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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Monday

Victor Wembanyama and Regulars to Rest Monday Against Utah

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama will sit out Monday's preseason matchup against the Utah Jazz for rest. The absence is a routine preseason precaution rather than an injury-related concern, with the Spurs also resting several other starters including Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell. Wembanyama's next opportunity to take the court will arrive Wednesday in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns as San Antonio manages its roster.

Tyrese Haliburton Returns to Full Practice Without Restrictions

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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton participated in Monday's practice without restrictions after missing a recent preseason contest due to an ankle issue. Head coach Rick Carlisle noted that Haliburton's full participation is an encouraging sign of progress toward returning to game action. However, his availability for Tuesday's preseason matchup against Oklahoma City will not be determined until game day, leaving his immediate status worth monitoring closely by the team.

Darius Garland Poised for Breakout Season With Los Angeles Clippers

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Following Kawhi Leonard's departure and with Brandon Ingram sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Darius Garland has emerged as the face of the Los Angeles Clippers franchise. Fully recovered from past toe issues, Garland is primed for a massive usage rate and a return to his pre-Cleveland peak numbers. Widely considered a tremendous fantasy value in drafts, he enters the 2026-27 campaign with the opportunity to push for a top-25 finish and drive the Clippers' offense.

James Harden Brings Masterful Playmaking to Cleveland Cavaliers

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Entering his 18th season, James Harden continues to showcase his elite scoring and playmaking ability, making life significantly easier for his Cleveland Cavaliers teammates. Head coach Kenny Atkinson and players like Jaylon Tyson and Donovan Mitchell praise Harden's seamless integration into the offense, his leadership, and his ability to elevate everyone on the floor. Paired alongside Donovan Mitchell, Harden unlocks new offensive possibilities for a revamped Cleveland squad.

Marcus Smart Leads Rockets With 20 Points in Preseason Debut

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Marcus Smart provided an immediate impact in his Houston Rockets debut, leading the team with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists in a 132-117 preseason loss to the Mavericks. Signed this offseason to provide vital backcourt depth, defense, and veteran leadership following Fred VanVleet's injuries, Smart showcased the multifaceted skill set that made him a former Defensive Player of the Year, offering crucial insurance for the Rockets.

Maxime Raynaud Suffers Right Knee Patellar Subluxation

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Sacramento Kings backup center Maxime Raynaud suffered a right knee patellar subluxation during a preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors after colliding with Stephen Curry. The team announced he will be re-evaluated in two weeks, avoiding a more severe long-term absence. Raynaud, an All-Rookie selection who averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, will miss the start of the regular season as he undergoes treatment focused on strengthening the muscles around his knee.

Kyrie Irving Shines in Return to Action After 586-Day Absence

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Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving returned from a 586-day absence following a left ACL injury, leading his team with 17 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 22 minutes during a preseason win against the Houston Rockets in Macau, China. Now 34, Irving scored the game's first basket and shot 6-of-13 overall. He expressed excitement about teaming up with rookie Cooper Flagg and building floor chemistry, leaving no doubt about his readiness for the upcoming season.

Day'Ron Sharpe Good to Go for Monday Preseason Matchup

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Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (shoulder) will return to action for Monday's preseason game against the Wizards. After sitting out Thursday's exhibition, Sharpe remains positioned at the top of the center depth chart with two preseason contests remaining.

Paul George Reflects on Tenure Following Trade to Boston Celtics

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As Paul George prepares for his first season with the Boston Celtics following a blockbuster summer trade involving Jaylen Brown, he recently reflected warmly on his relationships with former Philadelphia teammates. His two-year stint with the Sixers was largely viewed as a major disappointment relative to his massive contract, though a strong postseason helped rebuild some trade value. George enters the 2026-27 season looking to contribute at a high level with his new squad in Boston.

Michael Porter Returns From Wrist Soreness for Preseason Clash

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Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter (wrist) is cleared to play in Monday's preseason game against the Wizards. Porter missed Thursday's exhibition contest due to wrist soreness, though the team was reportedly just exercising caution for the exhibition matchup.

