NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks shoots a basket against Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Another two winless teams will square off at Madison Square Garden tonight, when the Knicks (0-2) host the Orlando Magic (0-2). The World Champs share the basement of the Eastern Conference with Disneys, but won’t for long. Paolo Banchero is out for Orlando with a bum ankle, as is Jonathan Issac, Noah Penda, and Izaiyah Nelson. As fo this early-morning writing, Orlando’s Anthony Black and New York’s Jose Alvarado (ankle) are game-time-decision.
This should be a gimme for our guys, so let’s see if they’re up to the task. Tip off is 7 pm EST on NBA League Pass. This is your game thread. This is Pinstriped Post. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!
The team fell to its first loss Sunday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, losing a 106-93 game to the Pistons. Detroit improved to 3-0 and the Sixers dipped to 3-1.
Tyrese Maxey was the Sixers’ top scorer with 29 points. LeBron James added 18, Jaylen Brown 16.
Pistons star Cade Cunningham had 26 points and Duncan Robinson scored 21.
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Sixers were shorthanded. Their players out included Joel Embiid (right plantar fasciitis injury management), VJ Edgecombe (abdominal contusion) and Jabari Walker (left knee soreness).
Detroit was down Jalen Duren (right hamstring strain) and Ausar Thompson (right ankle sprain).
The Sixers will next play Wednesday when they visit the Pacers. Here are observations on their defeat to Detroit:
Sixers woeful on many fronts in early going
The Sixers opted against starting a conventional center. They began the game with Maxey, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brown, James and Dean Wade. Adem Bona later subbed in at center.
Positional labels didn’t matter much for the Sixers’ defense, which appeared to start the night switching every screen. On the other end, former Sixers center Paul Reed guarded James, who operated frequently as a screener.
The Sixers’ starters had a hard time doing just about everything in their first stint. Rebounding was a glaring and predictable problem. Detroit had five offensive rebounds before the Sixers grabbed their first defensive board.
Maxey missed two early attempts in the paint and a mid-range jumper. Reed converted a put-back layup, Cunningham scored a fast-break hoop, and Sixers head coach Nick Nurse burned a timeout. His team plummeted into a 15-1 hole.
Entering the season, it was evident that the Sixers were thin at backup center without Ariel Hukporti (right Achilles tendon tear) and Dominick Barlow (lower back stress reaction). They did not have a remotely encouraging start Sunday in their first Embiid-less game of the regular season.
Slow start, foul trouble for Maxey
Maxey was whistled for his second foul with 6:09 to go in the first quarter.
That led to first-period minutes for rookie Labaron Philon Jr. He scored his first NBA points with a fast-break floater.
Anfernee Simons and Bona were the two other members of the shorthanded Sixers’ second unit. Bona fared rather well late in the first quarter. After recording six rebounds over the Sixers’ first three games, Bona matched that number in the first, played active defense and chipped in a bucket and a block. He logged 25 minutes on the night and had six points, 13 rebounds and three blocks.
Maxey checked back in to start the second quarter. He got on the scoreboard with 7:06 left in the second, although he picked up his third foul 32 seconds later.
Detroit’s defense focused on containing Maxey and had plenty of success in the first half. Daniss Jenkins guarded him tightly and the Sixers’ All-NBA guard often saw a crowd of bodies in the lane.
No comeback up Sixers’ sleeve this time
Down 21 points late in the second quarter, the Sixers stormed back into the game. They closed the quarter on a 9-0 spurt and at least gave themselves a legitimate chance in the second half.
The Sixers kept rolling to kick off the half, scoring the first five points of the third quarter. James’ fast-break lay-in cut the Pistons’ lead to 58-53 and had the home fans fired up.
The Sixers still maintained considerable pressure on the Pistons in the fourth quarter.
Bona slammed in a put-back dunk and then chased down an offensive rebound on the Sixers’ next possession. Maxey eventually hit a mid-range shot over Jenkins to trim the Sixers’ deficit to 79-75. He got on track in the second half and created his typical trouble for the opposing defense with world-class downhill speed.
