Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart was once again limited during Thursday's practice, engaging only in individual work, as reported by Ian Begley of SportsNet New York. Hart is currently managing a back issue, which restricted his participation in team drills. His continued limitation suggests the team is carefully monitoring his recovery and progress before increasing his workload.
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry showcased his exceptional athletic prowess beyond the basketball court, dominating an episode of 'Break 50' with professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau. Curry, a highly requested guest, displayed fantastic driving ability and clutch skills, even managing to outdrive DeChambeau. The duo achieved their goal by shooting a 49, with Curry playing a nearly flawless game early on, including multiple eagles. DeChambeau jokingly suggested Curry should play professional golf. At 37, Curry remains an NBA elite, averaging 24.5 points last season and aiming for his fifth championship, but his golf performance suggests a potential post-NBA career.
Veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie has been waived by the Charlotte Hornets, according to sources including ESPN's Shams Charania. This decision comes surprisingly quickly, just three months after the Hornets initially signed Dinwiddie during the free agency period. His departure creates an open spot on the team's roster, allowing the Hornets flexibility for future acquisitions or internal promotions as they continue to shape their squad for the upcoming season.
Miami Heat's key big man, Bam Adebayo, has shown positive progress in his recovery from a knee issue, as he participated fully in Thursday's practice session. This encouraging update was reported by Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, signaling that Adebayo is moving closer to full health and readiness. His complete involvement in practice is a crucial step for the Heat as they prepare for their schedule, ensuring their star center is in prime condition.
Philadelphia 76ers' star center Joel Embiid was notably absent from Thursday's practice, but his time off the court was a pre-planned day for rest, specifically concerning his knee. Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reported this detail, clarifying that it was not an unexpected setback or a new injury concern. This strategic rest day indicates the team's careful management of Embiid's health, ensuring he remains in optimal condition for the demanding season ahead rather than pushing him unnecessarily.
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has been issued a significant fine of $35,000 by the NBA. This penalty was imposed due to his actions that ultimately led to his ejection from a preseason game played on Tuesday night. The league's decision to fine Kuminga underscores its firm stance on maintaining appropriate player conduct and respect towards officials during games, even in the preseason, reinforcing disciplinary measures for such incidents.
James Harden, a perennial All-Star, was a key subject in Season 2 of Netflix's "Starting 5," a series dedicated to documenting the lives of several NBA stars. The show notably delved into significant league developments, including discussions surrounding a potential trade involving Harden and Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. This provided viewers with insight into the strategic aspects of team building and player movement, capturing the dynamic nature of Harden's career and his influence within the league.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a rising star in the NBA, was prominently featured in Season 2 of Netflix's "Starting 5." The documentary series aimed to capture the essence of his professional journey, showcasing his skills, dedication, and impact on the court. Alongside other league standouts, Gilgeous-Alexander's segment offered an intimate portrayal of his career trajectory and personal life, providing fans with a deeper appreciation for his role in the sport.
Jaylen Brown was among the elite NBA talents whose experiences were extensively chronicled in Season 2 of Netflix's "Starting 5." The series offered an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into the lives, training, and challenges faced by professional basketball players. Brown's inclusion provided viewers with a comprehensive understanding of his contributions to the league and his personal journey as a key figure in the NBA landscape, alongside other featured stars.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, who was previously listed for rest, is now confirmed available to play in Thursday's preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This update comes from Cody Taylor of USA Today, indicating that Banchero is ready to return to action. His availability for this preseason contest suggests the Magic are managing his workload effectively while ensuring he gets game time before the regular season officially begins. This is a positive development for the team as they finalize their preparations.
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly targeting a mid-November return for the 40-year-old superstar, who is recovering from sciatica. Shams Charania of ESPN reported that while October 30th is the earliest reevaluation date, a patient approach means he'll need a few more weeks. James has battled the nerve issue since late July or early August and will miss opening night on October 21st. His return timeline is crucial for the Lakers to build chemistry with Luka Doncic and other key players, though his absence won't severely impact early season competitiveness. LeBron averaged 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds last season, earning Second Team All-NBA honors. His historic 21-consecutive All-NBA streak is now in jeopardy due to the league's 65-game cutoff.
Luka Dončić, identified as a star player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the context of the article, presents a significant defensive challenge for the Golden State Warriors on opening night. With Moses Moody doubtful due to a calf strain and De’Anthony Melton sidelined until November, the Warriors lack an ideal guard to match up with Dončić. Coach Steve Kerr is exploring options like Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II, or even rookie Will Richard, but acknowledges no perfect solution exists. The team is convening to decide how to contend with the MVP candidate's offensive prowess.
