PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns during a preseason game on October 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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Wait, didn’t we already do this? It seems like just a few days ago that the Spurs met the Suns in preseason. Well, guess what? They’re doing it again tonight, except this time it’s in San Antonio. You can hope for a better outcome than the 98-102 loss on Saturday. But it’s preseason, so I have a riddle for you: When is a loss not a loss? … When it happens in the preseason, where the games don’t count.
The Spurs have been piling up the non-losses this preseason, with an 0-3 record so far. They could make it 0-4 tonight, and 0-5 on Friday when they face the Kings. At least both games are in San Antonio, and the Spurs won’t have to travel before the season opener against the Thunder on October 20th in the Frost Bank Center. Coincidentally, the Thunder is also winless in the preseason, which goes to show that good teams are too smart to run players really hard in exhibition games that are glorified practices.
The last two preseason contests are on DAZN, with the season opener on NBC/Peacock. In a little bit of personal news, I will be marrying my long time partner this weekend, which means that I might be missing some Spurs games the first week of the season as we travel to a secret destination for a honeymoon. No worries, I will be all basketball all the time by Halloween. I’ll be pre-posting the game threads, so they might not be as detailed as usual for the first week of the season. GO SPURS GO!
Game Prediction:
Dillon Brooks will turn over a new leaf and show his nice side by giving all of the Spurs players teddy bears during shootaround. Later on, it will be discovered that the bears were stuffed with broken glass.
San Antonio Spurs vs Phoenix Suns (Preseason) October 14, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT Streaming: DAZN, League Pass TV: DAZN Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 03: Noah Clowney #21 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Barclays Center on April 03, 2026 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 Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images
A couple of days ago, Hoopshype, perhaps tongue in cheek, perhaps not, posted a ranking of MVP candidates for the preseason…
Boston's Hugo Gonzalez is the preseason MVP so far, per HoopsHype's Global Rating. pic.twitter.com/VjFrT89ZNC
Hugo Gonzalez (the bete noir of those afflicted with Marks Derangement Syndrome) was listed at the top of the list despite only playing two games for the Celtics. But if scroll down a bit you’d find the names of three Nets, two of which were no surprise. After all, the Nets are 3-0. There was Julius Randle at No 7, Michael Porter Jr. at No. 14, and, ta-da, Noah Clowney at No. 15.
That’s got to be encouraging for the 22-year-old, 6’10” big. Full of potential, Clowney has yet to secure a long term commitment. Sean Marks & co. have until next Monday to decide on whether to offer him an extension or let him become a restricted free agent come July. In that case, the Nets would still hold his rights and be able to match any offer he gets elsewhere. Bottom line: it’s unlikely the Nets will make an offer.
And although preseason MVP rankings seem a fool’s errand, Clowney has played well, as Brian Lewis reports.
After an understated opener, Clowney has logged consecutive solid outings.
Starting in a victory over Jaylen Brown and the Sixers, Clowney had 11 points on 3-for-4 shooting and 2-for-3 from deep to finish plus-12. And in Monday’s win in Washington, he followed up with 15 points on 5-for-8 from the floor and 4-for-6 from behind the arc.
Clowney added four assists and a steal without a turnover.
Clowney who only turned 22 a few weeks back, has had his ups-and-downs with the Nets, once hitting seven 3-pointers in a game and once batting away seven shots in another (then following up with another 4 in the next game) over the course of his three years in Brooklyn. He has not been a bust. If fact, he wasn’t bad at all last season, averaging 12.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in 66 games, all but six starts. He also went to the line an average of 3.4 times a game. But fans and the front office wanted more.
Things changed dramatically for him the night before the Draft when the Nets traded his front court mate Nic Claxton and a second rounder to Chicago for Julius Randle and a first. Randle has assumed the 4 spot meaning it will take some doing to average 27 minutes a game.
Jordi Ferandez, asked for an assessment of his game, had this to say.
“Just steady,” coach Jordi Fernández said. “He’s been consistent so far. The whole training camp, the whole, all these preseason games. Very proud of him. You see him with 15 points.
“[We] challenge him. We’re challenging him to rebound. But yet four assists to zero turnovers, that’s pretty impressive. He’s just been very good — not too high, not too low. He’s always ready. And that’s the Noah Clowney that we need, because we know that he makes a lot of winning plays.”
