Former mascot Hip-Hop to return as part of Sixers' 2000-01 team festivities

Former mascot Hip-Hop to return as part of Sixers' 2000-01 team festivities originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers’ 25th anniversary celebration of their 2000-01 Eastern Conference champion team will include a familiar rabbit face.

The team announced Monday night that Hip-Hop — the Sixers’ acrobatic, trampoline-dunking rabbit mascot between 1998 and 2011 — will return during the 2025-26 season.

The Sixers will “pay tribute to Hip-Hop” at their Nov. 8 game vs. the Raptors and “specific game dates and activations with Hip-Hop will be announced throughout the season,” according to the team’s press release. Hip-Hop will team up with current mascot Franklin the Dog.

As the Sixers’ announcement video highlights, Kyle Lowry said the team should bring back Hip-Hop at media day. Lowry was a Philadelphia teenager during the Sixers’ 2000-01 run to the NBA Finals. He’s now entering his 20th NBA season.

That Nov. 8 game against Toronto is the first of 14 dates on which the Sixers will spotlight the 2000-01 team. They’ll play on a throwback court and wear the much-awaited black uniforms donned by the ’00-01 squad. 

Scalabrine: Josh Minott is fitting the bill of what Celtics will need

Scalabrine: Josh Minott is fitting the bill of what Celtics will need originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Josh Minott looks worthy of Brad Stevens’ investment.

The Boston Celtics newcomer, who signed a two-year contract worth $5 million this offseason, has impressed during three preseason games and looks like a capable depth piece entering the 2025-26 campaign.

A 6-foot-8, 205-pound forward, Minott earned some well-deserved praise from NBC Sports Boston analyst Brian Scalabrine after the Green claimed a win against the Cavaliers on Sunday. Minott took home his first Tommy Award following his 16-point performance off the bench.

“He plays hard every possession,” Scalabrine said after Boston’s 138-107 victory. “I love him operating out of the corner because he can knock down the corner three, he can drive out of it. His energy is infectious.”

Minott is averaging 12.3 points and shooting better than 50 percent from the field during the preseason slate. He’s added 6.3 rebounds on average and stuffed the stat sheet with a total of five steals and two blocks in three contests.

“He’s making things happen on both sides of the ball,” Scalabrine said. “That’s all the things that this team is going to need. Hard-playing guys that have a ton of confidence. Minott fits that bill.”

The 22-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves where he averaged 2.3 points and 1.0 rebounds in five minutes per game. He was a second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Minott has been tasked to be a disruptor on the defensive end all while head coach Joe Mazzulla is putting a clear emphasis on rebounding.

“I feel like defensive versatility, it starts with that,” Minott said of his game. “I feel like after that everything else is a plus. I’m just doing what Joe expects me to do, trying to muck up the game, make it harder on the opposing offense.”

When the regular season tips off, Minott might not receive the same 20-plus minutes he’s received during the preseason. The Celtics have some wing depth headlined by Jaylen Brown. Minott, though, could carve out an impactful every night role if he continues to play the same way he is now.

Luka Doncic set to play in first preseason game against Suns Tuesday

El Segunda, CA, Monday, September 29, 2025 - Lakers forward Luka Doncic greets.
Lakers forward Luka Doncic greets head coach JJ Redick during media day at UCLA Health Training Center last month. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

When Luka Doncic plays in his first exhibition game of the season for the Lakers against the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night, Coach JJ Redick said the plan with his star is pretty simple.

“Give him the ball,” Redick said, laughing.

Redick paused for a second.

“You talking about minutes?" he asked.

Redick said they are “still working through what that looks like” with the Lakers’ staff and Doncic’s team.

Read more:JJ Redick isn't overly concerned about the Lakers' on-court chemistry

“I think very likely it'll be some form of a ramp-up from tomorrow to whenever the second game is that he plays in,” Redick said. “What that looks like in terms of the total minute, I don't know."

But one thing is for certain when Doncic steps on the court with his teammates.

"Yeah, he'll touch the basketball,” Redick said.

The Lakers then play a back-to-back game Wednesday night in Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks, Doncic’s old team, but it’s highly unlikely he plays in that game.

The Lakers finish their preseason against the Sacramento Kings Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, which is when Doncic probably will play, especially since he said last week that he wanted to play in two preseason games.

The Lakers open the regular season Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors at home and that is the main thing Doncic is getting ready for.

He’s done more in practice, giving his teammates a view of what Doncic is like.

“Oh, he's moving great,” Jarred Vanderbilt said. “Everything that I've seen from him, he's being vocal. He's leading the charge. He's being everything we need him to be right now. So, we're happy to have him out there right now during this week, him getting some good practices and running with us, and just starting to build that momentum towards the regular season.”

Etc.

Redick said Marcus Smart, who has been recovering from an Achilles tendinopathy injury, will play against the Suns. … Redick said Maxi Kleber (quad) participated in the Lakers’ stay-ready game Monday.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

Fantasy Basketball 2025-26: Who to pair with Jokic, Wembanyama, Antetokounmpo

You can’t win your league in the first two rounds, but you can certainly set yourself up for success. Pairing two players that fit together is vital and will influence every pick for the rest of your draft in category leagues as you establish a build.

Using Yahoo ADP to determine the first 12 picks, I went through and drafted the best player to pair with them in round two. Since every draft will be different, I’ll also mention other options to consider, but the focus here will be on the best fit based on who is available, if all things go according to how I think they should.

Pick 12: G Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns

Pair with: F Kevin Durant, Houston Rockets

The pairing may not have led to a championship for the Suns, but now that they’re no longer on the same team, they can make things work for you in fantasy. Booker should see a jump in production with Durant and Bradley Beal gone, and KD should help make up for any of Book’s inefficiencies. Both can provide well-rounded production while being among the league leaders in points, which gives you plenty of flexibility for the rest of your draft.

Other options: Donovan Mitchell, Stephen Curry, Tyrese Maxey

Pick 11: C Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings

Pair with: G Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

While I’m not a huge fan of taking Sabonis in the first round, starting your team with him and Amen and leaning into punting three-pointers gives you a strong direction. Not many centers provide the rebounds and assists that Sabonis does, and this gives you a strong field goal percentage immediately. Thompson’s defensive production makes up for Sabonis’ lack of steals and blocks, and you’ll have to figure out the free throws in later rounds, but this gives you an elite start in three categories and strong production in a handful more.

Other options: Alperen Sengun, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Williams

Pick 10: G Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Pair with: G James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers

There aren’t many players that provide elite production in points, assists, free throws and threes like Young can. Of course, Harden is one of those players, and both have been able to provide at least one steal per game for a while, which helps. Both turn the ball over a ton and miss a ton of shots, which means it would be best to go ahead and punt those two categories; it probably isn’t worth your time to try and make up for those weaknesses. However, you can be dominant in a handful of categories.

Other options: Donovan Mitchell, Domantas Sabonis, Stephen Curry

Pick 9: C Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks

Pair with: G Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors

Under Mike Brown, Towns could take a hit in production if he spends more time playing alongside Mitchell Robinson, specifically on the glass. However, he’ll remain efficient and one of the best sources of three-pointers at the center spot. Add in the greatest shooter in league history, who is also able to provide value in a handful of other categories. Towns is a poor shot blocker for a center, so leaning into that as a punt build would be a good idea.

Other options: Kevin Durant, Donovan Mitchell

Pick 8: F Anthony Davis, Dallas Mavericks

Pair with: F Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

AD doesn’t hit many threes, but he’s elite elsewhere. Pairing him with Mobley, who is also a decent passer for a big, sets you up for a nice build if you’re willing to punt triples and free throw percentage. Pairing these two bigs gives you dominance on the glass and defensively without setting you back in points and assists, which is difficult to find early on in your draft.