The Pistons avoided a disastrous downslide. Credit to the Sixers for another serious, high-energy comeback push — and on the second leg of a back-to-back — but the bottom line is they paid for a poor start and tasted defeat for the first time on Sunday night.
Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players...
Oct. 27, 5:40 p.m.
Jose Alvarado will miss his second straight game with an ankle sprain as he will not feature for New York on Tuesday night against the Detroit Pistons.
Alvarado last played in the team's 107-103 loss against the Boston Celtics on Friday and struggled on the court during his 11 minutes of action.
He scored just two points to go along with two rebounds, two assists, and a steal, but he turned the ball over three times and finished as a minus-10.
Alvarado fared better in the season-opener, scoring eight points with three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and was a plus-6 in 16 minutes.
Oct. 25, 5:40 p.m.
Jose Alvarado popped up on New York's injury report on Saturday and has now been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic with a left ankle sprain, according to head coach Mike Brown in his pregame press conference.
The backup point guard is the lone Knicks player to appear on the injury report.
They’ve opened the season by making a statement with wins over the Spurs and Nuggets. The 2025 champions are showing they’re serious about reaching the mountaintop again after getting eliminated by the Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
2. Philadelphia 76ers
LeBron James and company look like the real deal after beating the defending champion Knicks as well as the Celtics. James, who’s turning 42 years old this season, could actually win his fifth championship if the 76ers keep this up.
Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James (23) and Tyrese Maxey celebrate after a score against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
3. New York Knicks
Their 0-2 start isn’t great. But they’re the defending champions and deserve to be near the top of these rankings until proven otherwise.
4. San Antonio Spurs
There will be some growing pains integrating a three-guard rotation. But it won’t be long until they figure it out. Wemby carried this team to the Finals last year and he’s expected to carry them far again.
5. Houston Rockets
This team might’ve been slept on entering the season. Fred VanVleet is back and Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. are looking dangerous. The Rockets could be a dark horse in the West.
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler, left, shoots as LA Clippers center Brook Lopez defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Anthony Edwards is so much fun. He opened this season with a 45-point performance against the Heat. When he and LaMelo Ball figure things out, the Timberwolves could make some real noise.
8. Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Kawhi Leonard and Immanuel Quickley can’t be slept on this season. The Raptors’ starters combined for 92 points to beat the Bulls by 43 points in their opening game.
9. Detroit PIstons
They’re looking good but were dealt a blow when Jalen Duren suffered a right hamstring strain. He’s going to be reevaluated in two weeks, which means the team is going to face a very tough stretch without him, including playing the 76ers twice and the Knicks.
10. Boston Celtics
Paul George had a 38-point performance in the Celtics’ loss to the Pistons in their season-opener, followed by Jayson Tatum scoring 36 points in a win over the Knicks. The Celtics’ stars are looking ready to go.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) battles for position with New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) during the first quarter of a game at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
11. Denver Nuggets
This team has a great starting lineup. But not much depth.
12. Portland Trail Blazers
Welcome back, Dame. We missed you. Lillard has seemingly found his rhythm after missing last season because of a torn left Achilles’ tendon. Lillard, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara are going to be a lot of fun this season.
13. Memphis Grizzlies
The 19-year-old Cam Boozer already looks like an All-Star. In his second NBA game, he finished with 25 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals in a win over the Warriors.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers will need more scoring from James Harden, who’s averaging 14 points over two games, if they’re going to make any noise in the East.
15. Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg could be dangerous when they find a rhythm alongside one another. They’ve had a tough opening schedule, with losses to the Spurs and Rockets. But this team has a lot of promise.
Cooper Flagg (32) and Kyrie Irving (11) of the Dallas Mavericks look on during a game against the Indiana Pacers on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. NBAE via Getty Images
16. Indiana Pacers
We’ve learned not to underestimate Tyrese Haliburton after he led the Pacers to the Finals in 2025. This team will always be dangerous with him on it.
17. Miami Heat
The Heat are off to a rough start at 0-3. But Bam Adebayo hasn’t looked like himself. We’re still optimistic that he and Giannis Antetokounmpo will figure things out, though.
18. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks beat the Magic and Hornets and a lot of guys are making contributions. They have a lot of promise on both sides of the court.
