NBA – Page 19 – Worldwide Sports News

There was no winking, no flinching, no nodding and no detectable sarcasm Tuesday when the optimism of Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy blasted into overdrive.

Asked if Golden State’s current roster has the potential to win an NBA championship next season, Dunleavy floored it.

“I see a path because you have Steph Curry,” Dunleavy said. “Steve Kerr is a proven championship coach. We’ve got really good players. We need to get healthy. We need to stay healthy, and then we need to evaluate and see where we’re at. And if we need to get better, I know we can get better. So, there’s a path.”

“It may not be clear to a lot of people, but there’s a path.”

Please, no giggling. Just because you can’t visualize a parade in San Francisco next June doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Any clear-eyed glance would conclude that it’s highly, highly, highly improbable.

But it’s reasonable to wonder where on this earth Dunleavy found a pair of glasses that allows him, on Aug. 11, 2026, to see these Warriors looking down on the NBA next June.

The Warriors last season finished 10th in the Western Conference, with a 37-45 record that trailed 19 other teams. They were the best of the league’s 11 sub-.500 squads. They were slowed by age, derailed by injuries, limping over the second half of the season with roster whose quality depth turned out to be a mirage.

Dunleavy and his front-office crew, led by CEO Joe Lacob, saw enough last season to realize they needed to re-arm the roster. They peeped out Celtics star Jaylen Brown before he was traded to the 76ers, and purposely positioned themselves to receive consideration from LeBron James before he opted to sign with Philadelphia.

They knew in April that they lacked the goods to compete at the highest levels of the league.

And yet, four months later, without any appreciable roster upgrades – and knowing Golden State could be without Jimmy Butler III and Moses Moody for the first half of next season – Dunleavy can see “a path” to the top.

If the Warriors somehow win the 2027 NBA Finals, it would be a shocker for the ages. It would rank alongside The Miracle on Ice, Buster Douglas humiliating Mike Tyson and, yes, the underdog 1975 Warriors sweeping the Washington Bullets in The Finals.

Dunleavy’s words would hold their own against, say, Joe Namath’s prediction that his AFL champion New York Jets would take down the NFL champion Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, who were 18-point favorites.

“That’s kind of what you’re aiming for,” Dunleavy said of a title. “You need some good luck. You need some good fortune. You need some things to bounce your way. But I think we’re in a position right now where there’s a path.

“We’re not going to be the No. 1 favorites in Vegas on the books right now, but that’s not what we’re trying to do. We’re not trying to win the championship in August. We’re trying to put ourselves in a position to compete the postseason, come April, May, and June.”

Dunleavy is right about Vegas. The Warriors are listed 15th on Vegas Insider’s 2027 championship odds, below the Houston Rockets and above the Atlanta Hawks. Kalshi is giving Golden State a two-percent chance to win it all, with 12 teams claiming better odds.

The “path” of which Dunleavy speaks looks a lot like the path through a shiver of sharks. The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder sit not only atop the odds for the West but also the entire league. They are followed by the defending champion New York Knicks and absurdly reloaded 76ers.

Put simply, there are countless legitimate reasons why Golden State is projected to post another sub-.500 finish.

For the Warriors to finish among the top six in the West – which would be a rousing success – it will require almost everything going splendidly for them while identifiable contenders are coping with considerable ill fate.

The Warriors would need vastly improved availability from veterans often sidelined last season.

They’d need Curry to summon the best season ever submitted by a man who will be 39 years old. They’d need Butler, who will be 37 and coming off surgery to repair a torn ACL, to return by midseason and make a similar impact to that when he was acquired in February 2025. They’d need Al Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis to be healthy enough to combine for 125 games.

They’d need rookie Yaxel Lendeborg to deliver a season worthy of Rookie of the Year votes.

Yes, there is a path. Fantasy Lane. And it takes illusory vision to see the Warriors making it all the way to the end of the road.

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August 11, 2026

Sun Reacts Survey: Should Tom Chambers be in the Basketball Hall of Fame?

Basketball: Phoenix Suns Tom Chambers (24) in action vs New York Knicks Mark Jackson (13) at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.Phoenix, AZ 1/27/1989CREDIT: John W. McDonough (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)(Set Number: X37759 )

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year, we ask questions of the most plugged-in Suns fans and fans across the country.

It’s Hall of Fame week here at Bright Side of the Sun as we prepare for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame to welcome a new class into its sacred halls. Among those being inducted, the Seven Seconds or Less era will be well represented, as Mike D’Antoni and Amar’e Stoudemire are set to be enshrined in Springfield, Massachusetts.

And we’ll do our celebrating. Make no mistake about that. But Hall of Fame week also creates another conversation, one centered around the players who still haven’t made it.

On the most recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons went through a list of 7 players he believes should be in the Hall of Fame but currently aren’t. And well represented among that group were three former members of the Phoenix Suns.

The first was Paul Silas, the man who still sits atop the Suns’ single-season rebounding leaderboard after averaging 12.5 rebounds per game in 1971. He spent three seasons in Phoenix and was a pit bull in all the right ways, earning an All-Star nod and two All-Defensive Second team honors. Holistically, he played 16 years, won three championships, and was a five-time All-Defensive player in the era of Redwood trees roaming the paint. At 6’7”, Silas was pound-for-pound one of the best interior players of his generation.

Then there’s Kevin Johnson, my favorite player growing up, and someone who was an absolute force before his body began to fail him in the mid 90s. When you look at his 12-year career and see averages of 17.9 points and 9.1 assists per game, it’s hard to understand why he still isn’t in the Hall of Fame. Of course, there may be off-court factors that play into that discussion.

