DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 05: Ebuka Okorie #23 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket against Rasheer Fleming #20 of the Phoenix Suns in the second half during a pre season game at Little Caesars Arena on October 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Welcome to the NBA, Ebuka Okorie. The rookie guard selected 17th overall had quite an eventful first preseason game in the NBA. After not playing at all through three quarters and seeing his team go down 18 points, Ebuka entered and promptly hit a three-pointer to give Detroit its first lead of the night. He then capped it off with a game-winning drive in the game’s final seconds to give the Pistons a 109-107 win over the Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena.
In a game where the Pistons starters struggled with Phoenix’s physicality and intensity, the game completely flipped when both teams turned to their benches in the second half. It turns out all those Pistons fans saying Detroit might have the deepest team in the league might have been onto something. There was just no match in size, speed, and talent between the end of Detroit’s roster and Phoenix’s.
Ron Holland scored a team-high 15 points and added five vintage Ron Holland steals, including one late that pushed Detroit’s lead from three to five with less than a minute left in the game. Dannis Jenkins was a team-high plus-15 on the night, largely behind some crisp and high-degree-of-difficulty passes and a vintage off-balance three with defenders in his face to tie the game after three quarters.
We shouldn’t handwave away the starters’ struggles, though. There was some errant passing, there were a lot of early shots, and there wasn’t a lot of rebounding. The Pistons clearly went into this game with an eye toward asking a lot of the players stepping into larger offensive roles to put their summer of work to the test. That meant a lot of ball-handling responsibility for Ausar Thompson, a lot of shooting from Holland, and a lot of center minutes for John Collins (Jalen Duren was held out as he ramps up his prep work with teammates, and Paul Reed started in his place). It wasn’t always pretty, but that is what preseason is for.
The Suns, meanwhile, wanted to keep it simple — run their offense and play with the kind of physicality that is non-negotiable for them as they seek to build on the somewhat surprising 45-win season of a year ago. Devin Booker led the Suns with 13 points, and Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks added 11 apiece. Phoenix dominated Detroit on the boards 47-35, mostly building up that advantage in the first half. The Pistons were able to counteract that with 21 steals that led to 37 points off turnovers. Most of that done against the Suns’ scrubs in the second half.
It was a fun game, and some vintage Detroit basketball. The Pistons will next play on Saturday in Washington against the Wizards. Hopefully by then we will see some Jalen Duren minutes.
When USA TODAY Sports reached out to ESPN, a representative declined to comment.
In his playing days, Kidd was a nine-time All-Defensive player, a 10-time All-Star and was the 1994-95 Rookie of the Year. He spent time with the Phoenix Suns, the then-New Jersey Nets and played one season with the New York Knicks. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks and won the 2011 NBA championship with them. He coached the Mavericks from the 2021-22 season until this spring when he and the team "mutually agreed to part ways."
Kidd, 53, has twice been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame: as a player in 2018 and again in 2025 as a member of Team USA's gold-medal winning 2008 Olympic team.
Kidd first became a head coach with one season at the helm of the Brooklyn Nets with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry on the roster. He had a stint with the Milwaukee Bucks but was fired midway through his fourth season there. He also spent time as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers where he helped guide the team to the 2020 NBA championship in the Bubble.
The 2026-27 NBA season tips off on Oct. 20 with three games. The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons face off in an afternoon tilt, followed by an evening doubleheader which begins with LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers visiting the defending champion New York Knicks. Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs host two-time consecutive Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in a rematch of the Western Conference Finals to cap things off.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 5: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 5, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Real fans watch preseason games, these half-hearted scrimmages in which stars tend to lollygag, and the guys fighting for roster or rotation consideration tend to play as you’d expect—like guys trying to secure seats at the southern reach of the bench. Bandwagoners and parade crashers don’t tune in for this slop. Real fans do, cuz a Knicks game is a Knicks game. We even watch summer league!
After a short summer respite, the World Champion Knickerbockers and your loyal P&T blogger were all feeling rusty. From the start of tonight’s 120-97 loss to the Sixers, the champs continued to show their penchant for the long ball, heaving more than half their shots from the outfield. Both teams converted 33% from deep through the first 12 minutes, and here’s some good news: Finals MVP Jalen Brunson’s surgically repaired wrist had a familiar sweet snap as he drilled two three-pointers.
