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NBA News

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

Thursday, October 8

Labaron Philon Ready to Learn Amidst Star-Studded 76ers

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Rookie Labaron Philon is embracing the challenge of transitioning to the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, a team bolstered by acquisitions like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Drafted 22nd overall, Philon averaged 22.0 points in his sophomore season at Alabama. He's eager to learn from veterans and fellow young player VJ Edgecombe, focusing on his communication and ability to run the offense. Philon's preseason debut showed promise in his handles and willingness to lead, with coach Nick Nurse noting his communicative nature. He's adapting to new challenges and ready to prove himself.

Michael Porter Sits Out Thursday Preseason Game With Left Wrist Soreness

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Michael Porter will not play in Thursday's preseason game against Philadelphia due to left wrist soreness, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The absence follows a strong performance in Tuesday's preseason win over Charlotte, where he scored 16 points. The Nets have not yet indicated if the wrist issue will affect his availability beyond Thursday's exhibition contest. Porter's next opportunity to take the court will be in Brooklyn's upcoming scheduled games.

Jusuf Nurkić Sidelined at Least Four Weeks With Right Foot Injury

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Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkić will miss at least four weeks with a partial plantar plate tear in his right foot second toe, sustained during a preseason opener against Denver. Re-signed this offseason to a two-year deal, Nurkić's absence forces head coach Will Hardy to lean on Jaxson Hayes, Kyle Filipowski, or slide Jaren Jackson Jr. to center while shifting Ace Bailey into the starting lineup. Nurkić will be re-evaluated in a month.

Deni Avdija Explodes for Team-High 23 Points in Preseason Win

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Deni Avdija scored a team-high 23 points, shooting 9-for-13 overall and 3-for-6 from deep, while adding two rebounds and two assists in just 21 minutes during a preseason victory over the Warriors. As Portland mixes new backcourt additions Ja Morant and Damian Lillard, Avdija anchors the offense following his breakout 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 24.2 points, 6.9 boards, and 6.7 assists across 66 regular-season games.

Jock Landale Reflects on Recovery and New Hawks Contract Ahead of 2026-27

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After an April ankle injury ended his promising season, Jock Landale spent his offseason in Australia recovering and trimming down. Following a trade-deadline arrival where he averaged 9.1 points and 4.1 rebounds in 23 games, Landale signed a one-year, $14.1 million contract to return as Atlanta's backup center. Expressing deep appreciation for the franchise, he aims to provide physicality and floor spacing behind Onyeka Okongwu for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.

Cavaliers Bet on Evan Mobley's Growth to Fuel Championship Ambitions

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The Cleveland Cavaliers chose to retain 25-year-old former Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley this summer despite trade interest for superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown. The front office is betting on Mobley's continued growth alongside James Harden and new addition Peyton Watson. Lineups pairing Mobley with Harden posted a +13.9 net rating without Jarrett Allen or Donovan Mitchell. Cleveland hopes refined lineup combinations will translate Mobley's regular-season success into playoff results.

Wednesday, October 7

Walker Kessler Included in Evaluations for the 2026-27 NBA Campaign

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Walker Kessler appears in early-season analysis and positional evaluations as teams finalize their rotations and expectations for the 2026-27 campaign. Analysts continue to break down top center options across the league, factoring in player health, statistical upside, and projected roles for upcoming fantasy basketball drafts and competitive points leagues.

Bam Adebayo Featured in Positioning and Rankings for 2026-27 Season

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Bam Adebayo is included in prominent evaluations and positional breakdowns heading into the 2026-27 NBA season. As analysts assess top performers at the center position based on production, health, and playoff capabilities, frontcourt outlooks and fantasy basketball rankings continue to take shape across standard points leagues and multi-category formats.

Nic Claxton Highlighted in 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Center Rankings

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Nic Claxton is featured among the notable players evaluated as the NBA center landscape continues to evolve for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Analysts have updated rankings, fantasy basketball projections, and positional outlooks across the league, examining production, health, and playoff form to help managers navigate points leagues and category drafts as preseason action approaches.

Joel Embiid Cleared of Tardiness Rumor as Preseason Preparations Continue

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid saw broadcaster Mike Breen retract an unverified report claiming LeBron James called him out for practice tardiness, after James disputed it on Instagram. Embiid, who averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds last season, continues preparing for preseason action alongside James while managing past injuries. Meanwhile, the 76ers explore center options following an injury to Ariel Hukporti, with Coach Nick Nurse dismissing any perceived locker room drama.