Other options: Chet Holmgren, Amen Thompson, Jalen Johnson

Pick 7: G Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons

Pair with: G Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers

Cunningham enjoyed a breakout season last year, with his main weakness being turnovers. Insert Mitchell, who doesn’t turn the ball over quite as much, but still provides plenty of points, rebounds, assists and threes. Mitchell is coming off a down season, but his bounce back should fit nicely next to Cade. Checking points and assists off this early is a great start.

Other options: Domantas Sabonis, Jalen Williams, Tyrese Maxey

Pick 6: G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves

Pair with: G Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers

Edwards adds something new every season, and last year, he became one of the most prolific shooters in the league. He provided dominant value in points and threes and was still decent everywhere else, aside from field goal percentage. Combining him with Maxey works well; the 76ers guard had a poor field goal percentage as well, but he provided elite points, threes, assists and steals. Starting with these two guards is an elite pairing to begin your draft.

Other options: Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson

Pick 5: F Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Pair with: F Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Everyone knows how dominant Giannis can be, and his limitations are obvious; he isn’t going to provide threes, and he’s going to miss a ton of free throws. Johnson, who has been a subpar shooter, isn’t reliant on those categories to be a monster in fantasy. Pairing Giannis, who should be more productive than ever this season without as much help, with Johnson, who appears to be ready to take yet another step forward, gives you a clear direction for the rest of your draft.

Other options: Amen Thompson, Paolo Banchero, Domantas Sabonis

Pick 4: G Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers

Pair with: C Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets

Doncic provides dominant points, rebounds, assists and threes. Sengun gives you a big man that helps in three of those four categories. Both are subpar free throw shooters and pretty average providers of defensive stats. Sengun fits like a glove next to Luka, and everything from this offseason indicates that the Houston center could take a massive leap forward this year.

Other options: Jalen Williams, Paolo Banchero, Kevin Durant

Pick 3: G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Pair with: F Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder

SGA and JDub are an excellent fit on the court for the Thunder, and the same can be said in fantasy basketball. Both are well-rounded, which gives you a lot of flexibility for the rest of your draft. SGA is obviously one of the best players in fantasy basketball, so adding a player that doesn’t take away from any of his strengths, such as shooting percentages and steals, just helps make him more valuable.

Other options: Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Johnson, Amen Thompson

Pick 2: C Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs

Pair with: C Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder

Why not pair one unicorn with another? Starting with these two basically gives you a win in blocks every week, but they’re both dynamic enough to still provide value in other categories and not have a clear weakness early on in your draft. Of course, you can’t really go wrong with anyone when you start with Wemby, which is why he’s a consensus top-three pick. Holmgren’s hip injury last season really limited his production, but being healthy to start this season should help him bounce back.

Other options: Evan Mobley, Jalen Williams, Scottie Barnes

Pick 1: C Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets

Pair with: F Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic

You can’t go wrong when you start with Jokic. His well-rounded dominance allows you to build your team however you want. I’m not a huge fan of taking Banchero this early, but with a few of my other favorite options taken at this point, I think there’s a case to be made. Jokic makes up for Banchero’s shooting percentage limitations, and it leans into points, rebounds and assists, which are the strongest parts of Jokic’s game. But again, this one isn’t as strict; you can pair Jokic with anyone.

Other options: Jalen Williams, Alperen Sengun, really anyone

Milwaukee to sign Alex Antetokounmpo to two-way contract, joining brothers Giannis, Thanasis on roster

For the first time in NBA history, three brothers will be on the same roster.

The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to sign Alex Antetokounmpo to a two-way contract, having him join his brothers Giannis and Thanasis, who were already under contract with the team, a story broken by Shams Charania of ESPN. This is the first time in NBA history that three brothers have been active on the same roster at the same time.

Milwaukee is familiar with Alex, who was with the team's G-League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, for two seasons, from 2022 to 2024. He played in 50 games for the Herd, coming off the bench in most games and averaging 5.8 points and three rebounds a night. Since then, he has played in Greece, Montenegro and Lithuania. Dedicated NBA fans may remember him from the 2022 All-Star Weekend, when Alex (then with the Raptors' G-League affiliate) teamed up with Giannis and Thanasis to compete in the All-Star Saturday night skills competition.

The Bucks are working hard to keep Giannis happy, as he heads into his 13th NBA season with the league watching him and his feelings about the franchise. Family is very important to Giannis, so you can bet the signing of Alex is not a coincidence, although it is defensible in that he's had G-League experience. Still, it's pretty clear what the primary goal with this signing is.

Michael Jordan comparison isn't as far-fetched as A'ja Wilson might think: 'I still got a little bit more winning to do'

Well before she won her third WNBA title, fourth MVP, third Defensive Player of the Year, and second Finals MVP, A’ja Wilson reminded me of the player who first made me fall in love with basketball: Michael Jordan. Like most kids who grew up in Chicago in the ‘80s and ‘90s, so many of my memories of growing up are intertwined with the Bulls winning six titles, and what I’ve seen from Wilson is reminiscent of Jordan, with one caveat: she’s done it her own way. 

After the Las Vegas Aces won their third title on Friday night with a four-game sweep of the Phoenix Mercury, Wilson was asked about the comparison, and was clearly surprised.

“Wow. I still got a little bit more winning to do before you put me in that conversation with him,” Wilson said. “But when you're compared to greats, when you're compared to legends, that means you're doing something right.”

When you look at Wilson and Jordan, it’s easy to see the similarities. It starts with winning, of course. By age 29, they both had three championships, plus the Rookie of the Year award and Defensive Player of the Year (Wilson has three, Jordan had one). All-Star nods were basically yearly occurrences.

The NBA postseason is longer than the WNBA’s, and the men’s games are eight minutes longer, so it’s not totally fair to compare statistics like scoring or rebounds. (In case you’re wondering: In his postseason career, Jordan averaged 33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 41.8 minutes per game; Wilson has averaged 21.3 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 35.2 playoff minutes per game. Jordan won 119 of 145 total career playoff games, while Wilson has won 35 of 55.)

While their stats may not be easily comparable, there’s one easy way to see how they’re similar on the court: they both want the ball in difficult situations. Finals Game 3 was a perfect snapshot of that. Aces head coach Becky Hammon went with the “Give A’ja the ball and get out of the way” offensive strategy to end the tightly contested game, and it worked. Guarded by two of the Mercury’s best defenders in Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, Wilson stepped back, pulled up and sank the jump shot to seal the game for Las Vegas.

In one of many Jordan examples, the Bulls faced the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the 1989 playoffs. With time about to expire in the decisive Game 5, Jordan made his iconic, buzzer-beating jump shot over Craig Ehlo to get the win. Afterward, Bulls coach Doug Collins said his plan was, “Give the ball to Michael, everybody get the f*** out of the way.” 

Michael Jordan reacts after hitting the game-winning basket over Cleveland's Craig Ehlo in Game 5 of the NBA playoffs on May 7, 1989. (Ed Wagner Jr./Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Michael Jordan reacts after hitting the game-winning basket over Cleveland's Craig Ehlo in Game 5 of the NBA playoffs on May 7, 1989. (Ed Wagner Jr./Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Chicago Tribune via Getty Images

Both Wilson and Jordan are also known for holding themselves and their teammates accountable. As we learned from the documentary “The Last Dance,” Jordan’s methods were less than kind. 

“Man, I see a screaming devil. You make a mistake, he’s gonna scream at you, he’s gonna belittle you. He demands almost perfection,” Horace Grant, Jordan’s teammate through three of the Bulls’ championships, said. “Man, when you see your leader working extremely hard in practice, you feel like, ‘Oh, man, if I don’t give it my all, I shouldn’t be here.’”