That’s got to encouraging too. He also has some supporters outside the Nets, specifically Coach Thorpe of True Hoop. In fact, he put him in some rarefied company even more so than whoever put together the Hoopshype rankings.
Coach Thorpe of TrueHoop on Noah Clowney:
“Only three players 21 or younger averaged at least 12 points and took at least 3.4 or more free throws per game: Clowney, Cooper Flagg, and Stephon Castle And he did that in only 27 minutes per game.”https://t.co/siJiwqUT4r
Indeed, Thorpe included Clowney in a list of “Ten guys who might make a difference”, noting ”His defense will have to keep improving, but to me Clowney has the look of a starting level power forward who might even play some small ball five.“ Hmmm.
Wednesday night in Miami is going to be a big game for Nets fans. It’s Mikel Brown Jr.‘s preseason debut, the highest Nets pick in 16 years since they played in New Jersey. But it’s also going to the last preseason game Clowney will play for the deadline for the Nets to extend him. Should be enough motivation.
The Portland Trail Blazers have reportedly resolved their television broadcast debacle — for now — after firing play-by-play voice Braiden Bell for past tweets that included misogynistic and racist remarks about women and Asians.
Travis Demers, the Blazers’ radio play-by-play voice for the last seven seasons, will take over television duties on a trial basis, according to OregonLive, which citied league and team sources.
Demers will call games on a game-by-game basis alongside feature color analyst Lamar Hurd and courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam.
Former Portland Trail Blazers television play-by-play broadcaster Braiden Bell. X/braidenbell
Demers, who previously filled in on the TV broadcast, reportedly impressed decision-makers when he called Portland’s preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors last week.
The Blazers reportedly are keeping their options open as they assess their television broadcast.
Deni Avdija (8) of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket against Charles Bassey (28) of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a preseason game at Moda Center in Portland, Ore., Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Getty Images
The shakeup comes after 29-year-old Bell was hired and fired in the same day due to resurfaced posts made as a teenager.
Bell reportedly beat out 10 different candidates, such as veteran play-by-play voice Kyle Draper, for the job, in part because the team felt he was a “rising star.”
The Portland Trail Blazers released a statement after their newly hired television play-by-play voice was fired due to old tweets. Trail Blazers/X
The Blazers reportedly considered replacing Bell with Draper, and instead decided to go with Demers on a trial basis.
Demers has called games for the Hillsboro Hops and University of Portland as well as hosting radio programs for SiriusXM College Sports Nation and NBC Sports Northwest.
Kevin Calabro looks on during Round 1, Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs between the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, Monday, April 18, 2022. NBAE via Getty Images
The Blazers also lost legendary television play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Calabro this offseason after 10 years.
Calabro wanted to return to Portland in a part-time role and decided to leave in July after receiving what he deemed a “subprime” contract offer from the Blazers and new owner Tom Dundon, The Oregonian previously reported.
Calabro reportedly was hired by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a limited role in September.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 10: Jordan Walsh #27 of the Boston Celtics shoots a three point basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 10, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BOSTON — The Celtics will use the same starting lineup for the second consecutive preseason game, giving Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, and Mitchell Robinson the nod in their preseason matchup against the Charlotte Hornets.
That’s the same group that started in the Saturday night 144-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers.
But in that one, the bench saw just as much of an opportunity as the starters: Jordan Walsh (11 minutes) and Mitchell Robinson (14 minutes) played fewer minutes than Payton Pritchard (24 minutes), Sam Hauser (21 minutes), Hugo Gonzalez (21 minutes), Baylor Scheierman (19 minutes), and Neemias Queta (19 minutes). So, whether this is the starting group on Opening Night against the Detroit Pistons next Tuesday remains to be seen.
In Saturday’s win, Payton Pritchard (25 points, 7 assists), Jayson Tatum (25 points, 4 assists), Hugo Gonzalez (17 points), and Derrick White (15 points) led the way. The Celtics racked up 15 steals, led by George and Scheierman, who each had 5.