Cameron Boozer Posts 16 Points in Preseason Loss to Magic

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Cameron Boozer registered 16 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), six rebounds, and two assists in 22 minutes during the Memphis Grizzlies' 122-118 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft showcased a superb, versatile all-around game that positions him to contend immediately for a spot in Memphis' starting lineup and put him firmly in early Rookie of the Year conversations as the season approaches.

Paolo Banchero Scores 11 Points in Preseason Win Over Grizzlies

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Paolo Banchero provided 11 points (2-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 7-10 FT), one rebound, and five assists across 15 minutes during the Orlando Magic's 122-118 preseason win against the Memphis Grizzlies. Though Banchero struggled from the field, he earned 10 free throw attempts and consistently facilitated plays for Wendell Carter and Desmond Bane while playing just two quarters. Operating frequently off the ball, Banchero saw Franz Wagner lead primary offensive duties in the victory.

Damian Lillard Scores 15 Points In Impressive Return From Achilles Injury

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard made his long-awaited return from an Achilles tear suffered on March 18, 2025, scoring 15 points in a 123-118 preseason win over the Warriors. Lillard shot 5-for-11 overall, hit three triples, and added one rebound, one assist, and two steals in 19 minutes. He looked comfortable sharing the backcourt with Ja Morant, providing an encouraging first step as he prepares for Tuesday's upcoming game in Sacramento.

Charles Bassey Shines With 13 Points And Six Stocks In Preseason

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Golden State Warriors center Charles Bassey drew a preseason start against Portland and notched 13 points on a 6-for-6 shooting performance, adding six rebounds, one assist, three steals, and three blocks over 24 minutes in a 123-118 loss. With Kristaps Porzingis sidelined indefinitely due to an illness, Bassey saw extended minutes and capitalized on his opportunity. His efficient scoring and defensive activity make him an intriguing rotation candidate to monitor closely throughout the preseason.

Trae Young Set to Debut for Upgraded Wizards in Preseason Clash

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Trae Young is projected to start at point guard for the Washington Wizards in their inaugural preseason game against the New York Knicks. Young joins a revamped Wizards talent pool alongside Anthony Davis and top draft pick AJ Dybantsa as the franchise aims to rebuild after a 17-65 campaign last season. Young leads a projected starting lineup that includes Kyshawn George, Dybantsa, Davis, and Alex Sarr as Washington seeks to turn around its defensive and offensive struggles.

Tyrese Haliburton Makes Emotional Return from Achilles Injury

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Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton returned from a 16-month absence following an Achilles tear in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, scoring seven points and six assists in 16 minutes during a 123-112 preseason win over Minnesota. Playing at his alma mater Hilton Coliseum, where he bought out the student section tickets, Haliburton enters training camp with no restrictions after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign.

Aday Mara Explodes for 22 Points on Perfect Shooting

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Oklahoma City Thunder rookie big man Aday Mara amassed 22 points (10-10 FG, 2-3 FT), six rebounds, two assists, and one block across 25 minutes in a 128-126 preseason loss to the Bucks. Following a previous outing with 12 points and nine boards, Mara led all scorers and showcased his lob threat capability. Despite impressing through the preseason, the 21-year-old faces heavy competition for regular-season minutes.

Tobe Awaka Posts Double-Double in Preseason Victory

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Chicago Bulls center Tobe Awaka produced 14 points (6-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-3 FT), 11 rebounds, one steal, and one block over 21 minutes in a 124-117 preseason win over the Suns. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) and Zach Collins (toe) banged up, Awaka is an intriguing player to monitor. Though undersized, his superb rebounding ability could earn him consistent minutes in the rotation if the Bulls' frontcourt remains banged up.

Dillon Brooks Scores 24 Points with Efficient Shooting Line

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Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks registered 24 points (7-9 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 7-8 FT), four rebounds, two assists, and one steal across 23 minutes in a 124-117 preseason loss to the Bulls. Brooks had the hot hand early, missing just two shots. Although he averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game last season, replicating that scoring could prove challenging with Miles Bridges in town and both Devin Booker and Jalen Green healthy.

Kel'el Ware Dominates with Second Straight Preseason Double-Double

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Kel'el Ware will start at center for the Milwaukee Bucks, recording 18 points (7-13 FG, 4-6 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist, and one block across 25 minutes in a 128-126 preseason win over the Thunder. Ware, who made his debut coming off the bench with a double-double, earned the starting nod as the team evaluates a double-big frontcourt. Last season with Miami, Ware started 35 games, averaging 12.8 points and 11.0 rebounds.