Wilson has created a similar kind of accountability within the Aces. Las Vegas struggled for much of the 2025 season, the low point being a 53-point loss to the Lynx in early August. She sent a text to her teammates, according to ESPN’s Michael Voepel:

"If you weren't embarrassed from yesterday, then don't come into this gym. You're not needed or wanted here. We need the mindset to shift, because that was embarrassing."

It worked, as the next game marked the start of a 16-game win streak that gave the Aces the No. 2 in the playoffs, setting the table for this year’s championship. 

“We just continue to understand and hold each other accountable for big moments and don't hang our heads on the mistake, maybe in the moment, but just keep encouraging each other,” Wilson said after Game 3. “And I think that just blind trust comes from just understanding that your teammate is going to hold you accountable, but they're also going to be there for you, and they're going to be the first one to root you on in these moments.”

Wilson’s approach to accountability comes with a kindness that may not have been present in Jordan’s gyms. She said the Aces spent time together off the court as much as possible throughout the season, which helped build the strong relationships that became the foundation of their championship run.

For Jordan’s Bulls, that team bonding time was often spent together on golf courses and in high-stakes poker games on the team plane. For Wilson’s’ Aces, it was movie nights and escape rooms.

“It's just banking equity,” she said. “That's the huge thing, is making sure that they understand that I trust them, but I know that they're going to trust me as well. And so when it comes to just them trusting me with the basketball and getting them to their spots, it's the same thing they do for me. I want to make sure that I can kind of show that to them as well. And so when it shows up in assists, great, but if it shows up in just cheering for each other and uplifting each other, that's what it really is all about. And it's been a long, long year, and we've done tons of things to get close to each other, to have that trust. So it's good that it's showing now here in the Finals.”

As Wilson said, she has much more basketball to play, and probably more championships and MVPs to win. But it’s easy to see just how close 22 on the Aces is to 23 on the Bulls. 

NBA season 2025-26 preview: Which player who changed teams will have the biggest impact?

Champions, like Oklahoma City, preach continuity.

Continuity is boring. At least to many NBA fans it is — player movement is the lifeblood of the sport. The more the better. It's what drives ratings and draws eyeballs. This offseason saw a lot of players switch teams, but which of those moves will matter? Who are the players who changed teams that will have the biggest impact? Here are seven names to watch — and in the case of a few, we have fantasy basketball notes from our Rotoworld crew on how these moves can affect your teams.

Kevin Durant (Houston)

This was obviously the biggest player move of the offseason — 73% of NBA GMs voted Durant as the player acquisition that will make the biggest impact this season. Anyone who watched Houston last season — especially during their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Warriors — realizes that for all the young athletes on their roster, the Rockets' halfcourt offense needed help.

Enter Kevin Durant. He is a walking halfcourt offense. He's one of the best pure shooters and scorers ever to play the game. As evidence, even in a down year in Phoenix last season, he averaged 26.6 points, shot 43% from 3-point range, plus grabbed six rebounds and dished out 4.2 assists a night. Durant is the guy the Rockets can run off a screen, get him the rock, and watch it rain buckets.

The only question is how much playmaking will fall to Durant with point guard Fred VanVleet out with a torn ACL? While Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard are playing the point and initiating the offense, it seems likely that Durant will handle much more of the shot creation than initially expected. He can handle it, but the Rockets are going to be better in the halfcourt with him off the ball.

Desmond Bane (Orlando)

The only more natural fit than KD in Houston this offseason was Desmond Bane going to Orlando — 17% of NBA GMs thought this was the most impactful offseason move, and it was voted the best under-the-radar acquisition by those same GMs.

The Magic lack shooting and need a bit more shot creation next to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. They get that in Bane — a career 41% shooter from beyond the arc — without giving up defense. Orlando is ready to win now, and spending to get Bane is the best sign that they are looking to take a big step forward in the East.

Myles Turner (Milwaukee)

This was the surprise move of the offseason for a couple of reasons. First, because Turner was a key part of Indiana's run to the Finals, why would ownership try to take a hard line on what they would offer one of the better stretch fives in the league? However, that surprise was nothing compared to the shock of the Bucks waiving and stretching more than $100 million of Damian Lillard's salary, then using that savings to sign Turner.

For the Bucks, at this point in their careers, Turner is an upgrade at center over Brook Lopez — but the pressure will be on him to do more. The entire league is watching Giannis Antetokounmpo and his mood, and if Turner isn't ready to be the No. 2 on this team and have them top five in the East, things get interesting.

Noah Rubin, Rotoworld: Myles Turner left Indiana after a decade with the Pacers to join the Bucks, and he'll fill out the starting center role that Brook Lopez occupied for most of the past seven seasons. During the last few years, Lopez was an elite source of three-pointers and blocks, while playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo made up for his lack of rebounding prowess. Now insert Turner, who has similar statistical strengths and weaknesses. It's a flawless fit, but the Bucks didn't make many other moves this summer, which means Turner will likely be made more of a priority on offense. The 37-year-old Lopez played 31.8 minutes per game last season, which would be a career-high for Turner. He could easily be in for one of his most productive seasons.

Cameron Johnson (Denver)

For my money, this was one of the best pickups of the offseason. Denver doesn't give up anything on offense — Johnson put up 18.8 points a game last season while shooting 39% from 3, MPJ averaged 18.2 points and hit 39.5% from beyond the arc — but the Nuggets get a better defender and a more consistent player. Johnson is fast going to be a favorite of Nikola Jokic and Nuggets fans.

Kristaps Porzingis (Atlanta)

No team made a bigger bet on a player this offseason than Atlanta on Porzingis (except maybe Turner in Milwaukee). Atlanta needed a better rim protector in the paint and a pick-and-pop partner to pair with Trae Young. Porzingis is that, and he paired with the Hawks' other offseason additions (Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard) and getting Jalen Johnson back healthy, this is a Hawks team dreaming of a top-four seed in the East.

However, that dream hinges on Porzingis being healthy. He played in just 42 games last season, partly due to a mysterious virus (which he is reportedly over), and he has played in 65+ games twice in his 10-year NBA career. Atlanta needs him to do that again and be healthy for the playoffs.

Noah Rubin, Rotoworld: After two seasons in Boston, Kristaps Porzingis was traded to the Hawks for pennies on the dollar. He battled a strange illness during the playoffs last year, and while health is certainly still a concern, Porzingis is an excellent fit next to Trae Young in Atlanta. They'll likely manage his minutes and games played, but he's had plenty of fantasy success without needing to play a heavy role. His floor-spacing ability at his size is going to open up driving lanes for both Trae and Jalen Johnson, and the entire offense will thrive as a result. This team has a chance to be incredibly dangerous in the East, and Porzingis' fit is a big part of that. He's also dynamic enough to share the floor with Onyeka Okongwu at times, which will allow both bigs to enjoy strong seasons.

Deandre Ayton (Los Angeles Lakers)

From the moment they traded for Luka Doncic, the Lakers started looking for a screen-setting, rim-running big man on offense who can also protect the paint on defense. They have signed Ayton, who has been those things in the past — he was the starting center on Phoenix's Finals team in 2021 — but has not always been consistent.

"He is gonna have a lot of responsibility this year for things that we want to do," Austin Reaves said of Ayton. "If we want to be as good as we think we can be, we need him to be at his best, whatever that looks like."

The Lakers have bet big this year that his best looks a lot like it did in Phoenix a few years back — he's averaged 7.3 points and 7.7 rebounds, plus 1.7 blocks a game and seems to be finding his way this preseason — and if it does the Lakers will have found their big man (and Ayton will have set himself up for a nice payday next summer).

Cooper Flagg (Dallas)

It feels like cheating to choose the No. 1 pick for this list (he did technically change teams from Duke to Dallas), but in a season that starts without Kyrie Irving for the Mavs, Flagg could have a massive impact.

Flagg's defense and all-around game can help Dallas not just make the playoffs this season but even make some noise once there. He's not going to be Luka Doncic out of the gate, but he can give Mavericks fans hope they can get back to the heights of this franchise.

