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Thunder Notes: Injuries, Caruso, Holmgren, Stirtz, K. Williams
Oklahoma City clinches a 125-114 win over Phoenix to start 4-0, but the celebration is muted as Jalen Williams (fractured fibula/dislocated ankle) and Cason Wallace (torn labrum) face long‑term absences. Analyst John Hollinger warns Williams could be a season‑ender, reshaping a Western Conference once seen as a two‑team race with San Antonio. Guard Alex Caruso exits early with a right ankle sprain, while Chet Holmgren sits out due to right patellar tendinitis. In their stead, Ajay Mitchell (30 pts), Jared McCain (18 pts), rookie Bennett Stirtz and Kenrich Williams see increased minutes. The Thunder now have a 15‑man roster spot and several cap exceptions to consider adding depth.
Rep For Jaylen Brown Denies Claim He Demanded Trade From Celtics
A Sixers representative refutes claims that former Celtics star Jaylen Brown demanded a trade, calling the rumor “10000% a lie.” The story stems from NBC Sports Boston analyst Brian Scalabrine’s SiriusXM comments suggesting Brown wanted a move to Milwaukee, but he later softened his stance, saying Brown “technically” didn’t demand a trade and may have only sought input on his destination and a potential $140 million extension. Earlier reports in July indicated the Celtics, not Brown, initiated any trade talks. The dispute highlights lingering speculation about Brown’s off‑court satisfaction after his July 1 move from Boston to Philadelphia.
Stein/Fischer’s Latest: KPJ, Grizzlies, Nance, Coulibaly, Mara
Kevin Porter Jr., waived by Milwaukee before the season, hopes to stay in the NBA despite overseas interest. The Nuggets and Kings, who previously discussed a trade, could still be options, though salary‑cap constraints make a 15‑man signing tricky. The Grizzlies reportedly wanted a first‑round pick to move on from Walter Clayton, and Pete Nance re‑signed with the Bucks on a two‑way deal after drawing interest from the Sixers and Lakers. Washington’s last‑minute talks with rookie Bilal Coulibaly suggest the Wizards still see him long‑term, while Spain’s Basket Zaragoza claims rights to Aday Mara, who debuted with the Thunder, amid a complex legal dispute.
Injury Notes: Pacers, Adams, Dybantsa, Hornets, Jones
The Pacers’ Ben Sheppard faces meniscus surgery Wednesday after a left‑knee tear, likely a meniscectomy that could sideline him just a few weeks, coach Rick Carlisle says. Meanwhile, center Ivica Zubac’s ankle sprain improves—he entered the arena boot‑free—but guard Andrew Nembhard sits out with a back issue. Elsewhere, the Rockets’ Steven Adams is out until at least early November with a right soleus strain, Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa misses his fourth game but is progressing, and the Hornets have no timelines for Coby White, Kon Knueppel or Grant Williams despite “positive steps.” Nuggets forward Spencer Jones hopes to debut within the next three games after bilateral hamstring management.
Pacific Notes: Acuff, Pedulla, Suns, Brea, Huntley, Castro
Rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. sparks the Sacramento Kings despite a rough start, shooting 32.9% overall and 14.8% from three while averaging 22.3 points in his first three games—a 33‑point debut in the home opener. His 73 shot attempts set a rookie record dating back to 1975‑76, eclipsing Kevin Durant’s 64 in 2007, and give him the team’s highest usage rate (34.0%) and second‑most minutes (36.0 per game). Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns even their record at 1‑1 but still lag in rebounding, and the Valley Suns retain waived two‑way players Koby Brea and CJ Huntley, while undrafted big Rafael Castro is out of the Lakers’ camp.
