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NBA News

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

Monday, October 5

Ty Jerome Frontrunner to Start at Point Guard for Memphis Grizzlies

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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.

Cedric Coward Emerges in Mix for Starting Role in Memphis Grizzlies Preseason

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Memphis Grizzlies second-year wing Cedric Coward is in the mix for a starting role entering the 2026-27 preseason. During training camp, Memphis experimented with several lineup combinations, with Coward, Jaylen Wells, and Jerami Grant among the options on the wing. Having logged significant minutes alongside Jaylen Wells, Coward's ability to fit fluidly with multiple backcourt combinations is bolstering his chances of securing a prominent spot in the first unit.

Draymond Green Adapts to Changing Role in New Warriors Offense

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Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is adjusting to a structural shift in head coach Steve Kerr's new 5-out offensive system. Entering his 15th season, Green will see less playmaking duty beyond the arc to help jumpstart his shotmaking. Following a 104-101 preseason loss to the Clippers, Green called the transition a big adjustment but remains confident the starting core will adapt over time.

Cameron Carr Completes Hilarious Rookie In-N-Out Prank

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Los Angeles Lakers rookie Cameron Carr embraced rookie duties ahead of the team's preseason opener against the Kings by hauling 30 In-N-Out cheeseburgers onto the team plane. Mother Tanya Carr confirmed she was on the phone as he placed the massive order. The stunt comes as the Lakers kick off their five-game preseason slate, marking the start of a new era for the franchise following major roster reconstruction and LeBron James' departure.

Scottie Barnes Dealing With Knee Soreness After Preseason Opener Injury

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Scottie Barnes revealed he injured his knee during the opening minute of Friday's preseason loss to Miami and is continuing to experience mild soreness. Barnes managed to play through the issue through the first half before being held out after halftime as a precaution. He is currently receiving treatment and does not expect the injury to become a long-term concern. The Toronto Raptors do not play again until their upcoming Saturday matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Kawhi Leonard Completes First Full Practice Since Training Camp Opened

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Kawhi Leonard participated in a full practice on Monday, marking his first complete session since training camp opened. Although he is expected to be held out of his second consecutive preseason game on Saturday, Toronto Raptors reports indicate he is on track to be fully ready for Opening Night. The veteran forward's return to full participation provides a major positive boost for the Raptors as they fine-tune their rotation ahead of the regular season.

Nic Claxton Suffers Hamstring Injury And Will Be Re-Evaluated In Two Weeks

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Nic Claxton tweaked his hamstring and will be sidelined for the entire preseason while facing a two-week re-evaluation window. This injury is a major blow for the Chicago Bulls, leaving Claxton considered questionable for the team's Opening Night matchup on October 21 against the Toronto Raptors. In his absence, Jalen Smith steps up as the next man available on the depth chart, followed closely by Zach Collins, who is currently managing a toe issue.

Chet Holmgren Will Not Play In Tuesday's Preseason Opener Against New Orleans

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Chet Holmgren will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener against New Orleans, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports. Holmgren will travel with the Oklahoma City Thunder but will remain sidelined alongside several other prominent teammates as part of the franchise's careful preseason workload management plan. The young star center is expected to return to action soon as the Thunder prepare for the upcoming regular season campaign.

Jalen Williams Ruled Out For Thunder Preseason Opener

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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams has been ruled out for Tuesday's preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans due to non-injury-related reasons. Although he will make the trip to Tulsa with the squad, the team is pacing his workload. Williams is expected to receive plenty of opportunities to see game action later in the team's exhibition schedule.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sitting Out Preseason Opener

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Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. The absence is entirely non-injury-related and is part of the Thunder's strategic plan to carefully manage their primary rotation players throughout the five-game preseason slate. Gilgeous-Alexander will still travel with the team to Tulsa for the exhibition matchup.

Andre Jackson Waived by Toronto Raptors as Team Signs Tyson Degenhart

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On Monday, the Toronto Raptors waived guard Andre Jackson Jr. and signed 6’8” forward Tyson Degenhart. Degenhart brings G League experience with the Raptors 905 and a standout collegiate career at Boise State, where he finished as the institution's all-time leading scorer. Jackson's departure comes as Toronto reshapes its roster and adds physical depth to its growing list of versatile forwards ahead of the new season.

