The Clippers will make the play-in tournament:When a team has nothing to lose, things can suddenly start to click. Don’t be surprised if this team somehow surpasses our very low expectations this season.
DariusGarland will become an All-Star again in the next few years: Ty Lue is going to help bring the best out of Garland. The former point guard is going to pour himself into the franchise’s new point guard. That could get interesting.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland drives to the basket as Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray defends during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong
FIVE GAMES TO WATCH
Oct. 23 at Lakers: The hallway rivalry is always interesting, though this season it shouldn’t be too competitive. That said, it’ll be fun to watch Hachimura play against his former team.
Nov. 1 at Warriors: The Warriors eliminated the Clippers in the play-in tournament last April. Can the Clippers avenge that loss?
Nov. 2 vs. Raptors: Leonard returns to Los Angeles to play against his former team. After everything the Clippers are going through, it’ll be interesting to see how the crowd reacts to their former superstar.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura shoots over Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, in Inglewood, Calif. AP Photo/Kyusung Gong
Dec. 31 at Cavaliers: Garland will face his former team in Cleveland. He spent his first seven years of his career with the Cavs. That’ll surely be an emotional game for him.
Jan. 9 vs. Celtics: The Clippers will host Paul George and the Celtics, another former franchise star who is now with another team.
The Post’s Forecast – 42-40
The Clippers will perform a little better than assumed, winning 42 games and making the play-in tournament before being eliminated from the playoffs. That would count as a major success for them this season.
Jayson Tatum drives to the basket Tuesday against the Pistons. | NBAE via Getty Images
Before Tuesday’s season-opening matchup with the Pistons, Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters that he doesn’t believe we have seen the best version of Jayson Tatum yet.
Well, after a dreadful 6-for-23 shooting performance in a 121-113 loss, we still haven’t seen the best version of Tatum. But we did see a glimpse into what Mazzulla meant, at least conceptually.
Even when his shot is off, Tatum still leaves his imprint all over the game. He racked up 11 assists, organized the Celtics on both ends and took the right shots more often than not. Tatum draws so much attention that it leaves other guys, like Paul George, open for easy looks.
The reality is that Tatum’s poor shooting night – which included an 0-for-7 showing from 3-point range and a 1-of-10 performance in the second half – was a major reason why they lost the game. It might have even been the No. 1 reason in this particular instance, which isn’t true very often.
“I mean, it felt good,” Tatum told reporters, referring to his shot. “Definitely not one of my best nights, obviously. I just have to play better.”
This is a classic case where we all have to brush it aside and assume it’s an outlier, rather than the start of a trend. If it does become a trend, the Celtics may have a problem, but chances are it won’t. Give him a chance to get situated.
It will be fascinating to watch how Tatum handles his first season as the true undisputed alpha. As evidenced by George’s 38-point explosion, he still has a sidekick, but it’s Tatum’s team and the Celtics will go as far as he takes them.
Even with George’s brilliance, defenses can still key in on Tatum more now than they could when he played alongside Jaylen Brown. At this stage in his career, George is predominantly a shooter (and still an elite one, if Tuesday is any indication), but he doesn’t have the same explosiveness as Brown.
Defenses are able to guard George 1 on 1, then double Tatum when the time is right. It’s up to him to make the right read. He did more often than not, but he didn’t have a lot to show for it offensively. Tatum, as usual, took ownership and put the blame squarely on his shoulders.
“There’s a lot of things I could learn from today and just be better for next time,” Tatum told reporters.
You could tell it may not be Tatum’s night when he missed a bunny in the first quarter. It felt like if he had been feeling it, he could have already had 15 or so points through one. Instead, he looked rusty and his form looked clunky. The hitch in Tatum’s shot is still somewhat alarming, but no one cares as long as it goes in the hoop.
On nights when it doesn’t, you can’t help but wonder if he can thrive as clear-cut 1A on a contender post-injury. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but I firmly believe the answer is yes.
I believe this was simply a product of rust, Detroit’s smothering defense, acclimating alongside George and bad luck. Tatum could have played exactly the same and hit five more shots and we would be talking about his performance in a totally different light.
“Part of my role is scoring,” Tatum told reporters. “I felt really good about a lot of the looks.”