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller was on the receiving end of a 'RIDICULOUS!' preseason highlight play on October 16, 2025. Teammate LaMelo Ball nutmegged a defender in transition before delivering a one-handed, 30-foot alley-oop pass that Miller successfully finished. This spectacular moment exemplifies the Charlotte Hornets' potential to be an entertaining team, even if their overall performance remains uncertain. Miller's role in such high-flying plays contributes to the team's highlight-reel appeal, demonstrating the exciting potential of the Hornets' young core.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball recently delivered a 'RIDICULOUS!' preseason highlight, executing a nutmeg on a defender before throwing a one-handed, 30-foot alley-oop to Brandon Miller. This spectacular play, which occurred on October 16, 2025, underscores Ball's reputation as a social media star and a favorite among young NBA fans, largely due to his entertaining style. Despite being the leading fan vote-getter for the Eastern Conference All-Stars, he ultimately did not make the team after media, player, and coach votes. While his path through the Ball family social media circus and playing overseas boosted his popularity, it's noted that this hasn't necessarily sharpened his game as a leader capable of consistently securing team wins, though he consistently provides highly entertaining moments.
The Sacramento Kings have committed long-term to Keegan Murray, agreeing to a five-year, $140 million contract extension, as confirmed by his agent Mark Bartelstein. Murray, who recently married, is now the second-longest tenured King. Drafted No. 4 overall in 2022, he broke the NBA's rookie 3-point record and finished fifth in Rookie of the Year voting. Over three seasons, he's averaged 13.3 points on 45.1% shooting (37.2% from three), 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Coach Doug Christie praises his versatility and growth. Despite a shooting dip and a shift to defense in later seasons, Murray has emerged as a top 3-and-D wing. With De'Aaron Fox gone, he's on a path to becoming the face of the franchise and a two-way star. The Kings are committed to building around him, even as current roster construction with Dennis Schroder, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis presents spacing issues. Murray is encouraged to be more aggressive offensively, with DeRozan emphasizing his critical role in the team's success.
Nikola Jokić enters his 11th NBA season widely acclaimed as the best player, neck-and-neck for the 2025-26 MVP, which would be his historic fourth. He has consistently led the Denver Nuggets to 50+ win seasons, even carrying the team through injury-plagued campaigns with MVP-level performances. Last season, Jokić averaged a triple-double, propelling Denver to 50 wins and a No. 4 seed, and pushed playoff opponents to seven games despite significant team injuries. While his presence guarantees a top-tier offense and playoff contention, the Nuggets' ceiling hinges on his supporting cast and improving bench performance, as the team was outscored by 96 points in 389 minutes with him off the court in recent postseasons. Jokić views his team as a 'dark horse' contender, aiming for a second NBA championship.
The Boston Celtics have reportedly signed forward Ron Harper Jr. to a two-way contract, filling their open roster spot after waiving guard RJ Luis Jr. on Wednesday. Harper, the son of former NBA player Ron Harper and older brother of San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, is in his second stint with Boston, having signed in July 2024 and spent the first half of the 2024-25 season with the Maine Celtics in the G League. The 25-year-old appeared in three of Boston’s four preseason games this year, averaging 4.3 points over 10.6 minutes, hitting 42.9 percent of his 3-pointers, and playing solid defense. He joins Amari Williams and Max Shulga, completing Boston's three two-way slots. With two-way players limited to 50 games with the parent club, Harper is expected to see significant time in Maine, providing extra wing depth for the Jayson Tatum-less Celtics.
SportsLine and CBS Sports expert Matt Severance, a proven analyst with significant returns for bettors over the last four NBA seasons, has unveiled his NBA awards predictions for the 2025-26 season. Among his notable picks, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is surprisingly positioned as a longshot candidate to "steal" the coveted MVP award. This projection highlights Brunson as a dark horse in the upcoming race for the league's most prestigious individual honor, suggesting a potential breakout or highly impactful season that could see him challenge more established favorites. Severance's track record lends weight to this intriguing forecast for the Knicks' star guard.
Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd lauded rookie Cooper Flagg's strong showing as the starting point guard during the team's final two preseason contests. The 18-year-old's performance drew praise from Kidd, who acknowledged his contributions in the role. However, despite Flagg's positive impact, Coach Kidd remained noncommittal regarding the decision to name the young guard as the permanent starting point guard for the upcoming regular season opener. The coach's remarks indicate that while Flagg impressed, his long-term role at point guard is still under evaluation.
Gabe Vincent delivered an electrifying performance for the Los Angeles Lakers in their preseason loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. The guard started the game on fire, sinking four consecutive three-pointers, then adding a fifth over Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg. He was fouled on his sixth attempt, converting all three free throws, accumulating 18 points in a rapid first-quarter burst. Vincent concluded the game with an impressive 22 points, shooting 6-for-15 overall and a remarkable 6-for-11 from beyond the arc. Despite Vincent's individual brilliance, which drew cheers from the pro-Lakers crowd, the team ultimately fell 121-94, notably being outscored 37-8 in the fourth quarter. He was part of a starting lineup that had not played in the previous game.