The guests took an early lead, but Philly answered with a 14-3 stretch through the heart of the quarter. Seeing former Celtic Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia blue boggled the brain for a moment. He carried his unit with LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey taking the night off (chickens), and the new Sixer collected 13 early points. Meanwhile, Brunson and OG (The Tipmeister) Anunoby scored eight points apiece for our heroes.
JAYLEN BROWN IS COOKING THE KNICKS STARTERS RIGHT NOW 🔥🍿
Former Knick Ariel Hukporti started the game, but exited early with an injury after facing up with Karl-Anthony Towns. He was assisted to the locker room, and it had the hallmarks of an Achilles tear. If that turns out to be the case, it’s a devastating blow to a likable guy who stood to get significant playing time this season.
On the subject of Towns, he attacked the paint and looked not a bit sour about his contract situation. Behind him, Andre Drummond played his first (unofficial) game as a Knick and was exactly the same Drummond he’s always been.
As the quarter went on, Tyler Kolek (with longer locks) assumed ball-handling duties. He seemed to have a mandate to score and forced it a little. Due to an absence of defense on either side, the teams swapped buckets like high-schoolers on layup lines. One welcome exception was the dependable Landry Shamet, who drained a pair of triples.
But, true to his word, Coach Mike Brown doled out minutes to as many players as he could. The spotlight in these early days is squarely on sophomore Mohamed Diawara. He attacked the rim with mixed results and coughed up the ball twice. Not a great sign after a crummy summer league. Alongside him, Jordan Clarkson logged his allotment of minutes, picking up where he left off.
Veteran James Wiseman took a turn at center, hoping to convince Brown to award him the team’s final roster spot. He scored two buckets but seemed a step slow on defense. Speaking of which, Pacome Dadiet guarded with more aggression than I remember. His offense, however, was pretty much exactly as I remembered—he and Miles McBride combined to shoot 0-of-4 from downtown in the half.
The second quarter belonged to the 76ers, who reached a 14-point lead late in the period and went into intermission ahead 72-58. They shot 53% from the field and 46% from deep, converting 11 dingers to the Knicks’ five. After missing a bunch of shots in the second quarter, our guys had shot 23% from deep. Brown led all first-half scorers with 22, while Anunoby logged 12 for the good guys.
Kolek and Shamet started the third, as did Walker, who answered their buckets with a trey of his own. Diawara turned on the charm with consecutive finger-rolls, a putback, and a steal. From there, the teams traded inefficient offensive blows.
Drummond swatted three blocks, and his layup fueled a nice push during that run, but Clarkson committed two travel violations and whiffed on multiple shots. Wiseman hit from the line and dunked a tip-in, while Ochai Agbaji went scoreless with some misses, and Dadiet’s fouls sent the Sixers to the stripe. By the end of this sludgefest, both teams had scored 21 points. The Knicks were still down, now 93-79.
Drew Eubanks and Bruce Brown started the fourth quarter for the Knicks, and we saw cameos by Kevin McCullar, Jr., Tyler Nickel, Tony Bradley, and Jaden Akins. By the buzzer, Brown had played 20 players (and it would’ve been 21, but Jose Alvarado is nursing a bruised knee). Aikins and Dadiet both hit from deep, which were rare sights on a night when the Knicks shot 8-of-41 from yard.
For the home team, rookie forward Saint Thomas impressed with a double-double. Thanks to his efforts, the Liberty Bells inflated their lead to 23. Caleb Love continued to have a nice game for them (15 points, 3-of-6 from deep). When the cutting was done, our heroes had fallen, 120-97. Big deal. We’ll give these bums the business on banner night.
Up Next
The Knicks host the Wizards on Thursday. Safe travels, Knickerbockers, and get well soon, Huk.
The team announced that Max Strus suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot during Sunday's preseason game. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks, which means he will miss the start of the season.
This is a rough start for Strus, who missed the majority of last season with a foot injury (a fracture of the fifth metacarpal in his left foot, which required surgery). He returned for a dozen games at the end of the season for the Cavaliers, then had a larger role for them in the playoffs, which prompted the Clippers to send a pick to Washington to obtain him as part of a five-team trade this summer that saw Los Angeles send out John Collins.
Look for rookie Keaton Wagler, as well as Gradey Dick, to get more run with Strus out.
As noted by Tomer Azarly of Clutch Points, the Clippers have what would be a solid five-man regular-season rotation lineup all out injured already: Jordan Miller (shoulder surgery), Bradley Beal (knee), Strus, Brandon Ingram (partially torn Achilles) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (foot). Four of them — Miller, Strus, Ingram and Niederhauser — are all expected to miss the start of the season.
