the Thunder were throwing a 2-3 zone at the Suns, and Phoenix couldn’t figure out how to crack it.
Yes, my friends, the Suns look disconnected. And it’s becoming increasingly difficult to determine whether the problem is the personnel or the scheme.
Three games is a small sample, but the similarities to last season’s collapse are becoming difficult to ignore. At some point, Jordan Ott and his staff have to determine whether the system is putting players in positions to succeed or exposing their deficiencies. And the players have to execute their responsibilities within it. There’s accountability on both sides. Because right now, the Suns are playing defense like five individuals sharing a court rather than five teammates sharing a purpose. Somebody needs to find the damn light switch.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 26: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at TD Garden on October 26, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Rough start might be an understatement for the Brooklyn Nets. The worst part? Opponents aren’t getting any easier.
Brooklyn dropped its third straight game Sunday, falling 136-109 to the Indiana Pacers on the backend of a back-to-back. Now, the Nets head to Boston to face a Celtics team that dealt with its fair share of drama this offseason, but continues to push as a championship threat on the back of Jayson Tatum.
Boston is coming off a 134-99 win over the Chicago Bulls. That sounds like bad news for the Nets who can’t find answers on the defensive end. As Erik Slater noted, the Nets are giving up 23.3 wide-open threes per game (6+ feet of space) and opponents are shooting 50% on those looks. Combine that with poor rim protection and you’re looking at an unconvincing 0-3 start.
Head coach Jordi Fernández didn’t mince words after Sunday’s loss.
“The performance that we put on after the first quarter was just unacceptable. 112 points in three quarters — you’re not winning basketball games.”
The Nets will get some help with Mikel Brown Jr. expected back after sitting out Sunday’s game for injury management. Brooklyn needs to find a response before this early-season skid grows into something they can’t salvage.
Game Info & How to Watch
Matchup: Brooklyn Nets (0-3) at Boston Celtics (2-1)
Time: 7:30 PM EDT
Venue: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN
Nets-Celtics Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets
Joshua Jefferson: OUT (G League assignment)
Drake Powell: OUT (G League assignment)
Ben Saraf: OUT (G League assignment)
Tyler Bilodeau: OUT (G League assignment, two-way)
Grant Nelson: OUT (G League assignment, two-way)
Boston Celtics
Injury report: TBD
Game Preview
“[Mikel Brown Jr.] will be one of several guards chasing Payton Pritchard around tonight. Pritchard hit for 28 points and seven three-pointers last night as he had the Bulls in a blender. PP has been one of the best reserve guards in recent years and is someone Mazzulla and the team can count on to deliver no matter what the role is on a given night. His ascension allows for more flexibility and makes things easier across the board for his teammates. For Brown Jr, Pritchard offers a great test against on the defensive side of the ball, while playing against elite competition overall. It should be fun to see how he shapes out against one of the most prepared teams in the NBA.” – Brian Fleurantin
💬 Discussion
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The Sixers are trying to figure out their personnel and plans behind Joel Embiid. It’s far from the first time.
In many previous seasons, the Sixers have fared dramatically worse with Embiid off the floor. That trend hasn’t changed in the very early days of the 2026-27 campaign.
No numbers are worth any deep scrutiny yet. Still, the backup center spot and defensive rebounding were valid, overlapping concerns going into the season. The Sixers haven’t had great starts in either area.
“If you’re missing some of your size … it obviously becomes a problem and all five guys have to rebound,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said Sunday. “I look at the numbers there and the defensive rebounding, no matter the position, just isn’t good enough. So everybody has to chip in with a few more. That’s got to be the answer for sure.”
From guard to center, the Sixers will need more to avoid another season as one of the NBA’s bottom defensive rebounding teams.
“Boxing out, going to get the ball aggressively,” Anfernee Simons said Tuesday. “Obviously, having tall guys (available) does help. I think it’s going to be a collective thing. … We can try to mitigate the struggles of maybe not having some big guys out there. We’ve just got to be extra tough to be able to withstand that.”
Adem Bona’s work on the glass against Detroit was a significant positive.
The third-year big man played his best game of the young season, recording six points, 13 rebounds and three blocks. Continued good minutes by Bona would simplify Nurse’s decisions.
“I think the biggest thing I’m happy about is Bona played more like we’re used to seeing,” Nurse said following Tuesday’s practice. “We probably would’ve went that way if that body of work had been in front of him. It’s easy to say when you’re looking back on it, that you would’ve made some other moves and all that kind of stuff. And listen, we’ve had some amazing moments with LeBron (James) at the five, so I’m going to draw from those.”
Instead of Bona, Nurse started James at center and the Sixers sunk into a 15-1 hole.
James is capable of sliding up to the five, but he doesn’t expect to do it much.
