Kessler has missed the Lakers’ first three preseason games after jamming his finger against the backboard during training camp, according to Lakers coach JJ Redick.
“It’s not concerning,” Redick said before the Lakers’ 114-110 exhibition win over the Kings on Thursday. “He’ll play in the preseason.”
Los Angeles Lakers player Walker Kessler (14) attends media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, September 28, 2026, in El Segundo, California. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Lakers have two exhibition games left. They play the Warriors on Tuesday in Las Vegas. Then they host the Nuggets on Friday at Crypto.com Arena.
Kessler only played in five games last season after suffering a torn labrum that required season-ending surgery. He’s an elite rebounder and rim protector who contested 7.5 shots per game at the rim in 2024-2025, tying him for fifth most in the NBA, according to NBA.com.
While Kessler is yet to appear in purple and gold, Austin Reaves made his exhibition debut on Thursday. He finished with eight points, five rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 25 minutes. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 23 points in 25 minutes.
But we have yet to see the Lakers’ Big 3 take the court together.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Walker Kessler poses for pictures with NBA photographer Adam Pantozzi during media day in El Segundo, Calif., Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
A handful of other players were sidelined for Thursday’s exhibition game, including Ziaire Williams (soreness), Arthur Kaluma (lower leg), Collin Sexton (lower leg), Cameron Carr (contusion) and Dalton Knecht (contusion).
“Would love to get some news on some people in the next few days and be able to see what we look like at full strength, at least in one of these games, and just build that rhythm with each other,” Redick said. “I’m very confident we’ll have enough practice time over the next 13 days, 12 days, whatever it is, until we start.”
The Lakers host the Warriors in their regular-season opener on October 21.
Sonya Curry married "the most amazing man" this summer, she shared in an Instagram post on Friday.
Sonya Curry married “the most amazing man” this summer, she shared in an Instagram post on Friday.
The author remarried five years after she filed for divorce from NBA great Dell Curry after three decades of marriage. They are parents to Warriors superstar Steph Curry, NBA sharpshooter Seth Curry and daughter Sydel Curry.
Sonya and her new husband, whose identity was not disclosed, were married at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort, she shared, adding that it was planned in just nine weeks.
“A year ago my mom passed unexpectedly, while simultaneously the most amazing man came into my life! & months late, I was blessed with becoming his wife!” Sonya wrote.
“Our union is a testament to the fact that God has seen every tear I’ve cried and answered every prayer that I had regarding the type of man that would be a perfect help mate for me (if God saw that it was in his will for me to remarry)! I hope this encourages you-not just about finding a husband or wife, but with any prayer you have submitted to God- to not lose hope.”
Sonya Curry attends the 2022 ESPYs at Dolby Theatre on July 20, 2022 in Hollywood, California. Getty Images
Sonya wore a white gown with gold floral print by Pnina Tornai from Kleinfeld Bridal and Iza diamonds.
Their wedding reception included warm white and neutral tones with white roses and candles — and roller skaters called Zoni Girls, who are part of the Arizona-based pop-up roller rink.
Last week, Sonya shared an Instagram video, entitled, “Summer 2026 recap,” which included footage from her wedding.
Sonya and Dell married in 1988, the same year Steph was born. The couple welcomed Seth in 1990, and daughter Sydel in 1994.
Warriors star Stephen Curry on stage with his mom Sonya and dad Dell while holding the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the Bill Russell Finals MVP Trophy after winning Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NBAE via Getty ImagesStephen Curry and Sonya Curry attend the 2023 Sundance Film Festival “Stephen Curry: Underrated” Premiere at Eccles Center Theatre on January 23, 2023 in Park City, Utah. Getty Images
The pair met while they were student-athletes at Virginia Tech, and connected on a recruiting trip for Sonya, who was an all-conference volleyball player for the Hokies.
Dell played in the NBA from 1986 until 2002, and retired as the Charlotte Hornets’ all-time leader in points (9,839) and 3-point field goals made (929).
He currently serves as a color commentator and analyst on Hornets broadcasts.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: Alex Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images
WASHINGTON — Less than 14 hours after a 111-109 win over the New York Knicks to open preseason play, the Wizards returned to CareFirst Arena for an early practice.
Alex Sarr, who missed Thursday’s game but is close to returning, is trending toward returning on Saturday, Brian Keefe said after Friday’s practice. Keefe said they’ll know more about Sarr’s official status tomorrow.
Khris Middleton (ramp up) is also nearing a return.
Keefe’s rotation
The Wizards’ rotation on Thursday uncovered some details. It’s reasonable to assume that, when healthy, Washington’s starting five will look as follows:
PG: Trae Young
SG: AJ Dybantsa
SF: Kyshawn George
PF: Anthony Davis
C: Alex Sarr
Deandre Ayton, Tre Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly are the three locks to come off the bench, if those starters hold true. That leaves five players — Middleton, Bub Carrington, Justin Champagnie, Will Riley and Tre Mann — vying for the last two-to-three spots.