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 5: Dyson Daniels #5 of the Atlanta Hawks dribbles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 5, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Atlanta Hawks were in action on Monday evening to face the Memphis Grizzlies for their first preseason game. This was the first time that fans were able to see the team in action, and it was also the first time the team would be able to play against another team other than themselves.
CJ McCollum and Lu Dort were out for this game, and the starting lineup consisted of Kingston Flemings, Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu.
Alexander-Walker got things started for the Hawks with a 3-pointer.
The Hawks’ defense was solid with the starters in the game, and they were able to keep the Grizzlies from scoring much. That led to the Hawks gaining an 11-point lead, and they were able to maintain for some time before the Grizzlies started to get some shots to go.
Aaron Wiggins was the first person to come off the bench for the Hawks, followed by Jock Landale. The second unit wasn’t as crisp as the first, but they were still able to keep the lead. Asa Newell worked hard for his first bucket of the game, and got an and-1 to go with it.
The Grizzlies started to find a rhythm in the second quarter, and they started pulling away from the Hawks, even with most of the starters in the game.
Alexander-Walker tried to keep the Hawks in it, getting this spin move to go in the lane.
Even that wasn’t enough for the Hawks to get some momentum, as the Grizzlies continued to pile up the points. It wasn’t the best showing for the Hawks, as they gave up 49 points in the second and trailed 81-61 going into halftime.
The Hawks pulled most of their regular starters for the third quarter, and it was only Flemings who remained on the floor. Corey Kispert, Keshon Gilbert, Jock Landale and Newell were the other four players who joined him in the third.
Kispert had it going in the quarter, scoring 10 points and shooting perfect from the field. Dorian Finney-Smith saw his first minutes of the game in the third, and made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.
The ball does 2 full circles around the court and Dorian Finney-Smith knocks down the triple 🔥 pic.twitter.com/n7pLmHYt6I
It was a way better quarter for the Hawks on defense, only allowing 29 points, and they trailed the Grizzlies 110-98 heading into the fourth.
The Hawks had already found some life in the third, and they continued that in the fourth to cut down their deficit. Jalen Wilson knocked down two 3-pointers and the Hawks were down only single digits.
The Hawks tried to keep cutting into their deficit late in the fourth, but the Grizzlies always had an answer on the other end. It was a strong effort from the Hawks’ third unit, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough.
Kispert finished the game with 19 points, Alexander-Walker finished with 14 points and Newell finished with 12 points and rebounds.
The Hawks will be back in action on Oct. 8 against the San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks played their first game since winning Game 5 of the NBA Finals, as the starters shook off some rust and the bench fought to earn minutes in a 120-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Here are some takeaways...
-- Mike Brown went with the starting lineup that won the NBA Finals on Monday night: Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Sixers and Nick Nurse took a different approach as LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid all sat out; leaving him with VJ Edgecombe and Jaylen Brown as the only regular-season starters in the lineup.
-- Former Knick Ariel Hukporti, who signed with Philadelphia over the summer, also started for his new team. Unfortunately for Hukporti, the big man took an awkward fall in the first quarter and grabbed for his ankle. Knicks and Sixers players gathered around him and helped him to the locker room. He did not return to the game.
-- Andre Drummond, Landry Shamet, Miles McBride, and Tyler Kolek were the first four players off the bench for Brown's group. Shamet picked up where he left off in the playoffs, making two threes right away.
Philadelphia led 33-32 after the first quarter as Brown led the way with a game-high 13 points. Anunoby played the most minutes out of the New York starters (10) and was second in points (six) behind Brunson (eight).
-- Brown played more of the bench in the second quarter, with Mohamed Diawara and Jordan Clarkson entering for the first time. The back-and-forth game continued as Brown and Caleb Love scored eight straight to put the Sixers up 58-51 and force a New York timeout with 4:29 left in the half. Philly's young guards continued to attack with Edgecombe converting the and-one layup over James Wiseman to go up double digits.
The Knicks were outscored 39-26 in the second quarter as Love nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer, taking a 72-58 lead into the half. New York allowed Philadelphia to shoot 53 percent from the field and 46 percent from three (11-for-24). Brunson and Anunoby were tied for the team-high with 12 points each, while Brown had 22 points for his new team.
-- The bench started the second half as Brunson and Co.'s night was done early, as was Brown's for Philly. New York's shooting struggles continued without their starters, failing to score a field goal for five-plus minutes toward the end of the third quarter and trailing, 93-79, heading into the fourth.