It’s hard to argue with that logic. Celtics fans should feel good about those looks, too. He’ll make them. Give him time.
There may be games like this one, and if they happen once every month or so, that’s OK. As long as he bounces back, that’s all fans can ask for. He’s done it throughout his career, and there’s no reason to think he won’t this time as well.
It may take time, but Mazzulla is right. We haven’t seen the best of Tatum yet.
Much of the offseason discussion in Detroit centered on whether the Pistons had added enough shooting around Cade Cunningham. But Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff turned to a lesser-known returning player on Tuesday to provide an unlikely spark that kick-started Detroit after beginning its season opener 4 of 22 from beyond the arc.
Green had 19 points and played nearly 18 minutes in the second half after not playing during the first two quarters of the game. A veteran in his second season with the Pistons, Green drilled three consecutive 3-pointers shortly after entering in the third quarter before adding two more in the fourth, including the go-ahead basket.
Paul George
George set a new Celtics record by scoring 38 points in his Boston debut and was especially good as the Celtics built a 22-point lead that the Pistons eventually erased. The 36-year-old George, who came to Boston in the Jaylen Brown trade this offseason, made 10 of his first 14 shots from the field including six 3-pointers. He seemed to work well with Jayson Tatum and took on the defensive assignment of guarding Cade Cunningham at times. Though George missed a couple 3-pointers late as the Celtics tried to reverse the momentum, this performance was a good sign that he can form an elite combination with Tatum if he can stay healthy.
NBA opening day losers
Jayson Tatum
Tatum's evolution as a playmaker was evident Tuesday, as he finished with 11 assists. But Boston also needs him to be its primary scorer, particularly after trading Jaylen Brown, and he couldn't fill that role in the second half. His poor shooting performance contributed to the team's collapse. He was 1 for 9 from the floor after halftime and his lone field goal came with less than three minutes left and the Pistons' lead in double digits. Tatum was just 6 of 23 from the floor and 0 for 7 from 3-point range overall on Tuesday.
NBA on NBC's matinee rollout
The NBA is closely watching the audience response to its opening-day matinee experiment, but some fans encountered issues as Tuesday's opening game unfolded. Social media was filled with complaints from viewers who said Celtics-Pistons was unavailable in their market, with YouTube TV subscribers appearing particularly affected. The company wrote on its X account that "the availability of games/programs on YouTube TV depends on our network partners."
It will be interesting to see what the ratings turn out to be considering the NBA is evaluating this initial game to determine whether to continue having daytime openers in the future.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 5: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks looks on prior to the preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 5, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 120-97. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The WORLD CHAMPION Knicks (0-0) open their season tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) at Madison Square Garden. They’ll hang the new banner (53 years in the making) and distribute rings before tip-off. As of this writing, no Knicks stars are on the injury report; the 76ers list several players out or questionable, but none of their top stars. Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe should all be ready and eager to take a swipe at the crown. The Knicks are favored by about five points as the healthy home team and defending champs.
Game time is at 7 p.m. EST on NBC. This is your game thread. This is Liberty Ballers. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Be excellent humans. And go Knicks!
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns drives to the basket during the second quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026.
“Because I want this team to stay together,” Towns said when asked to expand on his answer. “That’s always been my main priority was to keep everyone here, to keep this core, this special team that we have. So it was the first thing on my mind as soon as it was. And there was nowhere in my mind a max was even thought of.”
Malika: "You're willing to take less (money)?"
KAT: "Oh yeah, because I want this team to stay together. That's always been my main priority was to keep everyone here, to keep this core, this special team that we have. So it was the first thing on my mind as soon as it was. And… pic.twitter.com/hU6kaIrwiC
Jalen Brunson was sitting next to Towns for the interview, and when Andrews turned her attention to him to ask what he hoped to see happen with Towns, Brunson had a simple reply.
“Sign the contract,” he said before breaking out into laughter and a smile, with KAT doing the same next to him.
Towns is headed into the final guaranteed year of his contract after playing a key role in the Knicks’ title run last spring when he averaged 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.