Keefe said nothing has been determined regarding his opening-night rotation.
“It’s still early in camp,” Keefe said. “We’re trying different combinations, seeing what works. Those [rotation] decisions haven’t been made yet.”
Carrington and Champagnie play well in opener
Both Carrington and Champagnie played well into the fourth quarter on Thursday. And they played well.
Carrington dropped Deuce McBride with a crossover into a step-back three — his second of the night. He finished with 11 points on 3-for-6 FG.
“Bub’s got the ability to make shots off the dribble and off the catch. He’s got a unique scoring ability from the three,” Keefe said. “He gave us a little bit of a burst when our offense was getting a little stagnant, which can happen early in preseason games.”
Champagnie did typical Champagnie things, particularly on defense. The 6-foot-6 forward paid homage to Jose Alvarado by stealing an inbounds pass and laying it up to quickly turn one basket into two. He added another steal when he jumped the passing lane before slamming it home in transition.
Champagnie’s best play of the night was when he came from the help side to meet James Wiseman at the rim before drilling a transition triple on the ensuing possession. He finished with 12 points (3-5 FG, 5-6 FT), two blocks and two steals.
“Justin can play with almost any lineup because of the intangible things that he does,” Keefe said. “You see the offensive rebounding. We all know the cutting and then the hustle plays he makes. He had that huge block at the rim on a help, which was great. Then he hits a three on the next possession … That’s what he does. He does winning stuff.”
Like the Brooklyn Nets, whose preseason tipped off on Tuesday, the Long Island Nets’ roster is filling up ahead of training camp later this month; and also like the big club, Long Island’s frontcourt includes something the organization values in its development: positional size
“I do think positional size is a factor we look at,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said at Media Day. “Sometimes size can make up for some other deficiencies.”
That “factor” has quietly become just as big on Long Island’s roster as it is on Brooklyn’s. As the team finalized things over the last couple of weeks, there was an obvious premium placed on size across the board and not just height.
Two-way players Grant Nelson, Chaney Johnson, and Tyler Bilodeau are examples, along with new Exhibit 10 pieces, Dain Dainja and Ben Humrichous, as well as G League signee Nick Pringle. Long Island also recently traded for Jonathan Pierre, a 6’9” 23-year-old forward, although he plays more of a wing role.
Each check in as big for their position and big in general. Pierre, Bilodeau and Humrichous are 6’9” wings while Dainja and Pringle are also 6’9” who also bring physicality, particularly Dainja who checks in at 255 pounds with a 7’7” wingspan. Johnson can and has played small ball center at 6’7”.
While the Nets still feature the youngest roster in the NBA this season along with the most players on rookie deals, Long Island is becoming its own pipeline to Barclays Center as the Nets have proved in the past several years. They regularly shuttle young players along the 22 miles from Barclays to Nassau Coliseum and back, taking advantage of G League rules permitting the three two-ways to be active for up to 50 NBA games and up to two roster players to get minutes with no restrictions. It’s not uncommon for players to get call-ups. Last season, 11 Nets split time between with the two venues.
What’s interesting beyond their size is that all of those names add something unique. Among Long Island’s front court chips this season, Brooklyn fans are most familiar with Johnson and Nelson. They’re also the most likely to see time in Brooklyn, maybe at some point getting converted to a standard deal.
Chaney Johnson
Johnson has already shown encouraging production against NBA competition. In 17 appearances with Brooklyn last year, after signing a two-way contract on December 26, he averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while posting a 63.5% true shooting rate. He also collected 33 offensive rebounds, accounting for roughly 42% of his total boards last season. That’s an interesting, valuable role for a scrappy player. There is always room in an NBA rotation, especially the Nets’, for efficient offensive rebounding.
After he posted nine points vs. the 76ers Thursday to go along with four rebounds, two blocks and two steals, Egor Demin, predicted he’ll ultimately get a standard deal…
Asked Egor Demin about Chaney Johnson last night:
“[Chaney] is the hardest working guy in the gym… He’s going to develop into a [standard] contract at some point. He’s going to be amazing. I'm glad to have him as a teammate. He does the work that not many people want to do on… https://t.co/cqYfD4yxNfpic.twitter.com/83jbQELEKi
“He worked really hard this summer, he had a very good summer league, and he’s also had a very good camp. You see his intensity and physicality, and it’s something that we need,“ said the head coach after Thursday’s game.
C.J. still has areas to clean up. He has room to grow as a shooter beyond the arc, as he shot just 30% from deep on 30 attempts last season while committing 51 fouls in around 348 total minutes. Johnson will always be an aggressive player, and that is one of his calling cards, but adding more discipline will make the transition Demin predicts more likely.
