Basketball news

• Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart in contract limbo after Knicks talks paused

  09-10-2026 18:42 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The New York Knicks aren't giving Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart the contract extensions they want any time soon.The reigning NBA champions announced on Friday, Oct. 9, that they are pausing negotiations with all extension-eligible players until a later date in order to minimize distractions as the Knicks begin their title defense. The decision leaves Towns and Hart without long-term clarity after both publicly expressed a desire to remain with New York."As an organization, our entire focus is
  
  Read more

• 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball: Dan Titus' observations on all 30 teams ahead of your drafts

  09-10-2026 23:56 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlanta Hawks I'm on the fence about Jalen Johnson as a first-round pick. The counting stats look great (22.5/10.3/7.9 last year), but I think I've been underestimating CJ McCollum's impact for 9-cat specifically. In 36 games without CJ, Johnson was 9th in per-game value; 36 games with him, 34th. Not bad, but that's a two-round drop-off. Suffice it to say, the second round is probably more appropriate.Boston Celtics The battle that matters here is Neemias Queta versus Mitchell
  
  Read more

• Russell Westbrook wants to be a torchbearer for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

  09-10-2026 23:50 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Recently retired NBA star Russell Westbrook wants to be a torchbearer for the 2028 Summer Olympics in his native Los Angeles.Westbrook, 37, surprisingly announced his retirement after 18 NBA seasons during the summer. He was honored by the Los Angeles City Council on Friday for his acclaimed career in addition to the community work he and his Why Not? Foundation have done for the city. As he accepted a certificate presented by Los Angeles city councilwoman Heather Hutt for the investments his fo
  
  Read more

• Tyrese Haliburton hopes to squash Damian Lillard beef over signature celebration

  09-10-2026 22:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  At least one party in one of the long-standing beefs in the NBA is looking to make amends.Indiana Pacers star guard Tyrese Haliburton opened up about his strained relationship with Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, dating back to intense battles during Lillard’s days with the Milwaukee Bucks.Speaking in an episode of “The Zach Lowe Show” that published Thursday, Oct. 8, Haliburton addressed the origin of the rift, which came during the 2025 in-season tournament, whic
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Boston Celtics Daily Links 10/9/26

  09-10-2026 21:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 David Dow/NBAE
  
  Read more

• Takeaways from Knicks pausing contract extension talks: Is Josh Hart's time in New York running out?

  09-10-2026 21:22 via cbssports.com
  
  Coming off a title, four Knicks players are eligible for contract extensions, including starters Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart
  
  Read more

• Jordan Goodwin is one of the most underrated players in the NBA

  09-10-2026 21:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 17: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA play-in tournament game at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 17, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 111-96. 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 Christian Peter
  
  Read more

• Jabari Walker appears ready to play his role

  09-10-2026 20:57 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 28: Jabari Walker #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex on September 28, 2026 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images Much of the conversation around the Philadelphia 76ers this past offseason rightfully surrounded the pair of high-profile additions entering the starting lineup. However, the depth of the roster will also play a critical role in the Sixers ach
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 76ers' Joel Embiid denies tardiness report, questions why it happened: 'It feels like I'm an easy target'

  09-10-2026 20:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Following a preseason loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid described the rejected report about LeBron James laying into the big man for showing up a couple minutes late to Sixers practice as "unfortunate," according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.The one-time NBA MVP also questioned why it happened, pondering postgame Thursday night, per McMenamin: "It feels like I'm an easy target."The drama-stirring tale was recounted by longtime ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen lat
  
  Read more

• 76ers' Joel Embiid also denies tardiness report, questions why it happened: 'It feels like I'm an easy target'

  09-10-2026 20:53 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Following a preseason loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid described the rejected report about LeBron James laying into the big man for showing up a couple minutes late to Sixers practice as "unfortunate," according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin.The one-time NBA MVP also questioned why it happened, pondering postgame Thursday night, per McMenamin, "It feels like I'm an easy target."The drama-stirring tale was recounted by longtime ESPN play-by-play announcer Mike Breen lat
  
  Read more

• Ranking every NBA team's defense entering the 2026-27 season: Thunder and Spurs competing for top spot

  09-10-2026 20:36 via cbssports.com
  
  Who will be the best -- and worst -- on defense this season? We're projecting each team
  
  Read more

• Pacific Division preview + WNBA Semifinals Game 2 reactions

  09-10-2026 20:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Subscribe to The Dunker SpotApple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTubeWe have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones preview the Pacific division (Lakers, Suns, Clippers, Warriors, Kings).On the WNBA side, the guys recap the Dream's Game 2 win over the Liberty, as well as the Valkyries' win over the Aces, then talk through potential adjustments we may see in each Game 3.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]:40 -- Los Ang
  
  Read more

• Why haven’t we seen Walker Kessler in Lakers preseason?