The Knicks said via a statement earlier this month that they were cutting off contract extension talks “until later in the season,” which came as news to Towns.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns drives to the basket during the second quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden in New York, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Jason Szenes for NY Post
“Obviously very disappointed, to say the least. Let’s be honest here,” the big man said Sunday. “But even though there was no business done, there’s still business to be handled. After 53 years, we found a way to bring this trophy back to New York, and we intend for it to stay in New York.”
Yaxel Lendeborg makes first-team All-Rookie: Lendeborg is older than Podziemski and Will Richard, and the Warriors will ask the rookie to play like he’s been around the block. His size, shooting ability and maturity give him a chance to make an immediate impact.
Jimmy Butler plays more games than Kristaps Porzingis: What’s the bigger mystery: The “illness” Porzingis is dealing with, whether he will be on the roster post-trade deadline or how the Warriors expect to get through the regular season with two key players rehabbing knee surgeries and another whose availability fluctuates nightly?
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, wears a Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton jersey while warming up with assistant coach Bruce Fraser before a preseason NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
‘Batman’ and ‘Robin’ team up on a sneaker: The other deal Curry signed this summer was his extension with the Warriors. He got his real bag in June with a $400 million endorsement deal with Chinese shoe company Li Ning, which is already in business with Butler. There’s never been a collab signature shoe, but when has that ever stopped Curry before?
FIVE GAMES TO WATCH
Oct. 23 vs. Memphis: Lendeborg’s home debut pits him against No. 3 overall pick Cameron Boozer, a matchup “I’m always gonna circle,” the Warriors rookie said this summer.
Dec. 25 vs. Denver: The last Christmas without the Warriors? Curry’s third season. The next? Probably the year after he retires. Overall, Curry is 8-7 in the annual holiday tradition.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, right, talks with forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
Feb. 13 at Knicks: Not only a date with the defending champs at MSG, the Warriors’ first contest after the trade deadline, potentially with a roster that looks vastly different from opening night.
March 24 vs. Philadelphia: The first game on this list that should feature Butler and Moody — and the Warriors’ first time seeing LeBron James in a 76ers uniform.
April 8-9 at Oklahoma City: Golden State finishes with seven of nine on the road, including a baseball-style back-to-back against possibly the best team in the West.
The Post’s Forecast
41-41: Frankly, a lot has to go right just for the Warriors to get here. Curry’s knee doesn’t deteriorate further. Butler and Moody come back refreshed, not rusty. Golden State won 37 games last season, and the biggest difference is that its roster is only a year older.
The Philadelphia 76ers sent an opening-night message they’ll be a contender for the New York Knicks‘ NBA title after adding LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, rallying for a 106-100 victory Tuesday.
Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Brown had 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in his first game since being acquired from Boston. James began his NBA-record 24th season by finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
The 76ers got three 3-pointers from Anfernee Simons and two from fellow newcomer Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, as the reserves took advantage of the open looks they got when the Knicks were caught focusing too much on the bigger names.
Jalen Brunson scored 21 points, but the NBA Finals MVP shot just 6 for 19 from the field.
Brunson told fans inside Madison Square Garden in a pregame ceremony when the Knicks raised their NBA championship banner and received their rings that: “The joy that this city had this summer, we would love to replicate that again.”
Maybe they can, but they will have to play a lot better than they did Tuesday, shooting 37% overall and 33.3% on 3s. Karl-Anthony Towns had 19 points and 12 rebounds.
The Knicks dominated the 76ers in a second-round sweep, early on during their streak of 13 straight victories as part of a 16-3 finish with the highest point differential in NBA postseason history.
Philadelphia then went out and traded for Brown and signed James after the NBA’s career scoring leader decided to leave the Los Angeles Lakers, setting the 76ers up with the potential to be one of the best teams in the league.
They certainly didn’t have a smooth start, but played better as the game went on. The Sixers closed the third quarter with an 11-0 run, capped by Brown’s second straight 3-pointer that came at the buzzer and gave Philadelphia an 83-76 lead.
Maxey’s three-point play early in the fourth made it 87-78. The Knicks cut it to 96-95 when Towns made a 3-pointer, but Joel Embiid answered with one and the Sixers stayed ahead.
Embiid finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.
Brunson, wearing gold sneakers for the occasion, couldn’t help the Knicks recover by hitting the type of big shots he did when they repeatedly came back to beat San Antonio in five games for their first championship since 1973.