19. Charlotte Hornets.
Love seeing Naz Reid balling out for the Hornets. He’s averaging career-highs in points (20), rebounds (8.7) and assists (three) in his team’s three games, including wins over the Heat and Nets and a loss against the Hawks.
20. Orlando Magic
An 0-2 start isn’t what Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs had in mind. This team better get things together or it’s going to be a long season.
21. Utah Jazz
A 20-point loss to the Grizzlies in their season-opener wasn’t on their bingo card. But it’s early and I expect Lauri Markkanen to get his act together soon.
22. Phoenix Suns
They lost to the Trail Blazers by 41 points in their season-opener. Still stunned by that. But Devin Booker redeemed himself with a 43-point performance against the Warriors on Saturday.
23. Washington Wizards
Trae Young and Anthony Davis both have a lot to prove. This team is a wildcard. They could exceed expectations…or flounder. They’ve only really been tested by the Raptors so far in a 112-102 loss. This is a team to keep your eye on.
24. Chicago Bulls
Caleb Wilson has lived up to expectations, averaging 22.3 points and eight rebounds in three games. His Rookie of the Year campaign has officially begun.
LA Clippers guard Darius Garland, right, passes while under pressure from Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic during the second half of an NBA basketball game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
25. Los Angeles Clippers
They’re missing so many guys, but Darius Garland looks like he’s back in All-Star mode, which is nice to see after he was hampered by injuries last season.
26. Golden State Warriors
Things aren’t looking great for this injury-riddled team that’s without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody moody for the first few months of the season and Kristaps Porzingis indefinitely. But they still have Steph Curry and Draymond Green. And Yaxel Lendeborg is a ton of fun on and off the court, including recently making waves for saying he lost all respect for Luka Doncic.
27. New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are off to an 0-3 start, though they did take the Nuggets to overtime in a game on Saturday. It appears to be the same old sad story for this team.
28. Sacramento Kings
It’s going to be a long season for the Kings, who currently have the second-worst offensive rating in the NBA (102.4).
29. Brooklyn Nets
They’re in rebuild mode, but Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. are still fun to watch.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 16: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards dunks during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 16, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards announced that forward AJ Dybantsa is out for tomorrow’s road game against the Charlotte Hornets, which was reported by our own Greg Finberg.
NEWS: AJ Dybantsa (ankle) is OUT for Monday's game against the Charlotte Hornets, per the Wizards' injury report.https://t.co/ENgG3TnGM4
It’s frustrating that Dybantsa has yet to play a game this season. But the Wizards are appearing to take a conservative approach and they are 2-1 this season. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on October 21, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Hornets won 110-103. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets are still searching for their first win of the 2026-27 season, and they’ll have to find it on tired legs.
Brooklyn nearly erased a 22-point deficit in Cleveland on Saturday, outscoring the Cavaliers 41-29 in the fourth quarter before falling 125-121. The Nets return to Barclays Center on Sunday to face the Indiana Pacers in the second game of a back-to-back.
Meanwhile, sixth-overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. won’t be active for this one. He’s already on a minutes restriction and it looks like the Nets will keep him out of second night of back-to-backs for the foreseeable future. He rolled his ankle in the preseason.
Indiana arrives in Brooklyn coming off their own 16-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Game Info & How to Watch
Matchup: Brooklyn Nets (0-2) vs. Indiana Pacers (1-1)
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN
Nets-Pacers Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. — OUT
Indiana Pacers
T.J. McConnell – OUT
Johnny Furphy – OUT
Ben Sheppard – OUT
Braden Smith – DOUBTFUL
💬 Discussion
Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.
Oct 16, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jon Endow-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Two years ago, no one could have fathomed the idea of Luka Dončić retiring anywhere but Dallas. The Mavericks had built a team capable of making the Finals around him and his fierce loyalty all made it seem like a done deal that he’d be the Dirk Nowitzki successor and play his whole career in Texas.
Everyone knows what transpired next with Luka shockingly being shipped to Los Angeles. The Lakers have worked to build a team around their new superstar, who still remains as loyal as ever. And given how the Lakers have treated him, it’s not surprising that Luka now feels the same about his new franchise as he did about his last.