And then there’s Tom Chambers. Chambers spent five seasons with the Suns and averaged 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game during his time in Phoenix. He still holds the franchise record for points per game in a single season after averaging 27.2 in 1989–90. He’s also most notably remembered as the first unrestricted free agent in NBA history, something you would think deserves recognition in Springfield.

Chambers was a four-time All-Star, with three of those selections coming as a member of the Suns, and he also holds the unenviable distinction of being one of only four players in NBA history to score more than 20,000 career points and not be in the Hall of Fame.

Perhaps this is a biased question, but it also sets up a point I plan to make later this week. So for this week’s Suns Reacts survey, I’ll ask you this: Should Tom Chambers be in the Hall of Fame?

Cast your vote, then let me know why or why not in the comments below. And while you’re there, share your favorite Tom Chambers memory.

August 11, 2026

Knicks championship opener vs LeBron's 76ers draws huge ticket prices

Do you have an extra $2,000 lying around or burning a hole in your pocket?

If you do and you want to enjoy either the Philadelphia 76ers or the New York Knicks, you will have to pay at least that much to get inside Madison Square Garden when those teams open the 2026-27 regular season.

The NBA released part of its regular season schedule this week, and the world champion Knicks, featuring NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, will receive their championship rings and get a banner raised to the rafters of the "World's Most Famous Arena" when the visiting 76ers, featuring LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, come calling on Oct. 20.

Despite the roster turnover, the 76ers are still salty after New York humiliated them on the way to a four-game series sweep in the second round on their way to breaking a 53-year-old championship drought.

Search and buy Knicks tickets here

According to TickPick, the get-in price for the season opener is currently at $1,999. For that price, you will get the privilege of sitting nowhere near Celebrity Row, but in Section 400, where you can squint your eyes to enjoy four quarters of basketball and, on your way out of the arena, you can look through the large windows to watch people file in and out of Penn Station. A few rows behind courtside, two tickets are listed at $166,109 each.

By comparison, for New York's Game 3 of the NBA Finals at MSG against the San Antonio Spurs, tickets were hovering around $8,000 on the secondary market.

At Vivid Seats, the price is just as steep, where sitting in the same section will set you back at least $2,092, and for the average price of a used car, you can sit where you can at least see the jersey numbers on the players.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks championship opener vs LeBron's 76ers draws huge ticket prices

August 11, 2026

Mike Dunleavy ‘pretty confident' Steph Curry will finish career with Warriors

Mike Dunleavy ‘pretty confident' Steph Curry will finish career with Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Steph Curry never wanted to be drafted by the Warriors. His eyes were set on being selected one pick later, with the chance of playing his career in a New York Knicks jersey at Madison Square Garden.

Four NBA championships and a Hall of Fame career created in a Warriors jersey later, Curry wouldn’t change a thing. As he closes in on nearly two decades with Golden State, Curry has maintained his hope and goal of spending his entire playing career playing for one franchise.

He wants to be the Warriors’ Tim Duncan. Their Dirk Nowitzki, their Kobe Bryant. An icon that didn’t wear a rainbow of jerseys, but just different versions for the same team. Nothing in that department has changed, according to Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy, and Curry hasn’t indicated that will change in the future.

“Not to me. No, he hasn’t,” Dunleavy said Tuesday in a video press conference with local media. “That’s always been the message. That’s always been sort of what we have discussed, and I think that’s tracking quite well. Obviously he’s eligible for an extension coming up at the end of the month and we’ll talk through all that stuff and can’t speak on it much right now, but I’m pretty confident Steph will finish his career here.”

Curry, 38, is eligible for a two-year contract extension worth more than $136 million starting Aug. 29.

When the Warriors’ 2025-26 season ended in Phoenix with a loss to the Suns in the NBA play-in tournament, Curry said he’s open to an extension and wants to play multiple more years. He made the Warriors wait a bit the last time he was extension eligible, and ultimately signed a one-year extension instead of the two years he could have added.

The Warriors expect Curry to sign some form of a contract extension this offseason as opposed to entering next summer as an unrestricted free agent. They also expect him to be a Warrior until he retires but know he’s the one in control of that ultimate decision.

“It’s his call, his decision,” Dunleavy said. “Whether that’s allowing his contract to run out and move on – look, if he comes to me and wants to be moved, [Warriors owner Joe Lacob] and I will talk it through. We wouldn’t love it, but he’s earned the right if he wants to do those things.

“But as far as the messaging or any idea that he would be anywhere else, that’s not a thing we’re looking at or he’s looking at.”

Rumors have run rampant on social media that Curry one day could want out. Those are nothing more than speculation clicks in the quiet period of the summer. The reasons those uninformed voices have been loud regarding Curry’s future are because of the Warriors’ lack of improvements in NBA free agency and the trade market while the rest of the league saw major shifts.

Aside from drafting Yaxel Lendeborg in the first round and Lajae Jones in the second, the Warriors, up to this point, have not brought in any outside additions to the roster after winning 37 games last season as the No. 10 seed in the Western Conference. Missing out in their pursuit of LeBron James, the Warriors brought back Draymond Green, Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II.

This is the same offseason where James joined the Philadelphia 76ers weeks after they acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics, Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to the Miami Heat and LaMelo Ball was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Superstars always are on the move in the modern NBA.

The Warriors aren’t worried their biggest superstar ever will join that trend, and aren’t sweating the upcoming date for Curry’s contract extension.