-- Overall, NY shot 38 percent from the field and 20 percent from three (8-for-41). Shamet led the bench with 10 points, while Diawara had eight points in 17 minutes. Fighting for a backup center role, Wiseman had eight points and five rebounds in nine minutes while Tony Bradley had two points in six minutes. Drummond scored six points with five rebounds and three blocks against his old team.
EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks to the media during NBA Media Day on September 28, 2026 at UCLA Health Training Center in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was unlikely the Lakers were going to be at full strength in their preseason opener — or in any exhibition game — on Monday.
In the first contest of a back-to-back and three games in four nights, head coach JJ Redick announced pregame that Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler would both be out. Joining them on the sidelines are Collin Sexton and Arthur Kaluma.
Walker Kessler jammed his finger on the backboard while Austin Reaves tweaked his ankle, per JJ Redick.
Collin Sexton and Arthur Kaluma are dealing with lower-body ailments.
None of them are dealing with serious injuries and are day-to-day, per Redick. https://t.co/JehtenA9rN
With two projected starters out, the Lakers’ starting lineup included Luka Dončić, likely starter Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Kevon Looney.
Lakers starters tonight:
Luka Dončić, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Kevon Looney
It’s unclear how many, if any, of these players were among those modified participants in practice. We’ll get a better idea of how serious these injuries are as well come Tuesday when the Lakers play again against the Warriors.
Ideally, Kessler’s injury, in particular, is short-term so he can build as much chemistry as possible with Luka and Reaves. In that same vein, Reaves getting back as soon as possible is the best-case scenario.
For the devoted fans who caught Summer League, not getting a chance to see Kaluma will be a bummer. He has a skillset that, in theory, could really complement the team’s stars.
Again, though, players were always going to sit out during this opening stretch of preseason games. We’ll have to wait to see how serious, if at all, the injuries are.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 5: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 5, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We are so back.
The Sixers tipped off their preseason with a 120-97 win over the defending champion New York Knicks Monday night.
In his first game as a Sixer, Jaylen Brown put up 22 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the floor along with two rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes of action. VJ Edgecombe played 19 minutes and put up 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting with four rebounds and seven assists.
Out tonight for the Sixers was LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Anfernee Simons, Dominick Barlow and Adem Bona. Before the game, Nick Nurse said he’s aiming to get the starters in two of their four preseason games, and that he isn’t concerned about the minor injuries picked up by Simons and Barlow.
As expected, the offense early was centered around Brown. He got to his spots to pull up, but missed his first two attempts and split his first pair of free throws as well. He had a layup roll out on him but fought for the offensive rebound, putting it back and getting fouled in the process.
99% of the preseason is just getting through it healthy. Unfortunately, Ariel Hukporti went down just five minutes into the game, favoring his right ankle in what looked like a non-contact injury. His former Knicks teammates were quick to put an arm around him as he was being helped off the floor. Jabari Walker came in to replace him, now the only healthy backup five on the team.
Brown did eventually get into a rhythm, making three straight shots to put up 13 in the quarter. Edgecombe made his presence felt as well, consistently getting to the basket successfully, but he couldn’t get a jumper to fall. Labaron Philon Jr. was the first sub of the night but he took a back seat for the first few minutes of his shift as those two were cooking. Philon made his first shot of the night, a pull-up jumper from the midrange.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope became the latest Sixer to get in on the fun with a quick seven points to end the quarter. He drilled a three that looked like it would keep the Sixers up by three, but a missed boxout allowing OG Anunoby to grab the rebound and get fouled on the putback attempt. He split his pair of free throws, giving the Sixers a two-point lead after a high-scoring first.
Second Quarter
The concerns about this center rotation were on display as the Sixers gave up three more offensive rebounds early in the second. One was courtesy of our old friend Andre Drummond, but Brown drilled a three in his face a few possessions later as he continued to have the hot hand.
Walker was really active with six rebounds and a couple of stocks, but being a couple inches shorter than the average center just catches up with him. On top of his strong effort on that end of the floor he knocked down his first two threes of the night, getting them up quickly. The makings of a stretch-five are there for Walker, and it’d be huge if the Sixers could unlock that.
Brown continued to put on a show for everybody, getting up to 22 points in just under 17 minutes of play. Just as he checked out of the game, Edgecombe came in and went right back to the basket for an and-1 layup. Everything he was doing off the dribble was intriguing. He made a really nice pass to a cutting Dillon Jones, and spun around to find Caleb Love in the corner for a three as the buzzer expired. The only thing he couldn’t do in the half was a get a three-pointer to fall, but he was good enough to help the Sixers get out to a 14-point lead.