In a recent interview with Melissa Rohlin of the California Post, he said he feels comfortable in Los Angeles and wants to finish his career in purple and gold (emphasis added).
“After that, at training camp last year, I felt I was where I belonged,” Dončić told the California Post. “I feel very good in LA. I’m very excited. Very happy. Obviously it’s a beautiful place to live. But just being with the Lakers organization, being a part of it, it’s such an honor. It’s amazing to be here.”
Dončić has embraced the whiplash-inducing change he never envisioned.
When asked if he wants to retire as a Laker, he didn’t hesitate.
“Hopefully, yeah,” Dončić told the California Post. “But as you know in this NBA business, you never know what’s going to happen. But I feel like I’ve found something here that’s very comfortable for me. And hopefully [that happens].”
While this is the first time Luka has said he wants to retire with the franchise, the overall sentiment of wanting to remain with the franchise has been consistent pretty much since he landed in Los Angeles.
The ball, then, is in the Lakers’ court. If Luka wants to be with the franchise for the rest of his career, it’s on them to put a team around him to remain competitive.
It is encouraging, though, that Luka wants to be here long-term. The challenge now is to make sure he keeps that mindset.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 10: Guard Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers guards guard Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the third quarter at Rocket Arena on January 10, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 146-134. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a frustrating start to the season. They’ve shown how good they could be with impressive stretches throughout their first two games, but poor closes to both contests have made it clear that they’re far from a finished product.
The Cavs will welcome a good Minnesota Timberwolves team to town on Monday. Minnesota made a big move this summer by trading for LaMelo Ball, and so far, things have paid off. The Timberwolves have beaten the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic by a combined 47 points in their first two contests. They’ll be hosting the Toronto Raptors on Sunday evening.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cavs gear HERE. The link to the 2016 championship shirt HERE.
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 23: The sneakers worn by Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks against the Boston Celtics on October 23, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Steve Kerr on Yaxel's game and his efforts defensively:
"Yeah, he's fearless, he's huge and he's got a great skill set. He can dribble pass and shoot. The biggest thing is just continuing to learn the NBA and he's feel that, he's gonna do that. Play in the first half where he… pic.twitter.com/s7PjW16dWs
Steve Kerr taling with Yaxel Lendeborg during Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
One moment in particular that Kerr reflected on was when Lendeborg launched himself into Khaman Maluach.
“In college he could do that, but this is a different league,” Kerr said. “He’ll learn. He’s playing a ton, and he’s gonna get all these reps, and we’re gonna keep showing him film, and he’s gonna get all these reps, and we’re gonna keep showing him film, and he’ll get better and better.”
Yaxel Lendeborg launches himself into Khaman Maluach during Saturday’s game against the Phoenix Suns. Getty Images
As Kerr knows Lendeborg will continue to grow, he also praised him for not being scared of the moment.
“He’s fearless, he’s huge, and he’s got a great skill set,” Kerr said. “He can dribble, pass, and shoot. The biggest thing is continuing to learn the NBA, and he’s gonna feel that; he’s gonna do that.”
Lendeborg’s exchange with Doncic has been considered controversial by some, but his teammate Draymond Green loved it.
After the game ended, Green told Evan Webeck of The California Post that regardless of the result, he was happy to see the rookie not back down against one of the best guards in the league.
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 23: John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons and Klay Thompson #11 of the Miami Heat wait for a rebound in game between the Detroit Pistons and the Miami Heat on October 23, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It will be a battle of early-season undefeated teams as the 2-0 Detroit Pistons will visit the 3-0 Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Both teams hope to contend for the Eastern Conference title, and both teams went about it in very different ways. The Pistons kept a young core intact, and their biggest move of the offseason was adding journeymen John Collins and Isaiah Joe. The Sixers, meanwhile, swung a huge trade of Paul George for Jaylen Brown and then convinced a little-known player named LeBron James of winding down his career in Philly.