“I think there’s two things I’m confident about Steph: He really, really wants to win, and he wants to finish his career as a Warrior,” Dunleavy said. “I don’t think that changes tomorrow, August 29th, the start of the season, middle of the season or the end of next season. I think those things are going to be consistent.”

Curry averaged 26.6 points per game in 43 games last season, shooting 39.3 percent on 11.3 3-point attempts per game. He missed 39 games to injury, including two months to runner’s knee.

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August 11, 2026

Is their hope in history for Brooklyn Nets fans?

Sep 23, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks speaks at Media Day. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Brian Lewis on Tuesday examines the slow pace of the Nets rebuild which as of this past weekend has been underway in some form or another for three and half years since Kevin Durant became the final piece of the Big Three to be traded back on February 9, 2023.

As Lewis writes, there’s no hope of anything dramatic happening his coming season, which will begin October 21 somewhere in North America, the details of which will be made known on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET.

After going 20-62 last season (with a preseason over/under win total of 19.5), the Nets are tabbed to be one of the league’s worst teams again. They’re listed with the second-lowest wins over/under by FanDuel and BetMGM at 24.5.

Jordi Fernandez may think his charges can produce more wins than anyone inside or outside the organization, but other than the head coach, the consensus is the Nets will, um, struggle … for the want of a better word than another that also begins with “S.”

Lewis enumerates all the issues the Nets have as they prepare for Thursday’s announcements, Media Day questions and training camp: Is Julius Randle as short-term hire bound for a contender? Will the Nets extend Michael Porter Jr., or trade him for even more assets? How will they handle the team’s “extreme youth” — with nine players 22 years old or younger on the roster? Not to mention how the East is now a mad house, with the defending NBA champions across the river, big new faces in Philadelphia, Toronto and Miami and an old one returning in Indiana, etc., etc.

The answer to the first question is apparently no. Jake Fischer said late Tuesday that an extension is “unlikely.”

Jake Fischer says he’s “not expecting an extension for Michael Porter Jr.” No details on whether he’s talking about today’s semi-deadline or long term. Nets have until next July to extend him. MPJ’s agent has said Porter will have “to chart his own course.” https://t.co/rkysB9PtAc
— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) August 11, 2026

The Nets are under no pressure. They have all season to extend him if they want to. He’s under contract through the end of this season and can extend him at any point. His agent, Mark Bartelstein has said that while Porter is happy with Brooklyn, he will have have to “chart his own course” depending on what Marks & co. do.

Lewis also delves into his analytic bag and finds some hope for the most patient of what has been a generally patient fanbase. Specifically, he looks at what other organic, pick-heavy rebuilds have produced, history offering hope.

With eight rookies on the Nets’ roster last season — including a record five first-round picks — they played those first-year pros a league-high 6,716 minutes. The Hornets were the next-closest at 6,241. (Editor’s note: It was not, despite comments by Marks and Fernandez the most minutes in the NBA ever.)
Over the past decade, only four other teams had as many minutes played by rookies: the 2017-18 Kings, 2021-22 Thunder, 2023-24 Trail Blazers and 2024-25 Wizards. And like last season’s Nets, that entire quartet was horrid, struggling to a combined .274 winning percentage or 22.5 win pace. But their lessons paid off.
The next year, those same four teams improved to a .402 percentage, or 33 wins, even with that average dragged down by the Wizards having tanked again this past season to get the top overall pick.
Those teams’ quantum leaps to contention came in Year 2 after the investment in rookie playing time. The first three examples vaulted to an average .528 win percentage, or 43-win pace. The Wizards are expected to improve in their Year 2 with Dybantsa, Trae Young and Anthony Davis.

A couple of those teams — the aforementioned Wizards and the Trail Blazers — are still works in progress but the Thunder of course remains the model. Get smart, get young, get lucky … as OKC did with Shai Gilegous-Alexander.

Marks and Joe Tsai continue to be in lock-step on the plan to use flexibility (which Lewis notes flexibility “is like air for the GM.”) He quotes Marks most recent comment on its value when opportunity arises.

“You just never know what’s going to come your way. So for us to have that optionality is going to be really important. But at the same time, I like the roster we have. I love seeing what I’m seeing out there. The guys are guys are playing hard, they’re playing the right way and they’re playing for each other. So I don’t think we’re in any immediate rush to do anything there, from adding more pieces.”

And of course they didn’t. They don’t seem to be interested in Peyton Watson, didn’t make any real effort to deal for Jaylen Brown — and one report noted he was not interested in them, preferring a contender; seemingly felt that Giannis Antetokounmpo was getting older (32 in a few months) but not cheaper; Austin Reaves was never leaving LA. and they didn’t want to pay the Pelicans an exorbitant three first rounders for Trey Murphy III.

Remember what Marks said back on Media Day last September that the Nets wouldn’t be making big moves unless the player “automatically and absolutely” changed the franchise’s projection. No more spending to get the fifth or sixth seed.

We will probably know more soon about how at least in the short run what the Nets are thinking. The end of business Tuesday is sort of a deadline for MPJ’s future. If they sign him to a extension of more than two years and a five percent raise, he can’t be traded this season, limiting their options.

They also have to decide by October 19 whether to sign Noah Clowney to a rookie-scale extension or let him become a restricted free agent next July. Twelve days after that, they have to decide whether to guarantee a third year for last year’s rookie class — Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf. Terance Mann is also eligible for an extension October 1.