Third Quarter
Neither Brown or Edgecombe were out on the floor to start the second half, officially ending their nights. Walker started the half with another three, but the team cooled down, missing five straight shots. The Knicks got aggressive in where they were picking up the Sixers, forcing them higher up the court and forcing worse passes and shots as a result.
It was encouraging to see Philon be the one to put his head down and get to the basket to stop some of the bleeding. He also made a nifty behind-the-back dribble to evade a defender, but couldn’t get the floater to fall to complete the highlight play. His attack though remained the only consistent offense for the Sixers in the quarter.
Labaron Philon with the footwork and handles to dance his way right to the rim pic.twitter.com/Ijn7UuifoZ
Like Edgecombe, Philon was also struggling to get his outside jumper to fall, but also like Edgecombe, it was a good quarter for him to showcase his playmaking chops. He found a cutting Jameer Nelson Jr. shortly after he checked into the game for his fourth assist of the night. Nelson finished an and-1 that helped keep the Sixers lead at 14.
Fourth Quarter
The rest of this recap is going to be random observations about the two-ways and exhibit 10 contracts still playing in this game. Rayan Rupert has the makings of a defender. He seems to know where to be and is always hustling to get there. Nothing he did tonight really showed up in the stat sheet though, and two of his shot attempts were two of the easiest blocks for the Knicks’ defenders.
Caleb Love is what the kids call a bucket and hooper. If shoots like he did in the first half he’s going to be very fun to watch in the preseason, but he seemed to really run out of gas in the second half. Definitely a situation worth monitoring over the next three games.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves tweaked his ankle but is “fine”. William Liang for CA Post
Reaves tweaked his ankle, while Kessler jammed one of his fingers on the backboard.
Coach JJ Redick said both Reaves and Kessler were “fine”.
Walker Kessler (14) and Collin Sexton (10) were both sidelined against the Kings. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectLakers guard Collin Sexton had his right lower leg/calf wrapped during the team’s shootaround on Monday. Khobi Price
Veteran guard Collin Sexton and two-way forward Arthur Kaluma were also sidelined for Monday’s game because of “very light lower-body injuries,” according to Redick.
Sexton had his right lower leg/calf wrapped during the team’s shootaround on Monday
All four players are deemed day-to-day, per Redick.
In light of their absences, the Lakers started lineup against the Kings was Luka Doncic, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Kevon Looney.
The Lakers’ preseason opener against the Kings was the second night of a back-to-back set in Northern California. They’ll make the quick trip to San Francisco postgame for Tuesday’s matchup against the Warriors.
“The guys that are out [Monday] may play [Tuesday,” Redick said, “but for the most part, they’re all day to day.”
It’s a line from the TV show Ted Lasso, of course. And whether you’re a Dallas Mavericks fan, or an FC Richmond fan, you understand.
The Dallas Mavericks were in the Finals just 838 days ago. That season was full of the kind of playoff moments you tell your grandchildren about.
Will you tell your grandchildren about the time Luka Dončić absolutely cooked Rudy Gobert on an isolation 3 to win a playoff game? I will.
Then the Celtics came along and made the Mavs look a little like Rudy Gobert trying to guard on the perimeter.
As a fan, you were likely devastated by the Luka trade. Then Anthony Davis gave two quarters of perfection, and suddenly hope was putting on a Beyoncé concert at the American Airlines Center.
And then… many fans expanded their sports-injury vocabulary.
Next, just when all hope felt lost, the Mavs, with a 1.8 percent chance, won the NBA lottery with a generational stud at the top of the class. Cooper Flagg arrived on a team that, at least in theory, was supposed to be competing for a playoff spot. Hope is all fans had last year — and all Nico Harrison had in his roster construction. It didn’t take long for the positivity to turn to complete darkness. Anthony Davis couldn’t stay healthy, there was continuous turmoil that led to Nico finally getting fired and there were casualties all around.
Now, a new regime has come into power. The Mavs certainly have some new energy. There’s a generational prospect entering his second season with an extra inch at his disposal. And, despite everything fans have been through, that dangerous little feeling is starting to creep back in.
Hope.
Are you ready to buy in again? Because there’s something else we learned from Ted Lasso: It’s not actually the hope that kills you. It’s the lack of hope. However, maybe Mavs fans should reconsider what they’re hoping for.
