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

Thursday, October 8

Tyrese Maxey Tallies 14 Points in Star-Studded 76ers Preseason Debut

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Tyrese Maxey chipped in 14 points during Thursday's 114-109 preseason loss to the Brooklyn Nets, anchoring Philadelphia's newly assembled star-studded lineup alongside Joel Embiid, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown. Maxey displayed sharp chemistry with James, converting a first-quarter wing three-pointer off a feed from the four-time MVP. The dynamic guard is locked into a major role as the 76ers build crucial early-season continuity under head coach Nick Nurse.

Domantas Sabonis Held Out of Preseason Matchup Against Lakers

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Domantas Sabonis was held out of Thursday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers for undisclosed reasons. The big man previously recorded four points, three rebounds, and three assists in 10 minutes during Monday's preseason-opening loss to the Lakers. His next opportunity to suit up will come Saturday when Sacramento faces the Golden State Warriors.

Keegan Murray Sidelined with Undisclosed Issue Against Lakers

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Keegan Murray was ruled out of Thursday's preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers due to an undisclosed issue. The Kings have not yet released specific details regarding his status, leaving the forward officially listed as day-to-day as the team prepares for Saturday's upcoming exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors.

Ben Simmons Ruled Out for Thursday's Preseason Clash vs. Lakers

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Ben Simmons (not injury related) was ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Simmons is not yet ready to make his exhibition debut for Sacramento but is reportedly on track to take the court in the Kings' upcoming matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday as team staff monitor his readiness.

Luka Garza Explodes for 22-Point Double-Double in Celtics' Preseason Win

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Luka Garza spearheaded the Boston Celtics to a 124-113 preseason victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, posting a team-high 22 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists in 27 minutes. Stepping into the starting lineup with Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson sidelined, Garza delivered 16 points and seven boards in the first half alone. The big man was active on the offensive glass and is slated to serve as Boston's third-string center during the 2026-27 campaign.

Jordan Clarkson Embraces New Role And Culture With New York Knicks

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Jordan Clarkson signed a one-year, $3.9 million veteran-minimum deal to return to the New York Knicks, bypassing other interest to rejoin the team. Entering his ninth season, the 34-year-old guard scored seven points in nine minutes during a preseason loss to the Wizards. Facing a crowded backcourt behind Landry Shamet, Jose Alvarado, and Miles McBride, Clarkson understands his path to playing time centers on defense and rebounding rather than his traditional volume-scoring role off the bench.

Walker Kessler Ruled Out Thursday Due to Ongoing Finger Injury

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Walker Kessler missed his third consecutive preseason contest Thursday against the Kings due to a finger injury. However, head coach JJ Redick indicated there is no long-term concern regarding the big man's status. Kessler's next opportunity to return to the floor will come Tuesday against the Warriors. His absence follows a summer trade from Utah, where teammate Jusuf Nurkic recently suffered a foot injury.

Cameron Carr Ruled Out Against Kings Due to Minor Undisclosed Injury

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Cameron Carr will not suit up for Thursday's preseason matchup against the Kings while dealing with a minor undisclosed injury, according to Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. While several Los Angeles Lakers players are currently sidelined with minor ailments, the team reportedly harbors no concern regarding Carr's availability for regular-season action. His next opportunity to return to the court will come on Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors.

Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg Shines for Warriors with 17-Point Half

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Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg continues to impress, posting 17 first-half points on 7-for-11 shooting and nine rebounds in a 124-98 preseason win over the Lakers. Selected No. 11 overall, the 24-year-old forward won Summer League MVP in Las Vegas and is viewed as a key piece for Golden State. With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody sidelined for months, Lendeborg is positioned to make an immediate impact after resting during Wednesday's exhibition against Portland.

De'Aaron Fox Sidelined For Thursday's Preseason Game Due To Soreness

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San Antonio Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox will not play in Thursday's preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks because of soreness. Fox was a late scratch for the contest, and the exact nature of his ailment remains unclear. His next chance to return to action and make his preseason appearance will come on Saturday when the Spurs face the Phoenix Suns.

Pelle Larsson Ruled Out For Thursday's Preseason Game Due To Illness

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Miami Heat swingman Pelle Larsson has been ruled out of Thursday's preseason contest against the New Orleans Pelicans due to an illness. Although initially expected to play after sitting out Wednesday's practice, he will not suit up. Larsson impressed in the exhibition opener against Toronto with 13 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 11 minutes. His next chance to play is Saturday against Minnesota.

Mitchell Robinson Misses Preseason Opener Due to Undisclosed Issue

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Boston Celtics big man Mitchell Robinson was held out of Thursday's preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to an undisclosed issue. Robinson was sidelined alongside several rotation players for the exhibition opener. His next opportunity to take the court will come on Saturday when the Celtics face off against the Philadelphia 76ers as Boston manages its roster through the early preseason schedule.

Ron Harper Sidelined in Boston's Preseason Opener Against Cleveland

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Boston Celtics guard Ron Harper did not suit up for Thursday's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Harper was one of eight players kept out of action as the Celtics rested their established rotation members, turning instead to a revamped starting unit and numerous depth options for evaluation during the exhibition game.

Sam Hauser Rests as Celtics Feature Depleted Preseason Lineup

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Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser was sidelined for the team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a mass resting of the primary roster. With eight key players held out, Boston utilized a heavily altered rotation featuring Exhibit-10 players and summer arrivals, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate the deeper layers of the roster during the exhibition.

Payton Pritchard Among Eight Celtics Sidelined for Preseason Opener

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Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard was among eight players held out of the team's preseason opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. With head coach Joe Mazzulla opting to rest his core rotation players and give assistant coaches Tony Dobbins and DJ MacLeay head coaching experience, Pritchard and other regulars watched from the sideline as younger depth pieces and newcomers logged extended minutes.

Neemias Queta Held Out for Rest in Celtics Preseason Opener

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Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta did not play in Thursday's preseason contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers as the team rested its expected starting core. In his absence, center Luka Garza received the starting nod inside for Boston during the exhibition game, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to test frontcourt reserve options while preserving Queta and other key regulars ahead of the regular season.

Paul George Rests as Celtics Hold Out Key Contributors Against Cavs

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Boston Celtics forward Paul George did not suit up for Thursday's preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to planned rest. Boston sat several key starters for the exhibition, opening up a starting spot at power forward for young contributor Jordan Walsh as the Celtics assess their frontcourt options and depth behind their primary core ahead of the upcoming regular season.

Jayson Tatum Sidelined for Rest in Celtics Preseason Matchup

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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum sat out Thursday's exhibition contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers for rest purposes. Boston took a cautious approach by holding out key starters for the preseason matchup, opening up a primary role for younger depth players. In Tatum's absence, Hugo Gonzalez earned the start at small forward as the coaching staff evaluated secondary rotation options.

Derrick White Rested by Celtics in Preseason Clash vs. Cavaliers

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White did not play in Thursday's preseason matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers as the team rested its core starting lineup for the exhibition. With White and other primary starters held out of action, veteran guard Mike Conley stepped into the starting lineup at point guard for Boston, giving the coaching staff an extended look at secondary backcourt combinations.

CJ McCollum Set to Make Hawks Preseason Debut Thursday Against Spurs

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Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum is slated to play in Thursday's preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs after recovering from a nose injury that kept him out of the team's opener. McCollum is expected to log minutes during the first half before Atlanta transitions to its younger players in the second half, allowing the veteran guard to get valuable game reps while managing overall workload.