Bonus name: Norman Powell (Miami), via Noah Rubin, Rotoworld: To start last season, Norman Powell was incredibly productive as one of the primary sources of offense for the Clippers with Kawhi Leonard sidelined. Now, he enters a similar situation, with Tyler Herro (ankle) out to start the season. Powell should get off to a hot start, and even after Herro returns, the Heat will still need Powell's offense to remain competitive. He was pushing for an All-Star appearance in the West last year, but in the East, he may actually be able to do it this season. Coming off the best season of his career, Powell may be able to replicate that production, and perhaps even improve on it.

How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks: TV/live stream info, preview, tip off time

As the NBA begins to ramp up in preseason, we have an exciting matchup on tap.

The defending NBA Champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, travel to Fiserv Forum to face the Milwaukee Bucks for a preseason game Tuesday night on Peacock at 7 p.m. ET.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks team news, preview

The Thunder dominated the league all last season, winning 68 games in the regular season en route to an NBA Finals victory over the Indiana Pacers in seven games. Star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won MVP averaging 32.7 points and 6.4 assists per game. Young stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren shined in the postseason and earned big contract extensions this summer. Oklahoma City once again features a deep, versatile rotation with Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, Luguentz Dort, and Cason Wallace ready to defend their title in 2025-26.

The Bucks for the third straight season got knocked out in the first round of the playoffs a year ago after a 48-34 regular season, losing in five games to the aforementioned Pacers. With the Achilles injury to Damian Lillard forcing him off the floor for the foreseeable future, the Bucks' front office used every trick in the book to maximize this year's roster while still having a top three player across the league in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee waived and stretched Lillard's contract, the largest amount of money to stretch in league history, to sign former Pacers center Myles Turner in free agency. Other key players include Kevin Porter Jr., A.J Green, Gary Trent Jr., and Bobby Portis to provide perimeter shooting around Giannis.

How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Milwaukee Bucks - TV/stream info

  • When: Tuesday, Oct. 14
  • Where: Fiserv Forum — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
  • Time: 8 PM ET
  • TV Channel: Peacock

What NBA games are exclusively on Peacock?

Fans can sign up for a paid Peacock subscription or log into their TV provider on NBC to access 100 regular-season games that will be available to watch on Peacock, NBC, plus NBC playoff games, Conference Finals, and the NBA All-Star game. Fans can also watch Sunday Night Basketball on Peacock and NBC starting in January 2026, exclusive Monday games only on Peacock, and Tuesday night doubleheaders throughout the regular season.

NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule

Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.

NBC Sports is taking over 30 Rock with "30 Rocks" activation to celebrate the NBA's return to NBC and Peacock

NBC Sports and the NBA will be rocking out at 30 Rockefeller Plaza this October, putting on a host of activities and installations for fans to enjoy via a "30 Rocks" activation.

In honor of the NBA’s return to NBC Sports and its Peacock debut, fans can stop by Rockefeller Center from Thursday, October 16 through Tuesday, October 21 to enjoy activities, artwork and appearances by NBA legends and NBC Sports commentators.

The activation will feature 30 customized basketballs – or “rocks” – designed by local artists to reflect the culture of each of the NBA’s 30 clubs and the unique style of the artist.

Following the event’s conclusion on October 21, just in time for the NBA on NBC and Peacock tip off, the 30 “rocks” will be returned to their host cities to be enjoyed by the local fans and communities they represent.

For the host city teams, the Knicks' rock was designed by MADSTEEZ (Mark Paul Deren), while Marka27 (Victor Quinonez) designed the one for the Nets. Both "rocks" feature bold designs that capture the passion and creativity of New York City.

Knicks rock
Nets rock

Other eye-catching "rocks" include Arutyun Gozukuchikyan’s Los Angeles Lakers design, which uses bright, bold colors to create a layered depiction of the sun setting over the city, and the dark, funky rock created for the Portland Trail Blazers by Caleb Jay. Jay’s artistic style draws on street and graffiti aesthetics to create a captivating black and red design for Rip City.

Lakers rock
Trail Blazers rock

Read below to find out more about all the "rocks" and the artists that designed them.

NBA25_30ROCKS_PRESS_16x9 (2).jpg

Atlanta Hawks
Artist: Aysha Pennerman - Website & Handle
Aysha is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in painting and graphic design. Her work includes creative placemaking, murals, and mixed-media portraiture, combining paint, texture and 3D elements to create layered stories. Her murals across Atlanta spark conversations, celebrate culture and highlight the city’s people and communities. Through her work, Aysha’s mission is to bring beauty, joy, and hope into public spaces. Beyond her art, she loves spending time with her family, often watching NBA games or playing basketball together.

Boston Celtics
Artist: Monique Aimee - Website & Handle
Monique Aimee is an illustrator and multidisciplinary artist based out of Joy Street Studios in Somerville, MA. Her work ranges from book cover illustrations and editorial animation to chainstitch embroidery and handpainted murals. Monique Aimee’s style is bold and harmonious with inspiration drawn from folk and fiber art. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Lesley University in 2014 and has been a freelance illustrator for 10+ years. Monique is the 2024 - 2025 Celtics Artist in Residency. She is beyond excited to represent and draw for Boston!

Brooklyn Nets
Artist: Victor Quinonez - Website & Handle
Marka27 is an internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist celebrated for blending street art, design, and cultural iconography into bold, largescale works. Rooted in his Mexican heritage, his murals, installations, and products honor identity and community while shaping the language of contemporary street culture. Over his career, he has collaborated with global brands and exhibited worldwide. Having previously partnered with the Brooklyn Nets, he is proud to join forces with his hometown team once again—spreading love the Brooklyn way while cheering them on with his family at Barclays.

Charlotte Hornets
Artist: Kalin Renee Devone - Handle
Kalin is a painter and public artist who brings bold energy and joy to every surface she touches. Her work is playful, accessible, and rooted in storytelling, whether through traditional oil paintings or large-scale public art. She bridges fine art and community engagement, transforming walls, courts, and shared spaces into vibrant, living canvases. Kalin has led projects across North Carolina, from collaborative murals with students to major commissions like a basketball court for Footlocker and Puma at the Simmons YMCA. Inspired by her love of the NBA and basketball culture, she sees the sport as both creative inspiration and a unifying language for connection.

Chicago Bulls
Artist: Conrad Javier - Website & Handle
Conrad Javier is a professional illustrator from the suburbs of Chicago. He has been freelancing for the past 9 years and has worked with companies such as the NBA, NHL, and MLB. Conrad has spent his career combining his dynamic artistic sensibilities and his love for sports. At a young age, he fell in love with the game of basketball and fulfilled his lifelong dream of working with his favorite team, the Chicago Bulls. He continues to push the boundaries of sports media and illustration. Conrad enjoys painting, photography, and spending quality time with his wife and cat.

Cleveland Cavaliers
Artist: Glen Infante - Website & Handle
Glen is a Cleveland-based artist celebrated for his bold use of color, crisp outlines, and graphic storytelling that bridges sports, culture, and community. His signature style combines playful proportions with striking detail, creating work that feels both nostalgic and modern. Glen has collaborated with athletes, brands, and organizations to produce artwork that resonates with fans and leaves a lasting impression. Deeply inspired by his hometown, he often highlights Cleveland’s energy, landmarks, and pride in his pieces. A lifelong Cavaliers supporter, Glen channels his love for basketball and the NBA into dynamic visuals that honor the game’s influence on culture.

