Toronto has put up a 1-2-0 record on this Western Conference road trip, with this clash in Vancouver being the last stop. After that, they'll return to base for a six-game home stand, beginning on Tuesday.
Friday marked the second time the Maple Leafs were able to practice on this road trip. The only other time was in Calgary, the day before Monday's game.
"We've practiced maybe two or three times in the last month, so it's really, really been something that I believe has hurt our game," Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said after Friday's practice. "So we took some time today to go a little slower and work through some things. And November is going to set up pretty well for us that way. I'm not going to tell you what they were, but I think we made some progress in some areas that we've been struggling."
The bench boss may not have shed some light on what needs to be improved by the team ahead of meeting the Canucks, but a couple of the players know what needs to be better.
"I think turning the puck over," defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson admitted. "I think we gave him a little bit too many easy looks that ended up in our net. So that's an area that I think we have to clean up. And if we do that, that will help us out. Obviously, going the other way, I think, playing with the puck a little bit more. But yeah, turning a little bit too many pucks over the last two games."
The Maple Leafs had 27 giveaways in the past two outings, nine of which were in the defensive zone, according to MoneyPuck. As of Thursday, Toronto are among the top 10 for the most giveaways to their opponent and giveaways in the defensive zone.
"I think there's something you can always change up," Troy Stecher said. "We didn't really sustain in the O-zone, but I think if you look at our season, you'd be like, 'oh, we score a lot of goals.' So it's like a catch-22."
"I think we do need to improve offensively, neutral zone, I don't think we've been getting as many stops as we would like. It almost seems like we kind of default to our squad. And then defensively, I think any team in the league would always want to improve on their system just naturally. It's still early in the year, so I think we have a conscious effort of trying to improve in all aspects right now," Stecher added.
The Maple Leafs meet the Canucks, who are last place in the NHL and have allowed the most goals in the league to this point, with 68 goals against in 15 games.
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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 21: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors plays defense against Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers, California. on October 21, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors open a six-game homestand Friday night as they host the Los Angeles Lakers in their first NBA Cup matchup of the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT in San Francisco, with the game streaming on Prime Video.
Golden State appears to be finding their rhythm now after securing their second consecutive victory with a 119-114 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Unsurprisingly, leading the charge once again was none other than Steph Curry. The Warriors’ superstar followed up a perfect 8-of-8 shooting performance against the Denver Nuggets by pouring in a season-high 44 points against Minnesota.
Curry finished shooting 11-of-27 from the field, including six three-pointers, while going a perfect 16-of-16 from the free-throw line. With the Timberwolves playing without All-NBA guard Anthony Edwards, Curry took full advantage, delivering an offensive masterpiece that ultimately proved too much for Minnesota to overcome.
CHEF CURRY COOKED IN MINNESOTA!
🧑🍳 44 PTS (19 in 2Q) 🧑🍳 8 REB 🧑🍳 6 AST 🧑🍳 6 3PM 🧑🍳 GOLDEN STATE W@StephenCurry30 (15 games) ties LeBron James for the most 40+ point games at age 35 or older in NBA history! pic.twitter.com/LlkdYCLXvT
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg continues to make an immediate impact for Golden State. The 11th overall pick was instrumental in Wednesday night’s win over Minnesota, finishing with 26 points and nine rebounds while providing a much-needed secondary scoring option alongside Curry.
Now, with the Warriors set for a rematch of their regular-season opener against the Lakers, Lendeborg will have another opportunity to go head-to-head with Los Angeles superstar Luka Dončić. The rookie made headlines following their first meeting after publicly criticizing Dončić’s style of play, sparking plenty of attention around the matchup.
Yaxel Lendeborg said he “lost all respect” for Luka Doncic after facing him tonight because he said Doncic was “complaining the entire game.”
On his interaction with Doncic: “I told him he sucks. He can’t score on me.”
With a few more NBA games under his belt and his confidence continuing to grow, Lendeborg says he’s looking forward to facing Dončić once again. Friday night presents another opportunity for the rookie to back up his words on the court, this time in front of the home crowd at Chase Center.
Is Yaxel Lendeborg looking forward to the Lakers game on Friday?
Kaima Taira, Nippon Professional Baseball's (NPB) ERA leader for the 2026 season, is set to be posted by his former team.
The Saitama Seibu Lions announced Friday that they will approve Taira's posting, and once that happens, MLB teams will be able to negotiate with the right-hander.
Taira owns a 1.78 ERA and a 9.4 K/9 across his eight NPB seasons, but really broke out this past season. The soon-to-be 27-year-old pitched to a 1.36 ERA and a 0.96 WHIP across 23 games this season as a starter. The Yankees have reportedly scouted the 5-foot-8 pitcher and could use Taira on their roster after a few departures in the bullpen.