Kings Announce Injury Updates On Murray, Raynaud, Cardwell
The Sacramento Kings say forward Keegan Murray will be reassessed in 10‑14 days after being diagnosed with left ankle capsulitis, which sidelined him against Memphis following soreness in the Portland loss. Second‑year centers Maxime Raynaud (right patellar subluxation) and Dylan Cardwell (left calf strain) also remain out, with Raynaud’s next check in two weeks and Cardwell’s in about a week. Both injuries stem from preseason games (Raynaud on Oct. 10 vs. Golden State, Cardwell on Oct. 8 at the Lakers), opening up minutes for De’Andre Hunter, Precious Achiuwa and Jonathan Mogbo.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace Out Indefinitely
The Oklahoma City Thunder suffer a major setback as wing Jalen Williams fractures his fibula and dislocates his left ankle, and guard Cason Wallace tears the labrum in his left shoulder. Both injuries require surgery, leaving the players out indefinitely and likely sidelining them for several months. Williams, the 2024‑25 All‑Star who averaged 21.4 points last season, was hurt late in a win over the Clippers, while Wallace, a new full‑time starter on a five‑year, $139 MM extension, exited the first quarter of the same game. The Thunder, 2025 champions and 2026 Western Conference finalist, may seek disabled player exceptions worth $15 M for Williams and $3.7 M for Wallace, but must rely on reserves like Ajay Mitchell, Alex Caruso and Jared McCain during their recovery.
Spurs Notes: First Win, M. Johnson, Vassell, Reed, Harris
The Spurs clinch their first win of the 2026‑27 season in Dallas, but Coach Mitch Johnson remains uneasy. San Antonio beat a shorthanded Mavericks 30‑17 in the final quarter after surrendering 31 opening points and a franchise‑record 46 paint points in the first half. Victor Wembanyama called the performance “in between” playoff form and a sluggish start, while Devin Vassell urges the team to “become the hunters again.” Rookie Tarris Reed Jr. sparked the decisive run with key rebounds and hustle, and Johnson hints that injured veteran Tobias Harris could return soon.
Kings Exercise Third-Year Option On Nique Clifford
The Sacramento Kings exercise the third‑year option on guard/forward Nique Clifford, committing $3.42 million for the 2027‑28 season. Clifford, drafted 24th overall in 2025 after the Kings traded a protected 2027 first‑round pick to Oklahoma City, posted 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and .418 FG% in his rookie year. Despite a solid rotation role under coach Doug Christie, he sees limited minutes early in 2026‑27, with the team now 0‑3 after a 22‑60 finish last season.
Ty Jerome, Tyrese Maxey Named NBA’s Players Of The Week
Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome and Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey earn the NBA’s Players of the Week honors for the West and East, respectively. Jerome sparked Memphis’s 3‑0 start with a career‑high 45 points against Utah and wins over Golden State and Sacramento, posting a league‑leading 34.7 points per game on 56.3% shooting. Maxey paced Philadelphia’s 3‑1 opening week, averaging 28.8 points, 4.8 assists and strong defensive stats while shooting 46.6% from the floor. The NBA announced the awards via Twitter, noting other nominees such as Luka Dončić, Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander and Cade Cunningham.
Jalen Suggs Out At Least Two Weeks With Knee Bone Bruise
Jalen Suggs exits the Orlando Magic's 112-106 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday after his right knee buckles on a layup, prompting a non‑contact injury scare. He was helped off the floor, did not return, and is headed for an MRI to assess the damage. Knicks coach Mike Brown offered prayers, while Magic coach Sean Sweeney said Suggs was in good spirits but will be evaluated later. The guard, who has missed games due to prior knee issues—including 2025 arthroscopic surgery—faces another uncertain recovery period.
Mavericks Notes: Flagg, Marshall, Injuries, De Larrea
The Mavericks update Friday’s game injuries: Cooper Flagg, the Rookie of the Year, suffers a mild left shoulder sprain but is upgraded to probable after a shootaround, aiming to return tonight. Naji Marshall misses the game with illness, Caleb Martin remains out with a thumb sprain, and Santi Aldama, Dereck Lively II and Tarik Biberovic stay sidelined after surgeries and heel bursitis. With Flagg and Kyrie Irving (ACL) unavailable, Dallas lost to the Spurs, but rookie Sergio de Larrea shines, posting 21 points, five rebounds and four assists in 33 minutes, earning praise from coach Dusty May and likely more minutes moving forward.
Mavs Second-Round Pick Ishchenko Will Remain Overseas
Dallas Mavericks retain the rights to No. 56 pick Vsevolod “Seva” Ishchenko, who will stay with Russia’s Lokomotiv Kuban for the 2026/27 season. Ishchenko’s agent confirms the club’s strong partnership with Dallas and says the move offers him meaningful minutes and a key development role. The 6‑foot‑8 wing posted 8.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.0 APG and 1.3 SPG on .506/.451/.781 shooting in 48 games last season, and averaged 9.6 PPG in five Summer League games. The decision aligns with the Mavericks’ draft‑and‑stash strategy, leaving all 2026 picks accounted for.
