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NBA News

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

Friday, October 3, 2025

Scottie Barnes Exits and Returns to Scrimmage Following Left Thumb Injury

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Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes appeared to suffer an injury to his left thumb during Friday's scrimmage, as reported by Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca. This initial report was published at 2025-10-04T02:02:00.000Z. However, shortly after, Barnes (left thumb) returned to the same scrimmage, according to Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic, with this update published at 2025-10-04T02:07:00.000Z. This indicates a brief exit from the session before rejoining, suggesting the injury was not severe enough to keep him out.

Mitchell Robinson Impresses in Preseason Start, Raises Questions for Knicks' Future Lineup and Pace

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Mitchell Robinson made a strong impression in the Knicks' preseason opener, starting at center and disrupting defense while grabbing five offensive rebounds and 16 total rebounds in 18 minutes. This productive outing is encouraging for New York, especially after Robinson missed most of last season recovering from offseason surgery. His health and impact are clear, and starting him alongside Karl-Anthony Towns would mark a significant shift from last season's primary lineup. Robinson is in the final year of his contract, potentially facing significant free agency offers next summer, though the Knicks can pursue an extension. The team's coaching staff worked with him in the offseason, indicating continued value. However, questions arise about head coach Mike Brown's desire to push the pace with the current personnel, with an opposing front office also expressing doubts about the team's athleticism for such a style.

Miles McBride's Strong Preseason Play Sparks Trade Interest Amid Knicks Roster Decisions

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Miles McBride showcased strong preseason form, scoring a team-high 12 points on seven shots in 21 minutes against the Sixers, adding three steals and five rebounds (two offensive) while hitting two of four three-point attempts. His confident play is crucial as the New York Knicks face roster decisions, potentially needing to trade a player like McBride to create salary cap room for veterans Landry Shamet and Malcolm Brogdon. Despite this, SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley believes the Knicks highly value the 25-year-old guard, who is in the second year of a three-year, $13 million extension, and have not been entertaining trade offers, even as multiple opposing teams express interest due to his production, age, and contract.

Jimmy Butler's Chemistry with Jonathan Kuminga Crucial for Warriors' 2025-26 Season

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Veteran star Jimmy Butler is expected to play a significant role for the Golden State Warriors in the upcoming 2025-26 season, particularly in his developing on-court chemistry with Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga highlighted the valuable experience gained playing alongside Butler during last season's Western Conference semifinal loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Butler led the team in assists. Kuminga described playing with Butler as "very easy and simple" and expressed his intention to further refine their connection by asking Butler about his preferred playstyle. Kuminga believes that having ample time together, with both players healthy and present from the start of training camp, will be instrumental in strengthening their understanding and impact for the Warriors moving forward.

Jonathan Kuminga Focused on Refining Chemistry with Jimmy Butler and Al Horford for 2025-26 Season

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Golden State Warriors' 22-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga is poised to build on his promising finish to the 2024-25 season, focusing on refining his on-court chemistry with veteran star Jimmy Butler. Kuminga highlighted the valuable experience gained playing alongside Butler during last season's Western Conference semifinal loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Kuminga led the Warriors in series scoring, shooting over 54 percent, after Stephen Curry's injury. Kuminga noted, "It’s very easy and simple to play with Jimmy," and looks forward to more time together in training camp to "figure out certain things." Additionally, coach Steve Kerr is excited about the potential of an Al Horford-Kuminga combination for the 2025-26 season, believing Horford's floor-spacing will provide Kuminga with the necessary room to operate, especially when Kuminga plays the four, aiming to stabilize his production and turn his lineups into winning combinations.

Al Horford's Versatility and Experience Excite Steve Kerr for Warriors' 2025-26 Season

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Veteran center Al Horford, entering his 19th NBA season at 39 years old, is the Golden State Warriors' biggest offseason addition for the 2025-26 season. Coach Steve Kerr is particularly enthusiastic about Horford's potential impact, especially in combination with Jonathan Kuminga. Kerr believes Horford's ability to space the floor will provide Kuminga with crucial offensive space when Kuminga plays the four and Horford the five, surrounded by shooters, which could stabilize Kuminga's production. Kerr praised Horford's "defensive wherewithal" and "accumulation of so much knowledge and experience," noting he brings a "big, athletic rim protector" dimension the team has lacked. Horford's versatility is also expected to benefit other players like Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Quinten Post.