“S—, we have the (former) MVP over here,” James said postgame, pointing toward Embiid’s locker. “I’m not here to have a sustainable role at the five. You’ve got Joel Embiid on the team. … It’s a role that we know we can tap into. I know I can play one through five offensively and defensively. But a sustainable role playing the five? I don’t think that’s it.”
Aspects of the Sixers’ Embiid-less play should improve with reps and sharper role definition. Whether it’s Bona, James, Dean Wade or another alternative at center, the team should fine-tune its principles over time.
“I think the biggest thing is with Process, we play a lot of five-out because it’s good for us,” Tyrese Maxey said Sunday. “When we go small ball, it would be good for us to play in a little bit of a different way. Maybe four out, one in. Create some driving lanes with Dean or Bron or somebody else off the top of the key just in case (Jaylen Brown) or somebody wants to crash the paint or something like that.
“We’re going to figure it out. I think it was game four. I’m not too worried about that.”
Tacko Fall, who received the Sixers’ third and final two-way slot, has been out with a left quadriceps strain and won’t be available Wednesday night when the Sixers visit the Pacers. Fellow center options Jabari Walker (left knee soreness) and Dominick Barlow (lower back stress reaction) will remain sidelined as well. The 7-foot-6 Fall did return to practice Tuesday as a full participant, a team official said. VJ Edgecombe practiced and was off the Sixers’ injury report after missing Sunday’s game with an abdominal contusion.
Kawhi Leonard's return to the Toronto Raptors has encountered a concerning setback, and he's likely to miss his lone scheduled game back in Los Angeles against his former team because of it.
The Raptors announced on Tuesday, Oct. 27, that Leonard will undergo a treatment and rehabilitation program to address swelling in his left knee. Medical imaging did not reveal an acute injury, according to the team, and he will be reevaluated in one week.
The relatively light punishment cleared the way for Leonard to join a Raptors team with hopes of contending in the Eastern Conference this season. Now, however, he's not expected to be available when Toronto plays its only game of the 2026-27 regular season against the Clippers at Intuit Dome on Nov. 2. The Raptors' outlook, meanwhile, suddenly depends on whether Leonard's swelling subsides or becomes a lingering concern.
Here's more on his injury situation and what it means for the Raptors moving forward:
Leonard posted a message on social media that appeared designed to reassure Raptors' fans. It noted he would be "returning soon." The Clippers did not release a specific timeline for Leonard's return, other than to note he would reevaluated in one week.
"It's always frustrating missing time," Leonard said. "I came back to compete with this team and I'm focused on getting back to 100."
Leonard is coming off one of his healthiest years in recent memory, having appeared in 65 games for the Clippers during the 2025-26 season. But there were nonetheless concerns about his durability given his injury history and age.
The uncertain nature of this knee ailment only underscores the potential issues the Raptors could be forced to manage the remainder of the season. Knee swelling can sometimes become a recurring issue over the course of an 82-game season, particularly for a 35-year-old player with Leonard's extensive injury history.
There good news is an MRI revealed no structural damage, which decreases the chances that Leonard is facing an extended absence. It's also not an injury to the right knee Leonard has had surgically repaired multiple times before and during his NBA career.
What Kawhi Leonard's injury means for the Raptors
If Leonard is out for "weeks," as an ESPN report suggested, the Raptors should still be able to remain in contention while he's out.
Toronto finished as a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference a year ago, and a core featuring Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley and R.J. Barrett can provide enough firepower to stay afloat. Second-year forward Collin Murray-Boyles, who has drawn comparisons to Draymond Green, could benefit the most with an increased role while Leonard is sidelined.
The roster isn't quite as deep after the moves required to acquire Leonard, but Toronto's championship aspirations ultimately hinge on having him healthy in April and May, not October and November.
Kawhi Leonard stats
Leonard is averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals through two games this season with the Raptors. He averaged 27.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game during the 2025-26 season with the Clippers.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 23: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on October 23, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After sitting out Sunday’s game between the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves because of knee swelling, Kawhi Leonard “is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee,” according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“MRI on Leonard’s knee showed no structural damage,” Charania said, “but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason.”
Toronto's Kawhi Leonard is expected to miss a period of weeks due to swelling in his left knee, sources tell ESPN. MRI on Leonard's knee showed no structural damage, but sides will use the shorter term to ramp him back up after the stoppages during the offseason. pic.twitter.com/DBAgI3v38D
Leonard’s reportedly multi-week absence means he’ll miss the upcoming game Sunday between the Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. It also means he’ll miss his return to Intuit Dome against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, so their fans cannot greet him with boos (if they elected to) for his role in the organization’s salary cap circumvention, which will ultimately cost the Clippers five first-round picks. This is a very Clippers scenario. Rarely do things pan out for them throughout the course of NBA history.
