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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Collin Sexton was ruled out for the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings on Monday due to a lower right leg/calf issue. Sexton was seen with his lower leg wrapped during shootaround, doing light jogging and resistance running afterward. Currently considered day-to-day, the guard's status remains uncertain as he works through conditioning. His next chance to play is Tuesday against the Warriors.
Lakers forward Adou Thiero is fully healthy and ready to seize a significant opportunity following a major roster reconstruction over the summer. After missing last year's summer league and preseason due to left knee ailments, Thiero has drawn praise from coach JJ Redick for an unbelievable two months of development. Entering his second year with a much better understanding of the playbook, Thiero is competing hard for a regular rotation spot.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns expressed frustration over stalled contract extension talks, stating it doesn't look good to sign before the regular season. Towns is eligible for a four-year, $277 million max extension, but the Knicks have offered roughly $200 million. Despite wanting to stay in New York after winning a championship, Towns feels unappreciated as negotiations remain far apart over team payroll concerns and the second apron.
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey completed a full on-court workout Monday but has been ruled out of the preseason opener against the Atlanta Hawks. While his availability for the rest of the exhibition schedule remains uncertain, Edey is fully expected to be ready for opening night. He has been active at training camp following offseason surgeries on his left elbow and ankle in March and is reportedly moving around better than ever entering the new year.
Atlanta Hawks rookie Kingston Flemings will start in Monday's preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies. With CJ McCollum unavailable due to a nose injury, Flemings gets the starting nod in his preseason debut. He will be joined in the first unit by Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu as the Hawks tip off their exhibition schedule.
Oso Ighodaro will be in the starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns' preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons. Ighodaro has been battling Khaman Maluach for the starting center job in training camp, and securing the start in the exhibition opener gives him the edge in the competition. In 24 starts last season, Ighodaro averaged 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 turnovers per game.
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren returned to practice following his five-year, $200 million contract extension, though he will sit out Monday's preseason opener against Phoenix. Coming off an All-Star season averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds, Duren dismissed summer rumors of discontent. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff has a ramp-up plan to ensure his center is ready for the regular-season opener against Boston on October 20.
Brandon Williams made a strong impression on the Golden State Warriors in their preseason loss to the Clippers, recording 11 points, three assists, two rebounds, and one steal in 15:30. Coach Steve Kerr called Williams the fastest player he's coached with Golden State. Williams attacked the basket relentlessly, finishing 4-for-7 inside the arc and anchoring the second unit as a potential spark plug while Jimmy Butler III recovers from ACL surgery.
Tyrese Maxey has been ruled out for Monday's preseason opener against the New York Knicks due to rest. With Maxey, LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Anfernee Simons all resting during the preseason debut, increased playing time opens up for second-year guard VJ Edgecombe and rookie Labaron Philon. It remains unclear if Maxey will be cleared to return to action for the 76ers' upcoming Thursday preseason matchup in Brooklyn.
Ruled out for Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks alongside LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey for rest, Joel Embiid is expressing high excitement for the Philadelphia 76ers' roster. Embiid emphasized the team's mix of veteran leadership and youth during training camp media day, stating he needs to win a championship. With superstar additions like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, Embiid anticipates early bumps in the road but believes the right mix will lead to success.
Entering his 24th NBA season, 41-year-old LeBron James was ruled out for Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks for rest, alongside teammates Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. James is managing chronic arthritis in his left foot and lower-back issues from previous sciatica, receiving daily special attention from trainer Mike Mancias. Philadelphia plans to manage his workload and back-to-backs after he signed this summer to help Joel Embiid win a title.
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr is a full participant in practice following four months of recovery from right foot surgery, engaging in 5-on-5 work and live drills. Coach Brian Keefe notes Sarr remains in the ramp-up phase ahead of the preseason opener. Sarr averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks across 48 games in 2025-26, and expressed excitement about pairing alongside newly acquired rim protector Anthony Davis to bolster his defensive aggression.
Forward Julius Randle is expected to make his Brooklyn Nets debut in Tuesday's preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets. Randle has been a full participant throughout training camp, getting his first opportunity to play alongside new teammates. Coach Jordi Fernandez has experimented with utilizing Randle in several offensive ways, including as a ball handler, in dribble handoffs, and as a playmaker out of the short roll.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo remains confident he will return during the 2026-27 season as he approaches six months since tearing his right Achilles in the first round of the playoffs. DiVincenzo has sought advice from Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard during his recovery process. Minnesota has not yet established a definitive timetable for his return to live game action.
After breaking out as a key reserve for the Toronto Raptors averaging 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 38.9 percent from deep, Sandro Mamukelashvili signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Growing up in Eastern Europe, he was a massive fan of Kobe Bryant, whose Mamba Mentality heavily influenced his work ethic. His floor-spacing and versatility are expected to complement Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves in Los Angeles.
Jaylen Wells faces stiff competition for a starting wing spot with the Memphis Grizzlies as the 2026-27 campaign begins. Jerami Grant, Cedric Coward, and Cam Spencer are all vying for first-unit roles alongside him. Wells started 143 of 148 career games since being drafted in 2024, averaging 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 69 starts in 2025-26. Even if he comes off the bench, Wells is expected to retain a meaningful rotation role.
Cam Spencer is in the mix for a starting spot in the Memphis Grizzlies' rotation to begin the 2026-27 season. He competes with Cedric Coward, Jerami Grant, and Jaylen Wells on the wing. Spencer shot an impressive 44.8 percent from beyond the arc in 2025-26, averaging 11.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.0 triples across 72 games. He is poised to operate as a secondary playmaker and maintain a sizable role for the rebuilding Memphis squad.
After signing a four-year, $60 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, unrestricted free agent Quentin Grimes called the move surreal because his father grew up supporting the team. The move reunites Grimes with Luka Dončić from their Dallas days. Grimes is a strong shooter who can attack closeouts and is looking to embrace his on-ball defense after skewing offensive-minded during his 1.5 years with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Scotty Pippen is viewed as the biggest challenger to Ty Jerome for the starting point guard job in Memphis following Ja Morant's departure. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo called the 25-year-old guard an easy fit alongside other players due to his ballhandling, defense, and perimeter shooting. Pippen looks to rebound from an injury-riddled 2025-26 season where he averaged 11.4 points and 4.7 assists, and he figures to take on a sizable role regardless of whether he starts.
Ty Jerome has emerged as the most likely candidate to fill the starting point guard job for the Memphis Grizzlies following Ja Morant's departure. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo praised the 25-year-old guard as an easy fit due to his ballhandling, defense, and perimeter shooting. Jerome faces competition from Scotty Pippen, though both guards figure to command significant roles for the rebuilding Memphis squad heading into the 2026-27 NBA season.