Dennis Schröder Expected to Bolster Kings' Defense and Aid Murray's Development

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Veteran guard Dennis Schröder is anticipated to significantly strengthen the Sacramento Kings' defense and aid Keegan Murray's development during the upcoming NBA season. The Kings are relying on Schröder’s on-ball defense to alleviate Murray's workload, allowing Murray to guard fewer point guards and focus on bigger wings. Schröder, entering his 12th NBA season at 32 years old, has a reputation as a relentless defender, averaging 0.8 steals and 2.9 rebounds per game across his career. This defensive prowess is seen as crucial for a Sacramento team that posted a 115.68 defensive rating last season. Keegan Murray noted that Schröder's presence in the starting unit will help "pick up four court, disrupt the ball handling and things like that."

Keegan Murray Anticipates Defensive Growth with Dennis Schröder's Arrival

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Sacramento Kings star Keegan Murray is confident that the addition of veteran guard Dennis Schröder will significantly aid his defensive development and lighten his workload during the upcoming NBA season. Murray expects to guard fewer opposing point guards, allowing him to focus on defending bigger wings and conserving energy for his expanding offensive role. He stated, “I think with Dennis, obviously it helps. I won’t guard as many point guards as I did.” Murray also noted, “Obviously, with Dennis, it helps me a lot in the starting unit to pick up four court, disrupt the ball handling and things like that.” The Kings hope Schröder's on-ball defense, a skill for which he has a strong reputation (averaging 0.8 steals and 2.9 rebounds career), will improve the team's 115.68 defensive rating from last season. Murray averaged 12.4 points and 6.7 rebounds last season, shooting .343 percent from three.

Stephen Curry's Enduring Prowess Forces Warriors to Abandon 'Two Timelines' Strategy

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Stephen Curry's remarkable and unprecedented longevity, even at 37 years old, has directly influenced the Golden State Warriors' recent strategic decisions. His continued prowess on the court has been the primary factor behind all the moves the team has made, effectively forcing the organization to abandon its previously considered 'two timelines' plan. The Warriors' current direction is a direct consequence of Curry's sustained elite performance, reshaping their approach to team building.

Josh Giddey Fully Participates in Friday's Practice Following Ankle Recovery

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Josh Giddey, who had been dealing with an ankle injury, was a full participant at Friday's practice, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. This update indicates a positive step in his recovery and readiness for upcoming team activities with the Chicago Bulls.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Set to Rejoin Bucks on Saturday After Illness

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Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been sidelined due to an illness, is scheduled to rejoin the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday. This development was reported by Eric Nehm of The Athletic, indicating his return to the team for upcoming activities.

LeBron James' Fantasy Value Debated as Lakers Enter New Era Amid Age Concerns

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LeBron James, with a Yahoo! ADP of 18.3, is being discussed as a player to potentially avoid in fantasy drafts. Despite his remarkable effectiveness last season, where he finished as a top-20 player and exceeded his ADP of 24.5, concerns are rising as he approaches his 41st birthday in December. This milestone could lead to increased injury management, even with the competitive Western Conference. While James has played at least 70 games in each of the last two seasons—a streak not seen since his final three seasons in Cleveland—he was limited to 55 games in 2018-19. Experts suggest that expecting similar top-tier production may be unrealistic, especially as the Los Angeles Lakers transition into their "Luka Dončić era."

Paolo Banchero's High Fantasy Draft Position Questioned Despite Breakout Expectations

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Paolo Banchero is currently showing a Yahoo! ADP of 16.9, with many fantasy managers anticipating a breakout season after he recorded career-highs in points, rebounds, and three-pointers across 46 games in 2024-25. However, experts suggest that expecting second-round fantasy value from the Orlando Magic forward might be ambitious, as he has yet to achieve a top-100 season in per-game value, total value, or per-36 fantasy numbers, according to Basketball Monster. While his talent and the Magic's roster changes make a top-100 season possible, his current ADP implies a top-20 season, which is deemed "a bit much."