The festive pregame party gave way to a first half filled with long stretches of fouls and missed shots, not leaving much reason for the cheers to continue. The Knicks went ahead by 10 with one good flurry but it was down to 58-54 at halftime.
The Knicks will return to action on Friday, when they visit the Boston Celtics.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Los Angeles Dodgers groundscrew worker paints the postseason logo on the field before the Milwaukee Brewers workout prior to the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, it looks like we’ll be sitting tight for a few days. Game 1 of the World Series won’t be until the night of October 23, so that means there will be no more baseball until then.
In the mean time, what are y’all planning on watching tonight? If you’re a basketball fan then you’re well aware that it’s Opening Night in the NBA, so there are a pair of really exciting games planned tonight as the Knicks host the Sixers and the Thunder host the Spurs. I’m still happy that the classic NBA on NBC theme is back, so that lone is enough to entice me.
Outside of that, is there anything else that y’all are planning on watching? If you’re still having trouble finding something to watch, here are some 2021 NLCS highlights to enjoy.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 20: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons and Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game on October 20, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA season is officially in full swing, and it took no time to produce an incredibly entertaining basketball game.
Things looked rough in the first half as Detroit struggled to knock down shots. They could only muster an 18-point second quarter as Boston finished the first half on a 23-6 run to take a 58-45 halftime lead. Paul George was scorching hot to start the second half and helped push the Boston lead up to 22. And yet, the Pistons kept slowly chipping away, and thanks to Detroit’s sparkplug Javonte Green, they were able to reclaim the lead halfway through the final frame. The Pistons beat the Celtics 121-113 in the NBA opener.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each led the way with 22 points. Duren added nine rebounds and two stocks while Cade had four rebounds, eight assists, and two stocks. These two instantly got back to what they do best:
Duncan Robinson started slow, but heated up quickly in the second half. He had 21 points while shooting 5-for-9 from deep, and one of his five threes resulted in the biggest crowd pop of the night:
Javonte Green certainly deserves a shoutout as he didn’t play in the first half, but still finished with 19 points while shooting 5-for-8 from deep. He played a huge part in providing a spark to the Detroit offense as they were struggling, and his impact was instantly felt. I will note: Ron Holland only played three minutes in the first half and didn’t play in the second. All of the backup PF minutes went to Javonte in the second half. If the ball made it to him, he was letting it fly:
Ausar Thompson finished with a double-double: 11 points and 11 rebounds, while also adding five assists. Seeing him take on more of an on-ball role is something I’m really excited about this season, because when he’s making plays like this, he’s one of the most entertaining players in the NBA:
I am so glad that Detroit Basketball is back, and they’re now 1-0 on the season. The Pistons will travel to Miami to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s new team on Friday night.
Ahead of the doors opening at Madison Square Garden, each seat was given a T-shirt that says "2026-27 Champions Night" in gold letters with an image of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The Knicks won last season's championship, which capped the 2025-26 season. Some people on social media are pointing out that the wording of the T-shirts celebrating that title on opening day of the 2026-27 season is a bit funny. Philadelphia Inquirer editor DeAntae Prince joked that "The Knicks have crowned themselves as the 2026-27 champions…. Prior to the season opener."
Illuminated NBA logo above the entrance to the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, September 29, 2026. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images) | Gado via Getty Images
Finally.
I know we have to wait until tomorrow to watch the Rockets versus Mavericks (because they didn’t see enough of them in China) but actual basketball is here!
If you are a hoophead that’s been suffering from a lack of basketball, yes, the lack of Rockets action hurts a bit, but there’s still that sweet, sweet, relief that can only come from injecting basketball straight into your brain.
The NBA has set a good lineup for everyone tonight, as well.
Do you live in the USA? Do you want to watch the evening and night games? Guess what? What’s old is new again. You can hear “Roundball Rock” and watch the games on NBC. Just NBC, free to air.
Matinee: Boston vs Detroit
These are projected to be two of the top contenders in the NBA and last season Detroit won 60 games, and Boston won 56. I think win totals will be depressed somewhat by a lack of obviously tanking teams, especially with the March Tank-A-Thon likely being gone. That said, I have both these teams in the mid 50s for wins, and they’re in the running to make a Finals appearance.
