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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Second-year forward Cooper Flagg led the Dallas Mavericks with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 19 minutes during a 135-117 preseason loss to the Houston Rockets in Macau, China. Flagg shot 7-of-14 from the field and converted all four of his free throws, serving as the primary offensive option with Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, and Dereck Lively II resting for the exhibition opener.
Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob has blunt expectations for Jimmy Butler's return, stating he expects him to be 'pretty damn good' coming off a torn ACL. Nearly nine months post-injury, Butler is progressing well, reporting during training camp that he has started running and even dunking. Averaging 19.1 points and 5.5 rebounds per game with Golden State, Butler is eager to return near the All-Star break to help the Warriors' deep playoff push.
Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington will miss Friday's preseason game against the Houston Rockets due to a left ankle sprain. The exact severity of the injury remains unclear, but he has a chance to return during Sunday's preseason rematch in China. Washington is expected to play a key role for Dallas this season, though coach Dusty May has not yet committed to locking the Kentucky product into a permanent starting role.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe earned a starting assignment alongside LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia's preseason contest against the Brooklyn Nets. Edgecombe demonstrated strong off-ball cutting and transition synergy with James, capitalizing on open looks as the 76ers showcased their new-look starting lineup across two first-half stints in their second preseason appearance.
Tyrese Maxey shared the floor with LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and rookie VJ Edgecombe as the Philadelphia 76ers rolled out their new starting unit against the Brooklyn Nets. Maxey thrived off the ball, leveraging his speed to cut for transition opportunities and capitalize on LeBron James' playmaking during two productive first-half stints as the unit worked on offensive progression and pace.
Jaylen Brown joined Philadelphia's new primary starting lineup alongside LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe in a preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Playing two first-half stints, Brown demonstrated strong rim pressure and offensive rhythm, forcing Brooklyn into early foul trouble as Philadelphia experimented with increased transition pace and off-ball movement during the contest.
Phoenix Suns wing Ryan Dunn has logged early rotational substitute minutes over Rasheer Fleming in the team's first two preseason games. Entering his third season after Phoenix exercised his fourth-year option, Dunn has displayed strong Virginia-caliber defensive instincts alongside Jordan Goodwin in the second unit. However, his three-point shooting remains a work in progress, going 0-for-3 beyond the arc so far.
Following a protracted 76-day process and investigation, Kawhi Leonard has officially joined the Toronto Raptors, bringing a proven championship pedigree and veteran leadership to a young squad. Head coach Darko Rajakovic expressed high praise for the 35-year-old generational talent, expecting Leonard to elevate accountability, mentor young players like Scottie Barnes, and anchor the franchise's renewed championship ambitions in a tough Eastern Conference.
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic highlighted Scottie Barnes' ongoing development and bright future, calling him a future face of the league. Rajakovic noted that Barnes will benefit significantly from the arrival of veteran star Kawhi Leonard, as the Raptors look to blend their young core with championship experience to compete at the highest level in a deeply competitive Eastern Conference for the 2026-27 season.
Following a monthslong contract negotiation saga, Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons agreed to a massive five-year, $200 million deal. With the lucrative extension finalized, heavy pressure now rests on both Duren and the franchise to translate the new commitment into positive momentum and success on the court as they move forward into the upcoming NBA season.
Neemias Queta is competing directly with Mitchell Robinson for the starting center position with the Boston Celtics heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. Queta missed the team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a conservative approach from the coaching staff, while backup center Luka Garza stepped into the starting lineup and delivered an impressive 22-point, 10-rebound performance to make his case for rotation minutes.
Mitchell Robinson enters the 2026-27 NBA preseason locked in a battle with Neemias Queta for the starting center role with the Boston Celtics. While Robinson sat out the team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, teammate Luka Garza shone in his absence, highlighting the fierce internal competition for playing time at the five spot as Boston pursues high-level rotation stability.
Boston Celtics center Luka Garza starred in a 124-113 preseason win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, recording a game-high 22 points, 10 rebounds, three 3-pointers, and three blocks in 26 minutes. Getting the start with several stars resting, Garza capitalized on his opportunity by snatching four offensive rebounds and showcasing the relentless motor that made him a fan favorite last season. Coach DJ MacLeay praised his unique physical intensity and relentless work ethic.
Sandro Mamukelashvili scored 19 points with three rebounds and four assists on 7-of-10 shooting off the bench, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-110 preseason win over the Sacramento Kings. Signed to a four-year, $52 million deal this offseason, Mamukelashvili has displayed his versatility across three preseason games, averaging 14.0 points and 3.7 assists in 19.4 minutes per game on 57.1/57.1/100 shooting splits while filling in at center and forward with Walker Kessler sidelined.
LeBron James made his Philadelphia 76ers preseason debut, recording 10 points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 30 minutes during a 114-108 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets. The 41-year-old superstar shot a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. James dismissed a false report claiming he confronted Joel Embiid about tardiness. James expressed confidence in bringing a championship to Philadelphia, aiming to share his veteran experience and leadership with the new roster.
Julius Randle posted a team-high 14 points, six rebounds, two steals, and two assists in 21 minutes during Brooklyn's 114-108 preseason win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Head coach Jordi Fernández praised the three-time All-Star's leadership and hustle, specifically highlighting his dive for a loose ball to pick up full-court pressure. Randle also noted discussing playing small-ball center in five-out schemes as the Nets deal with frontcourt injuries.
Austin Reaves made his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 114-110 win over the Sacramento Kings, posting eight points, eight assists, and five rebounds in 25 minutes. Returning from a practice ankle injury that sidelined him for two games, the star guard—who recently re-signed on a four-year, $180 million deal—started alongside Luka Doncic. Coach JJ Redick praised their backcourt chemistry and dual ballhandling ability.
Maxime Raynaud totaled 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting, 10 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 24 minutes during the Sacramento Kings' 114-110 preseason loss to the Lakers. Entering the starting lineup after Domantas Sabonis was ruled out with an undisclosed issue, Raynaud led the Kings on the boards and showcased his rim protection. He is putting together a strong preseason, totaling 25 points and 18 rebounds across two appearances for Sacramento.
Nine-year veteran Bruce Brown agreed to a non-guaranteed training camp deal with the New York Knicks after being squeezed by second-apron roster rules. Coming off a solid season with the Nuggets, Brown is fighting for a guaranteed roster spot in New York. Teammate Jalen Brunson praised Brown's mental advantage and physical contributions as the veteran showcases his capabilities during the preseason to prove he belongs on the final roster.
Luka Dončić scored 23 points in 25 minutes to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-110 preseason win over the Sacramento Kings. Dončić opened the game with an and-one and added 10 points in the first quarter. Reflecting on the past, Dončić admitted regret over playing through a hamstring strain last April. To prepare for 2026-27, he hosted a team minicamp in Slovenia. Teammate Austin Reaves joked about paying fans to trash-talk Dončić, while Dončić praised new additions Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle.