Grant Nelson
After going undrafted last year, in part because of a balky knee, Nelson wound up with an Exhibit 10 last year, averaging 11.1 points and 6.0 rebounds in 19.3 minutes across 23 G League games. He also shot 54.9% from the field and 80.9% from the free-throw line. Overall, the Alabama product played in a limited role as he dealt with a patella tendinitis that had plagued him throughout his college career. Across 15 starts in the G League, though, he averaged 24 points and 12 rebounds per 36 minutes, adding even more intrigue. That came after a seven-week rehab program with LI’s player performance team.
Nelson’s strong showings in the G League earned him a 10-day contract with Brooklyn. Across four games on the deal, Nelson played 35 minutes, putting up 17 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Shortly after the Nets didn’t renew him for a second 10-day contract, as expected, it was revealed that he suffered patellar tendinitis, commonly known as “jumper’s knee,” which ended his season. At Media Day, Nelson said that with the help of the Nets performance team, he’s completely healthy and in Brooklyn’s two preseason games, he’s impressed off the bench.
In Brooklyn’s preseason opener Tuesday night, he scored five points in six minutes, along with a rebound and an assist, while shooting 2-of-4 from the field and 1-of-2 from beyond the arc. Then, Thursday, Jordi Fernandez doubled his minutes and he came away with eight points on 3-o-4 shooting, missing his only three, but getting to the line five times in eight minutes.
Ultimately, the 24-year-old is an interesting piece. The Nets were intrigued enough to give him a summer rehab plan and bring him back on a two-way deal.
Tyler Bilodeau
The new face on a two-way deal with Brooklyn this year is their second-round pick from June, Bilodeau. In the second round, teams often look for players who excel in a select area, and Bilodeau is just that when it comes to 3-point shooting. In his final year at UCLA, the 22-year-old averaged 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 51.8% and a Big Ten-leading 46.4% from three.
His biggest concern, though, is on the defensive end of the floor which is likely to be his development priority. However, his shooting ability is fascinating, and he has the potential to develop into a serviceable defender at 6’9” and 228 pounds and a wide frame. Developing in the G League instead of sitting on Brooklyn’s bench should be valuable and help him grow
While his missed his two attempts beyond the arc vs. Philly, the UCLA product grabbed five boards in 12 minutes, matching his point output.
Dain Dainja
Some of Brooklyn’s Exhibit 10 signees also have unique aspects to their game. Atop that list is Dainja. At 6’9” and 255 pounds with a crazy 7’7” wingspan, he’s physically imposing. Dainja spent the 2025-26 season with the Miami Heat’s G League affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce. In Sioux Falls, he put up 13.1 points on 62.3% shooting, 5.9 rebounds, and one block across 36 appearances. His scoring efficiency really sticks out, aside from his wingspan, and if he can develop into an offensive hub for Long Island while complementing the scoring with screening and defense, he could certainly make some noise this season.
Nick Pringle
Pringle is another physical option. The 24-year-old stands at 6’10” and 230 pounds after signing with the organization on an Exhibit 10, although unlike Dainja and Humrichous, his deal does not feature a training camp invite.
Across his six-year college career, including stops at Wofford College, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arkansas, he shot 64.9% from the field in 152 games while tallying 654 rebounds and 125 combined steals and blocks. He was also part of Alabama’s 2024 Final Four team, averaging 6.2 rebounds during the NCAA Tournament that year. Pringle also overlapped with Nelson in Tuscaloosa when the Crimson Tide got to the Final Four in 2024.
Ben Humrichous
Humrichous is a very different player, and like Bilodeau, he was a heavy 3-point shooter in college. At Illinois last season, he made 57 of 158 attempts from beyond the arc, for a 36.1% clip. Around 86% of his overall field goal attempts came from deep, which is ridiculously high. The biggest question with Humrichous, who is 6’9” and 224 pounds, is where he can contribute when his shot isn’t falling, or when opposing defenses eliminate him from 3.
Jonathan Pierre
Lastly and perhaps the most interesting front court adds, there’s Jonathan Pierre. The organization liked his potential enough to trade for his rights earlier this month. He is another player who fits the mold of “positional size,” at 6’9” and 210 pounds. Pierre took a very interesting journey to the G League. He began high school as a 5’10” guard before hitting a growth spurt up to 6’7” and entering college as a forward at Nova Southeastern, where he helped the program go undefeated and win a Division II National Championship.
After an excellent first season in DII, he transferred to Memphis before breaking out at Belmont during the 2024-25 season. At Belmont, he averaged 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. Belmont also listed him at his current height, 6’9”, after he was dubbed 6’7” earlier in his college career, suggesting Pierre grew further in college.