Pacers Notes: Zubac, Oubre, Furphy, Haliburton
Pacers center Ivica Zubac sprains his left ankle in the first quarter of the 112-106 win over Brooklyn, exiting on crutches and likely missing Monday’s game in Milwaukee. The injury, to the same ankle that sidelined him last season, shows no fracture on X‑rays but carries swelling, making his status day‑to‑day. Backup Jay Huff steps up with 14 points, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, while Larry Nance Jr. adds 6 points, 6 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. rebounds with 14 points after a slow start, and star guard Tyrese Haliburton confirms he’ll play against the Bucks, marking his first back‑to‑back appearance since his Achilles tear. Meanwhile, wing Johnny Furphy remains on track in ACL rehab, but the Pacers also list T.J. McConnell and Ben Sheppard as out.
Northwest Notes: Ball, Gobert, Jazz, Trail Blazers
LaMelo Ball dazzles in his Timberwolves debut, scoring 15 points with eight assists despite early foul trouble, helping Minnesota clinch a third straight win. The trade that sent Naz Reid to Toronto sparks debate, but Ball’s 33‑point surge in just 16:44 on the floor fuels excitement. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert asserts his unchanged role as a dominant shot‑blocker in his 14th season, Luka Dončić blows out the Jazz with 52 points, exposing Utah’s defensive woes, and the Trail Blazers showcase depth with seven players in double figures against Sacramento.
Sixers Notes: LeBron, Bona, Embiid, Fall
LeBron James starts at center for the Philadelphia Sixers amid a rash of injuries that left only three viable bigs on the floor. Joel Embiid sat out with plantar fasciitis, while Jabari Walker, Dominick Barlow and Tacko Fall also miss time, forcing Coach Nick Nurse to plug James into the five for the first time in five years. Meanwhile, rookie Adem Bona tallied six points and 13 rebounds despite a foot issue, earning praise from James. Detroit exploited Philadelphia’s rim‑protection woes, pulling off a 20‑4 opening run and keeping the lead, highlighting the Sixers’ struggle to win without Embiid.
Knicks Notes: Brunson, Drummond, Brown, Knecht, McCullar
Jalen Brunson admits the Knicks’ 0‑3 start, after a 112‑108 home loss to Orlando on Oct. 27, puts the blame on his leadership and the team’s offensive woes – they shot just 23.7% from three and rank 29th in efficiency. The defending champs also blew a double‑digit fourth‑quarter lead, conceding 40 points. Backup center Andre Drummond is benched mid‑game for lack of effort, while James Wiseman sees limited action. Coach Mike Brown stresses that starters are set but everyone else must earn minutes, noting the recent signing of two‑way guard Dalton Knecht and the release of Kevin McCullar Jr.
Pacific Notes: Kessler, Doncic, Warriors, Lopez
Walker Kessler’s promising Lakers debut stalls against his former Utah Jazz, posting just 2 points, 7 rebounds and a block in 28.5 minutes, though L.A. still wins. He admits emotion weighed heavy returning to Utah. Meanwhile, the Warriors dip into their bench early, starting Will Richard, Graham Ike, Brandon Williams, Gui Santos and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, but expect key players—Curry, Podziemski, Green and Horford—to return Monday. Clippers backup Brook Lopez continues to contribute 15+ points and a block in each of his three games off the bench. Luka Doncic, despite being left off the MVP shortlist, dazzles with 52 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds in a Lakers win over the Jazz, sparking talk of “greatness fatigue.”
Jalen Williams Stretchered Off Court After Suffering Leg Injury
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams is stretchered off the court after a hard fall on Sunday that appeared to twist his left ankle, though some reports initially mentioned a knee injury. teammates, including Chet Holmgren, helped him up before trainers halted his return and a stretcher was brought out. The crowd chanted “J‑Dub,” and he responded with thumbs‑up. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander expressed concern, saying Williams will return stronger. Coach Mark Daigneault promised to regroup the team and provide updates, while the extent of the injury remains unknown, likely sidelining the All‑NBA forward for an extended period.