The Hornets, meanwhile, will start Naz Reid, Royce O’Neale, Moussa Diabate, Brandon Miller, and Dennis Schroder. Reid, O’Neale, and Schroder are all offseason additions. This will be the Celtics’ first time facing the Hornets since they traded LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Celtics will play their final preseason game on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers in Philadelphia. They’re 2-0 in preseason action so far.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 16: P.J. Washington #25 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Derik Queen #22 of the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half of a game at Smoothie King Center on March 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 Dallas Mavericks host the New Orleans Pelicans in their third contest of the preseason. It’s the first game in the United States after playing the Houston Rockets twice in Macao last week. The Pelicans played the Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat last week in their effort to tune up before the start of the regular season. Be aware of the new start time for home games that aren’t on national television. We all get to go to bed a little earlier (unless you’re not in the Western Hemisphere).
Here’s what you need to know before the game starts:
WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs New Orleans Pelicans
WHAT: First home game of the preseason
WHERE: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
WHEN: 7:00 pm CST
HOW: NBAtv or KFAA
While there is no official injury report yet, here’s what I’ve been able to deduce: Dereck Lively isn’t playing, as he’s still recovering from the surgery that ended his year last season. I don’t expect Santi Aldama to play either, though he’s been ramping up in practice due to his offseason knee procedure. Morez Johnson and Kyrie Irving each split games in Macao, but I expect both to at least see the floor tonight. Marcus Sasser is dealing with an abductor injury, so don’t expect to see him either.
UPDATE: EVERYONE I WANT TO WATCH ISN’T PLAYING. COOL COOL COOL
Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford (right shoulder stinger) will rest tonight, according to Dusty May. He said Morez Johnson Jr., who has right shin splints, will also miss tonight’s game.
Obviously, offseason isn’t about winning or losing; it’s about seeing what you have against different competition and not getting hurt. My recommendation for tonight is to watch the various two and three-man actions that happen on offense. The team has raved about head coach Dusty May’s offensive mind so far in preseason; let’s see who he has working together.
If you’re checking out this post, it’s for one of two reasons:
Injury report news
Discussion and comment thread
If you’re part of the former, please consider signing up for an account. You get way fewer ads and you can comment on things! If you’re part of the latter group: GO GET THE APP. I’m serious. The app has some real time features specifically for game threads like this one and you can comment and get notified really, really easily. It’s part of what’s keeping this whole series of sites going. So go do it for us and in doing so, you’ll see why the experince is simply better.
Consider joining Josh and me on Pod Maverick live after the game on YouTube; we will be going live tonight after the game.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 10: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns & Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs battle during the game during a preseason game on October 10, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Phoenix has the Spurs again tonight. What are you looking for?
If you haven’t downloaded the SB Nation app yet, now is the time.
Game Threads are so much better in the app, and with Suns basketball back, you’re going to want to be there with us!
Several players are exceeding expectations. Everyone is bragging that the defense will be better than anticipated. One practice was so physical that Lakers coach JJ Redick had to alter the drills.
But there’s one player in particular who has quietly struggled amid the outpouring of yellow-and-purple-streaked optimism.
He’s averaging only 2.8 points on 26.7% shooting and 3.3 assists in 17.5 minutes per game over four contests.
He hasn’t been playing like the player who turned heads with 17 points on 7-for-10 shooting (2-for-4 from beyond the arc), five assists and three rebounds against the Bulls when he was a rookie in March 2025.
You know, the player whom Lakers coach JJ Redick said was a few tweaks away from becoming impactful.
“I think the next step is just becoming like an elite-conditioned athlete,” Redick said in March 2025. “Because when he does that, with his physical tools and just his burst and his handle, we think he’s going to be an above-average to really good NBA shooter. He’s going to have a chance to really make an impact.”
He definitely hasn’t been playing like the player who earned playoff minutes for the Lakers last season against the Rockets.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks on against the Golden State Warriors in the fourth quarter at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Bronny will be entering his third season in the NBA. He’s the third-longest tenured Laker. The Lakers need more from him.
So far this preseason, Bronny has more turnovers (12) than points (11).
Bronny is no longer sharing the locker room with his superstar father. The 55th pick in the 2024 NBA draft has to stand on his own two feet.
It’s something that excites him.
“He’s got his own path and I got my own,” Bronny said at Lakers media day last month. “So he knows that I want to make a name for myself and continue my career and keep growing as a player. And he knows that I want to focus on that.”