Dallas Mavericks
Artist: Jeremy Biggers - Website & Handle
Jeremy is a visual artist known for his bold, realistic style that bridges fine art and public art. His background in painting and design has led him to create large-scale murals and gallery work that capture powerful narratives of identity, culture, and community. Jeremy’s work has been featured across the country, with commissions from major brands and installations in cities nationwide. A lifelong basketball fan, his love for the Dallas Mavericks and the game itself often informs his practice, with the rhythm, energy, and culture of basketball woven into his creative process.

Denver Nuggets
Artist: Thomas Evans - Website & Handle
Detour is a Denver-based multidisciplinary artist known for bold, large-scale murals and community-driven storytelling. Over more than a decade, he has transformed walls on four continents and created public works for landmarks. Detour’s work celebrates local voices and global connections, while his lifelong love for sports—especially the Denver Nuggets—fuels his dynamic compositions and collaborative energy, infusing his art with the same passion and movement found on the basketball court. Detour painted one of his most widely viewed murals of the Denver Nuggets during their Championship run in 2023. It has become an iconic Denver location to visit.

Detroit Pistons
Artist: Allison Sims - Website & Handle
Allison Sims is a Detroit-based muralist and sneaker artist known for her bold and creative designs that bring stories to life. Originally from Memphis, TN, Sims has taught herself and grown her skills through passion and practice. Sims followed her heart and turned her love for painting into a fulltime career. She has collaborated with the Detroit Pistons, the WNBA's Chicago Sky, and created custom work for rappers, athletes, and private businesses. Her artistry spans from large-scale murals, custom sneakers, and live customizing for events. Her growing portfolio reflects versatility and vision, positioning herself as a sought-after collaborator at the intersection of art, sports, and lifestyle.

Golden State Warriors
Artist: The Illuminaries - Website & Handle
The Illuminaries are a Bay Area collective of Artists and Muralists who specialize in high impact, energizing street art. They understand the power of visual storytelling and transform spaces into immersive experiences that captivate, inspire, and elevate. With dynamic murals laced throughout the Bay Area and beyond, the power to shape urban space is a responsibility they do not take lightly. Their art goes beyond aesthetics, aiming to influence and motivate. The Illuminaries have partnered with iconic clients like the NBA, Golden State Warriors, Under Armour, 49ers, Marriott Hotels, and the City of Oakland. They’re from the Bay so it’s Dubs All Day! Warriors!!!

Houston Rockets
Artist: Alex “Donkeeboy” Roman Jr. - Website & Handle
Donkeeboy is a Houston based visual artist who remixes Pop Art by creating pieces that often consist of double entendres, puns, and mashups. In his early years as a budding artist, he was discouraged by skeptics who didn’t believe he could make it in the art world. They called him “burro,” Spanish for donkey, to taunt him. Motivated by doubt, he claimed the name Donkeeboy. A donkey is loyal, hardworking, and stubborn, just like he was for chasing his dream. He has painted over 100 murals. A favorite collab was with the Houston Rockets, bringing back memories of their ‘94 and ‘95 championship wins.

Indiana Pacers
Artist: Kwazar Martin - Website & Handle
Kwazar is an Indianapolis-based artist known for his bold use of color, dynamic movement, and layered storytelling. His work spans murals, canvases, and collaborative projects, each piece carrying an urban energy that reflects both his roots and his vision for community connection. With a growing portfolio of public and private commissions, Kwazar has established himself as a creative force who brings life to every space he touches. A devoted NBA enthusiast, he often channels the game’s intensity, culture, and spirit of resilience into his art, making his style both recognizable and impactful.

LA Clippers
Artist: Levi Ponce - Website & Handle
Levi Ponce, raised in Los Angeles, learned to paint from his father, muralist Hector Ponce. After earning a B.A. in Animation, he set out to transform his community through art. He painted murals and rallied neighbors, sparking Los Angeles Mural Mile—a movement advancing arts in the San Fernando Valley through artist development, grants, and civic partnerships. For over two decades, Levi has created large-scale works locally and globally, including Interstellar, major theme parks, and SoFi Stadium. His work has been shown at the Petersen Automotive Museum, MACAY, and other institutions. A father of three, his family stays active—on and off the courts since his son’s first Clippers game.

Los Angeles Lakers
Artist: Arutyun Gozukuchikyan - Website & Handle
ArToon was born in Yerevan, Armenia, in 1982 and raised in Los Angeles, where art quickly became his greatest form of expression. From an early age, he was drawn to creating pieces that went beyond the canvas, eventually developing a passion for murals that could inspire, connect, and bring life to public spaces. Over the years, he built a reputation as a respected muralist known for bold colors, layered storytelling, and meaningful narratives. His work can be found throughout Los Angeles — in community centers and in private collections. Outside the studio, Artoon is an avid NBA follower and a devoted Los Angeles Lakers fan.

Memphis Grizzlies
Artist: Jamond Bullock - Handle
Jamond Bullock is a Memphis muralist and curator known for his bold, vibrant style and collaborations with brands like FedEx, Champion, and Starbucks. Guided by the motto “Be Bold, Be Free, Be Alive,” Bullock celebrates creative freedom and joy in expression. A proud partner of his hometown Memphis Grizzlies, Bullock embodies the team’s underdog spirit. Bullock can be seen painting live at weddings, concerts and fundraisers. His historical mural work has been presented in front of Congress and is featured of the Memphis International AirPort.

Miami Heat
Artist: Brian Butler - Website & Handle
Brian Butler’s art practice is deeply rooted in Miami. He organizes the Beach Towel Art Show in the sands of South Beach every December. He is a fixture at local venues, known for illustrating concerts. And his murals grace the walls of Wynwood, the Kaseya Center, and countless locations throughout South Florida. His works are as playful as they are reflective. He regularly summons inspiration from his surroundings, inspired by regional lore and landmarks. He’s had the great honor of working with the Miami Heat on several projects and aspires to one day join the Heat’s Golden Oldies.

Milwaukee Bucks
Artist: BigShot Robot - Website & Handle
Bigshot Robot is a sentient design entity based in Milwaukee, WI. He explores emotional storytelling through bold linework, curious characters, and irreverent humor. He’s been drawing since before he knew how to talk about his feelings, using sketchbooks, paint, and walls as a way to stay curious about the world. Bigshot Robot is an early fan of the Bradley Center nosebleeds, always a fan of the Bucks' He is delighted to contribute to Milwaukee’s creative spirit and competitive legacy.

Minnesota Timberwolves
Artist: Reggie LeFlore - Website & Handle
Reggie LeFlore is a Twin Cities based, freelance visual artist who routinely creates murals for various organizations and local communities throughout the year - with notable projects created in downtown Minneapolis, The Creative Enterprise Zone in St Paul, the City of Bloomington, and more. The Minnesota Timberwolves have been a constant collaborator with LeFlore over the past few years, and so he was thrilled to tap back into his digital talents to create this chilly winter-esque design, one that aims to capture the aesthetics often found in his mural and canvas work.

New Orleans Pelicans
Artist: Brandon “Bmike” Odoms - Website & Handle
Brandan, known as Bmike, is a New Orleans–based visual artist celebrated for his large-scale murals and community driven installations. His work blends bold colors, layered text, and storytelling to honor history while imagining new futures. Exhibited nationally and internationally, his projects include Studio BE, a landmark creative space in New Orleans that attracts artists, athletes, cultural leaders and everyday people. A lifelong fan of the NBA, he sees New Orleans basketball as a force that unites community— players often visit Studio BE, sparking collaborations that bridge art and sport.

New York Knicks
Artist: Mark Deren - Handle
MADSTEEZ (Mark Paul Deren) is a contemporary artist celebrated for his vibrant, surreal“WEENified” aesthetic—blending bold color, abstraction, and distorted portraiture into immersive dreamscapes. Born with a rare degenerative eye condition leaving him blind in one eye, his unique perspective shapes a world where reality and fantasy collide. His large-scale murals span five continents, while his painted basketball courts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens reflect his community roots. His NBA ties run deep and include direct collaborations with Shaquille O'Neal, Scottie Pippen, and Carmelo Anthony, as well as Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan through Nike. A lifelong Knicks fan since the Ewing era, MADSTEEZ continues to fuse pop culture and imagination into unforgettable, WEENoscopic works.