David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough, along with Michael Fulmer and John Schreiber (both mid-season additions), are set to hit free agency. And while Bednar and Blackburn could be back, the others may not, which is where Taira's ability to pitch out of the bullpen comes in. Taira pitched briefly out of the 'pen in 2024, but was used more as a reliever in 2025, converting 31 saves and pitching to a 1.71 ERA across 54 games (52.2 IP).
Whether Taira hopes to be a starter or closer is not yet known, but once Seibu makes their posting official, MLB teams have a 45-day window to negotiate with him.
Feb 12, 2026; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Jose A. Ferrer throws during a Spring Training workout at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
With the World Series drawing to a close and the baseball off-season officially beginning, it’s time for the annual list of dates that help us scratch tally marks into the walls as we wait for baseball to return. It promises to be an even longer wait this year, with a lockout looming in early December, meaning this calendar is subject to shift; we’ll pin this article on the front page and update it both with links to the relevant stories and the latest updates.
2: Free agency officially opens at 5 PM ET; last day to issue Qualifying Offer (QO); players reinstated from 60-day Injured List; contract options deadline (Mariners did this the day after the World Series ended); Silver Slugger finalists announced; BBWAA Award finalists announced
6: Heart and Hustle Award announced
9: Rookie of the Year Award announced
9-12: GM Meetings in Las Vegas
10: Manager of the Year announced
11: MLB Awards Show
12: MVPs announced
17: Silver Sluggers announced; deadline for players to accept QO; 40-man roster finalized (deadline by which prospects must be prospected from Rule 5 Draft)
20: Non-tenders deadline
December:
1: LOCKOUT if new contract is not reached
6: HOF announcement
7-9: Winter Meetings (San Diego)
8: Draft Lottery (subject to cancellation)
9: Rule 5 draft (subject to cancellation)
February:
9: Pitchers and catchers report (subject to change)
19: First spring training game (subject to change)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 26: Tre Johnson #12 of the Washington Wizards looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 26, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Two days after losing their 17th straight game to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Washington Wizards return home to face the Charlotte Hornets — a team they’ve dropped five straight games to.
The Wizards were out-rebounded 54-41 in their 110-103 loss to the Hornets on Monday. They allowed 21 offensive rebounds — 11 to Moussa Diabate — that generated 26 second-chance points.
After the Wizards tallied just 27 rebounds in Wednesday’s loss to Cleveland, Anthony Davis said they must rebound better. Finishing defensive possessions with boards is key to winning Friday’s contest.
AJ Dybantsa will remain on a minutes restriction similar to the one he was on against the Cavaliers, Brian Keefe said pregame.
Keefe said Tre Johnson, who didn’t play Wednesday after reporting right achilles soreness after his pregame warm-up, is a game-time decision.
Injury Report
WAS: Justin Champagnie (foot), Tristan Vukcevic (hip impingement) and Jamir Watkins (ACL tear) are OUT.
CHA: Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Coby White (calf), Grant Williams (hamstring), Kylan Boswell (G League) and Michael Ajayi (G League) are OUT.
ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues have recalled defenseman Theo Lindstein from Springfield of the American Hockey League on Friday afternoon.
The 21-year-old, who was sent down last week, has played in two games with the Thunderbirds during his recent stint and recorded two points (one goal, one assist).
The first-round pick (No. 29) in the 2023 NHL Draft played in four games for the Blues this season and had one assist.
The Blues (6-6-1) begin a four-game road trip on Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.
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Dwyane Wade is looking much more like himself these days.
That is, the statue of Wade outside of Kaseya Center in Miami now looks much more like the retired Heat legend than it did when it was unveiled two years ago. The sculpture’s new look, featuring a redesigned head by original sculptors Omri Amrany and Oscar Léon, was unveiled Friday.
The statue was meant to capture the iconic moment in 2009 when Wade jumped on a scorers’ table and declared, “This is my house!” Much of the public reaction, however, centered around how the piece looked less like the three-time NBA champion and more like Laurence Fishburne, Kelsey Grammer, Ken Norton Jr. and others.
“I heard the jokes. I saw the memes. I read the reactions. Everybody had an opinion about whether it actually looked like me,” Wade wrote in an essay published Friday on Substack. “At first, it was hard not to feel protective of it because I had spent so much time involved in the process. ... But eventually, I had to take a step back and understand that the statue doesn’t belong only to me. It also belongs to Miami.”
He added: “I had to ask myself a pretty simple question: If people don’t feel that connection when they look at the face, why wouldn’t we try to make it better? So we listened and had honest conversations with everyone involved, and we all agreed to make adjustments to the head.”
When the statue was originally unveiled in October 2024, Wade had nothing but great things to say about it. He said it was his idea to immortalize that pose and that he had a lot of input on how the final product would look.
The original face on Dwyane Wade's statue at Kaseya Center didn't quite seem to capture the Miami Heat legend's likeness. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)
“I was just like, ‘Dude, that’s beautiful,’” Wade told reporters after the original unveiling. “Personally biased, I think it’s one of the best statues that’s been created because of what it represents for us and for me.”
Amrany also defended the statue at the time.