He ultimately went undrafted, although Jam Hines of No Ceilings NBA viewed him as a “definite” top-60 prospect for the 2025 draft class. Hines noted that Pierre ranked in the 87th percentile in scoring efficiency as a pick-and-roll ball handler while making 37.8% of his catch-and-shoot threes on 156 attempts. He was also 46.2% on three-point attempts as a screener, though on a 13-attempt sample.
Pierre’s first year in the G League was nothing extraordinary, as he averaged 5.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 14.9 minutes across 34 total games. Still, his upside is certainly enticing. The Belmont product is also still just 23, making him Long Island’s second-youngest player behind only Bilodeau, who is a second-round rookie.
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All of front court adds have something to prove, and different goals to reach this season. It will take a while to figure things out. That process starts the end of the month when the team gathers for training camp, then Opening Night on November 6 in Greensboro, N.C., vs. the Swarm, the Hornets affiliate.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 30: Sonny Gray #54 of the Boston Red Sox reacts in the fourth inning against the New York Yankees in game two of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 30, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Red Sox and Yankees met in the postseason in consecutive years in the Wild Card round – both won by New York.
The clubs had not met in consecutive postseasons since their pair of classics in the 2003 and 2004 ALCS. My how things have changed since those incredible back-to-back October clashes.
The rivalry climaxed in those years. Despite the intrigue of another round of consecutive meetings in Oct… actually September, Boston and New York are in a far lesser realm of the rivalry, one where mediocrity limits its potential.
While the Bleacher Creatures have every right to give it to Red Sox Nation for back-to-back flight stamps to Cancun, the Yankees have done nothing with either momentum boost from defeating their rivals over the past two years. In the ALDS in each of the last two seasons, New York went out with a whimper at the hands of the American League East champions – the Blue Jays in 2025 and the Rays in 2026.
What happened to the era where the Red Sox and Yankees sent star after star into battle for marathons that defined generations? The truth is we’ll never be at the level of 2003 and 2004 between these teams again, but can we raise the standard just a little bit?
Both teams have a handful of big names that sometimes distract from flawed rosters that can otherwise barely qualify for the postseason and that’s about it. The Red Sox have averaged just 88 wins over the last two years. Dating back to the 2024 World Series, New York is just 2-10 in its last 12 playoff games against non-Boston clubs and have been eliminated at Yankee Stadium in four consecutive playoff exits since 2022.
Weren’t these the teams that spent the majority of the first quarter of the 21st century fighting for division titles? Weren’t these the teams that met in October 2018 each having won 100 games in the regular season?
The rivalry is calmer. The stakes are lower. The results fall short and it’s a sad state of a fierce rivalry that once defined the sport. These teams have lacked an all-in approach and frankly it’s starting to show in a major way – both against each other and in their own respective championship aspirations.
Heading into an offseason with uncertainty swirling around the sport as a whole, can the Red Sox and Yankees each take legitimate actions for a stern reestablishment as bonafide contenders?
Doubtful.
Red Sox brass in the end-of-season press conference appeared committed to the young core that’s taken strides in recent regular seasons before bowing out with remarkably disappointing showings in the playoffs. In the Bronx, retaining general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone seems likely, keeping the status quo for a Yankees team that has failed to get over the hump in the Aaron Judge era and still remains without a championship since 2009.
The Red Sox and Yankees will still pack stadiums and draw ratings whenever they meet, but this stage of the rivalry is a large, unquestionable disappointment. Here’s to that changing sooner rather than later…
SAN FRANCISCO – Day 12 of the Kristaps Porziņģis Watch passed Friday without a sighting from the Warriors. There is an update of sorts, as director of sports medicine and performance Rick Celebrini made contract with the team’s projected starting center.
“Rick spoke with him (Thursday),” coach Steve Kerr said after a light practice.
Meanwhile, the Porziņģis conundrum continues to leave a considerable gap in the roster. During the best of times with Golden State last season, there were days when KP could fill the void and days when Kerr and his staff were forced to turn to an alternate plan.
Plan B was a concession then, and it’s only slightly better now that Plans C, D, E and F have been added to the roster.
When I asked Kerr if he knew how his big-man rotation would look, the coach acknowledged that with the regular-season opener 12 days away, it remains a work in progress.
“We haven’t figured it out,” he said.
There are five options. Plan B is veteran Al Horford, who won’t be available for back-to-back sets and hasn’t been for four years. Plan C is veteran Draymond Green, whose nights at center continue to exist despite a desire to minimize them. Plan D is Charles Bassey, who played five games after being added late last season. Plan E is rookie Graham Ike, holding a two-way contract. Plan F is promising rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who already looks like a utility man out of necessity.
“Both Graham and Charles were really impressive the other night, getting good reps in camp, and we’re going to need both of them during the year,” Kerr said. “And then if Kristaps isn’t here, the question would be: Do we start big with Al or Charles? Or do we start Draymond at the 5 and Yaxel at the four, maybe Gui (Santos at small forward) to give us some size and playmaking.”