Oklahoma City Thunder
Artist: Taylor Clark - Website & Handle
Taylor Clark is a muralist and acrylic painter based in Oklahoma City, where her faith serves as the heartbeat of her creative journey. Taylor has been featured in group exhibitions, including Plaza Walls 2023 and Sunny Dayz Mural Festival 2025. Specializing in live painting, she collaborates with Oklahoma Humane Society and the Oklahoma City Thunder, where she is a 2024–2025 member of the Thunder Artist Group. Forever repping the OKC Thunder, nothing beats the energy of a home game! Whether teaching classes, painting live, or creating personal commissions, she continues to push her creative boundaries, each piece a step forward in her journey to master her craft.

Orlando Magic
Artist: Swishh Dreams - Website & Handle
HJ is a multidisciplinary artist with a background in screen printing and interactive design. Inspired by a lifelong obsession of basketball, HJ creates visuals that capture the game’s playfulness and energy. Beyond the studio, HJ renovates and designs outdoor courts, managing installations that transform community spaces—over 35 nationwide, including three in Orlando. Since moving to Orlando in 2013, HJ has been a proud Magic fan, embracing game nights and team culture. For HJ, basketball is both a teacher and a source of joy and he wants to share that through his work.

Philadelphia 76ers
Artist: Tiff Urquhart - Website & Handle
Tiff is a contemporary artist and muralist known for her bold colors, dynamic patterns and street art inspired style. She has painted murals across the country, working with both major brands and local communities, always bringing energy and movement into her work. A lifelong NBA fan, she loves the Philadelphia 76ers and often channels the excitement of the game into her art. Whether courtside or in the studio, Tiff’s passion and energy fuels her creativity and keeps her connected to the vibrant culture of the sport.

Phoenix Suns
Artist: Miguel Godoy - Website & Handle
Miguel is a Chicano artist, professor at Estrella Mountain Community College, community-based muralist, and designer whose work blends storytelling, culture, and collaboration. Rooted in the desert Southwest, his designs often draw on hand-drawn elements inspired by his father’s Chicano ballpoint pen art and his early influences in Hip Hop. Miguel has partnered with major organizations, including the Phoenix Suns, where he designed the El Valle City Edition uniform, Ring of Honor portraits, and fan graphics. A devoted Suns fan, Miguel channels his love for the team into designs that celebrate Phoenix pride and culture.

Portland Trailblazers
Artist: Caleb Jay - Website & Handle
Caleb is a Portland-based artist and curator whose work combines street art, anime-inspired aesthetics, and layered textures to transform public spaces. With over 15 years of experience, he has painted large-scale murals on some of Portland’s most iconic buildings, leaving lasting marks that celebrate community and history. His projects often blur the line between gallery and street, inviting accessibility and engagement. A lifelong NBA fan, Caleb draws inspiration from the Portland Trail Blazers’ commitment to community outreach and the belief that play is essential to building healthy, thriving neighborhoods.

Sacramento Kings
Artist: Jeremy Stranger - Website & Handle
Jeremy Stanger, a lifelong painter, resides and works as a professional artist in Sacramento, California. With a tradesman's approach, Stanger considers art a craft that opens the flow of channels. He executes using self-taught techniques he has been compiling for almost three decades. From his foundation as a graffiti artist since '93 to working as a full-time decorative artist in NYC for eight years, Stanger is experienced in creative energy and endurance. By focusing on geometric designs, letters, and the flow of natural materials, he creates meticulously planned custom art and murals.

San Antonio Spurs
Artist: David “Shek” Vega - Website & Handle
Shek Vega is a street art veteran with more than 25 years of experience, rooted in graffiti and known for blending fine art with street culture. He leads Gravelmouth Art Gallery, serves as president of the San Antonio Street Art Initiative 501(c)(3), and co-owns Los Otros Murals with partner Nik Soup. Collectively, he has produced over 200 murals around the US. Some including campaign collaborations with the San Antonio Spurs. “Our love for the Spurs is deeply rooted. They are part of the cultural fabric of our city. We are beyond honored to play a small part in their great legacy.

Toronto Raptors
Artist: Paul Glyn-Williams - Handle
SumArtist is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans painting, graffiti, digital graphics and large-scale murals. Known for vibrant focal points set against greyscale backdrops, his work captures the emotion behind cultural icons and legendary sports moments. His art is held in the collection of NBA champion Matt Barnes, and his large-scale works have become part of Toronto’s cultural fabric, including a 60-foot mural immortalizing José Bautista’s “Bat Flip” moment and a 50ft Toronto Raptors tribute to Vince Carter. A lifelong Raptors devotee, SumArtist channels his fandom into art that celebrates the team’s legacy and its power to inspire, unite and define the country.

Utah Jazz
Artist: Trent Call - Website & Handle
Trent grew up in Salt Lake City watching Utah Jazz games on TV in the late 80's and early 90's. He collected basketball cards and even had a chance to attend a few games hearing Hot Rod Hundley exclaim, "You gotta love it, Baby!" He is actively engaged in a diversity of ongoing creative projects, including murals, oil paintings, illustrations and sign painting. Trent’s work combines various influences from early animation, graffiti, pop art, and outmoded Americana.

Washington Wizards
Artist: Chris Pyrate - Website & Handle
Chris Pyrate is an artist and designer from Washington, D.C. known for his vibrant, floral-inspired work that blends street culture with fine art. His signature style—characterized by bold linework juxtaposed with soft pastel hues—reflects a harmonious balance that’s been described as "energetically tranquil." This aesthetic appears across murals, sculptures, fashion through his namesake fashion label, Chris Pyrate; as well as on high profile collaborations with the likes of Washington Wizards, MCM, Apple and more Pyrate’s work reaches international audiences, especially in Tokyo, where he’s held exhibitions and fashion openings. His evolving practice now includes storytelling through his upcoming manga and animation projects.

Draymond Green seemingly torches Lakers' Dalton Knecht with trade deadline jab

Draymond Green seemingly torches Lakers' Dalton Knecht with trade deadline jab originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason matchup Sunday night featured a familiar sight — Draymond Green taunting an opponent.

Midway through the game, Los Angeles center Deandre Ayton stepped to the line for a pair of free throws. After Ayton sank the first, cameras appeared to catch rookie forward Dalton Knecht seemingly trash-talking the Golden State veteran near the paint.

Green — never one to back down — quickly fired back.

“He talking s—t like he ain’t get traded and sent back. F—k wrong with him,” Green said.

The moment Green referenced came from one of the strangest twists of last season. In the span of just a few days, Dalton Knecht went from being a Los Angeles Laker, to a Charlotte Hornet, and back to a Laker again — all before he’d even unpacked.

At the February trade deadline, the Lakers agreed to send Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and their 2031 first-round pick to Charlotte in exchange for 7-foot center Mark Williams. But the deal collapsed after Williams reportedly failed his physical, nullifying the trade and sending Knecht back to Los Angeles.

Knecht later told reporters the whirlwind felt “like a movie” — a surreal experience of being traded, traveling to meet his new team, and then returning to the same locker room days later.

Green, known for his fiery competitiveness, clearly hasn’t forgotten.

Preseason or not, Green showed once again he doesn’t need the regular season to bring his usual regular-season energy.

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Mazzulla makes emphatic point about Celtics' preseason rebounding woes

Mazzulla makes emphatic point about Celtics' preseason rebounding woes originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

An often exasperated Joe Mazzulla spent much of his Sunday night pointing down the bench for subs each time his team failed to secure a defensive rebound against the star-less Cleveland Cavaliers.