Davion Mitchell Sidelined for Saturday's Preseason Game Due to Calf Injury

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Davion Mitchell will not participate in Saturday's preseason contest against Orlando due to a calf injury. This update was reported by Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, confirming his absence from the upcoming game for the Miami Heat.

Herbert Jones Sidelined with Left Ankle Sprain, Misses Preseason Game

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New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones is currently dealing with a left ankle sprain, an injury that caused him to miss the team's preseason game on Friday. The specific matchup Jones was absent from was against Melbourne United. This update on Jones' status indicates a setback during the preseason period. For more in-depth analysis and further information regarding Herbert Jones' ankle sprain and its potential implications, additional details are available by visiting RotoWire.com.

Trae Young Identified by ESPN as Key Player to Define Upcoming NBA Season

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Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has been highlighted by ESPN's Tim Bontemps as one of ten pivotal figures poised to define the upcoming NBA season. Bontemps' analysis focuses on players and personnel expected to play major roles, both on the court and in broader capacities. Young's inclusion underscores expectations for his significant impact and influence as the season unfolds, positioning him among the key names to watch for their defining contributions.

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Seth Curry Reunites with Steph on Warriors, Navigating Unique Contract for Championship Push

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Seth Curry is set to reunite with his brother Steph and the Golden State Warriors, signing an Exhibit 9 contract for training camp and preseason. The Warriors must waive him to stay below the second apron, with Nov. 11 as the earliest date he can be signed as the 15th player. Curry, 35, believes the timing is ideal for both brothers to pursue a championship with a winning organization, having previously been approached by Coach Steve Kerr and GM Mike Dunleavy. After going undrafted in 2013 and playing D-League games, Curry established himself as a premier 3-point specialist, leading the NBA last season with 45.6% and holding a 43.2% career mark (second among active players, ahead of Steph). He emphasizes his "all-around offensive player" skills, including mid-range scoring and defensive competition, are underrated. Curry will wear No. 31, as Steph denied his playful request for No. 30, marking a special "Splash Brother" reunion.

Jonathan Kuminga Commits to Warriors After Contract Drama, Eyes Championship and New Role

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Jonathan Kuminga has committed to the Golden State Warriors, signing a two-year, $48.5 million contract with a team option on the second year, concluding a three-month restricted free agency that extended into training camp. Speaking on October 2, 2025, Kuminga downplayed the "business side" of basketball, stating, "all that matters is that we got it done and I’m excited to be here." He clarified his July 30 Instagram post, "I’ll bet on myself all day #JustKnow," by emphasizing that betting on himself means "helping us win a championship." While his contract allows for a potential trade between January 15 and February 5, the Warriors have previously declined offers for the 2021 No. 7 overall pick. Kuminga's 2024-25 season was hampered by a two-month ankle injury, limiting him to 10 starts. He expressed a desire to remain with the Warriors long-term. Coach Steve Kerr outlined Kuminga's path to more minutes: running the floor, rebounding, and strong defense, addressing past issues with isolation play and missed defensive assignments. Kuminga views his role as "just helping us win" on both ends. He also switched his jersey number from 00 to 1 for "a new start." Kerr reiterated the team's focus on Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green.

Bradley Beal Absent from Clippers Team Scrimmage Due to Knee Issue

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Los Angeles Clippers player Bradley Beal did not participate in Thursday's team scrimmage work, reportedly due to a knee issue. Independent NBA writer Justin Russo confirmed Beal's absence from the session, highlighting a potential concern regarding his current health status and participation in team activities. Further updates on his condition are anticipated.

Miles McBride Sparks Knicks Offense Off the Bench in Preseason Debut, Leads Team in Scoring

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Miles McBride delivered a positive first impression for new head coach Mike Brown in the New York Knicks' preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, a 99-84 win in Abu Dhabi. Entering as one of the first reserves, McBride immediately provided a spark playing in a new three-guard look with Jalen Brunson and newcomer Jordan Clarkson. He quickly scored eight points on his first three shots and finished leading the team with 12 points on five-of-seven shooting (2-for-4 from three). In 21 minutes, he also contributed five rebounds, two assists, and a game-best three steals, achieving a +11 rating, which was third highest on the team. McBride stated his goal was "to come in today and make my presence felt out there -- just looking to impact winning in anyway that I can.”