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NBA News

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

Thursday

AJ Dybantsa Highlights Washington Wizards Young Core for 2026-27

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AJ Dybantsa was selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards, bringing elite size, scoring, and passing upside to a promising young core. Following a strong preseason debut with 11 points and 4 steals, Dybantsa joins veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. While balancing veteran minutes with rookie development, Dybantsa enters the season as a primary focal point for the Wizards and a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.

Tyrese Haliburton Returns to Lead Indiana Pacers in 2026-27

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Tyrese Haliburton returns to action for the Indiana Pacers ahead of the 2026-27 season following his devastating Achilles injury. The Pacers have added new pieces like Ivica Zubac to complement Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, raising expectations for a potential top-4 seed. Haliburton's ability to command multiple defenders remains vital as Indiana looks to bounce back and navigate a challenging Eastern Conference.

Donovan Mitchell and Cavaliers Ready for Full Season Chemistry

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Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2026-27 season looking to build on last year's Eastern Conference finals run. After playing limited regular-season minutes together last year alongside James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, a full campaign offers a chance to solidify championship-level chemistry. Mitchell anchors a Cleveland squad projected among the top contenders in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Caleb Wilson Eyes Rookie Campaign and Impact for Chicago Bulls

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Caleb Wilson arrives as the No. 4 overall pick for the Chicago Bulls, bringing elite athleticism and scoring upside after an impressive Summer League showing. Preseason analysis highlights his potential to initiate offense and run in transition alongside Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. While questions remain regarding his half-court shooting efficiency, Wilson carries significant intrigue and a clear path toward heavy minutes in his rookie campaign.

Jaylen Brown Headlines New Philadelphia 76ers Roster

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Jaylen Brown has joined the Philadelphia 76ers following an offseason trade from the Boston Celtics, forming a formidable 'Core Four' alongside Joel Embiid, LeBron James, and Tyrese Maxey. Ranked No. 3 in preseason power rankings, the Sixers boast elite depth capable of contending for 70 wins if everything clicks. However, analysts note potential friction over shot distribution and highlight major concerns surrounding Embiid's health and LeBron James's age as they chase a championship.

Mitchell Robinson Shines in Boston Celtics Preseason Debut

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Mitchell Robinson starred in the Boston Celtics' 114-93 preseason win over the Charlotte Hornets, finishing with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks on 5-5 shooting. Four of his five baskets came via alley-oops, showcasing instant chemistry with Jayson Tatum. Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised Robinson's high basketball IQ and seamless fit, while Boston also experimented with a promising double-big lineup featuring Robinson and Neemias Queta together.

Kawhi Leonard Arrives to Boost Toronto Raptors Offense

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Kawhi Leonard joins the Toronto Raptors following an offseason trade from the Clippers, immediately addressing the team's struggles in isolation and pick-and-roll scoring efficiency. Ranked 10th in preseason power rankings, Toronto hopes Leonard's elite half-court scoring will elevate Scottie Barnes and anchor a dynamic offense. While analysts question if Leonard's regular-season game workload will limit his availability, his presence significantly boosts the Raptors' ceiling for a deep playoff run.

Jayson Tatum Leads Boston Celtics Into 2026-27 Season

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As the Boston Celtics enter the 2026-27 season ranked No. 9 in preseason power rankings, Jayson Tatum takes absolute center stage as the clear leader of the squad. Following an offseason featuring major roster adjustments—including the departure of Jaylen Brown and the additions of Paul George and Mitchell Robinson—analysts look toward an MVP-caliber campaign from Tatum. His usage rate and ability to shoulder the offensive responsibility will dictate whether Boston can secure the Eastern Conference's top seed.

Zuby Ejiofor Enters Rookie Season Ready to Contribute for Hawks

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Zuby Ejiofor enters his rookie season with an opportunity to secure meaningful minutes for the Atlanta Hawks amid frontcourt injuries to Henri Veesaar and Mouhamed Gueye. Ejiofor brings physicality, rim-running, and high energy to the frontcourt. While his outside shot and passing are developing tools, he previously flashed strong potential with a double-double during Summer League. He aims to earn Quin Snyder's trust and bolster Atlanta's depth.