During one sequence midway through the second quarter, Mazzulla called for three subs in less than 20 seconds as his team gave up three consecutive offensive rebounds before a 24-second violation mercifully ended the possession.

Anfernee Simons got caught out of position and Mazzulla pointed to Derrick White to replace him. Neemias Queta couldn’t corral the next misfire and Mazzulla called for Josh Minott to sub in. When rookie Hugo Gonzalez failed to secure the next rebound opportunity, Sam Hauser joined the growing cluster at the scorer’s table.

It felt like a bit the scene in Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswold brings a gift to his boss, Frank Shirley. An annoyed Shirley doesn’t have time for small talk and picks up his office phone and tells his secretary, “Get me somebody. Anybody. And get me someone while I’m waiting!”

Boston’s defensive rebound rate this preseason is 64.3 percent. That’s 7.4 percent below the team’s 71.7 defensive rebound rate last season, which ranked seventh in the NBA. The Celtics’ current 64.3 percent mark would have been 3.5 percent worse than last-place Philadelphia for the entirety of the 2024-25 season.

Mazzulla has had a short leash on his players all preseason for their miscues, particularly on the glass, and it was on full display on Sunday night. The Cavaliers attempted a staggering 102 field goal attempts, making just 36. That’s 66 misfires, with Boston securing just 39 offensive rebounds. (The Cavs had 21 offensive rebounds.)

Boston’s defensive rebound rate of 59.7 percent on Sunday was its worst of the preseason. The first two games were nothing to write home about, either (68.5 percent vs. Toronto; 66.1 percent vs. Memphis)

Mazzulla, already seemingly riled up after answering a postgame query about 3-pointers, bristled at multiple postgame questions surrounding the team’s rebounding woes. He repeatedly noted the team simply needed to, “Find five guys that will rebound.”

The Celtics produced a 31-point preseason victory on Sunday night, and you would have through they lost by 31 based on Mazzulla’s postgame tone. But this team has always emphasized process over results.

After the offseason departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kornet, and Al Horford, rebounding was bound to be in the spotlight to start the new campaign. The Celtics have received positive output from some of their new faces, including the trio of Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and Josh Minott. But how the big-man rotation will shake out remains unclear just nine days before the start of the season.

Neemias Queta had an excellent summer playing for Portugal at EuroBasket but has had two rough showings to start the preseason. Newcomers Boucher and Garza have been sharper, but no combination of players has quite solved Boston’s rebounding issues.

Mazzulla has experimented this preseason starting double-big lineups with Boucher at one of the big man spots, then went single big with Boucher on Sunday night. It was 6-foot-4 Derrick White who led the Celtics with seven rebounds against the Cavaliers.

Mazzulla has set a tone of accountability with his quick hooks in these games. The Celtics seem hell-bent on making up for some of Boston’s talent drain by playing harder and smarter. Mazzulla, with his penchant for the margins, will not allow his team to beat itself by not putting in the effort necessary to finish defensive possessions.

Maybe that will force the team to play bigger to start the season, potentially pairing Boucher with another big up front. Minott and Garza have been two of the team’s better rebounders at various times this preseason and can help the team shore up that area. But the bottom line is that, when you lose two experienced 7-footers and one of the smartest 6-foot-9 guys in the league, then you just need to work harder on the glass.

We suspect Monday’s film session will focus a lot more on what went wrong than what went well. That’s too bad because the Celtics’ offense has been humming, Simons has shown he can get hot in a hurry, and Boston has plenty of reasons to be optimistic about its ability to remain competitive during the 2025-26 season.

But Mazzulla knows that the margin for error is slimmer while waiting for Jayson Tatum to get back to full health, and that the Celtics can’t gift their opponent extra possessions.

On Sunday night, Mazzulla made his point. The Celtics have to show they listened with their effort on the glass moving forward.

Given the wheel, Brandin Podziemski aces preseason test in Warriors' loss

Given the wheel, Brandin Podziemski aces preseason test in Warriors' loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Brandin Podziemski is yearning to prove he is the player Warriors coach Steve Kerr says he is and, therefore, would like to silence some of the critical chatter thrown his way by outside personnel evaluators, particularly those on social media.

With Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III out Sunday night, Kerr handed the offense to the youngsters. To Podziemski, with Jonathan Kuminga as his primary tag-team partner. It was an audition of sorts, to see how the offense would perform without the usual producers.

While Kuminga’s performance in a 126-116 preseason loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles was equal parts grand and ghastly, Podziemski aced the test.

“He was great,” Kerr told reporters at Crypto.com Arena. “He’s been really aggressive throughout camp. I know he didn’t score particularly well in the first two games, but this is more like what he’s looked like in practice and scrimmages. Super aggressive, very confident with his shot, moving the ball …

“He just has a good feel and a good flow, a good pace to his game. He was definitely aggressive and playing at a high level. I think he knew without Steph and Jimmy, he needed to be more aggressive.”

Starting at point guard in place of Curry, Podziemski delivered a team highs points (23) on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, including 3 of 7 from distance and assists (eight), while tying for second in rebounds (five).

Of the 13 Warriors who played at least eight minutes, Podziemski was one of two to post positive plus/minus numbers. Playing a team-high 26 minutes, he committed two turnovers yet finished with a team-best plus-6, with Gary Payton II submitting a plus-5.

Podziemski was the catalyst in the Warriors’ terrific third quarter, when, they outscored LA 39-27, trimming the 17-point halftime deficit (63-46) to five (90-85). He scored 14 points in 10 minutes, with 6-of-8 shooting from the floor, including 2 of 4 from beyond the arc. He added three assists and one steal.

It was the purpose with which Podziemski moved that stood out. He has reduced his wasted motion and maintained focus on the task of coordinating the squad. Only one of his 16 field-goal attempts was a blatantly forced.

“Just have (to have) an understanding of who’s out, who I’ve got on the floor with me, what I’ve got to do as a point guard to make sure everybody gets their touches – but also play within myself,” Podziemski said. “I think I did a good job of evenly distributing the load throughout the guys I was out there with.”

Podziemski’s development is crucial to Golden State achieving its goal of making a strong start to the season. Though De’Anthony Melton is projected as the eventual starter in the backcourt alongside Curry, he’s still post-surgery rehab and could miss the first month, if not more. Moses Moody, another candidate, did not play Sunday and will sit the final two preseason games while nursing soreness in his left calf.

The job, then, will fall into the hands of Podziemski, a lesser defender than the either Melton or Moody, but perhaps possessing a more comprehensive set of skills of offense.

“I can’t say that yet,” Kerr said when asked about the possibility of Podziemski as a starter. “We’ve got to see where we are. Brandon’s going to play a ton. He’s a hugely important player for us. But the starting lineup, frankly, is a little tricky for us, given the pieces and (Al Horford’s) age.

Horford remains a likely starter, but only Draymond Green, Butler and Curry are locked into the lineup. Kerr and his staff still are studying the best ways to manage the minutes of the 39-year-old center.

“If Al were a little younger, he’d be in the starting lineup for sure,” Kerr said. “But if he’s playing limited minutes, it’s tougher to start him and finish the game. If he’s not playing as many minutes as he would have a few years ago. So, we still have a lot to think about. But Brandon is going to be a huge part of it one way or the other.”

With Kuminga joining Podziemski in the starting lineup against the Lakers, the offense spent the first half looking like a unit that introduced to each other on Sunday morning. The most spectacular highlight was a left-handed transition dunk by Kuminga, but he committed turnovers in 15 first-half minutes, as the Warriors gifted LA 12 points off 14 Golden State turnovers before halftime.

“We had too many turnovers; he had a couple of them,” Kerr said. “We’ll have to look at the tape, but it felt like our spacing wasn’t great on some of those turnovers. But 14 as a team in the first half, you can’t recover from that. We’ve got to clean that up.

