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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes closed out the preseason on a high note Thursday, totaling 23 points (9-15 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in 28 minutes during a 122-120 loss to the Knicks. Barnes led the offensive charge and anchored the defense with a team-high four swats, proving ready for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Chet Holmgren (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Rockets due to a bruised quad, causing him to miss the entire preseason. The team has not yet expressed concern regarding his availability for the regular-season opener Tuesday against San Antonio, though his status will require monitoring as tip-off approaches.
Ajay Mitchell (rest) is available and starting Thursday's preseason finale against Houston after missing two games. His return shifts Cason Wallace to the second unit. Mitchell joins a starting lineup featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein as the Thunder wrap up their preseason schedule before the upcoming regular-season action.
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring trade options for Jarred Vanderbilt as Opening Night approaches and the team faces a severe roster crunch with 16 players. Vanderbilt, currently in the final year of a four-year, $48 million contract, is owed $12 million this season. The Lakers have struggled to find trade suitors for the veteran forward, leaving his future uncertain as Los Angeles attempts to navigate salary limits and roster construction.
Collin Sexton participated in Thursday's practice with his calf taped up but will sit out Friday's preseason finale against Denver due to a lower-leg injury. Head coach JJ Redick noted that Sexton is trending in the right direction for the regular-season opener. Considered day-to-day, the guard's recovery is being carefully managed by the Lakers as they prioritize health over preseason reps for their new tertiary ballhandler heading into the 82-game campaign.
Houston Rockets veteran floor general Fred VanVleet is in line to play in Thursday's preseason finale against the Oklahoma City Thunder after previously sitting out for rest. Coming off a torn ACL, VanVleet is expected to be eased into action by playing around one half of the exhibition contest before head coach Ime Udoka hands things over to some of Houston's non-guaranteed rotation pieces for the final tune-up before the regular season.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams is positioned to return to the lineup for Friday's preseason finale against the Denver Nuggets after missing three games with swelling in his left foot. Williams practiced fully on Thursday following a strong debut where he scored 13 points against Sacramento. As the Lakers manage minor injuries while building chemistry with nine new players, Williams emphasizes the importance of long-term health over playing in exhibition games.
New York Knicks swingman Mikal Bridges is set to return to the floor for Thursday's preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors. Head coach Mike Brown confirmed that Bridges and the rest of the starting unit will see increased playing time in this final exhibition dress rehearsal. With Bridges back in the first unit, rotation players like Jordan Clarkson, Bruce Brown, and Tyler Nickel are expected to see reduced minutes.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby is set to return to the lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Toronto Raptors after missing recent action for rest. Thursday's exhibition represents a crucial tune-up opportunity for the Knicks' starting unit, with Anunoby expected to see close to a normal workload as the team finalizes its preparations for the 2026-27 regular season.
Defending champion New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson claimed the top spot as the NBA's best leader in the annual GM poll with 53% of the vote. After sitting out Tuesday's exhibition loss to the Raptors, coach Mike Brown announced that Brunson and the rest of New York's starters will see increased playing time in Thursday's preseason finale against Toronto. Brunson also ranked second in voting for best point guard and clutch shooting options entering the 2026-27 season.
San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama dominated the 2026-27 NBA GM survey, landing as the overwhelming favorite for MVP at 77 percent and Defensive Player of the Year at 97 percent. Executives also voted him the top player to build a franchise around at 93 percent. Meanwhile, Lakers guard Austin Reaves drew heavy fan backlash after singling out Wembanyama to give him his flowers in an official NBA social media video ahead of their matchups.
Anfernee Simons will miss the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason finale against the Celtics due to a hamstring injury. Although he was a full participant in practice and a post-practice scrimmage, head coach Nick Nurse confirmed Simons will sit out. Sidelined for the entire preseason, the sharpshooting guard is expected to be the first guard off the bench, averaging 16.9 points and shooting 38.6 percent from deep over his career, bringing much-needed floor spacing.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey stated Thursday that having a healthy Joel Embiid "changes everything" for the squad. Maxey figures prominently into the team's star-studded rotation alongside LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, as the Sixers look toward championship aspirations in the upcoming season.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey emphasized that having a healthy Joel Embiid "changes everything" for the team as they prepare for the upcoming NBA campaign. Embiid's presence anchors the star-studded roster alongside Maxey, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown, giving the franchise elite championship aspirations.
Paul George was highlighted among the NBA's most overrated players entering the new season according to staff discussions, prompting questions about his productivity and impact for the upcoming campaign.
James Harden and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to maximize their star-studded core during the 2026-27 campaign after limited regular-season reps together last year. Following a three-year contract extension, Harden combines with Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen under head coach Kenny Atkinson. The Cavaliers aim to translate their star power into a dominant run and contend for an NBA championship. Additionally, Harden was recently listed among the NBA's most overrated players.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Tarris Reed Jr. has emerged as a standout in the preseason, addressing the team's need for backup center depth by averaging 5.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. The 23-year-old physical presence dominated Utah with 17 rebounds in 24 minutes. While still developing offensively, Reed's hardnosed style and rebounding prowess give the Spurs reliable frontcourt insurance and tactical flexibility behind Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet for the upcoming season.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves sparked heavy backlash from franchise fans after naming San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama when asked which player deserves their flowers in an official NBA video. The praise for a Western Conference rival drew strong criticism. In separate preseason coverage, Reaves expressed full trust in teammate Sandro Mamukelashvili's point-forward capabilities, commending his versatility following a matchup against the Golden State Warriors.
Top prospect Cooper Flagg went early in the fantasy crew's final roto league mock draft as anticipation builds for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. Flagg, associated with the Dallas Mavericks in draft preparations alongside established veterans like Derrick White, is drawing high interest from fantasy managers looking to secure impactful rookie production and high-upside value.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White was selected early as the fantasy crew gathered for its final roto league mock draft just before the tip-off of the 2026-27 NBA season. White figures to be a prominent contributor for fantasy managers following strong prior campaigns, joining top prospects like Cooper Flasg off the board early in preparations for the upcoming competitive fantasy basketball season.