“We emphasized a two-second moment of his life when he jumped on the table and was in screaming mode,” Amrany told The Times in October 2024. “And that’s what it is, that’s what happens to the face when people are doing this activity, this facial activity.
“We are very dedicated to a very high detailed quality to deliver exactly what the exact photo is giving us. For somebody to say that this does not look like Dwyane Wade in action, they don’t know Dwayne Wade in action. Or they don’t remember that. And it’s OK for them to say whatever they want.”
Both artists explained the decision to revisit the project in a statement released to media outlets this week.
“After seeing the work at full scale and in its permanent environment, we identified opportunities to strengthen the portrait,” Amrany and Léon said. “We decided that the importance of Dwyane warranted making those refinements rather than accepting something we believed could be improved.”
According to Wade, “this isn’t about erasing the work that was already done or disrespecting the artists who put their time and talent into creating it. It’s about being willing to listen. It’s about recognizing when something carries meaning for more people than just yourself and being open enough to revisit it.”
He added: “I hope when people see it now, they see a better likeness of me. But more than that, I hope they see themselves. Because it may be my likeness, but it will always be our house.”
Based on the comments on an X post by the Heat showing off the changes, Heat fans seem to approve. As one person wrote, it’s the “first statue to have a redemption arc.”
SAN FRANCISCO — The Lakers will be without one of their starting wings when they kick off NBA Cup Group Play action against the Warriors on Friday night at Chase Center.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Keider Montero (54) celebrates a play during the first inning against Atlanta Braves at Comerica Park in Detroit on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co
As a long-time Keider Montero enthusiast, I might have a little bias here, but there’s a pretty good argument that the Detroit Tigers are better off with him in their starting rotation. The 26-year-old Venezuelan has been with the Tigers for a decade, and we’ve watched him grow up in the system. Montero possesses those two most defining yet elusive traits of a major league starting pitcher. He’s durable and he throws a ton of strikes.
At the end of the season press conference, Scott Harris emphasized that improving the Tigers bullpen was going to have to come from within, particularly via an “overflow” of starting pitching. That’s a concept that brings to mind the phrase “famous last words.” There also isn’t much choice but to strive for it, as many of the top bullpens around the game feature converted starters and various reclamation projects. It has to be at least part of the Tigers solution.
If the Tigers are serious about this, there really has to be a surplus of starting pitching. Right now, they have Framber Valdez, Jackson Jobe, Troy Melton, River Ryan, Reese Olson, Keider Montero, and, I expect Drew Anderson’s club option will be picked up. They have myriad other options to spot start, and possibly some help coming from the farm system as the year progresses. That’s pretty good. There are numerous talented but unproven pitchers in that mix, but Olson’s status is a big wild card and it’s not exactly an overwhelming group with arms to spare either.
If the Tigers are expecting to significantly upgrade a bullpen that was too often a disaster when it mattered most this offseason, they’re going to have to develop more options in the rotation, rather than just pursuing pure relievers. Then they may actually be able to count on some kind of surplus.
The basic case for converting Montero is that he had a 29.2 percent K-rate in relief, vs. a 15.6 percent K-rate as a starting pitcher. When he’s free to air out his fastball, he averages an extra tick and can sit 95-97 mph. His breaking stuff and change all play up as a result. As a starter, the unimpressive whiff rates on his slider, knuckle curve, and split-change mean there are more balls in play against him than a true frontline starter allows. The knuckle curve in particular is a bit baffling as on paper it’s a really nasty pitch with high spin and a lot of depth. He just hasn’t been able to make it a consistent weapon yet. The change is good when it’s right, but it’s just as inconsistent as the curve. While he’s done a nice job limiting hard contact, that’s a hard road to follow year after year. Eventually that much contact is going to bite you. As a reliever he should be able to punch out more hitters while continuing to pound the zone and get weak contact as well.
The case for keeping him in a starting role is even stronger, however. Montero’s best traits as a pitcher are his durability and strike throwing. He’s a little more efficient than the average starter these days, averaging 5.5 innings per start. The Tigers have other guys, like Troy Melton and River Ryan, who have more spectacular stuff when they’re going 100 percent. Neither has proven to be particularly durable, and that’s an understatement in Ryan’s case. Melton doesn’t strike out many more hitters than Montero does, either. Ryan has a better track record in that regard, but it still hasn’t been tested much at the major league level. Montero’s most outstanding quality is also the one that can only be taken advantage of in a starting role.
Take a look at Montero’s innings totals over the last six seasons, going back to his age 21 season. No injury history. Just consistent work and improvement.
2022: 103.2 innings
2023: 127.1 innings
2024: 146.2 innings
2025: 133.1 innings
2026: 159.0 innings
Overall, Montero posted a 3.48 ERA with a 3.98 FIP in 2026 and was worth 2.5 fWAR, and those good marks continue his three year trend of improvement, despite the fact that he’s never been a priority and has bounced back and forth between roles. He holds a total 3.81 ERA across 53 major league starts against a 5.00 ERA in 63 innings of relief work. Starting just seems to suit him better, and he does a nice job doing the extra things a starter needs to do well, like holding runners and fielding his position. Stop trying to move him around, and just let Montero cook and keep developing as a starting pitcher. He’s built for this.