LeBron James Boosts Philadelphia 76ers Valuation and Ticket Sales

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LeBron James's signing to a two-year, veteran-minimum contract with the Philadelphia 76ers has driven an immediate business boom. Within 72 hours of his signing, 15,000 people put down deposits on season tickets, with regular-season ticket revenue projected to increase by 50 percent. Sponsorship interest is similarly surging, featuring a new jersey patch deal with Bloom Energy as the franchise's valuation reaches an estimated $7.15 billion, ranking ninth in the NBA.

Collin Murray-Boyles Seeks Offensive Leap in Sophomore Season

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Entering his sophomore season with the Toronto Raptors following Kawhi Leonard's extension, Collin Murray-Boyles is looking to expedite his offensive development. Across two preseason contests, he is averaging 9.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 block in 20.5 minutes. While his off-ball strengths and effectiveness in the dunker spot remain elite, the Raptors are pushing him to expand his on-ball reps and offensive versatility to help raise the team's ceiling.

Mario Hezonja Embraces Challenge of NBA Return with Cleveland Cavaliers

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Mario Hezonja is adjusting to the faster pace and physical length of the NBA after returning from Europe. Following a quiet preseason debut against Boston, the versatile forward bounced back with 13 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals against Orlando. Coach Kenny Atkinson plans to leverage Hezonja's size and aggressiveness in transition and on the offensive glass as Hezonja embraces the challenge of fitting into a supporting role.

Grayson Allen Comparison Highlighted in Suns Preseason Run

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As the Phoenix Suns navigate the preseason without key primary scorers, Luke Kennard has stepped into an offensive role reminiscent of Grayson Allen's standout performances last season. Allen, now with the Charlotte Hornets, previously anchored the Suns' wing scoring when starters were sidelined, highlighted by his 28-point effort against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Suns evaluate roster adjustments while preparing for their final two preseason matchups against San Antonio and Utah.

Derrick White Ranked Among Top Point Guards for the 2026-27 Season

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Following dramatic skill improvements last year, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has earned a notable spot in Sporting News' point guard rankings for the 2026-27 season. Placed directly between De'Aaron Fox and Darius Garland, White's ascent reflects his growing impact and elevated status among the league's elite at the position as he prepares to help anchor the Celtics' backcourt in the upcoming campaign.

Cade Cunningham Featured in 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Outlooks

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Cade Cunningham is highlighted in the latest 2026-27 fantasy basketball reports and season projections. As teams and analysts evaluate top talent across 9-cat, points, and high score leagues, Cunningham's role and upcoming season outlook remain a focal point for fantasy managers preparing for the new NBA campaign. Evaluations continue to roll out as the league approaches the start of the regular season, spotlighting key players expected to drive high-level fantasy production.

Cooper Flagg Shines with 14-Point Preseason Debut for Mavericks

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg showcased his franchise-savior ceiling during the NBA China Games in Macao. In a preseason victory against the Houston Rockets, Flagg posted 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists while displaying natural chemistry alongside returning guard Kyrie Irving. Flagg's evolving offensive game, passing prowess, and floor leadership continue to generate massive enthusiasm for his impending rookie campaign.

Jon Elmore Secures First NBA Preseason Action at Age 30 with Spurs

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Thirty-year-old camp invitee Jon Elmore is getting his first taste of NBA action during preseason with the San Antonio Spurs. The 6'3" guard brings extensive experience from Europe and the G-League, where he won a championship with the Stockton Kings in 2025. After a standout collegiate career at Marshall University, Elmore is making the most of his limited fourth-quarter minutes to enhance his visibility and earn a roster spot before the regular season.

Dyson Daniels Focuses on Offense and Shooting Resurgence for Hawks

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After winning Most Improved Player, Dyson Daniels struggled offensively last season, shooting 18.8% from three. Over the offseason, he prioritized improving his shot mechanics, rhythm, and arc, as well as his paint play using two-feet finishes and improved ball handling. With Lu Dort joining the roster, Daniels aims to anchor an elite perimeter defense while working to secure a consistent offensive role under head coach Quin Snyder.

Evan Mobley Role Dialed In by Cavaliers Head Coach Kenny Atkinson

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Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson believes he has solved how to maximize 24-year-old Evan Mobley entering his sixth season. Dialing back static isolation plays, Atkinson plans to utilize Mobley primarily within the flow of the offense, leaning into inverted pick-and-rolls, dunks, and play-finishing opportunities. Using Kevin Garnett as a stylistic prototype, the staff aims to expand Mobley's game alongside Donovan Mitchell.