At issue is Kerr’s commitment to bring the offense in line with the current NBA. He wants to play 5-out, meaning five perimeter-shooting threats that can be spaced around the 3-point arc. Porziņģis is one of the best 3-point shooters among centers in the league. He’s ideal, and his presence was a factor in Kerr’s decision to alter the offense.
Without KP, it’s an automatic downgrade. Horford’s 3-ball is solid, but at age 40 his minutes will be limited. Green’s 3-ball is solid from the corners, but opponents still sag on defense. Bassey is 3-of-13 from deep in 126 NBA games. Ike shot 34.8 percent in college but averaged less than one attempt from deep per game.
Lendeborg shot 36.4 percent on 286 attempts in his final three college seasons – but made significant improvements each year, from 33.3 percent to 35.7 to 37.2.
Despite being penciled in at forward, Yaxel’s size (6-foot-10, 241 pounds) and feel for the game might move him up from Plan F all the way to Plan B. Or at power forward to provide physical support for Green.
“With the fact that we have Yaxel now, you’d get a 6-10 guy next to (Green),” Kerr said. “If we go that route, it makes it a little more palatable. And if we pair them with Gui (6-foot-8), now all of a sudden, you got three good-sized guys at their positions, and it doesn’t feel as small as in the past couple years.
“But it’s not ideal.”
Any of those combinations would make it “definitely” harder to play a 5-out offense, Kerr conceded, adding that it would be too difficult to juggle offensive schemes based on personnel.
The upshot is that the offense designed around having a stretch 5 will remain in place despite the uncertainty of Porziņģis, who for spacing reasons might be the second-most important component behind Stephen Curry.
What the Warriors have, on paper, is an aging but high-quality squad.
What they’ll have beginning Oct. 21 won’t include Jimmy Butler III or Moses Moody, both expected to miss much, if not most, of the season as both recover from surgical knee repairs.
And it’s at least conceivable that it won’t include Porziņģis, whose “health issue” has not been clarified but has sidelined him for almost two weeks. Until he reemerges to join his teammates, the Warriors have no choice but to immerse themselves in alternate plans.
Beginning the regular season at 2-2 is not catastrophic for the Buffalo Sabres, but the club is showing some similar traits to teams of recent past that did not achieve success. Through four games, the Sabres have played spotty inconsistent hockey, have not received strong goaltending from Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and have been woeful with the man advantage.
In the 4-0 loss to the Dallas Stars on Thursday, Buffalo was 0 for 3 on the power play, and so far this season, they are the only club in the NHL who does not have a goal with the man advantage (0 for 13). This is not shocking, because the Sabres have traditionally been weak on the power play, in spite of having top offensive performers in Rasmus Dahlin and Tage Thompson.
Three years ago, Buffalo had a 16.6% effective rate on the power play (29th overall), two years ago, it was 18.8% (24th overall), and last season it was 19.5% (21st overall). In their first year under Lindy Ruff, the Sabres went 0 for 22 on the man advantage. This season, the group has started 0 for 13, and Ruff has already tinkered with the personnel on the first power play group, subbing in Noah Ostlund for Josh Doan, but they to this point have had no success.
"We obviously made some changes. We had a couple of great opportunities. I mean, our first power play wasn't any good. I'm not going to try to disguise that. Our second one, we had Benson all alone in front of the net, and you get a couple whacks. You got to put that in the back of the net. (Thompson) had one right in the slot that, normally, he finds a hole." Ruff said. "I think (we're) squeezing the sticks a little bit. We had some guys that abnormally didn't handle a puck very well, and that really hurt us."
Buffalo are 2-1 on their five-game homestand, and take on the offensively gifted Utah Mammoth on Saturday and the Florida Panthers on a Columbus Day matinee.
The star 76ers center has found himself in the middle of a maelstrom before the new NBA season even kicks off, with Knicks’ play-by-play announced Mike Breen reporting — and then walking back — that Embiid was chastised by LeBron James for being late to practice.
“Those type of things, I can’t understand,” Embiid told reporters after his preseason debut against the Nets on Thursday. “One, it is not true, but then again, it’s like, ‘Why me?’ … I guess I’m Joel Embiid. I’ve been in that situation. I don’t usually talk when it comes to those [rumors]. So, it feels like I’m an easy target.”
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during practice on October 3, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center. NBAE via Getty Images
Breen, on the broadcast of the Knicks-76ers preseason game on Monday, recounted a story he was told of the 2023 NBA MVP showing up a “couple of minutes late” to practice and that James “let him hear it.”
“I thought it would be an interesting anecdote to show LeBron’s leadership already on display in Philly,” the veteran broadcaster told ESPN. “For me, the fact that the teammate was Joel was meaningless. In hindsight, I should have realized the fact that it was Joel is what made it a story. I’ve always been a huge fan of Joel and feel awful that it put the focus on him the way that it did.”