This is not the year to hope for the Larry O’Brien Trophy — or the NBA Cup — for that matter. That’s not what this season is about. The Mavs are building. The team’s average age is under 25, and there are plenty of players who are still figuring out exactly what they can become. This can be a fun team without being a contender. Maybe it’s about finding reasons to believe that the next great Mavericks team is taking shape right in front of us.
Here are five things that can provide real hope this year, with a meter to show how logical this hope is:
Let’s start with the obvious one.
Cooper Flagg takes a massive leap
Hope Meter:🔥🔥🔥🔥 4/5
Cooper Flagg is a Dallas Mav.
And for a franchise that has spent the last few years making many question the basketball gods, that feels like a pretty good place to start.
Fans get to watch this 19-year-old with extraordinary expectations figure out what kind of NBA player he’s going to become. Now, can he make that second -year jump?
For this hope to become reality, Cooper Flagg needs to, become an above-average 3-point shooter, assert himself as floor general at times and be transcendent at defense.
Kyrie provides nightly highlights
Hope Meter: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥5/5
Let’s not overlook the impact of having a healthy Irving back. This offseason, Masai Ujiri quoted Kevin Durant in says “there’s only one Kyrie Irving walking around in the world.”
That one Kyrie Irving bleeds blue these days, and provides electric energy that all basketball fans know too well. Even in losses, fans get to see Irving hitting transition 3-pointers, making sick left-handed hook shots at the buzzer, and cooking younger NBA stars that think they can come at the King of Handles. If Irving is the Irving that Mavs fans have come to know and love, then the games are must-watch — win or lose.
Young pieces become a young core
HOPE METER: 🔥🔥🔥 3/5
The Mavs took some swings on reclamation projects this off-season — and it’s not likely all the swings connect, but if a few do, the Mavs could have a real core.
The core candidates are Zaccharie Risacher, Max Christie, Morez Johnson Jr., Sergio de Larrea, Tarik Biberović, and Marcus Sasser. Maybe a couple of them take a massive leap. Maybe someone surprises us (Jett Howard). Maybe someone we thought would be important turns out not to be part of the long-term picture.
That’s the fun of a building season. Every game and gives us a little more information, and deeper into the season, there could be some real answers here — or more questions.
Dereck Lively II becomes a healthy top 100 NBA player
Hope Meter: 🔥🔥🔥 3/5
Ooooh, this is a dangerous one. And yes, the hope is still high, but don’t get too close to the fire, you might get burned. Fans will always remember who Dereck Lively II was in the finals run, with Lively’s big hair flopping around, creating chaos, grabbing boards and being a master facilitator.
Fans thought the Mavs finally had their forever center, but injury after injury has taken that away. This is a contract year, and it would be hard to question Lively’s dedication and work ethic.
The future is taking shape
Hope Meter: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 5/5
Maybe this is the biggest reason to be hopeful. The Mavericks don’t have to win the championship this year.
They don’t even have to convince that they’re one piece away from winning anything. nThis season can simply be about finding out what they have. What does Flagg become? Who fits alongside him? What does this coaching staff bring out in the roster?
Those questions are worth the hope they bring. It turns out it’s not the hope that kills you. It’s living for too long without any. And maybe this season, it’s about what you hope for.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ preseason injury toll took another blow on Sunday, after veteran forward Max Strus exited Sunday’s preseason 104-101 victory in Hawaii against the Golden State Warriors with a non-contact injury.
On Monday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Strus suffered a partial plantar fasciitis tear in his right foot and will be reevaluated again in four weeks.
LA Clippers guard Max Strus suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot during Sunday's preseason game and will be reevaluated in four weeks, sources tell ESPN.
After he caught it, he immediately struggled to put any weight on his right foot and came out of the game, limping to Los Angeles’ locker room after head coach Ty Lue called a timeout.
Los Angeles Clippers head coach Ty Lue speaks about Max Strus injury. AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
According to beat writer Joey Linn, Lue spoke about the injury during postgame and said, “That’s never good to see when it’s a non-contact.”
The loss of Strus hurts the Clippers as he will miss the start of the regular season, alongside Brandon Ingram, who was acquired from the Toronto Raptors in the Kawhi Leonard trade.
Los Angeles Clippers’ Max Strus to be reevaluated for Plantar fasciitis injury. Getty ImagesThe Clippers won their first preseason game but lost Max Strus.