Payton Pritchard Signs Extension Amid Playmaking Leap

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Payton Pritchard agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension keeping him with the Boston Celtics through 2028-29. Fresh off an 11-assist, zero-turnover performance against Charlotte, Pritchard is expanding his game as a playmaker. Teammates Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson praised his elite scoring gravity, speed, and passing vision. Joe Mazzulla lauded his selfless competitor mindset and coachability, cementing his vital role in Boston's long-term rotation plans.

Wednesday

Julian Strawther Suffers Awkward Knee Injury, Scheduled for MRI

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Denver Nuggets wing Julian Strawther exited Wednesday's preseason game against the Clippers in the third quarter after sustaining a left knee injury. Strawther lost his footing while avoiding a steal, causing his leg to bend awkwardly before he was helped to the locker room. Prior to the injury, he scored 11 points on 3-of-7 three-point shooting. Head coach David Adelman confirmed it is a left knee injury and noted Strawther will undergo an MRI on Thursday morning.

Zion Williamson Scores 10 Points Off Bench in Preseason Win

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New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson finished with 10 points, shooting 5-of-5 from the field but struggling with a 0-for-4 mark at the free-throw line, across 18 minutes in a 101-97 preseason win over the Mavericks. Williamson came off the bench Wednesday after starting the first two preseason contests. Named among top trade candidates for the upcoming season, his durability remains a talking point.

Matas Buzelis Paces Chicago Bulls in Preseason Victory

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Matas Buzelis tallied a team-high 19 points, three assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one block across 24 minutes in the Chicago Bulls' 125-104 preseason win over Milwaukee. Buzelis was stellar from beyond the arc, shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range and 6-of-9 overall. He has recorded at least one block in all four preseason appearances as he prepares to take a major leap in his third NBA campaign.

Dylan Harper Returns to Spurs Starting Lineup Versus Phoenix

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Dylan Harper returned to the starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason game against Phoenix after missing the previous contest for rest purposes. Coach Mitch Johnson deployed a three-guard lineup featuring Harper, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle in the 123-103 victory. The young guard saw a fair amount of playing time as the Spurs fine-tune their rotation ahead of the regular season.

De'Aaron Fox Makes Preseason Debut in Spurs Three-Guard Lineup

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De'Aaron Fox made his preseason debut in Wednesday's matchup against Phoenix after missing the first three games with an undisclosed issue. Coach Mitch Johnson deployed Fox alongside Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle in a new three-guard starting lineup. While active for the contest, the guard's workload was limited in the exhibition matchup as the Spurs cruised to a 123-103 victory.

Stephon Castle Dominates Charity Stripe in Preseason Win Over Suns

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San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle returned to the starting lineup and deployed in a three-guard configuration, tallying 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists over 24 minutes in a 123-103 preseason win over Phoenix. Castle did most of his damage by going 14-of-15 from the free-throw line, including eight made free throws in the second quarter, as he continues cementing his backcourt role ahead of the season finale.

Jalen Duren Dominates in Preseason Debut With 24 Points

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Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren completed his reconditioning and scored a game-high 24 points in just 15 minutes during a 128-106 win over Minnesota. Duren shot 8-of-9 from the field and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line, adding three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block. He enters this standout performance fresh off signing a lucrative five-year, $200 million extension following a strong previous campaign.

Anthony Edwards Leads Minnesota Timberwolves In Scoring Despite Slump

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards scored a team-high 20 points during Wednesday's 128-106 preseason loss to the Detroit Pistons. Edwards struggled to find his shooting rhythm, finishing 5-of-15 from the field and 1-of-5 from three-point range, though he was perfect 9-of-9 at the free-throw line alongside three assists and two steals in 28 minutes. Occasional shooting slumps are standard for Edwards, who is coming off a stellar 2025-26 campaign where he averaged 28.8 points per game.

Victor Wembanyama Secures 19 Points In Preseason Victory Over Suns

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San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama returned from a one-game rest absence to play in Wednesday's 123-103 preseason win over the Phoenix Suns. Wembanyama finished with 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, and four blocks across 23 minutes of first-half and regular action. While his outside shot is still warming up, the standout big man showed strong defensive presence as San Antonio continues its final preseason preparations.

Michael Porter Paces Brooklyn Nets With 27 Points Against Miami

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Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter delivered another productive outing, leading all scorers with 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, along with one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 144-128 preseason loss to the Miami Heat. Following a 22-point game against Washington, the 28-year-old has played at an All-Star level all preseason, though durability remains a persistent question mark heading into the regular season.