Mike Breen and Ariel Hukporti #55 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk before the game against the New York Knicks on October 5, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
It should be a telling season for Embiid, an endless target of media and fan scrutiny for his play and health issues. He now has offseason additions James and Jaylen Brown with him on the Philly roster alongside emerging star Tyrese Maxey with heightened championship expectations.
The 32-year-old might have some big names to help shoulder the load, but may never fully escape the criticism.
“It sucks, but what can you do? It’s unfortunate,” he said of Breen’s ill-fated anecdote. “I don’t know where that came from. It never happened. … I think we just got to focus on ourselves. There’s going to be a lot of outside noise to pull us apart from what we’re supposed to be and what we’re supposed to accomplish. So, it’s important that we stay together and we keep our [head] down.”
CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox had two chances to clinch a postseason series at home for the first time in more than a century.
Now they have one chance to avoid a frustrating end to a surprising season.
The White Sox are going to a winner-take-all finale in their AL Division Series against Cleveland after a pair of disappointing defeats. Their bullpen is staggering after a 9-5 loss, and their hitters struck out 31 times over the last two games.
Game 5 is back in Cleveland, with the winner advancing to the American League Championship Series against Tampa Bay.
“Of course it’s a little disappointing,” All-Star outfielder Tristan Peters said, “but if we keep thinking that way we’re going to take that into Saturday, and then it’s not going to end well. I’m just telling myself, and I think everybody else is, too, that we’re not done. This isn’t done.”
Chicago earned an AL wild card by going 84-78 this season. It became the first team in MLB history to reach the playoffs after losing 100-plus games each of the previous two years.
Then, with manager Will Venable making all the right moves, the White Sox swept AL West champion Houston in their Wild Card Series before winning the first two ALDS games in Cleveland. It was the first 4-0 postseason start in franchise history — and all four wins came on the road.
That gave the White Sox a great opportunity to wrap up a postseason series at home for the first time since the 1906 World Series against the Chicago Cubs. But they flopped.
“Certainly, that’s something that we wanted to give our fans,” Venable said. “I think we just want to win this series however possible, and wherever that is, we’ll take it.”
Venable has leaned heavily on his bullpen out of necessity. But it looks as though that’s catching up to Chicago.
Erick Fedde heard chants of “Fed-de! Fed-de!” from the crowd of 39,920 after he replaced opener Hagen Smith in the first inning of Game 4 and pitched shutout ball into the fifth. But he was pulled after pinch-hitter Patrick Bailey launched a leadoff homer and Steven Kwan singled with one out.
Jordan Hicks came in and allowed a two-run homer to José Ramírez that gave Cleveland a 3-2 lead. Anthony Kay got one out in the sixth and was charged with two runs, and Grant Taylor yielded four runs and four hits without retiring any of the six batters he faced.
“They’re making really good swing decisions,” Venable said. “They’re making contact. We talked about how good a job they do of doing that. When you walk guys, they make you pay.”
Taylor, Kay, Smith and Bryan Hudson have pitched in three of the four games in the series. The 24-year-old Taylor tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings over the first two games of the ALDS.
“I don’t think it plays any role that I’ve thrown more this series,” Taylor said. “It truly was just execution. I walked two guys, and they put the ball in play.”
Taylor threw 18 pitches, eight for strikes. He promised he would be ready for Game 5 if needed.
“I’m going to be available for anything,” he said. “If they want me to go nine, then go for it. I’m going to do everything in the next couple days to be ready to go.”
Los Angeles Dodgers first base coach Chris Woodward (84) gestures from the field during a Major League Baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on September 7, 2026. (Photo by Peter Zhan/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
As you might have noticed, the two division series in the National League ended Wednesday night. The 103 win Milwaukee Brewers and the 100 win Los Angeles Dodgers — the two teams with the best records in MLB, and the top two seeds in the National League — each finished off their opponents in four games. So much for the “you don’t want a bye because you get rusty” theory.
The Dodgers are trying to make it to the World Series for the third year in a row. The Brewers are trying to make it to the World Series for the second time in their history.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game Seven of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 17, 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
There is no doubt that Donovan Mitchell is amongst the handful of the NBA’s best players. He can score in waves, at all three levels, and put the team on his back when it matters most. His superstardom is what drives the Cleveland Cavaliers’ relentless organizational pursuit of a championship. They have pushed all of their chips in, a few times over now, to put themselves in the best possible position to win right now.
We know Mitchell, assuming he remains healthy, will be a dominant force in the regular season. His four years in the Wine and Gold have been superb, with four trips to the All-Star Game and three All-NBA nominations.
But as great as he is, there is one more evolution for Mitchell — to be the best player on a championship team.