Both Strus and Ingram were expected to be the key shooters for the Clippers this year, as Strus has averaged 10.4 points and 2.8 three-pointers per game.
Brooks led the NBA in technical fouls last season with 17.
In Monday’s game, Brooks was guarding Pistons forward John Collins in the paint with his usual physicality. He extended his forearm and made physical contact with Collins, who reacted in a “you see this” fashion with his hands upward.
On the same possession, Collins got an offensive rebound over Brooks, who started reaching for the ball and making more contact by reaching around Collins from behind.
Collins responded by facing Brooks and putting his hand in Brooks’ face with the ball.
They initially received double technical fouls. After review, Collins was called for a flagrant one penalty. Brooks went to the line and split two free throws.
Brooks is in his second season with the Suns while Collins is in his first with the Pistons.
The Suns had a 68-50 halftime lead.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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It’s a much different place Thiero found himself in this time last year, when he missed the entire 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, 2025 preseason and start of the 2025-26 regular season because of left knee ailments.
Lakers forward Adou Thiero can change the team’s ceiling with his athleticism and physicality. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I feel like I have a pretty great opportunity in front of me considering the guys that aren’t here anymore,” Thiero said Monday afternoon after the team’s shootaround. “And now everybody’s still trying to figure out where to be at. So that gives me an opportunity to [earn a spot in the rotation].”
Thiero earned a lot of praise for his performance during training camp in the week leading up to Monday’s preseason game.
It came after coach JJ Redick said Thiero had an “unbelievable last two months of development” after having uninterrupted time in the gym for the first time since the Lakers selected the No. 36 pick in the 2025 draft.
Second-year forward Adou Thiero on the opportunity he sees for himself during the Lakers' preseason, which starts with tonight's exhibition in Sacramento: "I feel like I have a pretty a great opportunity in front of me considering the guys that aren't here anymore. Everybody's… pic.twitter.com/hU7xNj22GH
“His body’s been in great shape,” Redick said, “and he’s just gotten better.”
Thiero has a better understanding of what the coaching staff wants of him after playing 25 regular games (149 minutes) in 2025-26, six of the Lakers’ 10 playoff games last season and in Summer League in July.
“It’s different watching it, and then it’s different going in there and actually doing it and understanding it,” Thiero said. “So being able to go out there and actually do it and understand it now, I understand everything a lot better than around this time last year. Last year, they threw me in and I’m still a little confused on some things because that might be my first time actually doing it. And that’s during a live game. But now I’m doing that in practice and everything, I’m a lot more comfortable.”
Adou Thiero is competing for a spot in the Lakers’ rotation. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Austin Reaves said during training camp that Adou Thiero has been asking him a lot of questions since the summer. Adou on what he's asking/learned from Austin: pic.twitter.com/RDvRR0HAm3
Star guard Austin Reaves said during training camp that Thiero has been asking him a lot of questions since the summer.
“AR’s one of the best offensive players in the league. So just being able to play defense against him…he’s so crafty, like there’s multiple different ways he can score,” Thiero said. “Shooting, getting to the rim, floaters, little pull-ups, even whenever he gets into his little foul baiting. So just being able to guard him, that’s setting me up to guard the other players, good offensive players too.”
Thiero’s NBA career trajectory is imperative to the Lakers’ future.
As Redick put it, “if we can develop the Adou and develop [rookie wing] Cam [Carr] and develop these guys into functional rotation NBA players over the next 12 to 24 months, it changes our ceiling.”
Which makes Thiero’s playing during the next two weeks of preseason a signficant storyline to monitor.
HONOLULU, HI - OCTOBER 4: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors shoots the ball during the game against the LA Clippers during the 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 4, 2026 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jay Metzger/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors lost their preseason opener on Sunday in Honolulu, falling 104-101 to the LA Clippers in a game that came down to the wire. If you want to dismiss the results because regulars don’t play as much in the preseason, well … that doesn’t help Golden State’s case, since they trailed by 12 points at halftime, before pulling Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Al Horford.
Instead, try this as a reason to dismiss preseason results: they just don’t matter. And who better to make that point than Curry, who reflected on a fun and productive week in Hawaii, as the team packed up and prepared to return to California.
Steph Curry on his biggest takeaway from the entire training camp in Hawaii:
“We had a very impressive luau at our hotel that included some fire. I don’t want to be, I don’t know the term, but the fire spinning and the tribute dances, travel dances, and all that type of stuff,… pic.twitter.com/dUrh3AQL39
“I’ve been in this league 17, or going on 18 years,” the two-time MVP said, after stating that a team luau was the highlight of the first week of camp. “I don’t remember a single preseason game in terms of the outcome, other than Lindy Waters making a buzzer-beater here two years ago.”