Bronny has had both a red-carpet-lined path to the NBA as well as the cards stacked against him.
He has had the backing of his father who has been the face of the league for two decades and is arguably the greatest player of all-time. But he has also gotten an incredibly unfair amount of criticism for a guy who was selected near the bottom of the second round of the draft.
Bronny has already made great strides to silence the accusations of nepotism. He has proven that he’s an NBA player. But he must take leaps this season or that noise white noise is going to come back with roaring ferocity.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James (9) looks on against the Sacramento Kings during a game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Bronny’s struggles in the preseason are both meaningful and meaningless. It’s not fair to read into them too much. But it’s also fair that Bronny needs to be on edge.
The Lakers need Bronny to make an impact off the bench. They need him to deliver a scoring punch. They need him to be a reliable defender.
Redick acknowledged that Bronny hasn’t looked up to snuff, but he also partially blamed himself for that.
“I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us,” Redick said after the Lakers lost their exhibition game to the Warriors on Tuesday, 101-89. “I don’t think he’s played well in the four preseason games, but he’s had good practices. Some of it is just rhythm, some of it’s who he’s playing with, right?
“He’s played a lot of minutes especially in the second half of games with with our two-way guys and tonight he played with Rafael [Castro] who’s been with us for three days. So, some of it is like the group he’s with I think is not necessarily setting him up for success.”
Redick’s comments upset many people across the internet who accused him of making excuses for Bronny. But obviously Bronny is going to have more turnovers alongside two-way players than stars.
It’s hard not to root for Bronny here.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James, right, passes the ball while under pressure from Sacramento Kings’ Adam Flagler during the second half of a preseason NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
James went from suffering a cardiac arrest at USC that could’ve threatened his life to playing meaningful NBA minutes. His teammates and coaches genuinely like him. He goes golfing with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Despite being the son of a billionaire, he’s humble. He’s understated. He works hard.
But it’s no secret that his turnovers must decrease. He must shoot at a higher percentage. He needs to be more consistent.
Not much can be gleaned from the preseason. Bronny has already proven that he belongs on an NBA roster.
But the Lakers also are trying to win their 18th championship. Everyone needs to star in their role — or else.
And his name has been conspicuously omitted when the team’s star name who has impressed them preseason, a list that often includes Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Jake LaRavia.
The Lakers fully guaranteed Bronny’s $2.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season, and he has a $2.5 million team option for 2027-28.
Bronny needs to prove that he can be a difference maker.
He needs to do the small things night after night that affect winning.
He needs to play better.
Or else his supporters are going to have a tough time trying to hold the door shut against his seemingly endless stampede of detractors.
BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 28: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day at the Brooklyn Nets HSS Training Center on September 28, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York. 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
Get ready folks: Mikel Brown Jr. will make his Brooklyn Nets preseason debut against the Heat on Wednesday.
The No. 6 pick in the 2026 Draft has missed most of contact drills in training camp and the first three games of preseason due to a rolled ankle. GM Sean Marks told reporters the injury wouldn’t cost Brown Jr. serious time and his word is staying true.
Brown Jr. will be injected into a lineup that’s won all three of its games. They’re going for a perfect 4-0 with their lottery pick leading the way in the final preseason game — enjoy!
Game Info & Broadcast Details
Who: Brooklyn Nets (3-0) at Miami Heat (2-1)
What: Preseason
Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV/Streaming: YES & DAZN
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Injury Report: Who’s Out?
Brooklyn Nets:
Joshua Jefferson (back)
Miami Heat:
Bam Adebayo: Groin
Pelle Larsson: Illness
Dru Smith: Calf
Keshad Johnson: Hamstring (Two-Way)
💬 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.
Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely because of a health-related matter.
The Warriors have been without Porzingis throughout all of training camp and preseason contests because of the same health issue, which remains a mystery. Porzingis took to social media to address the public on the obscure matter.
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings. AP Photo/Scott Marshall
“Hello people, I’m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap. Honestly, I’m getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon,” Porzingis wrote in a post on X.
“It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can’t exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up for sure, but we will get through it
“Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support .”
Kristaps Porzingis #7 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles during the first half of an NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Getty Images
Porzingis also took the time to call out internet sleuths as a theory that the Warriors center has contracted HIV or AIDS floats around social media.