It may not have felt like it last season, but the Cavs were four wins away from the NBA Finals. They blew Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals in historic fashion, a blame that Mitchell puts on himself. A better version of Mitchell doesn’t allow Cleveland to wither on the vine the way they did. The long and short of Mitchell this upcoming season is how he plays in the postseason, on the biggest stage, against the greatest stars — and he will have the opportunity to showcase it.
Mitchell will get a full season next to James Harden, who takes the pressure off in a way that Darius Garland never really did. Harden’s impact on Jarrett Allen has already been discussed, but his ability to take pressure off of Mitchell as a scorer and facilitator should be better than it was last year. That relationship goes both ways, as Mitchell’s ability as a passer is paramount to making the Cavs’ offense as lethal as possible. There are plenty of shooters around him, and therefore assists abound.
No matter what, Mitchell will get his stats. He averaged 27.9 points per game last season on 48.3% shooting, while hitting 36.4% of his threes. His efficiency as a member of the Cavaliers has always been solid, and that should continue even in his age-30 season.
The elephant in the room is the playoff performances, and that goes for the Cavs as a whole. Mitchell’s numbers take a hit when the lights are the brightest, particularly his shooting efficiency and turnover rate. There is a passivity to his game that escapes onto the court, something that has perplexed the fan base.
Going back to that collapse in Game 1 of last year’s Eastern Conference Finals, Mitchell only attempted six shots in the fourth quarter and overtime — making just one of them. That made shot came with over eight minutes left in the final frame.
There should be plenty of confidence that Mitchell will have a great regular season, an All-Star caliber effort that reminds people why he is one of the league’s best. But his judgment will be made in the playoffs, for better or worse. That is what comes with being a great player, and it is up to Mitchell to change the narrative of not only himself, but this franchise as a whole.
Boston Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis reacts on the floor during the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 16, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr delivered an ominous update on Porziņģis’ status when speaking to the media on Thursday.
“He’s not here uh today,” Kerr said of Porziņģis. He later added, “I’ll reach out to to KP today and and check in with him, but nothing new to report.”
Porziņģis was diagnosed as POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) in 2025. This current absence hasn’t been confirmed as a byproduct of POTS, but that seems to be the prevailing belief.
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr calls out instructions to his team during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, in Portland, Ore. AP Photo/Ali Gradischer
Kerr was also asked whether he has been in communication with Porziņģis this offseason and whether he knows how he’s doing and said, “Yeah, we’ve texted. Seems to be doing okay, but we haven’t gotten into into depth.”
“Obviously, we’d rather have KP here and [be] part of [the Warriors’ preseason]. But he’s got to take care of his health, and again, we’ll support that and keep moving forward with the team,” Kerr added.
Golden State was hoping that mystery would subside. Alas, that does not appear to be the case.
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis warms up before an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, April 10, 2026. AP Photo/Scott Marshall
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Assistant coach D.J. MacLeay of the Boston Celtics signals to his players during the second half of their preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 124-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CLEVELAND — Celtics assistant coach DJ MacLeay typically stands on the sidelines and barks out commands. MacLeay, who began as a player-enhancement coach with the Celtics in 2021, leads the team’s defense and is often one of the loudest voices during games.
But on Thursday night, for the first time in his career, he served as the Celtics’ head coach — at least for the second half.
Joe Mazzulla revealed at shootaround that he wouldn’t be coaching the Celtics’ preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead, assistant coach Tony Dobbins would coach the first half (and handle pregame media responsibilities), and MacLeay would coach the second half (and handle postgame media responsibilities).
“It was definitely different,” MacLeay said. “I got to be the head coach of the Boston Celtics for a half. Can’t feel anything but gratitude for that.”
Mazzulla decided both coaches would get the opportunity after they went through head-coaching interviews this past summer, Dobbins with the Dallas Mavericks and MacLeay with the Portland Trail Blazers. Neither got the job — Dobbins was a finalist — but Mazzulla wanted to acknowledge their progress by giving them additional preseason responsibilities.
“To me that’s a huge testament to them and the work that they do,” Mazzulla said. “And so, you’re just always looking for opportunities to give them more experience. And sometimes, the only experience is being out there on the sideline.”
The Celtics head coach wanted to give his assistants time to mentally prepare, so he gave them a heads-up.
“In classic Joe fashion, he told us this way back in the summer, so I’ve had some time to think about this,” MacLeay said.
For MacLeay, serving as a head coach for a half gave him the opportunity to hone in on the key messages the team has been emphasizing throughout training camp.
“The biggest thing is working on the stuff that we’ve been trying to build — connection with the group, connection to how we want to play, understanding different turning points, different moments within the game, and I thought for the most part the guys really were intentional about that,” MacLeay said.
In addition to running the Celtics’ defense, MacLeay serves as Luka Garza’s player development coach. Garza excelled in Thursday’s game, finishing with 22 points and 10 rebounds, both game-highs.
Afterward, he shared that getting to play for MacLeay formally made the outing even more meaningful.