  09-10-2026 19:59 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Where is Walker Kessler, you might be asking. You know, the Lakers’ franchise center whom they emptied their cupboard to acquire, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah, and signing him to a four-year, $130 million deal. Kessler has missed the Lakers’ first three preseason games after jamming his finger against the backboard during training camp, according to Lakers coach JJ Redick. “It’s not concerning,” Redick sa
  
  Read more

• Steph Curry’s mom, Sonya, married in whirlwind romance after divorce from former NBA star

  09-10-2026 19:55 via yahoo.com
  Sonya Curry married "the most amazing man" this summer, she shared in an Instagram post on Friday. Sonya Curry married “the most amazing man” this summer, she shared in an Instagram post on Friday. The author remarried five years after she filed for divorce from NBA great Dell Curry after three decades of marriage. They are parents to Warriors superstar Steph Curry, NBA sharpshooter Seth Curry and daughter Sydel Curry.Sonya and her new husband, whose identity was not disclosed,
  
  Read more

• Wizards Practice Notebook: Keefe says Sarr is ‘trending toward’ returning Saturday

  09-10-2026 19:46 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 19: Alex Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons at Capital One Arena on March 19, 2026 in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images) | Getty Images WASHINGTON — Less than 14 hours after a 111-109 win over the New York Knicks to open pr
  
  Read more

• ANALYSIS: Frontcourt potential emerges on Long Island Nets’ roster

  09-10-2026 19:43 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Like the Brooklyn Nets, whose preseason tipped off on Tuesday, the Long Island Nets’ roster is filling up ahead of training camp later this month; and also like the big club, Long Island’s frontcourt includes something the organization values in its development: positional size“I do think positional size is a factor we look at,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said at Media Day. “Sometimes size can make up for some other deficiencies.”That “factor”
  
  Read more

• Joel Embiid feels like an ‘easy target’ after Mike Breen’s practice story blows up

  09-10-2026 19:26 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Joel Embiid has one simple question: Why me?The star 76ers center has found himself in the middle of a maelstrom before the new NBA season even kicks off, with Knicks’ play-by-play announced Mike Breen reporting — and then walking back — that Embiid was chastised by LeBron James for being late to practice.“Those type of things, I can’t understand,” Embiid told reporters after his preseason debut against the Nets on Thursday. “One, it is not true, but the
  
  Read more

• Cavs season preview: Donovan Mitchell – measured in the playoffs

  09-10-2026 19:08 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 17: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons in Game Seven of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 17, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
  
  Read more

• Steve Kerr drops red-flag warning on Kristaps Porzingis’ mysterious ailment

  09-10-2026 19:05 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Golden State Warriors would love to have a healthy Kristaps Porziņģis on the court this season. Especially after the team signed him to a two-year, $40 million extension this offseason.Unfortunately, that hope isn’t off to a good start. The 31-year-old veteran missed preseason training camp with what was only called a “health issue” and still isn’t with the team, despite the Warriors’ regular season opener being 12 days away.Boston Celtics’ Krist
  
  Read more

• For 2 Celtics, Thursday night was extra special

  09-10-2026 19:04 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 08: Assistant coach D.J. MacLeay of the Boston Celtics signals to his players during the second half of their preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on October 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers 124-113. 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/Gett
  
  Read more

• Walker Kessler says his finger is ‘good,’ JJ Redick expects him to play in preseason

  09-10-2026 19:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Although the Los Angeles Lakers’ marquee free agency signing, Walker Kessler, is yet to play through three preseason games after jamming his finger on the backboard during training camp, neither Kessler nor his head coach, JJ Redick, sound alarmed about Kessler’s availability. “We got a check-in tomorrow,” Redick said prior to Thursday’s game against the Sacramento Kings. “But it’s not concerning. He’ll play in the preseason.”Kessler conducte
  
  Read more

• Check out Giannis Antetokounmpo's poster dunk in Miami (the first of many)

  09-10-2026 18:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Take a player who is an unstoppable freight train in transition and put him on the team that played at the fastest pace in the NBA last season and you have something dynamic.Exhibit A: Giannis Antetokounmpo's poster dunk on Yves Missi Thursday night.GIANNIS DRIVES AND JAMS IT WITH THE LEFT
  A powerful poster slam! pic.twitter.com/DMrtSpmP2T— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2026Antetokounmpo has looked comfortable in the Heat offense, which is still using cutting and movement to create pace. Antetokou
  
  Read more

• Check out Giannis Antetokounmpo's poster dunk in Miami. The first of many.