As talented as both Ryan and Melton are, one of them has barely pitched in three years, and the other threw 114.1 excellent innings but had elbow trouble in spring camp and forearm tightness and fatigue late in the season. Neither of them is necessarily going to be equipped to throw a full slate of starts next year. If Melton is really healthy, sure you want him to start. He doesn’t strike out many more batters in a starting role than Montero does, but it was his rookie season and he’s obviously got the talent and pitch mix to be a really good starting pitcher. Still, his 4.09 FIP is probably a better measure of where he’s at right now than his 2.75 ERA on the year.
The Tigers probably won’t make any pronouncements on the subject this offseason, and may well wait to decide on all this until the end of spring camp. For now, I hope they really have this question on the brain. Pitchers injuries often make the decisions in the end, but planning on Montero starting opens up some fresh options for a bullpen that seems unlikely to see a top arm added in trade or free agency this offseason.
Melton and Ryan may eventually both be starters, but right now their durability is in question, especially in Ryan’s case. Finally entrusting Montero to the job he’s best suited for on a full-time basis, and moving one of Ryan or Melton to the pen, or both if the Tigers add another short term starter, feels like the best way to use them all to their best advantage. Either could be converted back to starting later in the year if more relief options emerge, but in the meantime the Tigers would limit their innings totals to a degree.
The Tigers badly need some bigger, nastier arms in their bullpen. Using Montero to his strengths also adds at least one high velo arm with nasty breaking stuff to a relief corps that really needs the help if the Tigers are going to avoid wasting another season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 27: Mikel Brown Jr. #0 of the Brooklyn Nets celebrates after hitting a three point shot against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on October 27, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Nets 125-124 in overtime. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA Cup should carry a little extra significance for the Brooklyn Nets, perhaps more than it does for any other team in the league.
Why? Brooklyn has the NBA’s lowest team payroll, with eight players on rookie contracts and another three on two-way deals. For a young roster earning relatively modest salaries, the tournament offers an opportunity to bring home some meaningful extra money.
The payouts increase with each round of the NBA Cup. Players on teams eliminated in the quarterfinals receive $60,499 apiece, while those eliminated in the semifinals earn $120,997. Reaching the championship game guarantees $241,994 per player for the runner-up, and the winning team takes home $604,985 for every player on its roster.
Oh yeah, there’s also the matter of winning a basketball game. Brooklyn is 0-4, one of two winless teams remaining in the NBA. The Cup offers an added financial incentive, but getting that first win won’t be easy. Detroit has won four of its first five games.
Game Info & How to Watch
Matchup: Detroit Pistons (4-1) at Brooklyn Nets (0-4)
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN
Nets-Pistons Injury Report
Brooklyn Nets
OUT: Egor Dëmin (right leg bone bruise)
OUT: Tyler Bilodeau (G League assignment)
OUT: Joshua Jefferson (G League assignment)
OUT: Grant Nelson (G League assignment)
OUT: Ben Saraf (G League assignment)
QUESTIONABLE: Drake Powell (G League assignment)
Detroit Pistons
OUT: Jalen Duren (hamstring)
OUT: Ugonna Onyenso (G League assignment)
QUESTIONABLE: Elijah Harkless (G League assignment)
QUESTIONABLE: Isaiah Joe (hip)
QUESTIONABLE: Isaac Jones (G League assignment)
The Game
Brooklyn’s loss to Boston had its share of highs before ending in a familiar low.
Mikel Brown Jr. stepped up in the fourth quarter and scored 13 points on 3-of-4 shooting from three, including a game-tying three with .2 left. The Nets had reason to believe a win was within reach, but Brown Jr.’s fourth-quarter performance was encouraging in its own right. The sixth overall pick looked increasingly comfortable on the NBA stage.
Unfortunately for him and the Nets, the momentum ran out — Brown Jr. attempted an ill-advised layup when he could’ve dribbled the ball out or taken the intentional foul. Jayson Tatum won the game on the other end. Brown Jr.’s performance was encouraging, but Brooklyn is still searching for its first win as the losses continue to pile up.
Friday poses a new challenge against a 4-1 Detroit team who enters Brooklyn following a 97-89 win over the Charlotte Hornets. Cade Cunningham led the way with 30 points, five rebounds and seven assists, while Paul Reed contributed 16 points and four rebounds in place of the injured Jalen Duren (hamstring).
Others continue to step up for Detroit — more on that below.
Player to Watch: Daniss Jenkins
Daniss Jenkins continues to make a name for himself after going undrafted in 2024. The former college standout was a favorite of Rick Pitino’s at both Iona and St. John’s before working his way up from the G League during his rookie season. He’s since developed into an important two-way contributor for a Detroit team with championship aspirations.