Of course, they haven’t started to play games yet and everyone, fans to management to ownership — was thrilled by what they saw in Summer League from Demin and Mikel Brown Jr., who are the team’s first top 10 lottery picks taken in back-to-back drafts since 1995 and 1996 when they took Ed O’Bannon and Kerry Kittles. There’s enthusiasm as well about Day’Ron Sharpe getting his big chance, etc. Then, there’s all those draft assets and cap space and Tsai’s willingness to spend when it feels right.

Anyone who listened closely to Sean Marks or watched what he’s done or didn’t do over the past two years should’ve been prepared for all this to some extent. Being happy with it is a whole other conversation, one which goes on and on.

“Anytime you’re in a hurry, that’s when people make mistakes,” Marks said when asked about Porter, which Lewis notes can apply to their entire plan. “We’ve got a well thought-out plan here over not only the last couple of years, but the couple of years ahead. We’re going to try and find who the next Nets are going to be. I don’t think we want to do anything hastily or in a rush here.”

No rush indeed.

The Nets’ timeline for a superstar trade keeps getting pushed back — until when? ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
NBA Extension Eligible Player Updates – Keith Smith – Spotrac

NetsDaily’s Poll of the Week

August 11, 2026

Are the Lakers already being overlooked for next season?

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a jump shot against Gary Payton II #0 and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter of the game at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country.

With the Lakers completely overhauling their roster this summer, it’s made predicting just how good they’ll be difficult. Most of last year’s rotation is gone, and it’s not fringe players that only played a shift or two. It’s starters like LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart.

Are the new players like Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Walker Kessler upgrades and a better fit around Luka?

Last season, the Lakers won 53 games. Can they repeat that success, or will these changes and adjusting to so many new pieces mean growing pains and additional losses?

For our SB Nation Reacts survey this week, we’re keeping it simple and asking if the Lakers will win at least 45 games.

Whether your take is positive or negative about the 2026-27 Lakers, the one thing I do know is that you don’t have enough data to support it.

We don’t know how good the Austin Reaves, Luka, Kessler three-man rotation is going to be. We haven’t seen Mamu as Kessler’s backup big, or as the four next to him. Collin Sexton running the backup unit? We haven’t seen that either.

So, any take one has is fair until we can actually see some of these players together and get a better understanding of their fit.

However, experts consistently predict the Lakers will win far fewer games than they actually do.

Yes, there are a ton of roster changes, but Luka is their top player, which fixes a lot of things. During his career, Dončić has only had two seasons where his team didn’t have a winning year.

As long as he’s healthy, Luka is a shoo-in for All-NBA First Team, and the Lakers should easily reach 45 wins. During JJ Redick’s time as head coach, LA has won at least 50 games each season, even with massive roster changes.

Also, let’s not forget Reaves. He is Luka’s running mate and every year he has gotten better as a player. If he makes another jump this season, he’ll be an All-Star.

The only issue here is that health is never guaranteed. Luka played in 64 games last season and had a slew of injuries, including a hamstring strain that ended his year early. Reaves also missed a ton of contests, playing in just 51 games.

So with LeBron no longer here to carry an extra load when necessary, perhaps LA can’t win as much when Luka misses time. The Lakers went 10-8 in games Dončić missed last season.

With a lower ceiling, maybe voting for under 45 wins is an indication of one’s skepticism on Luka being healthy and the Lakers figuring out how to optimize all these new pieces.

So, if you trust Luka to be available and perform like he usually does, vote for 44-plus wins. But if you are worried about LA’s overhaul and Luka’s availability, then select under 44 victories. And as always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

August 11, 2026

Northwestern football receives $35M donation from Uihlein family

Twenty-five days before its first game, Northwestern’s 2026 football season is off to a fine start.

The university has received a three-year, $35 million commitment from the Uihlein family to "support the continued growth and success of its football program," the school announced on Tuesday, August 11.

According to a release, the funding will be used for athlete development, operational priorities, recruiting and strategic investments "designed to position Northwestern Football for sustained success in the Big Ten and on the national stage."

"We are deeply grateful to the Uihlein family for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to Northwestern University," Northwestern athletic director Mark Jackson said in a statement. "Their support will help us continue building a program that delivers an exceptional student-athlete experience while competing at the highest level of college football."

The donation from Liz and Dick Uihlein comes as the Wildcats are preparing to play their first season in Ryan Field after an $862 million, privately funded renovation that shrunk capacity, and completely overhauled and modernized the aging venue.

The Uihleins are the billionaire owners of Uline, a business supply company, and are heirs to the Schlitz Brewing Company fortune. The couple lives in the Chicago area.

Northwestern is entering its fourth season under coach David Braun, who has led the program to bowl games in two of his first three seasons after taking over for Pat Fitzgerald in 2023. Last season, the Wildcats went 7-6 and won the GameAbove Sports Bowl.

In the years since college sports have been dramatically reshaped by NIL and the transfer portal, Northwestern has struggled at times, going 23-39 overall and 13-32 in the Big Ten since 2021. The donation it received should help in its efforts to stay financially competitive in the Big Ten, a league in which it has by far the smallest undergraduate enrollment.

"We are so grateful for Pat and Shirley Ryan’s contributions to Northwestern and Chicago and want to follow their lead. Northwestern is one of the nation's premier institutions, developing future leaders through its world-class academic programs, including the Kellogg School of Management," Liz and Dick Uihlein said in a statement. "As multigenerational Chicagoans, we love this city and want to see it thrive. To us, Northwestern University is Chicago. Chicago loves sports and we need Wildcat Football to be competitive. We are pleased to support the university as it enters an exciting new era."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Northwestern football receives $35M donation from Uihlein family

August 11, 2026

Cavs’ opening night for the 2026-27 season is revealed

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 16: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers walks by Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers before the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 16, 2026 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The date is officially set.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will open their season on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22nd.

