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NBA News

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

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Domantas Sabonis Sidelined for Kings' Season Opener with Grade 1 Hamstring Strain

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Sacramento Kings' star center Domantas Sabonis will miss the 2025-26 NBA season opener against the Phoenix Suns and at least the first two games due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The injury, confirmed by an MRI, occurred during Wednesday’s preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers, and Sabonis is slated for re-evaluation in one week. His absence adds to the Kings' early season challenges, as forward Keegan Murray is also out for three to six weeks after undergoing UCL tear surgery. Sabonis has been a pivotal force for Sacramento, with their offense heavily relying on his contributions, averaging 19.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 34.9 minutes over 246 games. Drew Eubanks started in Sabonis's place during the preseason finale, with Isaac Jones, Dario Saric, Dylan Cardwell, and Maxime Raynaud also potential options to fill the void.

Warriors' Moses Moody Calf Strain Rehab Detailed, Return Expected in Weeks

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Golden State Warriors guard Moses Moody is recovering from a minor calf strain, which Stanford Medicine's Dr. Geoffrey Abrams, MD, described as microscopic tearing. Coach Steve Kerr isn't overly concerned, and the typical return-to-play timeline for such an injury is approximately two weeks. Moody, who missed the final three preseason contests, was doubtful for the 2025-26 season opener and was set for reevaluation a week after October 14th. A return by the Warriors' fifth game on October 28th against the Los Angeles Clippers is a hopeful target. His rehab protocol requires demonstrating full strength and flexibility before progressing to full practices, with potential initial minute limitations. Abrams noted a low risk of long-term impact or Achilles tear if the team adheres to the protocol, and Kerr is keen to have the valuable 23-year-old back in the lineup.

Victor Wembanyama Secures Second Pick in High Score Fantasy Draft, Valued for Elite All-Around Game

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San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama was drafted second overall in a recent 2025-26 fantasy basketball High Score league, highlighting his immense value in Yahoo! Sports' new format. As a forward/center, Wembanyama is considered a foundational player capable of delivering elite production across all five scoring categories: points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The High Score format, which weights steals and blocks at three points each, significantly boosts Wembanyama's fantasy appeal, making him a crucial asset for managers looking for explosive, multi-category performances to anchor their teams.

Luka Dončić Poses Significant Challenge for Warriors in Lakers' Season Opener

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Luka Dončić, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2025, is poised to be a key player as the team kicks off their NBA season against the Golden State Warriors. Warriors star Steph Curry highlighted the formidable challenge Dončić presents, noting the Lakers are 'lethal with Luka.' This highly anticipated season opener, taking place at Crypto.com Arena, will see the Lakers without LeBron James, who is sidelined with sciatica. Dončić's presence is expected to significantly influence the Lakers' performance and set the tone for their new campaign.

Coby White Cleared to Play Opening Night Against Pistons After Calf Injury

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, who has been dealing with a calf injury, is expected to be available and play in the team's Opening Night game. The Bulls are scheduled to face the Detroit Pistons on October 22. This update comes from K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, confirming White's readiness for the start of the regular season.

Daniel Gafford Progresses, Participates in Non-Contact Practice After Ankle Injury

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Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford, who has been dealing with an ankle injury, showed positive signs of recovery by participating in the non-contact portions of Saturday's practice. This update, reported by Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com, indicates a step forward in his rehabilitation process. His involvement in practice, even if limited to non-contact drills, suggests he is progressing towards a return to full activity with the Mavericks.

Bub Carrington Limited in Practice Due to Knee Issue for Washington Wizards

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Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington was a limited participant in Saturday's practice, as reported by Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Carrington is currently dealing with a knee issue, which restricted his involvement in team activities. His limited status suggests the team is managing his workload as he recovers, and his progress will be closely monitored as the season approaches for the Wizards.

Zach Collins Sidelined for Four Weeks with Left Wrist Fracture

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Zach Collins of the Chicago Bulls is expected to miss at least four weeks of action after sustaining a left wrist fracture. The significant injury was reported by Mike McGraw of the Chicago Daily Herald, confirming a substantial setback for the team. Collins' absence will impact the Bulls' lineup for the foreseeable future, with the team needing to adjust to his extended recovery period. Further analysis on this update is available, but the initial prognosis indicates a minimum one-month recovery timeline for the key player.

Trae Young's Max Extension Talks Postponed as Atlanta Hawks Evaluate New Roster

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Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young will not sign a contract extension before the start of the season, an outcome he reportedly anticipated months ago. This decision, confirmed by The Athletic, sees Young making $46 million this season with a $48.9 million player option for next year, potentially allowing him to become a free agent. While Young has expressed interest in an extension on social media, Hawks management, led by new GM Onsi Saleh, wants to assess the performance of their significantly upgraded roster. The team has aggressively built around Young, acquiring Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, alongside expecting leaps from Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu. This talent surge places pressure on Young to demonstrate leadership as a floor general, not just a scorer. If he successfully integrates the new pieces, his max extension, potentially four years and $229 million, is expected to materialize later in the season.

