Basketball news

• Clippers docked five first-round draft picks and fined $30m over Kawhi Leonard scandal

  02-09-2026 22:52 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kawhi Leonard signed for the Clippers in 2019. Photograph: Matt Slocum/APThe NBA has handed down one of the biggest punishments in the history of the league to the Los Angeles Clippers after finding that the franchise circumvented salary cap rules when it courted Kawhi Leonard as a free agent.The league has stripped the team of five first-round draft picks, giving the team no natural pick in the draft from 2029 through 2033.The NBA also fined the Clippers $30m, and suspended owner Steve Ballmer
  
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• Kyrie Irving to return for Mavericks preseason game in China after ACL tear, calf-strain 'setback'

  08-10-2026 18:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Kyrie Irving will return to the court when the Dallas Mavericks take on the Houston Rockets in China this weekend, more than 19 months after a torn left ACL put him on the shelf — and some 10 months after suffering a previously undisclosed calf strain that the nine-time All-Star says derailed his efforts to come back during the 2025-26 NBA season.New Mavericks head coach Dusty May told reporters in Macao that Irving will play in one of the two games scheduled as part of the NBA's preseason
  
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• Early NBA preseason surprises, standout rookie performances + KOC Show mailbag

  08-10-2026 18:06 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe to The Kevin O'Connor ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeKevin O'Connor dives into early NBA preseason insights including Tyrese Haliburton’s much-anticipated return, Minnesota’s evolving offense with LaMelo Ball and what Zion Williamson’s new 3-point shot could mean for the Pelicans. KOC also explores the Knicks’ bumpy start after their Finals win, the Sixers’ intriguing rotation options (now without Ariel Hukporti), why OKC’s roster shakeup make
  
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• NBA Rookie of the Year Predictions 2026-27: Will it be Cameron Boozer? AJ Dybantsa? Darryn Peterson?

  08-10-2026 18:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  This season is shaping up to be the most interesting Rookie of the Year race in a long time. The intense debate about who should have been the top pick in last June's NBA Draft now carries over to the Rookie of the Year race.Will No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa in Washington win? Darryn Peterson in Utah? Cameron Boozer in Memphis? Or could we see Caleb Wilson in Chicago, Darius Acuff Jr. in Sacramento or Brayden Burries in Milwaukee rise up and grab the award? It's going to be a fascinating race, and we
  
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• Ranking every NBA team's offense entering the 2026-27 season: Knicks at No. 1, Lakers and Celtics in top five

  08-10-2026 17:34 via cbssports.com
  
  Who will have the best -- and the worst -- offenses in the NBA this season? We're projecting each team
  
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• Labaron Philon is ready to learn in transition to NBA

  08-10-2026 17:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 5: Labaron Philon Jr. #00 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during a preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 5, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 120-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) |
  
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• Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic to miss start of season due to toe injury

  08-10-2026 17:15 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Trading away Walker Kessler this summer meant the Utah Jazz were going to lean heavily on veteran center Jusuf Nurkic this season to anchor a team a lot of people are high on (*raises hand*).That's now on hold. Nurkic has "sustained a partial plantar plate tear of the second toe of his right foot during Utah's first preseason game against Denver on Oct. 4," the team announced. He will be reevaluated in four weeks, meaning he will miss at least the first few weeks of the season.The plantar plate
  
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• Joe Mazzulla reveals a twist before Celtics’ first preseason game

  08-10-2026 17:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Boston, MA - November 3: Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with assistant coach Tony Dobbins in the third quarter at TD Garden on November 3, 2025. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) | Boston Globe via Getty Images CLEVELAND — Joe Mazzulla doesn’t typically speak at Celtics shootaround. But standing by the court at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Mazzulla had something he wanted to share: for the first time in his head-coaching tenure, he decided to gi
  
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• Knicks Bulletin: ‘At the end of the day, everybody has a short-term memory’

  08-10-2026 17:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 5: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 5, 2026 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nat
  
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• Jazz center Jusuf Nurkić to miss at least a month with right foot injury

  08-10-2026 16:25 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkić will be sidelined for at least four weeks after suffering a partial plantar plate tear of the second toe of his right foot, the team announced Wednesday — a tough blow for a team hoping to make a significant leap up the Western Conference standings this season. The Jazz say Nurkić sustained the injury during Utah's preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. It’s unclear exactly when the 32-year-old center got hurt; he checked out wi
  
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• Cavs vs. Celtics preseason preview: How to watch, odds, and injury report

  08-10-2026 16:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 08: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on March 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 109-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty
  
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• Sixers continue building chemistry in preseason play as they head to Brooklyn

  08-10-2026 15:17 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 5: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during a preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 5, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 120-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty
  
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• Roundtable: The gang makes some season predictions (Part I)

  08-10-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 23: (L-R) Actors Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Danny DeVito and Charlie Day act during a dance scene on the set of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" on May 23, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) | Getty Images With the preseason already up and running, it’s time for our signature Roundtable, where Brew Hoop staff put their meteorologist hats on and forecast the future, hoping their words don’t come back to
  