This is the sixth consecutive season that Cleveland will begin away from home. The Cavs previously played the Knicks last season.

Cleveland will have a chance to measure itself against a team that they have been intrinsically linked to this offseason. Not only did the 76ers beat them in the hunt for LeBron James, but they also made the second-biggest splash of the offseason by trading for Jaylen Brown, as well. Many have speculated that Philly’s moves to upgrade their roster are what put them ahead of the Cavs in acquiring LeBron.

It’s unclear if the Cavs actually had a chance to sign James this summer. There’s no concrete evidence that James would have landed in Cleveland if they had been the ones to trade for Brown instead. That’s only speculation. But in this league, even the most unreliable rumor can be used as fuel for the fire.

The Cavs should view this opening game as an opportunity to make a statement. Even more than usual. This is their chance to flex their continuity and deliver a message to the league that Philly hasn’t passed them overnight. Cleveland’s been one of the best teams in the league for five consecutive seasons. They shouldn’t be prepared to fall behind the race just because another Eastern Conference team made a splash this summer.

A few other games for the 2026-27 season were announced today.

The NBA’s opening week National TV schedule + Christmas games.

A lot of bangers here. Absolutely love the early 3pm ET start time. pic.twitter.com/eJBf0GiHha
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) August 11, 2026

The season will formally tip off on Tuesday, October 20th. The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons start things at 3 PM, while the New York Knicks will have their championship ceremony later in the evening at 7 PM against the 76ers. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs cap off the first triple-header of the season.

Christmas Day has also been revealed.

We have an NBA Finals rematch between the Knicks and Spurs, followed by the Miami Heat taking on the Boston Celtics, before we see LeBron James and the 76ers head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers. The Thunder then play against the Minnesota Timberwolves before the night is concluded by Denver versus Golden State.

Cleveland will not be active this Holiday season.

The NBA Cup schedule will be released tomorrow, while the full regular season schedule is set to be revealed on Thursday.

August 11, 2026

When is LeBron James’ Philadelphia 76ers debut? Date, TV/stream info for Sixers vs Knicks Opening Night

LeBron James is expected to make his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, October 20, at Madison Square Garden, where the Sixers will face the defending champion New York Knicks on the opening night of the 2026 NBA season.

The four-time NBA champion announced his decision to go to Philadelphia in July, signing a two-year, $8 million deal.

"This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win, and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship," James said in a thread on X on July 24.

"I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time."

The 2026 NBA season tips off with a tripleheader on NBC and Peacock, featuring a star-studded lineup. First at 3:00 PM ET, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics face Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. Then at 7:00 PM, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks receive their championship rings before hosting James, Jaylen Brown, and the 76ers at the Garden. At 9:30 PM, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder go head-to-head with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of the 2026 Western Conference Finals.

See below for additional information on how to watch the 2026 NBA season on NBC and Peacock.

2026 NBA Finals - New York Knicks v San Antonio Spurs

NBA tips off season on NBC and Peacock with tripleheader featuring LeBron, 76ers at New York on ring night

Also, Boston is at Detroit, and Oklahoma City opens the season in San Antonio.

Kurt Helin,

When is NBA Opening Night?

The 2026 NBA season tips off on Tuesday, October 20.

2026 NBA Opening Night Schedule:

Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons - 3:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks - 7:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs - 9:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock

LeBron James chooses Philadelphia, will join team on two-year, $8 million deal

LeBron had said a chance to win one more ring was his top priority, and he joins Embiid, Maxey and Brown to chase it.

Kurt Helin,

How do I watch NBA Basketball games on Peacock?

NBA basketball games will be available on Peacock throughout the 2026-2027 season. Sign up here.

What devices does Peacock support?

You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.

August 11, 2026

Victor Wembanyama, Spurs headline NBA international games in 2026-27

With the rollout of the 2026-27 NBA schedule, the league will again take its game overseas with a two games in Europe and one in Mexico, all of which were previously announced in May.

The NBA will showcase San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, the Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-NBA selection, as he returns to his home country, with the Spurs playing two games against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The first game is set Jan. 14, 2027 at Accor Arena in Paris, in what should be a boisterous homecoming for Wembanyama. The rematch will take place at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on Jan. 17. The last time the NBA played a regular-season game in Paris was in January 2025 when the Spurs and the Indiana Pacers split their two-game series.

The NBA is also returning to Mexico for a regular-season contest that will pit three-time league MVP Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets against two-time All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers on Nov. 7 at Mexico City Arena in Mexico City. It will be the 16th regular-season contest played in the country.

The league will return to Paris and Berlin for regular-season games in the 2027-28 season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Victor Wembanyama, Spurs headline NBA international games in 2026-27

August 11, 2026

A list of the closest NBA comparisons for Illinois returners

We’re deep in the offseason. A summer of hype around new recruits and NBA Draft anticipation has now become quiet. To pass time, let’s take a look at the Illini’s returning core and their closest NBA comparisons.

David Mirkovic: Julius Randle

Mirkovic and Randle are almost identical when it comes to their body frames, with Mirk sitting at 6-foot-9 and 250 pounds and Randle at 6-foot-8 and 250. The similarities are also seen in what they do with their bodies: they both love to play bully-ball. With both of them lacking elite verticals above the rim, they instead utilize their frames to fight through contact, dominate the glass and get buckets at the rim.