“I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I’m in the best hands. So everyone can relax now and I don’t have hiv or aids.”
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis gestures after making a 3-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics. AP
The Warriors signed Porzingis to a $40-million extension in the offseason and were aware of the health matter. Since then, the team has been extremely tight-lipped on the situation with head coach Steve Kerr providing intriguing updates on Porzingis.
Now, it appears the big man is in jeopardy of the beginning of the season.
Kristaps Porziņģis returned to the Warriors' practice facility on Tuesday, spoke with team doctors and management, but nothing else has changed.
With him being away from the team and no details on his health issue or when he might return, speculation has run rampant among Warriors fans. Porziņģis tried to cool things down on Wednesday with a social media post.
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now and I don’t have hiv or aids.
"Hello people, I'm working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health ASAP. Honestly, I'm getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I'll be feeling great again soon. It's been frustrating dealing with health stuff you can't exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it's added up, but we will get through it. Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support. I appreciate all the Internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now, and I don't have HIV or AIDS."
Porziņģis remains out indefinitely but met this week with general manager Mike Dunleavy and vice president of player health & performance Dr. Rick Celebrini, the team announced.
Previously, Porziņģis has been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS. This is a condition where a person's heart rate races for a minute or more after standing up from sitting or lying down (as part of the disorder, more blood stays in your lower body even after a person stands, causing the heart rate to race as it tries to get blood flowing again). It's unclear whether Porziņģis' current health issue is related to this or is something else.
The Warriors traded for Porziņģis at last year's trade deadline, seeing the stretch big who can protect the rim as a fantastic fit next to Stephen Curry. He played in 15 games for Golden State last season and averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Based on that, the Warriors bet on Porziņģis this summer, signing him to a two-year, $40 million extension.
Porziņģis joins Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody — both recovering and expected to return during the season from knee injuries — as key Warriors sidelined at the start of the season.
The Warriors confirmed in a statement that Porzingis returned to the team's practice facility on Tuesday, Oct. 13, and remains out indefinitely after he missed all of the team's training camp and preseason games. Officials offered no indication on when Porzingis might return to practice or resume on-court activities.
The 31-year-old center has battled injuries throughout his NBA career. His latest issues have proven especially concerning because doctors have yet to identify a long-term solution that would allow him to return to full basketball activities. But the 7-foot-2 center took to social media to reassure fans in conjunction with the Warriors' announcement on Wednesday, dismissing online speculation about his health and insisting he's "getting better and better."
"I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now ... and I don’t have hiv or aids," Porzingis wrote on X.
Here's more on Porzingis' injury status with the Golden State Warriors heading into the 2026-27 NBA season:
The Warriors said in their statement that Porzingis met with Golden State General Manager Mike Dunleavy and Vice President of Player Health and Performance Dr. Rick Celebrini on Tuesday. The team declined to reveal what was discussed in the meeting, but noted that Porzingis is out due to "the same health-related matter" and will now be around the team.
"I'm working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap," Porzingis wrote on Wednesday. "Honestly, I'm getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I'll be feeling great again soon. It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can't exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up for sure, but we will get through it."
I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.
Porzingis was acquired by the Warriors last February at the NBA trade deadline through a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. He appeared in only 15 out of 27 possible regular-season games after the trade. Porzingis has been out at various times with a lingering respiratory illness that causes a dramatic increase in heart rate upon standing, severe fatigue, and dizziness.
Kristaps Porzingis contract
Porzingis was brought in to answer Golden State's issues at the center position, giving them more size and versatility to defend the interior against other bigs in the league or penetrating perimeter players. He signed a two-year, $40 million contract extension in June to stay with the Warriors.
Kristaps Porzingis stats
Porzingis averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.5 assists while appearing in 32 games combined for the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors during the 2025-26 season. He has missed at least 25 games eight times during the 11 seasons since the New York Knicks drafted him in 2015.
It's unwise to read too much into preseason results. Rotations aren't set, guys are asked to do things they won't do during the season, and teams experiment with sets and lineups we won't see when the games count.
But it's been a rough preseason for Bronny James. In nearly 70 minutes across four games, he has scored just 11 points on 26.7% from the floor, and he is 1-of-7 shooting from 3-point range, with 13 assists but 12 turnovers. After the Lakers preseason game against the Warriors in Las Vegas Tuesday, coach JJ Redick was honest — but with a positive spin — about Bronny's preseason.