Nikola Jokić Highlights Early Roto Fantasy Mock Draft

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Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić remains the consensus top choice to build around in early fantasy basketball formats. The three-time MVP led the NBA in rebounds and assists last season and has finished in the top two of MVP voting for six straight years. With Denver's depth taking a hit in the offseason, the Nuggets will likely need even more production from Jokić to remain elite contenders in the competitive Western Conference.

Day'Ron Sharpe Primed For Breakout Season In Brooklyn

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Day'Ron Sharpe is firmly positioned as a prime breakout candidate for the upcoming season with the Brooklyn Nets. With Nic Claxton departed, Sharpe is set to fill the void as an elite offensive rebounder and strong passer. Given Brooklyn's high three-point attempt rate last season, Sharpe's board-crashing ability and efficient defensive contributions make him an invaluable asset and solidify his role as the team's center of the future.

Joshua Jefferson Out For Preseason Opener With Back Issue

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Brooklyn Nets rookie forward Joshua Jefferson is sidelined for Tuesday's preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets due to a lower back issue. While the exact severity of the injury is currently unknown, the organization is likely exercising caution during the preseason. The No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is hoping to quickly carve out a rotation role within a crowded frontcourt once cleared to return to the court.

Jalen Suggs Dealing With Illness Ahead Of Preseason Opener

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Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs remains under the weather due to an ongoing illness, though he appears to be improving. Coach Sean Sweeney noted that Suggs can do "a little bit, but not much" at the facility, with expectations that he will ramp up his activity soon. Suggs' participation in upcoming practices will determine his availability for the team's preseason opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Jakob Poeltl Demonstrates Good Health in Preseason Opener

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Jakob Poeltl showcased his health during Saturday's 129-105 preseason loss to Miami, finishing with nine points, one rebound, one assist, two steals, and one block in 18 minutes. After back issues limited him to 46 games in 2025-26, the veteran center overhauled his strength and conditioning routine during the offseason. Poeltl's improved movement is a positive sign for the Toronto Raptors as he puts lingering health issues behind him.

Keaton Wagler Hits Game-Winner in Preseason Debut

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LA Clippers rookie Keaton Wagler overcame a tough shooting night to sink a game-winning 19-foot step-back jumper with 14 seconds left, defeating the Golden State Warriors 104-101. The No. 5 overall pick finished his preseason debut with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block in a team-high 30 minutes off the bench. He shot 3-for-15 from the field, 1-for-11 from beyond the arc, and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line in the thrilling Hawaii matchup.

James Harden Enters Year Two with Cleveland Cavaliers

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As James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers enter their second season together, the focus centers on maximizing his role as the offense's primary operator alongside fellow All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell. Harden agreed to a three-year, $97 million extension this offseason after waiting for Cleveland to acquire Peyton Watson. Last season, he averaged 20.5 points and 8 assists in 44 regular-season games, and the team aims to build on that foundation to make a deeper playoff run.

Warriors' Jimmy Butler Believes Steph Curry Is Greatest He's Ever Played With

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As he enters his 16th NBA season and continues recovering from a torn ACL, Warriors forward Jimmy Butler praised Steph Curry during media day as the greatest player he has ever played alongside. Butler's extensive career includes stints with Derrick Rose in Chicago, Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota, Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, and Bam Adebayo in Miami. Butler feels super blessed to play for Golden State and considers this the best story of his career.

Mikel Brown Cleared For Contact Ahead Of Preseason Opener

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Brooklyn Nets rookie guard Mikel Brown Jr., coming off an ankle injury, has been cleared for contact just ahead of the team's preseason opener against Charlotte. Addressing the fan base after two years of rebuilding, Brown expressed excitement to represent the city, stating that playing for Brooklyn is a privilege and believing the young squad is ready to shock the world. His exact debut date remains to be determined by the performance staff.