  09-10-2026 18:31 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Take a player who is an unstoppable freight train in transition and put him on the team that played at the fastest pace in the NBA last season and you have something dynamic.Exhibit A: Giannis Antetokounmpo's poster dunk on Yves Missi Thursday night.GIANNIS DRIVES AND JAMS IT WITH THE LEFT
  A powerful poster slam! pic.twitter.com/DMrtSpmP2T— NBA (@NBA) October 9, 2026Antetokounmpo has looked comfortable in the Heat offense, which is still using cutting and movement to create pace. Antetokou
  
  Read more

• Rockets down Mavs in China 135-117

  09-10-2026 18:23 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Houston Rockets opened their preseason with a 135-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday morning at The Venetian Arena in Macao, China. The matchup gave both teams an early opportunity to evaluate their rosters, build chemistry, and prepare for the upcoming NBA season.Houston established control early, taking a 27-19 lead after the first quarter. The Rockets continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, using their scoring ability and defensive intensity to create separation. B
  
  Read more

• Lakers pay touching tribute to longtime announcer Lawrence Tanter after his death

  09-10-2026 18:07 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The Los Angeles Lakers played their first home game on Thursday night, and wasted no time showing love to a late legend within their organization.Longtime public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter died at the end of September at the age of 76 years old. He started his role with the team in 1982 and his career spanned 43 years before he retired near the end of the 2025-26 season.Announcer Lawrence Tanter poses for a photo prior to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at STA
  
  Read more

• Stats Rundown: 4 numbers to know from the Mavericks’ 135-117 loss to the Houston Rockets in Macao

  09-10-2026 17:55 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Morez Johnson Jr. #14 of the Dallas Mavericks hug before the game against the Houston Rockets as part of 2026 NBA China Games on October 9, 2026 in Macao, China at Venetian Arena. 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 J
  
  Read more

• Knicks announce they are pausing all contract extension talks, including with Karl-Anthony Towns

  09-10-2026 17:36 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  In an effort to quiet the talk around contract extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart — talks that were becoming a distraction less than two weeks before they raise a championship banner in Madison Square Garden — the New York Knicks announced they are tabling all extension talks with eligible players until later in the season.Through a spokesman, the Knicks released this statement:"As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering a
  
  Read more

• Jeanie Buss is doing what’s best for her, not the Lakers

  09-10-2026 17:24 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Jeanie Buss, sports executive, controlling owner, and President of the Los Angeles Lakers, is seen during the Slovenia national basketball team training session ahead of the FIBA EuroBasket in Katowice, Poland, on August 27, 2025. (Photo by Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images “Our focus has always been what we believe is the best for the Lakers…”That line came from a joint statement the Buss siblings released in August, as it became clear a
  
  Read more

• Joel Embiid’s preseason disaster raises scary questions for the 76ers

  09-10-2026 17:10 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  It’s not a stretch to say that the Philadelphia 76ers’ championship hopes still rest on the broad shoulders of Joel Embiid even after bringing in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown over the offseason. It’s not just that Embiid was arguably the best player in the NBA as recently as Jan. 2024, but also that Philly just doesn’t have much center depth behind him, particularly after backup Ariel Hukporti already suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the preseason. LeBron made h
  
  Read more

• Rockets vs. Mavericks in China: What to know about NBA China Games 2026

  09-10-2026 17:01 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NBA preseason action has returned to Macao, China, where the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will play in a two-game series.Friday’s opening matchup at The Venetian Arena saw the Mavericks’ offense shine, led by reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, along with strong performances from Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher and Max Christie. Despite their efforts, the Mavericks fell 135-117 to a seasoned Rockets squad. Houston was led by Kevin Durant, who began his 19th NBA season
  
  Read more

Follow @Newslocker_NBA on Twitter!