"I thought he had a really nice September and a good summer with us, but I don't think he's played well in the four preseason games. But he's had good practices," Redick said. "Again, some of it is just rhythm, some of it is who he's playing with. He's played a lot of minutes, especially in the second half of games with our two-way guys... I think that is not necessarily setting him up for success."
Bronny was nowhere near NBA-ready when the Lakers drafted him No. 55 in 2024 (coming off a serious health scare and being handed a three-year contract), but NBA talent evaluators have given him approving nods for how much he has developed in the past two seasons. He has clearly put in the work. As one league source told NBC Sports at Summer League, "He was two years away from being two years away when they drafted him, but now he's looking almost like an NBA player. He might stick."
Bronny has always been an active defender and is physically strong, but as a 6'2" guard in the NBA, that only gets you minutes if you can shoot the rock, too. That improved last season, he shot 38.6% from 3, on limited chances. Shooting has always been Bronny's issue, and the preseason results are not promising.
It's hard to envision what Bronny's role will look like this season, although he will get the opportunity to prove that this preseason was just a fluke at some point. He needs to capitalize on that. Bronny's contract is fully guaranteed at $2.3 million this season, but next season includes a team option with only $1.25 million of his $2.3 million guaranteed. It's also worth noting the Lakers have 16 players under contract right now and have to trim that by one before the season opens next week. They reportedly have been exploring possible trades for end-of-the-bench players, but could be forced to waive someone.
Generational fandom, getting fans while they’re young, is not dead. It is alive, well and thriving. That’s one of many ways of looking at what the Brooklyn Nets — and New York Liberty — are doing with the latest expansion of their Brooklyn Basketball training programs.
Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Nets, Liberty and Barclays Center announced Wednesday that its Brooklyn Basketball program is adding three new locations in the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Gowanus, Bushwick and Greenpoint, to its main venue across from Barclays Center. The 18,600 square foot facility, to be known now as the Downtown Brooklyn Basketball Center, remains the centerpiece.
In addition, BSE also noted that it’s expanding its free basketball clinic program with New York City Schools from elementary and middle school to high school as well. It will also develop new links with the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) which manages the school system’s high school athletics, running city’s popular high school tournaments. Brooklyn Basketball already serves 50,000 elementary and middle school students, all of whom get t-shirts branded with the two teams’ logos.
In a statement, BSE described the program improvements as part of the first anniversary observance of the Flabush Avenue location.
“As we celebrate the one-year anniversary of Brooklyn Basketball’s first Training Center, we are proud to build on the more than 50,000 young people we reach through our school and community programming by bringing more opportunities directly into Brooklyn neighborhoods, “ said Marissa Shorenstein, the Chief Operating Officer to BSE. ”This expansion reflects our long-term commitment to the community and our belief that every young person should have the opportunity to participate, learn and grow through sport.”
Whether addressed directly or not in the announcement, the overall program will provide the organization with varied opportunities. That includes marketing generational fandom, engaging with the community and schools … and enhancing business opportunities for the Tsais who are already a leader in sports business and technology. Youth sports training is already a $40 billion-a-year business nationwide.
Indeed, the various programs will be both “fee-based and open-to-community” as BSE attempts to cover all those bases. Some financial aid is offered to defer the fee-based training costs, says a spokesman.
But what may be most interesting aspect is that expansion signals that the company, owned by Joe and Clara Wu Tsai, is doubling down on building their brand with younger fans, primarily in Brooklyn, hoping they’ll become lifelong fans. Mikhail Prokhorov, the Nets former owner, once said he hoped to “turn Knicks fans into Nets fans.” That did not work, probably never would. Under the Tsais and CEO Sam Zussman, the strategy changed to a longer term, more organic one. Now, though, there’s the added challenge of facing the prominence of the Knicks following their historic on-court success and parade down the Canyon of Heroes which drew two million people.