Julius Randle combines the bully-ball aspect of his game with his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, making 33% of his 3-point shots throughout his career. David Mirkovic does the same, stretching defenses out to the arc to contest his triples when it isn’t working for him in the paint. Mirk shot 37.5% from long-range last season, attempting around four per game. Randle also attempted around four per game last season. Obviously, neither is a spot-up shooter, but they both pose a scoring threat from the paint and the perimeter.

Both of them are primarily power forwards, but they both can act as point forwards. Randle occasionally initiates the offense from the perimeter and is able to grab a defensive rebound and push coast-to-coast. Mirkovic’s background as a point guard gives him similar traits, and they both possess high IQ and passing vision as power forwards.

Additionally, they both use their physicality to excel at grabbing rebounds. Julius Randle career rebounds per game sit at 8.9, and Mirkovic snagged 8 per game in his freshman season.

Zvonimir Ivisic: Mo Bamba

Frame-wise, Z and Mo are both freakishly lengthy. Zvonimir sits at 7-foot-2 and around 245-250 pounds, and Bamba at 7-foot and 230. But that’s not where the swatting abilities come from. Zvonimir Ivisic’s wingspan is speculated to be around 7-foot-5 or greater, and Mo Bamba’s 7-foot-10 wingspan is one of the largest ever recorded at the NBA Draft combine.

As basketball players, they both primarily thrive at one thing: protecting the rim. They excel with their timing, reflexes and length to reject shots around the cylinder. Bamba has swatted roughly 6.5% of two-point attempts while on the floor throughout his NBA career, and Z’s 12.6% block rate ranked No. 4 nationally last season.

Beyond rim protection, they both carry themselves as stretch 5s on offense, spacing the floor by offering a 3-point threat from the wing and forcing bigs to leave the paint. Bamba’s career 3-point percentage sits at 35%, while Zvonimir has made 33.6% of his triples so far throughout his NCAA career.

Neither of them are seen posting-up in the paint often, but they still score in the interior by catching lobs, running the floor in transition and crashing the boards for putback dunks.

Tomislav Ivisic: Nikola Vucevic

Tomislav Ivisic and Nikola Vucevic’s styles of play are practically the same. The one thing setting them apart is the height difference: Tomislav’s 7-foot-1 frame towers over Vuc’s 6-foot-9 frame.

Still, they score in the same ways. They both love a good pick-and-pop at the top of the key to offer a shot option and make space for guards in the lane. And when they’re given the ball there, they’ll knock down most of their triples from the top of the key. Vucevic has made 35% of his career triple attempts, and Tomislav 32% in his Illini career. Last season, Tomislav attempted 4.7 3-pointers per game while Vucevic attempted 4.2 per game.

If the long-range shots aren’t going down, the pick-and-pop can turn into a pick-and-roll, but with a short roll. They both like to open themselves up to the free throw line for a floater instead of fighting through contact in the paint.

Even though they don’t usually invite contact, they both possess shifty skills in the post for interior scoring and rely on their footwork, fakes, hook shots and creativity.

Beyond scoring, these two centers love to playmake from the elbow and utilize their vision to find cutters.

Andrej Stojakovic: DeMar DeRozan

DeMar and Andrej are both 6-foot-6, though DeMar’s 220 pounds is a little heavier than Stojakovic’s 205.

One thing they’re both unusually skilled at is relieving pressure late in the shot clock. They like to demand the ball at the perimeter, then use their isolation skills and explosive athleticism to bail their team out for a layup or midrange.

That same explosive athleticism helps them soar in the air vertically. DeMar recorded a 38.5-inch vertical at the 2009 NBA Draft combine, while Andrej recorded a 41.5-inch vertical in this year’s combine. That bounce gives both of them the ability to finish violently and posterize players in the paint, as Stojakovic did multiple times last season and DeMar did frequently in his Raptor years.

Their body control allows them to finish off a lot of tough buckets in the mid-paint. Both take, and make, tough layups, floaters and short pull-ups while adjusting their bodies midair.

Most of their scoring comes from these types of buckets, along with midrange shots closer to the arc and free throws from fouls drawn. Stojakovic was more comfortable knocking down the triple in his first two collegiate years than his first season as an Illini. At Stanford and Cal, he averaged 3.8 3-point attempts per game and made 32.2% of them. Last season, he only took 2.4 3-pointers per game and made just 24.4% of them.

DeRozan on the other hand, attempted just 1.7 3-pointers per game and shot 28.8% from behind the arc during his nine seasons as a Toronto Raptor. As a Chicago Bull and Sacramento King, DeRozan attempted 2.4 3-pointers per game and made 33% of them.

They both have the capability to knock down the triple, but cannot always find the rhythm.

Jake Davis: Shane Battier

Battier has two inches and 10 pounds on Jake Davis, but they play almost identically. Both glue guys use their high basketball IQ and positioning to slide into help defense, take charges and close out on shots on one side of the court, and cut backdoor and make the extra pass on the other.

Beyond their intelligence on the court, their hustle and grit don’t always show up on the box score. They both box out, crash the glass and fight for loose balls relentlessly through toughness.

Lastly, but certainly not least, they’re both primarily known for one thing: knocking down the catch-and-shoot corner triple and being absolutely elite at it. Davis shot 40.6% from behind the arc last season, knocking down 54 out of his 133 attempts. In the 2012-13 season with the Miami Heat, Shane Battier shot 43% from 3-point range, nailing 103 of his 276 attempts.