Prior to his injury, Leonard had opened the season slowly. Through two games, he was averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 1.5 assists while shooting 32.4% from the floor and 28.6% beyond the arc. While Toronto will surely miss his impact and general presence, it’ll hope an extended rest helps him find his All-NBA groove once he’s back.
Despite Leonard’s struggles, the Raptors won their first two games by double digits before the Timberwolves routed them, 117-94, while Leonard sat. They’ll host the Paolo Banchero-less Orlando Magic on Wednesday and Friday ahead of a four-game road trip that kicks off Sunday against the Lakers.
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AJ Dybantsa was upgraded to questionable for Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers, per the Wizards’ injury report.
Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, has missed Washington’s first four games after spraining his left ankle in the team’s preseason finale.
The 6-foot-9 wing led all NCAA Division I scorers with 25.0 points per game as a freshman at BYU last season. His elite athleticism, 42.5-inch maximum vertical and efficient scoring at the rim made him the top prospect in a talented draft class.
Dybantsa is expected to start alongside Trae Young, Kyshawn George, Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr upon his return. Bilal Coulibaly, who started and played well in Dybantsa’s place, will move to the bench.
Champagnie injury update
Justin Champagnie suffered a “right foot injury” in the Wizards’ 110-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, per the team’s injury report.
Champagnie appeared to injure his foot late in the first quarter. He attempted to play through it, but the injury overruled that determination. The 6-foot-7 wing intentionally fouled to stop the game and hobbled to the Wizards bench, where Khris Middleton and a team staffer helped him to the locker room.
The Wizards quickly ruled him out with a right foot injury. Champagnie was one of Washington’s best players through the first three games. The Wizards were a +36 with him on the floor and a -30 with him off. He tallied 11 points and 14 rebounds and was a +18 in the team’s win over the Bulls.
“[Justin] is going to recover, and whatever he’s going through, we’re going to be right there with him, and he’s going to be right there with us throughout his recovery,” Trae Young said. “We’re going to make sure he’s right. We’ll hold down the fort while he’s gone.”
Davis not on injury report
Anthony Davis was not listed on the Wizards’ injury report after he was seen shaking out his right hand toward the end of the fourth quarter.
Brian Keefe said postgame he thought Davis got hit in the hand and had no update. Davis took a more sarcastic approach postgame when asked about the potential injury.
“Oh no, I was hitting too many shots, and I was just shaking it out — it was kind of hot,” Davis said.
The Western Conference just underwent a power shift.
Thunder star Jalen Williams will undergo surgery for a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula. Cason Wallace suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder that also requires surgery.
Jalen Williams (8) of the Oklahoma City Thunder gives a thumbs up to the crowd while being carted off after an injury during the second half of a game against the LA Clippers at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
But it also means there could be more of an opening in the crowded Western Conference, which means the Lakers must go all in this season.
Doncic leads the NBA in scoring (34.3 points per game). Reaves is tied for eighth (26.7 points per game). The Lakers have the top-rated offense in the league (125.9).
They’re the only team with two top-10 scorers. Doncic and Reaves are the highest-scoring duo in the league (61 points per game). And Kessler is living up to the team’s high expectations as the defensive anchor and franchise center.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers works the ball against Darryn Peterson (22) of the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
But they still have some notable weaknesses. They’re thin behind Kessler. Their defensive rebounding is in the league cellar, and their perimeter defense needs improvement. The Lakers are ranked 19th on the defensive end (112.4).
If the Lakers could shore up their holes, who’s to say they couldn’t compete with the NBA’s top teams?
The Western Conference is loaded with talent. Victor Wembanyama wants to lead the Spurs back to the championship round. The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and Rudy Gobert could be dangerous. Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet are on a mission to make the Rockets a real threat.
As for the Thunder, they’re still loaded with talent and depth. They went 39-10 without Williams last season. They have two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on their roster. But their injuries — coupled with their offseason moves, including trading Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe — make them thinner on the wing and weaker on defense.
That means the Lakers have an easier path against a team that has notoriously given them fits.
Austin Reaves (15) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Darryn Peterson (22) of the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
Last season, the Lakers went 0-4 against the Thunder, losing their regular-season games by an average of 29.3 points. The Thunder then swept the Lakers out of the second round of the playoffs.
The Lakers are a different team this season.
LeBron James left in free agency. Doncic is the head of the snake. They added nine new players over the summer. But still, it’s no secret that the Thunder were their kryptonite — and likely still are this season.
But things have shifted a bit.
The unfortunate injuries to the Thunder make one of the Lakers’ greatest foes a little less daunting. It makes LA’s path to the top of the Western Conference a bit less difficult.
The door is cracked.
And the Lakers should use everything they have left in their arsenal to blow it open.