This is an afternoon game, on a regular weekday in the US, and I can only conclude they offered this game for essentially Europe and the Middle East, so they’d get a night game to watch.
This game has been fun, with Boston taking a lead, and Detroit coming back. The best player in this game is exactly who you would expect: Paul George. Paul has 38pts/5rb/2ast/3TO/5STL just as you’d expect.
Boston made this one annoying at the end, perhaps in a tribute to Rick Carlisle, but the Pistons win it 121(!) to 113. The Pistons
Early Game – 76ers at Knicks
Time: 6:00 PM CST
Where to Watch: NBC, plain old NBC
We get to see the NBA Champions start their season at MSG. You can expect this will be a hot ticket, with lots of celebrities in the crowd. Philly has LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, to go along with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe. The Knicks pretty much return their championship team, minus the guy actually drafted by the Knicks, Mitchell Robinson.
Late Game – Thudner at Spurs
Time: 8:30 PM CST
Where to Watch: NBC, also plain old NBC
The Finals loser San Antonio goes against their Western Conference Finals opponent. A contest of the consensus two best teams in the Western Conference, everyone is healthy, so it should be fun. It’s not such a late start that it should cause many problems, too.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 20: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives around John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on October 20, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Celtics led the Pistons by 22 in the 2nd half. Then the game flipped as the Celtics, very much like they did in the first round last year, collapsed and lost to the Pistons, 121-113. It was a struggle for Jayson Tatum who had just 13 points on 6/23 from the field. Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham’s 22 points and 8 assists won the day for the Pistons.
The Celtics started their preseason starters, Derrick White, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson. Devin Carter missed the game with mononucleosis. The Pistons started Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, John Collins and Jalen Duren. Tauren Prince (yes, he is on the Pistons now) was the only one out for Detroit.
It was a slow start for the Celtics, who had turnovers on their first 3 possessions. Jayson Tatum scored the first Celtics basket of the season, on an and-1 layup.
Jordan Walsh had a big impact early in the game, he had 4 rebounds (including 2 on the offensive side) in the first 5:46 of the game. However, the Celtics offense was sloppy as a whole, With 6 turnovers in the first quarter.
A Jayson Tatum buzzer beater had the Celtics leading at the end of the first quarter, 28-27. Tatum led the Celtics with 7 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds, playing the whole first quarter. Payton Pritchard had 6 points off of the bench.
The Celtics played 11 players in the first 15 minutes of the game, they are clearly going to limit the Mitchell Robinson and Paul George minutes this year.
The Pistons were winning the turnover and rebounding battle early in the game. That is something that won’t sit well with Joe Mazzulla, who is constantly preaching the shot margins.
The Celtics went on a 15-0 run in the 2nd quarter to take a 50-39 lead in the 2nd quarter.
We had the double big lineup of Mitchell Robinson and Neemias Queta for the last 1:11 of the first half.
Kevin Huerter hit a buzzer beater at the end of the half but he did not get if off in time and the Celtics led 58-45 at the end of the first half. Paul George led the Celtics in scoring with 17 points while Tatum had 11 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.
George moved into 8th all time in three point makes in the first half.
Paul George has moved past Kyle Korver into 8th place on the NBA’s all-time 3-point makes list with the 2,451st make of his career.
George took over in the third quarter with 11 points in the first 4 minutes. He had 31 points midway in the third quarter, the most for any player in a Celtics debut.
Paul George has set the Celtics’ franchise record for most points in a debut performance.
He has 31 points through the midway mark of the third quarter.
After the Celtics took a 22 point lead, the Pistons went on a 19-6 run to cut Boston’s lead to 9. Former Celtic Javonte Green hit the big three pointer.
The game really flipped on the Celtics, all the sudden the Pistons were making all their threes and the Celtics couldn’t make a shot. Jayson Tatum had a missed layup and a pass thrown into the 2nd row in back to back possessions.
The Celtics led by 6 at the end of the 3rd quarter. George led the team with 31 points while Tatum had 11 points and 1o assists, while being held score less in the third quarter.
The Celtics got off to a good start in the 4th quarter, extending the lead to 12, 96-84.