Of course, scrappy players like Jenkins step up most when backs are against the wall. In this case, Jenkins has stepped up for the Pistons when they’ve needed him in the early portion of the 2026-27 season.
“He has never shied away from being who he is,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said on Wednesday. “And it doesn’t matter who the competition is, who the opponent is in front of him. DJ’s gonna be DJ. He’s gonna talk sh*t, he’s gonna bump, he’s going to grind, he’s going to go at you, he’s gonna compete at a high level. And you know he has no fear. That’s why he’s special and that’s why we love him.”
Jenkins has carried some of the scoring burden off Cunningham’s back since Duren got injured, averaging 14 points on 43% shooting from three in the three games Duren’s been out. Jenkins has been a steady force for Detroit, providing a versatile presence in the backcourt. He can crash the boards, create opportunities for teammates and push the pace in transition.
Expect Jenkins to draw some important assignments against a Nets backcourt that will rely on Mikel Brown Jr. and Nolan Traore to dictate the pace. His defensive pressure and physicality could make life difficult for Brooklyn’s young guards, particularly if they struggle to protect the basketball. They’ll be off and speeding to the races in Motor City if that’s the case.
Brooklyn averages the fifth-most turnovers in the NBA at 17.5 per game, while Detroit forces approximately 16 turnovers per contest, ranking 12th in the league. With Jenkins and Cunningham leading the Pistons’ backcourt, protecting the basketball will be especially important for Brooklyn.
From The Vault
The Nets aren’t playing on Halloween this year, but should we expect some spooky festivities in Brooklyn on Friday night? It wouldn’t be the first time. Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane…
Let’s bring it back to 2013 — The Brooklyn Knightsighting!
Bill Simmons speaks onstage at Reel To Reel: It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley at the GRAMMY Museum L.A. Live on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Simmons added, “[Kushner is] still searching for about $5-6 billion of [the money he owes Walter]. Doesn’t have it… [Bob Iger] is putting in the minimum. The minimum is like $63 million. So Kushner has to find all this other money.
“I think they’re using the Buss family as scapegoats for why the deal’s dragging along, but he can’t find the money,” Simmons continued.
Josh Kushner is still $5-6 BILLION short on the Lakers deal and Bob Iger is only putting in "like 63 million dollars," per @BillSimmons
"I think they're using the Buss family as scapegoats for why the deal's dragging along, but he can't find the money." pic.twitter.com/pY9tSIc1R4
It turns out Simmons’ claim isn’t completely accurate.
Ben Horney of Front Office Sports reported on Friday, “Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have been offering Lakers minority stakes to investors starting at $250 million apiece as they build out their ownership group.”
Horney added that some investors will put in significantly higher amounts into the deal.
Joshua Kushner, founder of Thrive Capital, attends the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, Friday, July 10, 2026. Bloomberg via Getty Images
Most importantly, Horney refuted Simmons’ claim that Kushner “can’t find the money,” saying that there has been “massive demand” to get in on the Lakers deal.
Dan Woike of The Athletic confirmed Horney’s report, adding there aren’t any issues finding money for the $12.5 billion sale in an X post on Friday.
The Los Angeles Lakers logo stands outside Crypto.com Arena, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, in Los Angeles, home of the NBA team. Getty Images
It seems Simmons spoke too soon regarding this Lakers deal being in jeopardy.
Ziaire Williams is out for the second consecutive game with a left foot injury, the team announced Friday, Oct. 30. He's considered day-to-day and was questionable after missing the 103-87 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, Oct. 28 before having his status downgraded.
Head coach JJ Redick told reporters before that game that both Williams and Luka Dončić woke up sore after Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trailblazers and that the team preferred to be cautious on the second night of a back-to-back with a stretch of five games in the next seven days ahead of them.
Dončić is not on the injury report and is expected to play against Golden State Friday night.
Williams is hampered by the same foot injury that limited him throughout the preseason, though the 25-year-old wing has thrived in a starting role this year. He is averaging 11.3 points on 57.1% shooting and 46.7% from 3-point range, providing spacing and athleticism alongside the core of Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler. Williams has also played well on defense in his four games this season with 1.5 steals per game, but his value on that end of the floor devives from things that don't show up in the stat sheet, like clogging up passing lanes with his length and diving for loose balls.
The Lakers signed Williams to a one-year, $2.8 million contract in July after he spent two years with the Brooklyn Nets and the previous four with the Memphis Grizzlies. He immediately made an impression on Redick and earned a spot in the starting five out of training camp despite the injury.
"(I) think everybody in our building that’s been around him for the last six to eight weeks just recognizes what a special human being he is and I really believe in him as a player," Redick told reporters earlier in October. "I think he has a lot of room to grow still, which is exciting for all of us."
It has been long stated that disgruntled Detroit Red Wings forward Dylan Larkin has no interest in choosing to play for the Philadelphia Flyers, but that may not stop the team from getting in on the action in the end.