A reporter then reminded Curry of a special preseason moment about Kobe Bryant, to which he responded, “That’s also a great one. So we got two. Two out of however many. So we’re not gonna get bogged down by the results of the game.”
It’s generally the consensus that preseason results don’t matter, and there are plenty of data points each year backing that up. There are, admittedly, also plenty of examples suggesting that the preseason is a decent barometer. The Dubs went 6-2 in preseason before winning their first title in 2014-15, and 6-1 two years later, when they won the championship again, before going a league-best 5-0 prior to their shocking 2021-22 championship.
Then again, they went just 2-2 ahead of the title-winning 2017-18 season, and they had a losing 3-4 record in 2015-16, before starting the year with a 24-game winning streak. So yeah … safe to say it doesn’t really matter.
Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti (55) sits on the court after an injury during the first quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Monday, October 5, 2026.
PHILADELPHIA — Former Knicks center Ariel Hukporti suffered a scary noncontact injury just five minutes into his 76ers career.
Hukporti collapsed to the court after planting his foot in Monday’s preseason opener, holding the back of his right ankle before Philly trounced the Knicks 120-97. He was helped off the court by former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns amid concerns of a dreaded Achilles tear.
He left the arena on crutches and in a walking boot.
Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti (55) sits on the court after an injury during the first quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Monday, October 5, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“Definitely heartbreaking,” Jalen Brunson said. “When I came back in the locker room, I went to go check on him. Sad to see. Obviously, we’ll pray for him.”
Hukporti played two seasons with the Knicks — winning a championship as the third-string center. He signed a one-year, $3.4 million deal over the summer with the Sixers, leaving the Knicks searching for center depth because they also lost second-stringer Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics.
Looks like Ariel Hukporti is off with a non-contact injury. He was helped off the court and checked on by his former Knicks teammates. pic.twitter.com/Aw9tsYt0X6
Before Monday’s game, Knicks head coach Mike Brown said he was happy for Hukporti because of the bigger opportunity in Philadelphia. It might not happen now.
“We hope Ariel — whatever is wrong with him — he has a speedy recovery and he’s back on the floor,” Brown said. “You hate to see anybody go down with an injury, but especially somebody who is a caliber person who Ariel is.”
Ariel Hukporti #55 of the Philadelphia 76ers boxes out during a preseason game against the New York Knicks at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Brunson’s surgically repaired wrist looked fine. The point guard scored 12 points in 15 minutes on 4-for-8 shooting — including 2-for-5 from beyond the arc — in his first game since the procedure in early July to fix a tendon injury.
Otherwise, the Knicks struggled while shooting just 38.5 percent, with the starters playing about 15 minutes apiece.
LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during practice on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. NBAE via Getty Images
The Sixers injected their roster with star power, and the Knicks understand it makes the road to the Finals tougher.
The Sixers have four multiple-time All-Stars in their starting lineup with newcomers LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
“They’re just loaded, man,” Brown said. “Multiple-time All-Star, multiple-time All-Star, multiple-time All-Star. … MVP candidate, MVP candidate, MVP candidate. I remember back in the day, [Gregg Popovich] said, when I was an assistant for him with the Spurs, that there is a change from having two All-Stars on your team to having three. He brought it to our attention as a staff. He was like, you need at least three NBA All-Stars, and not just one-offs, but perennial All-Stars, to go win a championship. And you look at the Sixers now, and they got as many All-Stars, or guys of that nature, as they had in Miami when LeBron was down there.”
Jaylen Brown (7) of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against Jalen Brunson (11) of the New York Knicks during a preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in Philadelphia. Getty Images
Still, the unveiling of the new Sixers had to wait. Coach Nick Nurse rested most of his starters — including James and Embiid — while the Knicks played everybody except Jose Alvarado (knee contusion).
“They’re definitely going to be one of the teams that are contending in the East, and in my opinion, it just got harder for everybody with the team that they assembled here,” coach Brown said.
Earlier Monday, Towns reiterated that he doesn’t expect an extension agreement before the start of the season. The Knicks have offered four years and approximately $200 million according to sources, which is $77 million less than Towns’ max.
“Simply put, I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also values me,” Towns said. “And none of those things are close to happening.”
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