After the Celtics took a 10 point lead, Duncan Robinson hit back to back threes to cut the lead to 4 with 7:34 left as Joe Mazzulla called a timeout.
The Pistons continued it out of the timeout as the Celtics collapse continued. An 18-0 run put the Pistons up by 8 107-99, with 5:10 remaining in the game.
A devastating collapse from the Celtics as the Pistons took a 13 point lead before a Derrick White layup ended a 23-0 run.
The Celtics cut the lead to 4 but a big Ausar Thompson shot put the Pistons back up 6 with 41 seconds to go in the game. Tatum then took a mid range shot that he missed and Duncan Robinson put the Pistons up 7 with 18 seconds to go.
The Celtics lost the game, 121-113. Paul George led the team with 38 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals. The Pistons were led by Javonte Green’s 19 points and Duncan Robinson’s 21 points.
The Celtics shot 46% from the field and 41% from three while the Pistons shot 43% from the field and 38% from three. The Celtics home opener is Friday at 7pm/EST on Prime Video against the defending champion New York Knicks.
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 5: Adou Thiero #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game against the Sacramento Kings during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 5, 2026 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
UPDATE: The Lakers announced on Wednesday afternoon that Collin Sexton had been downgraded to out with his calf strain.
Lakers say Collin Sexton (right soleus strain) has been downgraded to out for tonight vs. Golden State.
While Sexton is nearing a return, Wednesday’s game is too soon for him to be back. We’ll see if Friday is when he can make his Lakers debut.
Original story follows.
The Lakers will start the season without their two young prospects available.
LA took to the practice floor on Tuesday for their final tune-up before hosting the Warriors, but did so without either Cameron Carr or Adou Thiero. Head coach JJ Redick noted after practice that they held out yet again, a recurring trend heading into the regular season.
Hours later, the team made their designations and injuries official by releasing the first injury report of the season. Along with Carr and Thiero, Collin Sexton, who did not play in the preseason, was listed as questionable.
Sexton had been trending in the right direction — a go-to phase for the Lakers — this preseason and was a full participant in practice in each of the last two days. If nothing else, he at least feels close to getting on the court.
As for Carr, Redick has stated that it was an injury that came after he took a hit during preseason. It’s unclear how serious the strain is or how long he’s expected to be out, but it’s a disappointing start to his own rookie campaign.
Both players have been sidelined for games and practice this preseason. Redick had not shown any sense of worry that either player wouldn’t be available for the regular season, going as far as to call Thiero’s first missed game this preseason “maintenance.”
In typical Lakers fashion, a lack of clarity about injuries now leaves uncertainty about how bad injuries may be. With the regular season starting, it does mean that injury reports will become the norm. For LA, that means Tuesday night will provide some of that clarity on Thiero and Carr’s injuries.
Thiero had a strong preseason before the injury, emerging as someone who could potentially see rotation minutes to open the season. Carr, meanwhile, shined in his limited minutes, mostly in garbage time, before suffering a contusion early in the exhibition slate.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - OCTOBER 7: Brayden Burries #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks to shoot during the first half of the preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on October 7, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 William Purnell/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For aspiring professional basketball players, there’s few places better to play in college than the University of Arizona.
The Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball program has long cemented itself as a training ground for NBA players. That’s never been more true than now. Sixteen former Wildcats are on NBA active rosters as the league tips off the 2026-27 season on Tuesday.
Arizona’s 16 active players is third-most among all college programs, trailing only Kentucky and Duke. The program also boasts one of the winningest active coaches in Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
Here is a look at the Wildcats in the NBA in alphabetical order.
Tobe Awaka, Chicago Bulls
Awaka enters his rookie season with the Bulls after going undrafted. Awaka signed with Chicago on a two-way contract. The fact he made the Bulls’ opening day roster bodes well for his chances of sticking in the league as a first-year player.
Deandre Ayton, Washington Wizards
Ayton was traded to the Wizards in early July after playing last season for the Los Angeles Lakers. Ayton is expected to come off the bench behind Anthony Davis for a Wizards team that also features top overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa. Ayton averaged career lows in points (12.5) and rebounds (8) last year.