Larkin, 30, has a full no-trade clause, allowing him to dictate which teams he would approve a trade to. The Flyers, by various accounts, are not one of those teams.
However, the Minnesota Wild are, and they are a team that has reportedly been in the hottest pursuit of the former Red Wings captain. Desperately attempting to retain Team USA teammate Quinn Hughes, the Wild are hoping to win now and give their roster a major boost down the middle with Larkin.
But, it's worth noting that Larkin has an $8.7 million cap hit, and the Wild have just $1.674 million in cap space while already exceeding the cap ceiling with goalie Filip Gustavsson on LTIR.
The Flyers, with the fifth-most cap space in the NHL, $12.88 million, are reportedly willing to help, but that service will cost the Wild a fee.
NHL insider Anthony Di Marco shared in his latest report for Daily Faceoff, "Speaking with team sources, DFO was told that the Flyers would be willing to act as a third-party broker to help facilitate a trade between the Wild and Red Wings."
Di Marco specifically named winger Yakov Trenin, a Russian power forward with wing and center flexibility, as a potential cap casualty for Minnesota.
Trenin, 29, has two seasons remaining on his contract at a $3.5 million cap hit, with a 10-team no-trade list.
The former second-round pick enjoyed his second-most prolific season in the NHL last year, scoring 23 points for the Wild while playing in all 82 regular season games for the first time. This season, though, Trenin has just two points, both assists, in 15 games.
According to Flyers sources, they would be willing to absorb Trenin’s contract for the right price. [Center prospect Charlie Stramel] is a player that the Flyers have a level of interest in and would potentially be the cost of doing business for them to take on the remaining term on Trenin’s contract," Di Marco added.
"The Red Wings have the cap space to eat Trenin’s salary if they wanted to, as a Central Division executive pointed out to DFO, but the Flyers are willing to play a part in a deal if there’s a necessity for it."
How Charlie Stramel fits the Flyers
Michigan State's Charlie Stramel moves the puck during hockey practice on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at Munn Arena in East Lansing. (Photo: Nick King, Lansing State Journal)
For Flyers fans unfamiliar with Charlie Stramel, the Wild center prospect was drafted 21st overall in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft, though EliteProspects had ranked him 47th.
The challenge for the 21-year-old has been consistency, dating back to his pre-draft days.
"There was just so much promise coming into the year, and why not? Stramel had just capped off a distinguished, productive draft minus-one season spent bouncing between the USNTDP U18 and U17 squads with nearly a point a game at the U18s. If we’re drafting a year ago, he’s probably a top-15 pick," EliteProspects said of Stramel in their 2023 draft guide.
"Then he went to Wisconsin as a true freshman, and it was pretty much all downhill from there, with the exception of a solid showing in his country’s colours at the World Juniors. Thrust into a top-six matchup role in the nation’s top conference with little support and on a team that played with almost no structure, his results reflected as much."
In two years at Wisconsin between 2022-23 and 2023-24, Stramel scored just eight goals, 12 assists, and 20 points in 67 games, compiling a -14 rating over that span.
Then, the first-round talent packed his bags and turned things around at Michigan State, scoring nine goals and 27 points in 37 games in 2024-25, and 19 goals and 44 points in 37 games last season.
Notably, Stramel was teammates at MSU with Flyers prospects Porter Martone and Shane Vansaghi, which would assuredly be a factor in acquiring him in a potential three-way Dylan Larkin trade.
Stramel fits what the Flyers have long been looking for in their lineup: a big-bodied, right-shot center.
Jacob Gaucher hasn't really been able to fill that role, and that's led to the Flyers giving more opportunities to aging vets like Noel Acciari and Luke Glendening over the last year.
Stramel has developed a ton since his draft year, evidenced by his scoring evolution at Michigan State, and now he's playing in the pro ranks, having produced a goal and two assists in 10 AHL games for the Iowa Wild this season.
In the long-term, Stramel is a worthy bet for the Flyers to take, especially for something as painless as taking on a bad contract to facilitate a trade; they're not giving up assets to do this.
And in the interim, we all know that the Flyers have been bleeding players at the AHL ranks.
Gaucher has been up and down between the AHL and NHL like a yo-yo, and the Flyers have turned to players like Cole Knuble, Oliver Bonk, Jack Studnicka, and even Garrett Wilson at times to deal with a rash of injuries.
By adding a longer-term project like Stramel, the Flyers would give Jett Luchanko some support on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, given that he's the only top forward to have not been called up, and given that Danila Klimovich has played just two games this year.
The Phantoms need help and the Flyers need help, and potentially adding Stramel would support both clubs at different points in the timeline.
The Yankees are among the teams that have scouted the 5-foot-8 (yup, 5-foot-8) Taira, who has been both a starter and a reliever in his career.
Taira turns 27 in November and throws in the mid-to-high 90s, and if he were to fit into the Yankees’ plans, it would have to be out of the bullpen.