Desmond Bane Joins Orlando Magic, Expected to Boost Firepower for 2025-26 Season

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Desmond Bane is highlighted as a pivotal new addition for the Orlando Magic as they prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season. The team's preview emphasizes that the Magic have significantly bolstered their roster, acquiring 'some serious firepower' with Bane's arrival. A central theme of the discussion is whether Bane's integration will effectively address and 'cure what has ailed' the Orlando Magic, signaling high expectations for his ability to elevate the team's performance and address previous shortcomings. His presence is anticipated to be a major factor in the team's success.

Friday, October 17, 2025

LeBron James Injured, Gabe Vincent Steps Up in Lakers' Preseason Finale

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LeBron James is currently sidelined due to injury, prompting Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick to place Gabe Vincent in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason finale. The game served as a "dress rehearsal" for the regular-season opener, with Vincent filling the void left by James. This situation underscores the team's adjustments and preparations for the season in light of James's injury status.

Gabe Vincent Starts for Lakers in Preseason Finale, Filling in for Injured LeBron James

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Gabe Vincent was inserted into the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason finale on Friday. Coach JJ Redick designated this game as a "dress rehearsal" for the upcoming regular-season opener. Vincent's inclusion in the starting five was necessitated by the injury to star player LeBron James, highlighting his readiness to step into a crucial role for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jaxson Hayes Exits Friday's Exhibition Game Early Due to Right Wrist Contusion

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Jaxson Hayes will not return to Friday's exhibition game after sustaining a right wrist contusion. The injury was reported by Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, leading to Hayes' early departure from the contest. Further analysis on this update is available via RotoWire.com.

Landry Shamet Secures Final Knicks Roster Spot After Strong Preseason Performance

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Landry Shamet has earned the final veteran spot on the New York Knicks' roster, following the team's decision to waive Garrison Mathews and Malcolm Brogdon's retirement earlier this week. Shamet, who joined the Knicks last year, appeared in 50 games off the bench, averaging 5.7 points on 46.1 percent shooting (39.7 percent from three) in 15.2 minutes. He showcased his abilities in the preseason finale on Friday, logging 20 minutes off the bench, scoring 11 points on 3-for-5 shooting (all from three), and finishing with a plus-3 rating in the 113-108 victory over Charlotte. His strong performance was key in securing his place on the team.

Knicks Waive Guard Garrison Mathews Ahead of Roster Deadline

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The New York Knicks are set to waive guard Garrison Mathews ahead of Saturday’s 5 p.m. deadline, as reported by SNY’s NBA Insider Ian Begley. Despite impressing during the preseason and training camp, the Knicks' financial restrictions due to the second apron left no roster space for the 29-year-old veteran. Mathews, who did not play in New York's preseason finale on Friday, is expected to attract interest from other teams seeking additional shooting. He entered the league undrafted in 2019, playing for Washington, Houston, and Atlanta, and holds career averages of 6.5 points on 40 percent shooting (38.2 percent from three) in 17.5 minutes across 314 games (64 starts). His release means Landry Shamet has secured the final veteran spot on the roster.

Jalen Brunson Erupts for 31 Points, Leads Knicks to Preseason Victory

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Jalen Brunson delivered an explosive performance in Friday's 113-108 preseason win over the Hornets, erupting for 31 points. In 34 minutes, Brunson shot 12-of-25 from the field, including 5-of-12 from three-point range, and added 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. He also contributed significantly with seven rebounds, six assists, and one steal, showcasing a comprehensive effort for the New York Knicks.

Kel'el Ware Achieves Double-Double in 30 Minutes for Miami Heat

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Kel'el Ware recorded an impressive double-double performance during Friday's 141-125 preseason loss to the Grizzlies. Playing 30 minutes, Ware amassed 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. He also grabbed 14 rebounds, along with one steal and one block, though he did commit one turnover. This strong outing highlights his potential for the Miami Heat.

Joel Embiid Delivers Solid All-Around Performance in Preseason Victory

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Joel Embiid showcased a solid all-around effort in Friday's 126-110 preseason victory against Minnesota. In just 19 minutes on the court, Embiid registered 14 points, shooting 5-of-10 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc, and converting both of his free-throw attempts. He also contributed seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, demonstrating his impact for the Philadelphia 76ers even in limited playing time.

Scottie Barnes Explodes for 31 Points and Full Stat Line in Raptors' Win

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Scottie Barnes had an outstanding performance in Friday's 119-114 preseason win over the Nets, scoring 31 points. In 35 minutes, Barnes was highly efficient, shooting 10-of-15 from the field and 11-of-12 from the free-throw line, though he missed both of his three-point attempts. He rounded out his stat line with six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block, alongside three turnovers, proving to be a key player for the Toronto Raptors.

Michael Porter Records Impressive Double-Double in Brooklyn Nets Preseason Loss

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Michael Porter delivered a strong performance for the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, logging a double-double over 33 minutes in a 119-114 preseason loss to Toronto. Porter showcased his scoring ability with 34 points on efficient shooting, going 12-for-20 from the field, including 6-for-11 from beyond the arc, and 4-for-5 from the free-throw line. He also pulled down 10 rebounds, dished out three assists, and committed four turnovers. This outing highlights Porter's significant offensive and rebounding contributions early in the preseason for the Nets.