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• Forget the losses, the Suns’ second unit is stealing the show

  08-10-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 07: Luke Kennard #8 of the Phoenix Suns dribbles the ball as Buddy Hield #7 of the Chicago Bulls defends during the first half of the preseason game at the United Center on October 07, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Daniel Bartel/Getty Images) | Getty Images It was the second los
  
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• Tarik Biberović is poised to make a splashy impact with Mavericks

  08-10-2026 13:03 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DALLAS, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 25: Tarik Biberovic #13 of the Dallas Mavericks poses for portraits at Mavericks Media Day at American Airlines Center on September 25, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Dallas Mavericks had a few holes last season that had them stuck near
  
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• 10 things I’m looking forward to this Celtics season

  08-10-2026 13:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Derrick White is poised to improve his offensive efficiency this season. | NBAE via Getty Images There’s nothing quite like basketball season. Turning on the TV whenever we want and marveling as the best players in the world put on a show is a treat. Watching the Celtics play never gets old, and each season brings a new flavor.This year is particularly intriguing, for obvious reasons, as they enter a new era with Just the Jay. Here are 10 things I’m looking forward to as the action b
  
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• Open Thread: NBA is exploring use of new technology throughout the preseason

  08-10-2026 13:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 4: Generic photo of the official NBA Wilson basketball during the NBA preseason on October 4, 2026 at CU Events Center, Boulder, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images On Monday, the NBA announced
  
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• Cavs season preview: Evan Mobley – Will Cleveland’s faith be rewarded?

  08-10-2026 13:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 08: Evan Mobley #4 celebrates with James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during player introductions before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Rocket Arena on April 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Cleveland Cavaliers had oppo
  
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• Cam Boozer Update - Game II Another Solid Outing

  08-10-2026 13:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 7: Cameron Boozer #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the basketball during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 7, 2026 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images In his
  
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• 2026-27 Atlanta Hawks player preview: Jock Landale

  08-10-2026 13:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ORLANDO, FLORIDA - APRIL 01: Jock Landale #31 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after scoring a three-point shot against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Kia Center on April 01, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images Jock Landale made his presence in Atlanta known
  
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• 10 things I think I think about the 2026-27 Washington Wizards

  08-10-2026 12:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  I think I think some thoughts about Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa. | Getty Images With a hat tip to OG NFL writer Peter King, and to Bill Simmons and the crew at Grantland and The Ringer, and to Zach Lowe, and to Eric Koreen, and to the legion of writers I’m ripping off with this format, here are 10 things I think I think about this year’s Washington Wizards:Trae Young will lead the NBA in assists per game for just the second time in his career. Young’s been a genius-level passer
  
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• MMBets: Oklahoma City Still Runs The West

  08-10-2026 11:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DALLAS, TX - MARCH 1: Daniel Gafford #21 and Caleb Martin #16 of the Dallas Mavericks boxes out during the game against Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 1, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE
  
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• 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball Centers: Rankings, Sleepers, Breakouts and Fades

  08-10-2026 10:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The center position enters the 2026-27 fantasy basketball season deeper than it has been in years, but the real value still sits at the top with Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama. In this fantasy basketball draft guide, we break down the center rankings landscape, the injury risks hanging over big men like Joel Embiid, and how to build your draft strategy around rebounds, blocks and field-goal percentage. We also highlight the top sleepers, breakout candidates and fades, from Nic Claxton and Wa
  
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• Warriors leave most of team at home, lose to Blazers in Portland, 123-118

  08-10-2026 09:54 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 7: Sidy Cissoko #91, Charles Bassey #28 of the Golden State Warriors, and Jeremy Sochan #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on after the game on October 7, 2026 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Ge
  
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• Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs vs. Atlanta Hawks

  08-10-2026 09:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 19: Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs dunks the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 19, 2025 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images We are so
  
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• Lakers vs. Kings Preseason Preview: Home sweet home

  08-10-2026 07:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Quentin Grimes #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Daeqwon Plowden #29 of the Sacramento Kings in the second half of a preseason game at Golden 1 Center on October 05, 2026 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) | Getty Images The L
  
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• Preseason Game Preview: Knicks vs. Wizards, October 8, 2026

  08-10-2026 06:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 22: Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks gestures to teammates during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Pamela Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Knicks (0-1) host the Wizards (0-0) tonigh
  
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• Pacers 123, Timberwolves 112: New-Look Offense Won’t Be Ignored Even in Loss

  08-10-2026 06:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 05: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter during the preseason NBA game at Fiserv Forum on October 05, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Minnesota Timbe
  
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• Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks preseason game preview

  08-10-2026 06:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 31: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets looks to pass the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on January 31, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
  
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• Preseason Rapid Recap: Bucks 128, Thunder 126

  08-10-2026 05:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 7: Brayden Burries #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 7, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker
  
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