Game Vitals
When: 7:30 p.m. ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Watch: TV: TV20 Detroit | Streaming: DAZN-Detroit Odds: Pistons +1.5
Analysis
While this stands as a great test for the Pistons, they will not have their full complement of players. Jalen Duren has already been ruled out for tonight and the next two weeks with a hamstring injury suffered against the Miami Heat. The Pistons might also be without star defensive forward Ausar Thompson, who sustained an ankle injury against the Heat.
Duren left that game early in the second quarter and Thompson exited early in the third, and the Pistons were still able to cruise to victory over the Heat. But the Sixers should be a different story.
The good news with Duren out is that the Sixers are also expected to rest Joel Embiid after the big man notched a triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. LeBron, who sat out that game Saturday, is expected to suit up.
The Pistons know that Paul Reed is more than capable of making winning basketball plays whether in a starter or reserve role. More interesting, and potentially worrying, is what the Pistons will do with their backup center minutes. I imagine it will be an opportunity for the organization to look at John Collins as a backup five. It also is another opportunity for the Pistons to become the prolific 3-point shooting team nobody thinks they are.
Without Duren and Thompson, two non-shooters, potentially replaced in the starting lineup by Reed and Isaiah Joe (or maybe Javonte Green), and having Collins play minutes at the five, expect a lot of five-out action. Last season, the Pistons attempted just 30.9 threes per game (29th in the NBA). It’s early, but through two games, they are hoisting 39 per game. After tonight, they could rank in the top five in 3-point shooting volume in the NBA. Weird.
Projected Lineups
Detroit Pistons (2-0)
Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Isaiah Joe, John Collins, Paul Reed
Philadelphia 76ers (3-0)
Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, Adem Bona
Question of the Game
How many 3-point attempts for the Detroit Pistons tonight?
Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (1) drives towards the basket as Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer (27) defends during the second quarter of their NBA in San Francisco, Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Being a young-player fan in the Bay has been a creative writing exercise for a while now. How many times has Dub Nation squinted at a flash in the third quarter of a blowout and built a whole career out of it? I’m thinking of Anthony Randolph truthers. We argue about the thin line between bad player fits and organizational rigidity . I’ve written plenty of those columns myself. The future was always the thing we got to talk about while the present belonged to Steph.
That’s why the first week of this season has felt strange. Generally most (good) teams let their rookies learn on company time, getting their feet wet without absorbing massive responsibility. The Warriors’ rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is already punching time on the clock with the season on the line.
Now, let’s just take a step back and activate gold blooded homerism. Hey Stathead, how many players in Warriors history have averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists for a season?
That’s four Hall of Famers, with none none of them rookies. Three games doesn’t put Yaxel in that room, buuuut it’s a funny room to have him standing outside of, don’t cha think?
And for the blistering fireball of skepticism I’m sure awaits for me for daring to dream, let’s clarify that none of this is garbage-time production. Coach Steve Kerr is giving him starter minutes in close games because the team needs what he does right now. With Yaxel, I keep catching myself skipping the projection step entirely, because he’s already answering the questions I’d normally spend three years asking when checking out a prospect.
Yaxel could win ROY and it would be a pretty terrible turn of events for Golden State
And it made me think of when James Wiseman was drafted and thrown into the fire on a depleted team. In December 2020, Klay was out with the Achilles, and the Warriors handed a 19-year-old the starting center job on opening night. Remember how Coach Kerr praised Wiseman at that time?
The Warriors are just three games into the season, but rookie James Wiseman has been the obvious choice when it comes to exciting storylines. “Now imagine doing that while playing three college games, then not playing at all for over a year, and then not having training camp. It’s insane. What we’re asking James to do is insane. He’s handling it beautifully.”
James Wiseman (2020–21, first 3 games, age 19): 14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 0 assists, 1.3 blocks, 1.0 steal in 24.0 minutes, shooting 46.9% from the field (15-of-32), 83.3% from three (5-of-6) and 64.3% from the line (9-of-14)
Wiseman scored 19 in Brooklyn, then had 18 points and three blocks on Christmas in Milwaukee. I remember how that felt. The Warriors were getting blown out, but a 7-footer galloping to the rim gave us something to believe in. Every good night was a promise, and we were all collecting promises.