Several scouts who saw him this past season believe that’s where he’s best suited, although Taira did excel in the rotation this past year.
Complicating matters for Taira — and any other Japanese player that wants to come to the majors next season — is the impending work stoppage.
With Taira, third baseman Teruaki Sato and right-hander Hiromi Itoh expected to be posted in early November, it would open a 45-day window for them to sign with an MLB team.
But the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on Dec. 1, which is expected to trigger a lockout.
Relief pitcher Kaima Taira of Team Japan pitches against Team Mexico during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Yokohama, Japan, Saturday, July 31, 2021. 2021 Getty Images
If those players don’t sign by Dec. 1, the 45-day window would freeze and pick up whenever the lockout ends, but the process is expected to be hastened by the looming work stoppage.
While the Yankees rotation appears to be set with expected AL Cy Young award winner Cam Schlittler, Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón and perhaps a combination of lefty Ryan Weathers and right-handers Will Warren and Clarke Schmidt — barring trades — they have plenty of questions in the bullpen.
Closer David Bednar is a free agent, although the Yankees could give him the $23.15 qualifying offer. Still, there’s no guarantee of his return.
Lefties Tim Hill and Ryan Yarbrough will hit the open market, as will midseason acquisitions Michael Fulmer and John Schreiber.
And right-hander Fernando Cruz dealt with a partially torn UCL that could cost him all of next year, while Brent Headrick showed the effects of pitching in a team-high 81 games last season by faltering down the stretch.
Carlos Lagrange, the hard-throwing right-handed prospect, was expected to contribute at some point, but he was unable to come back from a shoulder strain in time for a call-up. The Yankees still view him as a potential starter.
Taira, despite his size, has a repertoire that is suited to being a starter, but there are teams that question his durability. He had a 1.36 ERA in 146 NPB innings last season.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 26: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics dribbles downcourt against Leonard Miller #11 and Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls during the second quarter at TD Garden on October 26, 2026 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Chicago Bulls (1-4) at Boston Celtics (3-1) Friday, October 30, 2026 7:30 PM ET Regular Season Game #5, Home Game #4 NBA Emirates Cup Game #1 TV: NBCSB, CHSN, NBA-LP Radio: 98.5 Sports Hub, 104.3 The Score, Sirius XM TD Garden
The Celtics host the Chicago Bulls for the 2nd time in a week. This is the 2nd of 4 games between these two teams this season. The Celtics won the first game 134-99 in the first game in Boston. They will meet two more times in Chicago on December 30 and March 9. The Celtics are 140-111 overall all time against the Bulls and they are 81-40 all times in games played in Boston.
This is the first NBA Emirates Cup game for both teams. They are part of East Group C, which also includes Charlotte, Atlanta and Washington. The Celtics will play at Charlotte on November 6 and at Washington on November 24. They will host Atlanta on November 27. If they win the group, they will advance to the quarterfinals on December 4 and 5. The Semifinals are December 8 and 9. The Championship is December 11. The Celtics have only made it out of the group stage once, back in 2023.
The Bulls have had a lot of change since last season. They replaced Billy Donovan with Tiago Splitter at head coach. They traded for Nic Claxton and Buddy Hield. They signed free agent Norman Powell and 2-way players Tobe Awaka and Jaylin Sellers. They signed Caleb Wilson (4th pick) and Dailyn Swain (15th pick). They lost Anfernee Simons, Collin Sexton, Nick Richards, Yuki Kawamura, MacMcClung, Guerschon Yabusele and Rob Dillingham.
After this game, the Celtics will play at Orlando and Houston and then home against Milwaukee before a road trip takes them through Charlotte, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Toronto. They play Dallas and Orlando at home before a West coast trip that takes them through Denver, Sacramento, Golden State, and Washington. They then play one game at home against Atlanta before playing at San Antonio and Dallas.
Next for the Bulls, they will play at Philadelphia and at New York. They then host Philadelphia, San Antonio and Atlanta before playing at Minnesota, Cleveland, and Brooklyn. They then host Washington, Denver and Cleveland before one road game at Charlotte and a 6 game home stand hosting Indiana, New York, Cleveland, Houston, Miami and Utah.
The Celtics have started Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum and Mitchell Robinson in every game so far and I have once again listed the same starters for this game. It’s also possible that Joe may change this at any given time. I’ve listed the Bulls regular starters from their last game, which are Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, and Jalen Smith.
The Celtics still have just Devin Carter on the injury report due to illness. After missing the final 3 games of the preseason, Carter was diagnosed with mononucleosis and is without a timetable for a return. The Bulls list starting center Nic Claxton out due to a hamstring injury. Patrick Williams (groin) and Noa Essengue (head) are both questionable for this game.