Jaden Bradley, Toronto Raptors
Bradley must have made a strong first impression with the Raptors in order to secure a four-year, $9.3 million contract this offseason. The former Big 12 Player of the Year will begin the year deep on the Raptors’ depth chart, but Toronto clearly has high expectations.
Carter Bryant, San Antonio Spurs
Bryant will be competing for a bigger role in his second season with the Spurs. As a rookie, he averaged 4.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game. Bryant has room to grow offensively, as he shot 40.8% from the field last year. By comparison, he shot 46% his one year at Arizona.
Brayden Burries, Milwaukee Bucks
Burries arrives in Milwaukee with high expectations as the 10th overall pick of the NBA Draft. Burries likely won’t start to begin the season, but he should have an immediate impact on the new-look Bucks. New acquisition Tyler Herro is expected to start at shooting guard, with Burries backing him up.
Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets
Gordon is entering his 13th year in the NBA, which feels hard to believe for some Arizona fans. Gordon has been one of the most consistent players in the league, both in production and availability, over the past decade. Last year was an exception, as he missed most of the season due to injuries. The 31-year-old is healthy and back to being himself, according to reports out of Denver.
Josh Green, Utah Jazz
Green is on his third NBA team after being traded from Charlotte to Utah in late August. The trade pairs up Green with Lauri Markkanen, making the Jazz one of two teams to feature multiple Wildcats. Green has developed into a steady role player, but he would like to increase his scoring average from last year’s 4.3 points per game.
Keshad Johnson, Miami Heat
Johnson enters his third season with the Heat as a two-way player. Last season Johnson appeared in 32 games, double the number of games he played in as a rookie. He averaged 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds. Johnson will have a lot of competition for playing time in a Miami front court led by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Pelle Larsson, Miami Heat
Larsson secured the bag this offseason, signing a four-year, $60 million contract with the Heat. That’s a lot of money for a player who may not even start to begin the season. Larsson’s top competition is Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson, who the Heat signed over the summer. Larsson is coming off a strong second season in which he averaged 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists.
Caleb Love, Philadelphia 7ers
Love gets a fresh change of scenery by joining a 76ers team that also features LeBron James, the father of Arizona guard Bryce James. Love is not projected to get a ton of minutes in a busy 76ers backcourt, but his success last year in Portland shows that he can be a difference maker when he’s making shots. Love averaged 10.4 points in 49 appearances.
Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz
Markkanen is the highest-paid former Wildcat with a base salary of $46 million. That goes a long ways in any place but especially Salt Lake City, where Markkanen has built an All-Star career over the past four seasons. Last season Markkanen averaged 26.7 points but missed approximately half the season due to injuries.
Bennedict Mathurin, New Orleans Pelicans
Mathurin is on his third team in third years after joining the Pelicans on a two-year contract. Mathurin developed a sixth-man role in his previous stops with the Pacers and Clippers and that should continue in The Big Easy. The 24-year-old averaged 17.6 points and 5.4 rebounds last year.
TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers
McConnell enters the year with uncertain status after missing the entire of the preseason due to an undisclosed injury. Once McConnell gets healthy, he should continue to be a steadying force for the Pacers backcourt. The 34-year-old averaged 9.4 points and 5.1 assists last year. He’s as excited as anyone in Indianapolis for Tyrese Haliburton to be back.
Zeke Nnaji, Denver Nuggets
Nnaji is a bit of an enigma in Denver. Through six seasons, he has yet to develop beyond a small role player. Yet Denver continues to play him, and there’s reason to think his job is in immediate jeopardy. Nnaji averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds last year.
Koa Peat, Phoenix Suns
Peat is sure to be a fan favorite for his hometown Suns, who drafted him 30th overall. Peat didn’t show a lot of offense during the preseason, but his presence on the glass and defensively assures he’ll see immediate playing time. Peat could share the front court with another Tommy Lloyd-coached forward, Drew Timme, who signed with Phoenix earlier this week.
Brandon Williams, Golden State Warriors
Williams is in his first season with Golden State after spending the past three seasons with the Mavericks. The 26-year-old averaged a career-high 13 points across 66 games last year. He’ll be competing for backup point guard minutes for Steve Kerr’s squad.