Yaxel arrived with the job already posted, and there’s a reason the Warriors felt comfortable posting it. He’s 24. He went from a warehouse job to junior college, then to UAB and Michigan, before the Warriors took him 11th. He’s had five years of college basketball to figure out who he is. Wiseman had three college games.
So these NBA three games don’t prove Yaxel was the better prospect as they show two very different starting points. Wiseman was a raw idea the Warriors hoped would turn into a player. Yaxel already arrived as a player, and nobody knows yet how much bigger his game can get. With Wiseman, you fell in love with the ceiling and with Yaxel, you’re watching the floor and noticing it’s already pretty high.
Wiseman’s story went sideways for reasons no three-game sample could have predicted. He tore his right meniscus at the end of his rookie year and then missed the entire next season. The early flashes were real but they just never got the runway.
Here’s the part that keeps nagging at me. The Warriors are 0-3. For years, the problem with Warriors rookies was timing. The kids weren’t ready yet, and the Steph clock doesn’t wait. The whole plan was to keep winning with the vets while the young guys caught up. Now the Warriors finally have a rookie who doesn’t need to catch up, and they’re still losing because of injuries and age. In Phoenix he was plus-5 in a nine-point loss. The rookie has held up his end of the deal more or less for three straight games, and the deal still isn’t closing. He’s still got a ways to go, duh. He’s shooting 66.7% at the line, and he turned it over six times against Memphis. His helpside defense has been trash according to his coach.
Steve Kerr on Yaxel Lendeborg's defense:
"His weak-side awareness right now is very poor. And with his size, he should be one of our best defenders at the rim. And right now, he's unaware on the weak-side" pic.twitter.com/g5cGzAqdqS
But still, as far as a rookies go, there’s a lot to like so far with Big Yax. For years, the question was whether the Warriors’ young players could help Steph win now. Three games into Yaxel’s career, the question is whether the Warriors can win while he’s helping them.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 20: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during the game against the Boston Celtics 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 Detroit Pistons will be without their All-Star center for at least two weeks as the big man sits with a right hamstring strain.
Duren had started the season hot, lighting up the preseason and scoring 22 points and securing nine rebounds in Detroit’s opening-day win against the Boston Celtics. He played just 10 minutes against the Miami Heat before suffering the hamstring strain early in the second quarter.
The injury is a blow to a young big man who was eager to prove he was worth the $200 million deal he signed this offseason with Detroit, and will test Detroit’s big man depth. The Pistons traded away backup center Isaiah Stewart this offseason. That left Paul Reed to go from fan favorite third-string center to fan-favorite backup center, and now he gets a chance to be a fan-favorite starter.
Technically behind him will be Tolu Smith, who is in Detroit on a standard deal after showing promise as a two-way player the past few seasons. However, it is more likely that the Pistons will move to shift starting power forward John Collins into more small-ball five minutes while Reed rests.
Collins has had an up-and-down start to his Pistons tenure, and I guess this will be a great extended opportunity to see just how well Collins can hold up (or not) as a five in Detroit’s defensive system.
Pistons forward Ausar Thompson also suffered an ankle injury against the Heat, and he is listed as questionable against the Philadelphia 76ers.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 24: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns passes the ball around Will Richard #3 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 24, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 131-122. 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 Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Well, that didn’t take long, did it? It appears that Devin Booker is the primary point guard on this team rather than Jalen Green. It’s Point Book SZN once again, isn’t it?
“Settle down, Voita! We’re two games in!” I know, I know. But I am here to observe and report, and therefore I am reporting what I have observed through the first two games of the 2026-27 season. Ultimately, the fact that the sample size is so small has merit. We don’t know what this team is yet. Nor do they. But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to sit on my couch until game 20 on December 20 to note what is occurring.
This past offseason, there were rumors floating around that the Phoenix Suns wanted to see more facilitation out of Jalen Green. And that would be the ideal scenario for the organization because, after all, they have Devin Booker. He’s a shooting guard, and if you can put him alongside somebody capable of taking the reins and running the offense, Booker becomes an even more potent player. He can navigate off-ball screens, find himself open for catch-and-shoot opportunities, and operate within the spaces a shooting guard typically occupies.