In various discussions about the program over the last several months, a number of BSE officials have talked openly about the value of using Brooklyn Basketball to attract those fans. Clara Wu Tsai in a recent interview with Bloomberg’s David Rubenstein volunteered that beyond how it helps youngsters with life lessons including confidence, Brooklyn Basketball is “also a way to develop a pipeline of fans, of course.” Joe Tsai in talking to NetsDaily about the Knicks effect on the Nets business plans said generational fandom will remain in place and CEO Sam Zussman, the architect of the idea told an Israeli reporter in May that spending large amounts of money on Brooklyn Basketball is an investment, hinting that profits are secondary.
“We started a movement called Brooklyn Basketball. And we now not only have a facility but we also go to public school and we deliver clinics free to 40,000 (now 50,000) kids a year and so, you would ask me, ‘you’re spending a couple of million dollars a year that yes has a community aspect but where’s the revenue? And the revenue is a stream of season ticket holders that could be season ticket holders for 50 or 60 years starting 10 or 15 years and that’s okay.”
And in discussing the specifics of Wednesday’s announcement, a BSE official said all aspects are important, including “creating connections” with the two teams.
“While we seek to teach basketball and all the life skills that come with team sport – confidence, leadership, teamwork and more – we know that not every child who comes through the doors at Brooklyn Basketball will go on to play basketball at a high level, but we do anticipate them creating connections with their community and of course the Nets and Liberty,” said the official.
Whether the plan will succeed remains uncertain after the Knicks won their first NBA championship in 50 years … and the Nets lost 62 games last season.
The biggest news in the announcement is the acquisition of the three neighborhood training facilities, newly renovated and repurposed warehouses that are being purchased from a private group, The BK Post.
The buildings are located at 483 Baltic Street in Gowanus, 53 Knickerbocker Ave. in Bushwick and 100 Dobbin Street in Greenpoint (pictured.) A BSE spokesman declined to provide details on the financials. Each space will be upgraded and renovated before opening next year under the BSE brand.
The facilities also may eventually serve as a fall back when the former Modell’s sporting goods building on Flatbush will have to close to give way to an 800-foot multi-use building planned for the site. That could happen as early as 2028. Norman Oder who tracks development at the corner of Flatbush and Atlantic has reported that BSE has signaled that its interest in retaining a facility at the site.
Beyond the three new training centers and the expansion of its partnership with New York’s public schools, the announcement laid out other elements of the expansion:
Brooklyn Basketball will launch a Community Partner Program. Through a year-long initiative, selected local organizations will partner with Brooklyn Basketball for open-to-community clinics and receive additional resources, including equipment, coaching education, Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty experiences, an annual grant and other opportunities designed to support their ongoing work in the community.
The expansion will also support the continuation and growth of Brooklyn Basketball’s After-School Club, a year-round program built around consistent coaching, progressive training and competition. Beginning this fall at the Downtown Brooklyn Training Center location, the new Performance Track will offer three sessions per week focused on skill development, team practice and Saturday game days, along with league play, tournaments, playoffs and championship opportunities. The program will continue to offer a Skills Track focused on fundamentals and individual development.
The expansion will also support the continuation and growth of Brooklyn Basketball’s After-School Club, a year-round program built around consistent coaching, progressive training and competition. Beginning this fall at the Downtown Brooklyn Training Center location, the new Performance Track will offer three sessions per week focused on skill development, team practice and Saturday game days, along with league play, tournaments, playoffs and championship opportunities. The fee-based program will continue to offer a Skills Track focused on fundamentals and individual development.
More locations will offer increased opportunities for Nets and Liberty players to participate in Brooklyn Basketball programming as the new locations will offer all of our programing – after school clubs, camps, clinics and open-to-community programming.
The statement did not address the overall cost of the expansion which in addition to the brick-and-mortar investment will include hiring of new trainers for the three new venues, acquisition of sports technology, etc. One thing appears certain however. No NBA team has invested as deeply as the Nets … for whatever reason. And that includes the Knicks.
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 7: Brandon Miller #24 of the Charlotte Hornets dribbles the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on April 7, 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics host the Charlotte Hornets for the 3rd preseason game for both teams. The Celtics beat the Cavaliers in their first game and then beat the 76ers in their second game. The Hornets lost to the Nets in their first game and then beat the Bucks in their second game. The Celtics have one more preseason game at Philadelphia on Friday.