“But that was the whole team.”

In addition to Kuminga’s five first-half turnovers, Green committed three and Buddy Hield was charged with two.

Podziemski? He had one in the half, two in the game. If that becomes the norm, he’ll be hard to keep out of the team’s first seven. On a roster with such advanced age at the top, there must be a place for productive, youthful energy.

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NBA Fantasy Basketball Busts 2025-26: Players to Fade in 9-Category Leagues

Drafting the right players can make or break your fantasy basketball season, but knowing who to avoid is equally crucial. As we head into the 2025-26 NBA season, several big-name players carry significant bust potential despite their attractive ADPs. From injury concerns to reduced roles, these five NBA stars could derail your fantasy roster if you're not careful.

2025 Fantasy Basketball Busts

LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers (ADP 22)

News broke Thursday that James (sciatica) is going to miss the start of the regular season. It will mark the first time in his career that he will not be ready for a season opener. Injuries weren't a major issue for him last season, with him playing 70 games and averaging 35 minutes. He turned that hefty workload into averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.1 three-pointers per game.

It's not a decline in production that makes James someone to consider fading. He will turn 41 years old in December and is coming off back-to-back seasons in which he appeared in at least 70 games. The Lakers have needed him to play a ton based on their past roster construction, but they don't have the same issues this year. Luka Doncic can carry the load whenever James is out, and the Lakers have a good overall supporting cast that includes Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton. They also improved their depth with the additions of Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia. James' main goal is to be healthy for what he hopes will be a deep playoff run. Given his age, expect him to be very cautious with any injuries that come up. Even when he's healthy, he could see added rest days, especially down the stretch. He's too risky to be a second or third round pick in fantasy. 

Josh Hart, New York Knicks (ADP 55)

Hart was a breakout star for those who drafted him last season. He provided excellent all-around production, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.1 three-pointers. He also shot 52.5% from the field, which was up from 43.4% the season prior. Many fantasy managers were able to select him outside the top 100 in their leagues, making him one of the best values of the season.

Things could be very different for Hart this season. Tom Thibodeau was a very fantasy-friendly coach, often riding his starters heavy minutes. Hart was no exception, as he averaged 38 minutes while playing 77 games. Thibodeau is gone and has been replaced by Mike Brown. The Knicks have also improved their bench, bringing in Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele and Malcolm Brogdon. Hart could even lose his starting job to Mitchell Robinson, who missed most of last season while battling injury. In what could end up being a drastic decline in playing time, Hart is difficult to justify selecting this early in drafts.

Michael Porter Jr., Brooklyn Nets (ADP 67)

The Nuggets needed to make some moves to improve their cap situation and add depth. Their lack of talent on the bench was a big problem last season and contributed to them being ousted from the playoffs. In order to make bench additions, the Nuggets traded Porter to the Nets in a deal that landed them Cameron Johnson. Denver then used their cap flexibility to add Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Jonas Valanciunas.

Porter goes from being the number three or four option on the Nuggets to being a leading man with Cam Thomas on the Nets. An increased usage rate should help his scoring upside. However, Porter now finds himself on a rebuilding team that is filled with rookies. The Nets aren't likely to make a run for a playoff spot, so we could see Porter rested down the stretch. Even if Porter gets off to a hot start with his new squad, he might not be able to maintain it.

Jordan Poole, New Orleans Pelicans (ADP 73)

After struggling in his first campaign with the Wizards, Poole bounced back to average 20.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 3.5 three-pointers last season. On the downside, he shot just 43.2% from the field and averaged 3.0 turnovers. He changed teams yet again this offseason, being moved to the Pelicans in a trade that sent C.J. McCollum to the Wizards.

Poole now finds himself part of a much more talented roster that includes Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III. That might make it difficult to maintain his 29.0% usage rate from last year. Dejounte Murray (Achilles) could also return around January, which could throw a wrinkle into Poole's playing time. Don't be surprised if Poole's scoring numbers take a significant hit this season.

Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers (ADP 77)

It couldn't have gone much worse for George during his first season with the 76ers. Injuries limited him to just 41 games. When he was on the floor, he wasn't very effective. He averaged only 16.2 points, breaking his streak of nine straight seasons in which he averaged at least 21.5 points. He also shot just 43.0% from the field. On the bright side, he did chip in 5.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.8 steals and 2.3 three-pointers per game.

While George is generally being drafted outside the top 75 this season, he's still someone to consider fading. His injury concerns are nothing new, as he has played more than 56 games in a season just one time since he left the Thunder following the 2018-19 campaign. He is currently dealing with a knee injury that could impact him at the start of the season. It's difficult to have much faith in the 35-year-old remaining healthy.

JJ Redick isn't overly concerned about the Lakers' on-court chemistry

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks to guard Austin Reaves.
Lakers coach JJ Redick talks to guard Austin Reaves during a 126-116 preseason win over the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

The question caused Lakers coach JJ Redick to say he was “not being combative" with his answer.

Asked if the Lakers are missing opportunities to practice more and build on-court chemistry because of their busy six-game preseason slate, Redick was quick to wonder why reporters were so concerned about the situation.

“You guys are really harping on this,” Redick responded.

So, Redick was asked, is it a thing or is it not a thing?

“I’m not being combative right now,” Redick said. “I just want to acknowledge that you guys, like the last four days, like it’s becoming a little bit obsessive with all these questions about opportunities lost. So, I will answer it again. These are the cards that we were dealt. I sure would like everybody to be healthy.”

Making the most out of the situation, the Lakers held off the Golden State Warriors 126-116 Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena despite not playing with LeBron James (sciatica), Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart (Achilles tendinopathy).

Redick said the plan is for Smart to “get two games [in] this week.”

Read more:LeBron James to miss Lakers' opening game because of sciatica issue

The Lakers have three remaining preseason games: Tuesday at Phoenix, Wednesday at Las Vegas against the Dallas Mavericks and Friday against the visiting Sacramento Kings — four games over a six-day span.

Redick was reminded that the Lakers as an organization have chosen to play six preseason games — the maximum allowed by the NBA.

“It’s something to be discussed I think going forward,” Redick said. “I think it’s awesome. I really do because we got to play in Palm Springs and I think it’s awesome that we get to play in Vegas and I recognize that there’s Lakers fans all over the world that maybe don’t get the chance to see us play.

"You hope that we can find some sort of balance in the future to get more practice time, less travel time. I’m sure at some point we’ll be one of the teams going overseas, so then that adds another scenario."

Los Angeles Lakers' Bronny James (9) and Golden State Warriors' Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Lakers guard Bronny James, front, and Golden State forward Trayce Jackson-Davis battle for a rebound in the first half Sunday of the Lakers' 126-116 preseason win at Crypto.com Arena. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

Redick did say for training camp purposes, practice tends to be more helpful in team building than preseason games.

“I think more practices would be beneficial," Redick said. “I do think the exposure to a game situation and playing against an opponent is very beneficial. You don’t have a lot of days anymore and to try to cram six games in there [and] four games in six nights, it’s significantly difficult.”

Against the Warriors on Sunday, Austin Reaves (21 points), Dalton Knecht (16), Rui Hachimura (16) and Deandre Ayton (14 points, eight rebounds, five assists) were on top of their games.

For Ayton, who was six for eight from the field and had a blocked shot, his joy came from the fans cheering him on. Sure, it was only a preseason game, but Ayton loved the vibe and the positive energy he felt.

It was Ayton’s first time playing at Crypto.com Arena since he signed a two-year, $16.6-million deal with the Lakers.

“It hit me in the whole arena today just hearing the fans and everybody cheering,” Ayton said. “It was kind of an unusual sound other than boos. ... It was everybody showing love and welcoming me to L.A. I played so freely and I had a lot of fun."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.