But wanting something to happen doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to occur. And through the first two games of the season, it appears that Point Book remains.
Again, I recognize that it’s a small sample size. Perhaps it’s a matter of survival, with the Suns prioritizing getting a win on the board before fully integrating Jalen Green into the point guard role. And you’ll have people tell you that in the modern NBA, there really isn’t such a thing as a true point guard, to which I agree. But if the goal is to have Jalen Green become more of a facilitator, the early returns aren’t particularly encouraging.
Because it’s Devin Booker who possesses a 27.3% assist percentage, while Jalen Green sits at 11.4%. It’s Booker with a 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio, compared to Green’s 0.8. Booker has generated 22 points off assists, while Green has generated 9. And when it comes to potential assists, Booker has 7 compared to Green’s 8.
The funny thing is, when you look at Collin Gillespie, who’s coming off the bench with the second unit, his numbers are better than both of them. Gillespie currently possesses a 28.2% assist percentage and a 1.83 assist-to-turnover ratio. His 28 points generated off assists lead the team, while his 11 potential assists rank second, one behind Miles Bridges.
2 games into the season, and Point Book is alive & well. Wasn’t the plan for Green to take on more facilitating duties?
The early numbers suggest Book is still carrying that burden, while CG12 might be the best distributor on the roster.
Note the graphic above represents 3 minutes on the Gillespie/Booker/Brooks/Bridges/Maluach combo. And a glorious 3 minutes it was.
It’s too early to start banging the drum for Collin Gillespie to be in the starting lineup alongside Devin Booker to alleviate some of the responsibility on Booker’s shoulders. But as we saw Saturday night against the Warriors, that’s going to be a significant burden if Booker has to score 43 points every night to help this team win while also serving as its primary facilitator and distributor.
As the season progresses, we’ll have more opportunities to see what it looks like when Jalen Green assumes more of those facilitation and distribution responsibilities. From there, decisions can be made. Because remember, this is a year of evaluation for Jalen Green. How does he respond to the role being asked of him? And how does he handle the adversity that comes with it when success in that role doesn’t immediately follow?
It’s going to take time and repetition for the organization to fully understand his skill set and how it complements the players around him. The fan base? We’re not nearly as patient. We see something that isn’t working, pound our fists on the table, and demand that it be changed. If there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that things don’t necessarily work that way. This isn’t a video game where you can simply swap players in and out. It takes time, the management of personalities, and a willingness to provide players with opportunities rather than making decisions based on knee-jerk reactions.
But this is another footnote in the collection of things we’re observing throughout the season. And through two games, this is where we stand.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 24: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 24, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavs defeated the Nets 125-121. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets are still searching for their first win of the 2026-27 season, and they’ll have to find it on tired legs.
Brooklyn nearly erased a 22-point deficit in Cleveland on Saturday, outscoring the Cavaliers 41-29 in the fourth quarter before falling 125-121. The Nets return to Barclays Center on Sunday to face the Indiana Pacers in the second game of a back-to-back.
Meanwhile, sixth-overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. won’t be active for this one. He’s already on a minutes restriction and it looks like the Nets will keep him out of second night of back-to-backs for the foreseeable future. He rolled his ankle in the preseason.
But is there something else we should be keeping an eye on? In today’s injury report, the Nets listed Mikel Brown Jr. out with “Back, Injury Management.” He missed time during training camp due to a rolled ankle, but this is the first we’ve heard anything related to his back. Brown Jr. missed 12 games including the NCAA tournament last season in Louisville. Should we be worried?
Indiana arrives in Brooklyn coming off their own 16-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks.
Game Info & How to Watch
Matchup: Brooklyn Nets (0-2) vs. Indiana Pacers (1-1)
Time: 6:00 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN
Nets-Pacers Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets
Mikel Brown Jr. — OUT
Tyler Bilodeau — OUT
Indiana Pacers
T.J. McConnell – OUT
Johnny Furphy – OUT
Ben Sheppard – OUT
Braden Smith – DOUBTFUL
Check the official injury report closer to tip-off for any updates.