Bulls Notes: Wilson, Splitter, Essengue, Schedule
The Bulls’ debut season revolves around rookie Caleb Wilson, the No. 4 pick who turned a turnover‑laden debut into a 30‑point, 14‑rebound effort against the Wizards, showing rapid growth and a strong defensive instinct. Coach Tiago Splitter, in his first year, pushes a “tough love” culture, demanding constant pressure and accountability, as illustrated by recent benchings of Matas Buzelis. Second‑year forward Noa Essengue returns after a head injury, aiming to be a defensive disruptor despite limited scoring. With a challenging stretch ahead—Celtics, Knicks, Sixers and Spurs—the young squad leans on depth and resilience.
Atlantic Notes: Leonard, Edgecombe, Knecht, Nets
Kawhi Leonard sits out Sunday with left‑knee swelling after posting 16 points and nine rebounds in a win over Washington and 23 points in the season opener. Ja’Kobe Walter is projected to start for the Raptors against Minnesota, averaging 8.5 points in 23.5 minutes. In the Atlantic Division, Sixers forward VJ Edgecombe misses the game vs. Detroit due to an abdominal contusion, while the Knicks add 25‑year‑old guard Dalton Knecht on a two‑way contract, likely to start in the G League. Meanwhile, the Nets, 0‑2, saw promising chemistry from rookie duo Egor Demin and Mikel Brown Jr., who combined for three threes in 47 seconds, sparking optimism from coach Jordi Fernandez.
Paolo Banchero Expects To Miss ‘At Least A Month’ With Ankle Injury
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero suffers a low‑grade high ankle sprain after teammate Jalen Suggs collides with him, limiting him to just 26 minutes in the club’s second game. Banchero says he’ll miss “at least a month,” roughly 15 games, despite a strong season‑opening 35‑point, 10‑assist performance. The injury forces Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane to shoulder more offensive load, while rookie Anthony Black returns from his own ankle sprain and coach Sean Sweeney may start Jase Richardson for Sunday’s matchup against the Knicks.
Atlantic Notes: Mazzulla, Tatum, Brown, Embiid, Barrett, Nets
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla deflects media focus on the Tatum‑Brown saga, emphasizing Jayson Tatum’s role while respecting former teammate Jaylen Brown’s contributions. Meanwhile, Sixers center Joel Embiid misses Sunday’s game against Detroit due to plantar fasciitis after a triple‑double win over Milwaukee, and RJ Barrett remains a key piece for the Raptors despite trade speculation. The Nets slide to 0‑2 after a loss to Cleveland, but rookie Egor Demin sparks hope with a 22‑point fourth‑quarter surge alongside Mikel Brown Jr., who is on a minutes restriction after an ankle injury.
Heat Notes: 0-3 Start, Giannis, Mitchell, Starters, More
The new-look Miami Heat have stumbled to an 0-3 start in the 2026/27 season, their worst opening since 2007‑08. After a 25‑point loss to Minnesota, a 17‑point defeat by Detroit and a road loss to a shorthanded Charlotte squad, star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out with just 16 points on 4‑of‑11 shooting. Coach Erik Spoelstra blamed the physicality of officiating, while point guard Davion Mitchell highlighted a 25‑4 fourth‑quarter run that tied the game, finishing with 22 points and 10 assists. The starting five—Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo—has been outscored by 30 points in its first 31 minutes together, posting a net rating of –47.1 per 100 possessions. The team remains optimistic, with the full roster expected for Monday’s matchup against Dallas, and only wing Pelle Larsson listed as probable with a sprained finger.
And-Ones: Smith, Vegas, G League Trades, Breakout Team, More
Former NBA guard Kenny Smith joins Marc Lasry and Steve Apostolopoulos’ group, contributing 20% toward a potential Las Vegas NBA expansion franchise. Meanwhile, the G League sees several moves: Westchester Knicks acquire Elfrid Payton’s returning rights from Austin Spurs; Rio Grande Valley Vipers add Sean Pedulla’s rights in a four‑team trade, and the Coachella Valley Lakers trade for Micah Potter, Stanley Umude, James Banks III and Isaiah Miller. John Hollinger of The Athletic reveals his 12‑man All‑Breakout team for 2026/27, highlighting Mavericks’ Cooper Flagg, Spurs’ Dylan Harper, and emerging talents like Bulls’ Leonard Miller. He also discusses rookie scale extensions, noting skepticism toward Keyonté George’s five‑year, $157.5 M Jazz deal.
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