“It was special, man,” Garza said. “He’s a guy that I just love working with, man. Every day, coming into the gym and working with him, whether it’s film or just the PD or whatever it is, he just brings such a great energy to the game, and I feel like we just have like mindsets in a lot of ways.
MacLeay knows he eventually wants to serve as a head coach, and he’s grateful that both the offseason interview process and the preseason game gave him a chance to prepare for the ultimate goal.
“All these experiences just open your eyes to all the different things that a head coach deals with, right?” MacLeay said. “There were things about that [interview] process that I could have done better, but I wouldn’t have known, having not gone through it before. And so, just like tonight, there were plenty of things that I screwed up, and I could have been better for the guys. And so, ultimately, just trying to be in a space where you take these experiences, you learn from them, you try to get better from them, you try to be better for the people around you, and serve the players as best you can. And you just try to take that mindset, the gratitude for this opportunity, for that opportunity with the interview, and just keep moving forward.”
As for Thursday’s game?
MacLeay smiled when asked what he felt he could have done better, and pointed to his after-timeout play calling.
“I drew way too many long ATOs,” MacLeay said. “I could have been better about that. My first time on the board in a long time — so just could have been better with that.”
The players, for one, could see their assistant coaches’ dreams ultimately coming to fruition.
“It was cool to see him get that opportunity, and he was obviously awesome in that role,” Garza said of MacLeay. “And that’s definitely in his future.”
On Thursday night in New York, the Chicago Blackhawks were defeated by the New York Islanders. There is some debate online about the type of loss it was, but the fact is that the Blackhawks played an okay hockey game. They were on the losing end, mostly because the goalie on the other side gave them nothing.
One of the key stories that followed was the hit that Frank Nazar laid on Islanders forward Bo Horvat. It earned Nazar a five-minute major and a 10-minute misconduct for an illegal check to the head.
Frank Nazar’s hit here earned him a five minute major.
Many wondered if Nazar would be hearing from the league about this, and we have an answer. On Friday morning, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced that Nazar would have a hearing.
Chicago’s Frank Nazar will have a hearing today for an illegal check to the head against NY Islanders’ Bo Horvat.
There is going to be some sort of fine or suspension for this play. If there wasn't going to be anything, he wouldn't have a hearing.
After Nazar made the hit, he stopped and clearly had regret on his face. He did not mean to cause any harm to Horvat, and he has no history of being a dirty player in the NHL. Still, when they conclude what punishment is needed, he will have to take it.
The announcement of their decision will likely come later on Friday night or on Saturday at some point. The Blackhawks are back in Chicago ahead of their Saturday night game against the defending Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes.
If Nazar is suspended and Teuvo Teravainen can't suit up, a call-up may be needed. With Dominic Toninato already up, Landon Slaggert may be next in line.
As soon as the NHL Department of Player Safety announces its decision, we will have more on that and the fallout.
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Although the Los Angeles Lakers’ marquee free agency signing, Walker Kessler, is yet to play through three preseason games after jamming his finger on the backboard during training camp, neither Kessler nor his head coach, JJ Redick, sound alarmed about Kessler’s availability.
Kessler conducted an on-air interview with the broadcast during Thursday’s contest and seems quite optimistic about how he’s progressing.
“Finger’s good. Finger’s good,” Kessler said. “Just kind of going through all the protocols right now, talking to coaches and training staff right now…Feeling good.
Despite Redick and Kessler’s shared optimism about the injury, Kessler couldn’t offer a definitive timeline for his return.
“I’m not sure yet. I’m not sure yet,” he said. “We’re still talking and I don’t want to say anything that gets me in trouble. So, we’re still talking.”
The Lakers have two preseason games remaining ahead of their regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21. They play the Warriors in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena Tuesday before wrapping up their preseason slate by hosting the Denver Nuggets Oct. 16.
After a jam-packed first week of preseason action, with three games in four days, the layoff before their next game should provide Kessler plenty of time to suit up in at least one of Los Angeles’ final two preseason outings, as Redick seems confident he will do.
With Kessler sidelined, the Lakers have started veteran Kevon Looney at center in two games while Sandro Mamukelashvili got the nod Tuesday against the Warriors, presumably signaling both are in line for a prominent role this season.
Through the preseason games, Mamukelashvili’s filled up the box score, averaging 14 points, 3.7 assists (2.0 turnovers), 2.0 rebounds and 1.o blocks in 19.3 minutes per night. He’s shooting 57.1 percent from both the floor (16-of-28) and beyond the arc (8-of-14).
He starred during Los Angeles’ 114-110 victory over the Kings Friday with 19 points (7-of-10 shooting), four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Once Kessler is back healthy, which seems like it’ll be sooner rather than later, I’m curious how much Mamukelashvili is deployed as a 4 vs. a small-ball 5.