The Game
The Nets showed fight in Cleveland with the comeback. We can’t call it a win, but we can call it encouraging.
Julius Randle is averaging 28 points, seven rebounds, and six assists through two games, while Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 27 points and seven rebounds. Brooklyn trailed by double digits most of the game, but these two kept Brooklyn afloat. That’s also when Egor Dëmin and Mikel Brown Jr. joined in on the fun.
Day’Ron Sharpe fell into foul trouble for a second consecutive game. He picked up a sixth foul – a flagrant – with 6:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Nets aren’t built with much size at the five after Sharpe. In the season opener, the Charlotte Hornets shot 17-of-22 at the rim. Brooklyn followed with a good effort on the boards on Saturday, but they still lost the paint battle 46-30 and came up with one blocked shot compared to Cleveland’s 10.
The Indiana Pacers feature a star-studded frontcourt with Pascal Siakam at the four and Ivica Zubac at the five. It’s certainly something to watch out for as the Nets try defending the paint — with a ton of weight on Sharpe.
Player to Watch: Ivica Zubac
First and foremost, it’s good to see Tyrese Haliburton back on the court and playing well. He’s always a player to watch and we all know that. For this particular match, keeping Zubac off the glass is a task that’s about 7-feet too tall. Brooklyn has struggled to contain bigs in recent years.
Zubac’s size and rebounding make him a difficult matchup for Brooklyn, particularly with the Nets struggling to protect the rim and contain opposing centers. Indiana can stretch the floor and put pressure on Brooklyn’s interior defense, forcing the Nets to account for both perimeter movement and Zubac’s presence around the basket.
If Day’Ron Sharpe gets into foul trouble again, Brooklyn could struggle to defend Zubac inside and limit Indiana’s second-chance opportunities.
Hornets center Moussa Diabate finished with 17 points, eight rebounds (five offensive), and five steals against the Nets. Cavs center Jarrett Allen logged 21 points, eight rebounds and two blocks on 7-of-8 shooting in yesterday’s game.
Zubac is star and he’s shown it thus far, averaging 12.5 points, 13 rebounds and 1.5 blocked shots per game. Brooklyn struggles here most — it only feels inevitable Zubac gives them trouble.
Will Mikel Brown Jr. & Egor Dëmin play more together?
Jordi Fernández was asked whether he had seen enough from Brown and Dëmin together to want to use that pairing more often when Brown’s minutes restriction allows it.
His answer offered a glimpse into how he approaches lineup decisions (H/T Brian Lewis):
“Yeah. The way I would explain this is when you’re coaching the game, if you’re coaching thinking you want to play certain guys together, it’s when usually you’re doing it for the wrong reasons. And a lot of times you have to coach the game feeling the game,” Fernández said. “Obviously you have a preparation, you look at their matchups, their sub patterns, yours, your lineups, and you have an ideal way of how you want the game to go. But then when the game goes, there’s fouls, there’s guys that play better, worse. Then you have to start coaching the game and see who can guard this guy or all these things. And I think then the game flows.”
Then…
“Then that’s when I felt like it was a good moment to play together. Did I plan it? No. But a lot of times it’s how basketball is. We have all this preparation, the coaches do a great job putting all these pages and film and so forth. But then at the end of the day, you have to react to a lot of things that are not controllable in the game. And that’s why I know that I’ve gotten this question before, would I like to play them together? Yes. But if I’m just thinking about playing them together, I may not do what’s best for the group at the moment. So that’s the way I feel.”
From The Vault
On this date in 1964, The Rolling Stones made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show
The Stones opened with Chuck Berry’s “Around and Around” and fans screamed so loudly that Sullivan struggled to speak over them, repeatedly asking that the crowd quiet down. CBS received complaints after the broadcast and Ed Sullivan reportedly said: “I promise you they’ll never be back on our show. It took me 17 years to build this show and I’m not going to have it destroyed in a matter of weeks” and wrote to them, “I would like to learn from you, whether your young men have reformed in the matter of dress and shampoo.”
So much for that. The Rolling Stones went on to make five more appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show through 1969… and they’re still making music.