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 14: Zuby Ejiofor of the Atlanta Hawks and Dillon Mitchell #20 of the Boston Celtics poses for a portrait during the 2026 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on July 14, 2026 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As the NBA regular season officially tips off on Tuesday, the Red Storm will have their most representation in the Association in decades.
Five former St. John’s men’s basketball players made opening day rosters this year, including the Red Storm’s three-man rookie class of Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins.
The Red Storm’s All-Big East frontcourt trio were all selected in the 2026 NBA draft, marking the first time in the two-round era that three St. John’s players were selected in the same NBA draft.
As a first-round pick, Ejiofor is on a guaranteed contract and is expected to battle for frontcourt minutes off the bench with fellow rookie Henri Veesaar, Jock Landale, Asa Newell, and Mouhamed Gueye, while Mitchell and Hopkins are on two-way deals and will likely split time between the NBA and the G-League.
Julian Champagnie, the most experienced Red Storm alum in the league, is set to begin his fifth professional season with the reigning Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs. After the Philadelphia 76ers waived him midway through his rookie year, the undrafted Brooklyn native quickly found a home deep in Texas and has served as the Spurs’ 3-and-D weapon ever since.
Last season with the Spurs, Champagnie was one of 18 NBA players to play all 82 of their regular-season games. He averaged a career-best 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds on 43.7% shooting from the field and 38.1% from deep. On New Year’s Eve, he set the Spurs franchise record for most threes made in a game with eleven treys in a 134-132 win over the Knicks.
The former All-Big East Most Improved Player award winner started all 23 playoff games for the Spurs in his postseason debut last season, including all five NBA Finals games, becoming the first St. John’s alum to play on the sport’s biggest stage since Ron Artest (a.k.a. Metta World Peace) won the championship with the Lakers in 2010.
5 TRIPLES IN THE FIRST HALF FOR JULIAN CHAMPAGNIE 👌
Unfortunately for Champagnie (and luckily for many Johnnies fans around New York), the Spurs blew double-digit leads in all four losses to the eventual champion Knicks, including a 29-point advantage in Game 4—the largest comeback in NBA Finals history.
During the offseason, Champagnie inked a new three-year, $45 million contract that will keep him with the San Antonio Spurs through the 2028-29 season. He might lose his starting power forward spot to new addition Tobias Harris once the 34-year-old veteran returns from injury, but Champagnie will still be a key contributor for a serious title contender.
Like Champagnie, Daniss Jenkins entered the league as an undrafted rookie and cut his teeth in the G-League before he could solidify a role with a playoff contender. Jenkins is entering his third season in the NBA and his second with a full-time role with the Detroit Pistons.
After making only seven appearances as a rookie, the Texas native became Cade Cunningham’s backup at point guard, logging 9.3 points and 3.9 assists per game across 72 contests and 19 starts for the Pistons, who finished as the No. 1 seed in the East. Back in February, the Pistons upgraded Jenkins’s two-way contract to a two-year, $8 million standard NBA deal.
Jenkins had some clutch moments in his first taste of playoff basketball. He sank a buzzer-beating triple to end the third quarter as part of a 16-point, 5-assist performance in Game 7 of their first-round series to help the Pistons complete a 3-1 series comeback. He then averaged double figures and started his first-ever playoff Game 7 against the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, though the Pistons were knocked out in an inauspicious 31-point loss in that game.
The Pistons exercised Jenkins’s $4 million team option to keep him for the 2026-27 season. He’ll continue to play as the first point guard off the bench and could earn more starting opportunities at two-guard this season.
Other Red Storm alumni who could spend time in the league include Kadary Richmond, Aaron Scott, and Deivon Smith, who were teammates on the 2025 Big East champion squad and played in this July’s NBA Summer League.
Richmond made his NBA debut last season with the Washington Wizards, but spent most of his time with the G-League’s Capital City Go-Go before the Cavaliers traded him to their G-League affiliate, the Canton Charge; the Cavaliers then waived him in the preseason. Scott most recently earned a training camp deal with the Brooklyn Nets, then was waived and will likely play for their G-League Team, the Long Island Nets. The same has been done for Smith, who was signed and then waived by the Golden State Warriors in hopes of keeping him on their G-League team.
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