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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg sat out Wednesday's 101-97 preseason loss to the New Orleans Pelicans for rest purposes. Entering his second year, Flagg is garnering major praise from analysts like ESPN's Brian Windhorst, who compared his trajectory to LeBron James, while teammate Kyrie Irving lauded his competitive nature. Flagg is expected to return Friday against the Atlanta Hawks in a key dress rehearsal.
Miami Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered his best preseason performance yet in Wednesday's 144-128 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Antetokounmpo recorded 20 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and three blocks across 24 minutes of action. Despite struggles with free-throw shooting (4-of-9) and ball security, he dominated the floor and finished just one assist shy of a triple-double as the Heat prepare for their final exhibition game before the regular season.
Phoenix Suns sharpshooter Luke Kennard exited a preseason game against San Antonio with a sore left knee after playing 14 minutes. Kennard grabbed his knee without defender contact after jumping for a floater and went straight to the locker room. The non-contact nature raises concerns for the Suns, who rely heavily on his perimeter shooting. He finished the contest with four points on 2-of-8 shooting and two steals before his departure.
Brooklyn Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. returned from an ankle injury to make his delayed preseason debut, scoring 15 points off the bench in a 144-128 loss to the Miami Heat. Playing 18 minutes under a restriction, the No. 6 overall pick shot 4-for-7 from the field, including 2-for-5 from deep, while adding three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a 5-for-5 mark from the foul line. Coach Jordi Fernández praised his pace and communication as he aims to secure a larger role.
Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Otega Oweh suffered a devastating, season-ending torn Achilles tendon during a preseason overtime game against the Indiana Pacers. The 41st overall pick sustained the injury on a non-contact play while attempting to explode off his right foot. Oweh has already undergone successful surgery to repair the tendon and will miss the entire 2026-27 NBA season as he begins his grueling rehabilitation process.
Charlotte Hornets guard Grayson Allen missed his second consecutive game due to right knee soreness, sitting out Wednesday's 114-93 preseason loss to the Boston Celtics. Allen previously missed Sunday's contest with the same injury issue and has one final opportunity to return to the floor during the preseason when the Hornets face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
Denver Nuggets forward DeMar DeRozan will sit out Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers for rest. While the rest of Denver's starters are expected to suit up, the team will be without its top bench option. DeRozan has experienced a quiet preseason, averaging 4.7 points, 1.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across 10.2 minutes per contest, though he is expected to see a significant uptick in production once the regular season tips off.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal is dealing with knee inflammation and will not be ready for the start of the regular season. It remains unclear how long the veteran guard will remain sidelined. In his absence, Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler, and Kris Dunn are expected to dominate backcourt minutes. Beal's previous campaign was cut short by a hip injury after averaging 8.2 points and 1.7 assists across just six regular-season appearances for Los Angeles.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (toe) will not play in Wednesday's preseason game versus the Dallas Mavericks. Murray has appeared in just one exhibition contest this preseason due to the lingering toe injury. The Pelicans play their final preseason game Friday against Washington, though it remains uncertain whether Murray will be cleared to suit up for that matchup.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams has emerged as the favorite to claim the fifth spot in the starting lineup. Based on how head coach JJ Redick has managed the roster, Williams's length, defensive acumen, and shooting potential fit the prototypical starting power forward role. In his lone preseason action, he showcased his potential by scoring 13 points on a 3-for-3 shooting performance from beyond the arc while displaying high-level defensive activity.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Matisse Thybulle has brought a sobering, elite defensive presence to the team during the preseason. Exhibiting his trademark point-of-attack and off-ball wizardry, Thybulle has helped anchor the defense, with the Lakers posting a stingy 97.0 defensive rating while he has been on the floor. His defensive acumen places him firmly among the leading candidates contending for the final opening in head coach JJ Redick's starting lineup.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia is making a compelling case to lock down the fifth spot in the starting lineup entering the season. LaRavia has showcased a brand-new, improved jump shot, currently shooting 53.8% from deep on 3.3 attempts per game. Combined with his natural defensive instincts and experience of playing all 82 games last season—including 43 starts—he provides strong competition for the remaining starting role alongside the team's core.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Sandro Mamukelashvili has emerged as a major preseason winner, earning praise as 'The Connector' for his versatile playstyle. As coach JJ Redick evaluates starting lineup options, Mamukelashvili's ability to share the court puts him firmly in the mix. Meanwhile, his off-court friendship with Flavor Flav drew attention after a highlight dunk against the Warriors during Tuesday's exhibition match.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jonathan Kuminga has returned to the starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason game against Detroit after missing the previous two contests due to general soreness. Kuminga is expected to see a solid amount of playing time in the first half, though his overall workload will likely be managed and limited given the exhibition nature of the matchup.
Detroit Pistons star guard Cade Cunningham (rest) is back in the starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason matchup against Minnesota. After sitting out Saturday's game against Washington, Cunningham is expected to log a fair amount of playing time during the first half, though he will not shoulder a heavy workload throughout the exhibition contest as the team manages his minutes ahead of the regular season.
Brooklyn Nets big man Noah Clowney is making a strong case for minutes despite losing his power forward job to Julius Randle following a draft-night trade. Clowney logged 11 points against Philadelphia and followed up with 15 points, four assists, and zero turnovers in a win over Washington. With the Nets facing a crucial deadline to decide on a contract extension before he hits restricted free agency, coach Jordi Fernández praised his consistent play and valuable winning plays.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White will start for the second straight preseason game, getting the nod alongside Jayson Tatum, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, and Mitchell Robinson against the Charlotte Hornets. White starred in the previous 144-106 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers, contributing 15 points to a potent offensive attack. Coach Joe Mazzulla continues using these final preseason contests to evaluate rotation depth before Opening Night against the Detroit Pistons.
Boston Celtics forward Jordan Walsh will start for the second consecutive preseason game, joining Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, and Mitchell Robinson in the opening lineup against the Charlotte Hornets. During the recent 144-106 blowout win over Philadelphia, Walsh logged 11 minutes of playing time. Head coach Joe Mazzulla continues assessing his roster depth as the Celtics prepare for their final preseason tune-up before opening the regular season against Detroit.
Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson has been named to the starting lineup for the second straight preseason game, taking the floor alongside Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Paul George, and Jordan Walsh against the Charlotte Hornets. In the recent 144-106 victory over Philadelphia, Robinson logged 14 minutes off the bench-heavy rotation. Head coach Joe Mazzulla continues fine-tuning his lineup combinations ahead of the team's regular-season opener against the Detroit Pistons.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will retain his starting spot for the second consecutive preseason game, joining Derrick White, Paul George, Jordan Walsh, and Mitchell Robinson against the Charlotte Hornets. Tatum previously led the Celtics with 25 points and 4 assists in a dominant 144-106 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The team continues to evaluate its rotation combinations as Opening Night against the Detroit Pistons rapidly approaches.