TCR readers, do you agree or disagree with these comparisons? Offer your own in the comments below!

August 11, 2026

How to watch 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Schedule, TV/stream info, 2026 class preview

Nine of basketball's legends will have their legacies etched in history as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame welcomes its newest class of inductees in 2026 this weekend. This year's class represents a diverse lineup of players, coaches and contributors who have left a lasting mark on the game.

See below for everything you need to know about how to watch the enshrinement ceremony, including notes on those being inducted and the weekend's festivities.

How to watch 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Ceremony

When: Saturday, August 15

Where: Symphony Hall, Springfield, MA

Time: 7:00 PM ET

TV Channel: NBA TV

Streaming: NBA App

2026 Basketball Hall of Fame Schedule

Enshrinement Weekend officially begins Friday, August 14 at 11:00 AM ET with a Class of 2026 Autograph Session presented by Panini at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. The Class of 2026 and many of the sport's icons will take to the red carpet outside Symphony Hall in Springfield, Massachusetts on Saturday at 6:00 PM ET leading into the ceremony.

Click here for the full schedule of events.

Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony history

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame was founded in 1959, serving as an epicenter honoring the game's legends, milestones, and worldwide impact. The original Basketball Hall of Fame opened on the campus of Springfield College in 1968, with a second, larger hall opening in 1985. This year also marked the first time women were inducted. Now, home to nearly 300 inductees and 40,000 square feet of exhibits, the Hall of Fame continues to operate as the ultimate destination for basketball history.

Who is part of the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026?

The nine inductees include Joey Crawford, Mark Few, Doc Rivers, Amar'e Stoudemire, the 1996 USA Basketball Women's National Team, Elena Delle Donne, Chamique Holdsclaw, Candace Parker, and Mike D'Antoni.

Amar’e Stoudemire is the sole NBA player to be inducted into this year’s class. A six-time All-Star and 2003 Rookie of the Year, Stoudemire played a pivotal role in Phoenix’s “Seven Seconds or Less” era, spending eight seasons with the Suns before signing with the New York Knicks. He finished his 14-year NBA career averaging 18.9 points and 7.8 rebounds.

Doc Rivers stands as one of the most successful coaches in NBA history, amassing more than 1,180 wins in 27 seasons with five organizations. He led the Boston Celtics to a pair of NBA Finals appearances, including a championship in 2008. He sits sixth on the NBA's all-time coaching wins list and fourth all-time in playoff victories. On the court, Rivers played 13 years in the NBA, earning an All-Star nod in 1987.

There aren't many more accomplished players in WNBA history than Candace Parker. A three-time WNBA champion and two-time league MVP, she is the only player in history to be named Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season. She was the youngest member of the 2008 USA Basketball Women's National Team, earning two gold medals in Beijing and London.

Click here for additional information on each inductee.

Why is the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts?

Springfield, Massachusetts became the birthplace of basketball when James Naismith invented the sport in 1891, writing and developing the game's original 13 rules.

When does the 2026 NBA season begin?

The 2026-27 NBA season officially tips off Tuesday, October 20, on NBC and Peacock, headlined by the New York Knicks raising their championship banner against LeBron James and the new-look Philadelphia 76ers.

NBA tips off season on NBC and Peacock with tripleheader featuring LeBron, 76ers at New York on ring night

Also, Boston is at Detroit, and Oklahoma City opens the season in San Antonio.

Kurt Helin,

August 11, 2026

2026-27 NBA Schedule: Everything we know including Opening Night, Christmas Games, key matchups and more

The NBA schedule is rolling out this week — the start of the season is just 70 days away — and while the full schedule doesn't drop until Thursday, some of the marquee days and biggest games have already been announced. Here is what we know.

Opening night

The NBA season tips off on NBC on Oct. 20 with a triple-header:

• Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons (3 p.m. ET)
• Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks (7 p.m. ET)
• Oklahoma City vs. San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m. ET)

Victor Wembanyama called for the alley-oop, but ended up being IMPRESSED with Stephon Castle’s poster.

Opening night October 20th on NBC and Peacock:
Celtics vs Pistons 3PM ET
Sixers vs Knicks 6:30PM ET
Thunder vs Spurs 9:30PM ET pic.twitter.com/WCzZBxF7z5
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) August 11, 2026

This will be the first time that a network has ever broadcast three NBA Tip-Off games, and all of them are intense matchups and all of them can be seen on NBC and streamed on Peacock.

The day starts with Jayson Tatum vs. Cade Cunningham in a showdown of the top two seeds in the East from last season. It's also a clash of styles between the 3-point-launching Celtics and the dominant-in-the-paint Pistons.

Then comes ring night in Madison Square Garden, the first time in 53 years a championship banner will be raised to the rafters in New York. Adam Silver will be on hand to give Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and the rest of the Knicks their rings — then LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and the rest of the new-look 76ers will try to spoil the party. This is the marquee matchup of the night.

Although the finale might match it — Game 8 of last year's Western Conference Finals, the Thunder vs. the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Two juggernauts meeting on opening night.

Christmas Day

The NBA returns with its traditional five-game Christmas Day lineup, and it's a banger. All the games will be broadcast on both ABC and ESPN.

• San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks (12 p.m.m. ET). An NBA Finals rematch with Victor Wembanyama making his one appearance this season in Madison Square Garden.

• Miami Heat at Boston Celtics (2:30 p.m. ET). Giannis Antetokounmpo and the new-look Miami Heat spend the holiday in Boston taking on Jayson Tatum and the Celtics.

• Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers (5 p.m. ET). LeBron James makes his return to Los Angeles with Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid and his new teammates along for the ride, taking on Luka Doncic and a reworked Lakers roster. This is the showcase game of the day, with LeBron — who brought a title to Los Angeles — getting welcomed back by the fans.

• Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves (8 p.m. ET). A star-studded event with two-time reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and the Thunder heading north for a white Christmas in Minnesota to take on Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Ball and the Timberwolves.

• Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors (10:30 p.m. ET). The Christmas Day nightcap features Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets heading to the Bay Area to face Stephen Curry and the Warriors in another star-studded game. This is also two former champions in the West looking to show they belong back in the top tier of the West.

Opening Week Games

We also know a few more opening week games.

October 21

• Minnesota Timberwolves at Miami Heat (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). ESPN's NBA coverage starts with a showdown between two teams that radically changed who they are this offseason: The Timberwolves, now with LaMelo Ball and a wildly entertaining offense, against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat.

• Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET, ESPN). A classic star-studded West Coast showdown to open the season for both teams, with Stephen Curry and the Warriors heading down the coast to take on Luka Doncic and the Lakers.

October 22

• Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers (7 p.m. ET, ESPN). Donovan Mitchell and Cleveland will look to prove this season that last season's trip to the Eastern Conference Finals was not a one-off fluke, taking on a 76ers team that added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown and is looking to supplant Cleveland in that spot.

• Denver Nuggets at Oklahoma City Thunder (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN). If Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets want to prove they belong back on top in the West and are a threat, the Thunder are the bar. Any game with Jokic and Chet Holmgren is going to be fun.

October 23

NBA on Prime | Absolute cinema

Watch Knicks vs. Celtics and Rockets vs. Spurs on Friday, October 23rd on @primevideo pic.twitter.com/GubR6E4319
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) August 11, 2026

• New York Knicks at Boston Celtics (7 p.m. ET, Prime Video). Prime is going to broadcast double-headers on Friday night throughout the NBA season, which starts with an impressive first night, tipped off by two of the last three NBA champions facing off in Boston. Jalen Brown vs. Jayson Tatum is always a show, and these should be two of the top regular season teams in the East.

• Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs (9:30 p.m., Prime Video). Kevin Durant and the Rockets want to prove last season (fifth in the West, unceremonious first-round playoff exit) was a one-off and they are much better than that. The return of point guard Fred VanVleet to orchestrate the offense will help a lot with that. However, their first test is against the defending Western Conference Champions and in-state rivals, the Spurs, with Victor Wembanyama. That's a good early measuring stick for Houston.

August 11, 2026

Knicks to open 2026-27 season at MSG against LeBron’s 76ers. Get tickets

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

Jalen Brunson dribbles the ball between his legs on the court.

The New York Knicks’ first game of the 2026-27 season might be their highest profile of the year.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart’s defending NBA champions host LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in their Philadelphia 76ers debut at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

“[They’re] going to be electric. [The 76ers] going to be definitely a team to keep your eye on. They reloaded this year,” Brunson said on NBC’s Today Show. “It’s going to be a tough test, but we’ll be ready.”

In addition to all the hoopla, Mike Brown’s club will also receive their championship rings and raise their 2025-26 banner — the team’s first since 1973 — to the rafters before tipoff.

If you’d like to be there, tickets are already available for this much-anticipated season opener.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats for the Knicks/Sixers showdown was $2,219 including fees on SeatGeek.

100-level seats start at $3,479 including fees.

Make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout (Editor’s Note: this discount is only valid for users’ first purchase on SeatGeek).

Prior to this marquee matchup, the last time the two Eastern Conference powerhouses met was in the Conference Semi Finals this past May. At that time, New York was in the middle of their historic postseason winning streak and swept Philadelphia 4-0.

As of now, the full NBA schedule hasn’t been announced but two other notable Knicks games were revealed today.

Following their Oct. 20 battle with the Sixers, Shamet’s squad has regular season duels with Jayson Tatum’s formidable Celtics (Friday, Oct. 23 at Boston’s TD Garden) and Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs in an NBA Finals rematch on Christmas Day at MSG.

For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about the Knicks’ 2026-27 MSG home opener against the 76ers below.

How much are tickets for the Knicks’ MSG home opener against the 76ers?

A complete breakdown of all the best prices on seats by section at Madison Square Garden for the Oct. 20 Knicks vs. 76ers game are listed here:

Madison Square Garden sections	Ticket prices start at
400 level	$2,219(including fees)
300 level	$2,718(including fees)
200 level	$2,415(including fees)
100 level	$3,479(including fees)
Lower level	$3,536(including fees)
Courtside	N/A

When are the other Knicks’ games?

New York’s other two announced 2026-27 games with dates, start times, opponents and venues are listed below.

2026-27 Knicks games
*Knicks vs. CelticsFriday, Oct. 23 at the TD Garden in Boston, MA*** 7 p.m.
*Spurs vs. KnicksFriday, Dec. 25 at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY12 p.m.***

Huge concerts at Madison Square Garden in 2026

Jonesing for a little live music?

You’ve come to the right place.

Here are just five of the biggest artists coming to MSG these next few months that you won’t want to miss IRL.

• Bryson Tiller (Sept. 13)

• Gorillaz (Sept. 29)

• Dave Matthews Band (Nov. 12-13)

• Doja Cat (Dec. 1)

• Andrea Bocelli (Dec. 16-17)

Who else is headed to the Garden? Take a look at this list for a comprehensive look at all the concerts, games and events at MSG this year and next.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.