The Hornets have several new players this season. They signed Coby White as a free agent. They got Naz Reid in a trade from Minnesota. They got Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale in a trade from Phoenix. And, they got Dennis Schroder in a trade from the Wizards. They drafted Hannes Steinbach (14th) and Christian Anderson, Jr (18th). They also lost several players from last season. LaMelo Ball, Josh Green , Miles Bridges and Tre Mann were all traded. Antonio Reeves and Xavier Tillman both left as unsigned free agents.
I can’t guess who the Celtics will start in this game. They started Conley, Scheierman, Walsh, Gonzalez and Garza in the first game and they started Walsh, White, Tatum, George, and Robinson in the second game. Joe may want to see the starters again in this game or he may sit them once again and play the reserves all game. Or, he may play them in this game and then sit the starters against the 76ers. Or, the starters may play in both or sit in both.
Likewise, as is true of most preseason games, it’s hard to tell who will start and who will play for the Hornets. They started Schroder, Allen, McNeeley, Reid and Diabate in their loss to the Nets. They started Schroder, Miller, McNeeley, Reid and Diabate in their win over the Bucks. The Hornets also have several players out and so that may limit their options in this game.
For the Celtics, Devin Carter is a game time decision with an illness that also kept him out of Saturday’s game against the 76ers. Ron Harper, Jr has missed both games so far with a shoulder injury and he is also a game time decision. Luka Garza went to the locker room late in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game against the 76ers after an inadvertent elbow to the nose left him bleeding. He is listed as a game time decision for this game.
For the Hornets, Grayson Allen missed Sunday’s game with a knee injury and is a game time decision. Christian Anderson, Jr has missed the first 2 preseason games with an ankle sprain and is also a game time decision. Kylan Boswell (knee), Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Coby White (calf) and Grant Williams (hamstring) are all listed as out.
Boston Celtics Roster Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley Luka Garza Paul George Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Mitchell Robinson Baylor Scheierman Jayson Tatum Jordan Walsh Derrick White
2-Way Players Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams Exhibit 10 Players Devin Carter Tucker DeVries Hayden Gray Gabe MccGlothan Milos Uzan Injuries Ron Harper, Jr (shoulder) game time decision Devin Carter (illness) game time decision Luka Garza (nose) game time decision
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla
Charlotte Hornets Roster Grayson Allen Christian Anderson, Jr Pat Connaughton Moussa Diabate Sion James Ryan Kalkbrenner Liam McNeeley Brandon Miller Royce O’Neale Naz Reid Tidjane Salaun Dennis Schroder Hannes Steinbach
2-Way Players Michael Ajayi Kylan Boswell PJ Hall Exhibit 10 Players Wyatt Fricks Jarkel Joiner
Injuries Christian Anderson, Jr (ankle) game time decision Grayson Allen (knee) game time decision Kylan Boswell (knee) out Kon Knueppel (hamstring) out Coby White (calf) out Grant Williams (hamstring) out
Head Coach Charles Lee
What to Watch Team Chemistry – Whether it is the starters or the reserves or the end of the bench guys, it will be interesting to see the team building chemistry and playing well together. With several new players needing to learn the system and all of the players needing to learn to play together, building chemistry should be the main goal for the team in these preseason games.
How About the New Guys– Conley looked good in the start on Thursday and Paul George and Mitchell Robinson both looked good on Saturday. Chris Cenac, Jr, Dillon Mitchell and Devin Carter have all impressed so far. I’m hoping to see all of the new players in this game to get more experience playing together before the season. Even if they only play for half the game.
Offensive Rebounding – The Celtics dominated the boards on Thursday against the Cavaliers. They had 21 offensive rebounds to just 6 for the Cavs. They did it again on Saturday, out rebounding the 76ers on the offensive boards 19-7. Rebounding will be a key for the Celtics this season. The Celtics need to once again dominate the boards in this game.
Defense – Defense is the key to winning each and every game. In the 2 games so far, the Celtics have shown that they are making the effort to dominate on the defensive end of the court. If that effort continues, the Celtics could very well have the best defense in the league. Hopefully we will see them to continue to make defense a priority.
X-Factor It’s the Preseason – The preseason is a time for the coaches to get a look at players who may or may not make the team, to experiment with lineups and different plays. Wins and losses are not as important as learning things about the players and the team. We certainly won’t see the regular rotation for either team and that’s ok.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: The sneakers worn by Nick Sang during the game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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