Probable Starting Matchups PG: Derrick White vs Josh Giddey
Derrick White | NBAE via Getty ImagesJosh Giddey | NBAE via Getty Images
SG: Jordan Walsh vs Norman Powell
Jordan Walsh | NBAE via Getty ImagesNorman Powell | NBAE via Getty Images
SF: Paul George vs Matas Buzelis
Paul George | NBAE via Getty ImagesMatas Buzelis | NBAE via Getty Images
PF: Jayson Tatum vs Caleb Wilson
Jayson Tatum | NBAE via Getty ImagesCaleb Wilson | NBAE via Getty Images
C: Mitchell Robinson vs Jalen Smith
Mitchell Robinson | NBAE via Getty ImagesJalen Smith | NBAE via Getty Images
Celtics Reserves Chris Cenac, Jr Mike Conley, Jr Luka Garza Hugo Gonzalez Ron Harper, Jr Sam Hauser Payton Pritchard Neemias Queta Baylor Scheierman
Two Way Players Devin Carter Dillon Mitchell Amari Williams Injuries/Out Devin Carter (illness) out
Head Coach Joe Mazzulla Bulls Reserves Zach Collins Buddy Hield Tre Jones Leonard Miller Isaac Okoro Dailyn Swain Two-Way Players Tobe Awaka Jordan Hawkins Jaylin Sellers
Injuries/Out Nic Claxton (hamstring) out Noa Essengue (head) questionable Patrick Williams (groin) questionable
Head Coach Tiago Splitter
Key Matchups Jayson Tatum vs Caleb Wilson Wilson was the 4th pick in the draft for the Bulls and is playing very well so far. He is averaging 20.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 41.9% from the field and 17.9% from beyond the arc. In Monday’s game against the Celtics, he finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Hopefully Jayson Tatum can continue to play at an MVP level.
Jordan Walsh vs Norman Powell Powell is averaging 21.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He is shooting 36.5% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc. On Monday, against the Celtics, he finished with 20 points, 1 rebound, 2.0 assists and 4 steals while shooting 45.5% from the field and 57.1% from beyond the arc. The Celtics need to defend him better in this game and also be aware of his presence on defense as he is a threat to steal the ball.
Honorable Mention Paul George vs Matas Buzelis Buzelis is averaging 14.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.0 assists a per game while shooting 38.9% from the field and 21.1% from beyond the arc. In Monday’s game against the Celtics, he finished with 11 points, 1 rebound, 2.0 assists and 1 steal, while shooting 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
Keys to the Game Defense – As always, defense is the key to winning this, and every, game. In the preseason, the Celtics were tops in the league with a defensive rating of 98.6. The Celtics are 10th in the league with a 108.5 defensive rating. The Bulls are 20th with a defensive rating of 120.2. The Celtics need to continue to make defense their priority.
Rebound – As with defense, rebounding will always be a key to winning. The Celtics have to crash the boards as a team and go after every rebound. In the preseason, the Celtics were 1st with 55 rebounds per game and 3rd with 16.8 offensive rebounds per game. So far in the regular season, they are 16th in rebounding with 44.3 rebounds per game. The Bulls are 10th with 46.3 rebounds per game. In Monday’s game against the Bulls, the Celtics outrebounded the Bulls 54-40. The Celtics need to have that same effort on the boards in this game.
Move the Ball Carefully – The Celtics need to move the ball to get the best shots. The Celtics are much better when they move the ball and don’t lapse into iso ball. But, they have to be careful with the ball and avoid turnovers. In Monday’s game, the Celtics committed 24 turnovers. The Bulls are averaging 17.3 points off turnovers per game. The Celtics need to make the extra pass to find the best shot but they also need to stay focused and make careful passes.
3 Point Shooting – If the Bulls have one weakness, it is their 3 point shooting. As a team, they are shooting 42 threes per game to 41.5 threes per game for the Celtics. However, the Celtics are shooting 38.6% from beyond the arc (7th) while the Bulls are shooting just 23.8% from beyond the arc (30th). The Celtics need to defend the perimeter and not allow them to get hot shooting the 3.
X-Factors Home Game – The Celtics need to take advantage of home court and the boost their fans can give them. The Bulls will face a hostile crowd and an unfamiliar arena along with travel which will hopefully give the Celtics the edge. The Celtics need to play hard and protect home court and use the advantages it gives to get a win.
Revenge – These two teams just played each other on Monday when the Celtics embarrassed the Bulls, winning 134-99. The Bulls have had 3 days to let that simmer and to feel the embarrassment of the 35 point drubbing. They are going to want to come out strong and get revenge on the Celtics for that loss. The Celtics need to be ready for that and come out strong themselves to counter the extra effort from the Bulls.
Officiating – Officiating is always an x-factor in every game. Every crew officiates differently. Some call it tight, others let them play. The Celtics need to adjust to how the refs are calling the game and not allow bad calls or no calls to take away their focus from playing the game. The Celtics also have to be aware of the new points of emphasis for this season and try to avoid off‑arm push‑offs, reckless closeouts, delays before free throws illegal screens and especially floppping. Paul George was already fined for a flop in the first game and there were several flopping calls in the game against the Nets.
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