Basketball news

• Question Marks: The first look at a new era with Celtics-Cavaliers

  08-10-2026 19:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 28: Jayson Tatum #0 and Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics pose for photos during Boston Celtics Media Day at Auerbach Center on September 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images Celtics basketball, how we’ve missed you. It’s been a long, strange offseason, so it feels good to turn the page and learn about a new team and, maybe more fittingly, a new era.I love preseason because it’s the first re
  
  Read more

• 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

• Advertisement

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Advertisement

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 4 thoughts from the Mavericks’ 135-117 preseason loss to the Houston Rockets in Macao

  09-10-2026 16:34 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets plays defense during the game against Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks 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 Juan Ocampo/NBAE via
  
  Read more

• Alperen Sengun registers triple-double as Rockets best Cooper Flagg-led Mavericks in NBA China Game

  09-10-2026 16:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NBA fans woke up on Friday morning to find a preseason game already underway. The Houston Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 in the first of two NBA China Games this preseason. It was held at the Venetian Arena in Macau, China.It was both teams' first games, giving us the first look at their squads in the new league year.Houston cruised to a win in its first preseason game. The Rockets rolled out their projected starting lineup of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen &#
  
  Read more

• Alperen Şengün registers triple-double as Rockets best Cooper Flagg-led Mavericks in NBA China Game

  09-10-2026 16:33 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  NBA fans woke up on Friday morning to find a preseason game already underway. The Houston Rockets beat the Dallas Mavericks 135-117 in the first of two NBA China Games this preseason. It was held at the Venetian Arena in Macau.It was both teams' first preseason game, giving us the first look at their squads for this season.The Rockets rolled out their projected starting lineup of Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant. Şengün was Houst
  
  Read more

• Knicks pause contract negotiations with Karl-Athony Towns, Josh Hart, others until 'later in the season'

  09-10-2026 16:21 via cbssports.com
  
  The Knicks released a statement on Friday, and the future of key players will remain uncertain as they begin their NBA title defense
  
  Read more

• Knicks suspend contract extension talks for Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart 'until later in the season'

  09-10-2026 16:12 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  The New York Knicks announced Friday that they are suspending all negotiations on contract extensions with eligible players — including Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, key starters on the team that won the NBA championship back in June — until "later in the season.""As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of," a Knicks spokesperson said in a statement issued to multiplenewsoutlets on Friday. "
  
  Read more

• Knicks shut down Karl-Anthony Towns contract talks before season

  09-10-2026 15:35 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  Karl-Anthony Towns; Josh HartThe Knicks have paused all contract extension negotiations – including their increasingly spicy back-and-forth with Karl-Anthony Towns.Four days after Towns expressed frustration with what he intimated was an insulting offer, the Knicks released a statement Friday morning that attempted to temporarily put the kibosh on both negotiations and distractions.It was further evidence that the sides weren’t close to an agreement before the regular-season opener O
  
  Read more

• J.R. Smith barred from contacting woman after assault accusations

  09-10-2026 15:27 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  J.R. Smith was ordered to have “zero communication,” except through an attorney, with the woman he is accused of causing “serious bodily injury” during an incident that led to his arrest in Texas last month, according to an emergency protective order obtained by the California Post. Smith, a two-time NBA champion guard with the Cavaliers and Lakers, has also been barred from going within 333 yards of the woman’s residence or place of employment, the EPO states.
  
  Read more

• NBA Franchise Valuations Ranking List: From Warriors to Grizzlies

  09-10-2026 15:01 via finance.yahoo.com
  
  The average NBA team is worth $6.64 billion, according to data compiled by Sportico. The Golden State Warriors rank first at $14.5 billion, while the Memphis Grizzlies rank last at $4.2 billion. Below are the values of the league’s 30 franchises, which are collectively worth $199 billion.To derive the market value of the 30 NBA franchises, Sportico calculated each team’s revenue relying on publicly available information and financial records, as well as interviews with those kno
  
  Read more

• 4 storylines to watch for the Mavericks in preseason

  09-10-2026 14:02 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 31: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Toyota Center on January 31, 2026 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Mavericks begin their 2026-2027 campaign o
  
  Read more

• Watch highlights of Sixers new starting lineup, LeBron James’ preseason debut and more vs. Nets

  09-10-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 8: Tyrese Maxey #0 and LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers talk during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 8, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via G
  
  Read more

• The Suns are giving Ryan Dunn another chance to prove himself

  09-10-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 5: Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons during a preseason game on October 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBA
  
  Read more

• Roundtable: The gang makes some season predictions (Part II)

  09-10-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 23: (L-R) Actors Glenn Howerton, Kaitlin Olson, Rob McElhenney and Danny DeVito 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 Yesterday, you read Part I of our first Roundtable for the year, where we talked shop: Bucks record, offensive and defensive ratings, team MVP, and who will make the biggest leap. You know, the more typical season prediction
  
  Read more

• Darko Rajakovic on Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes and the Raptors’ championship ambitions

  09-10-2026 14:00 via sports.yahoo.com
  
  (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) | Getty Images There is a common narrative that European coaches struggle in the NBA because of their demanding and emotional approach. That it is one of the biggest things holding them back because they want to put themselves at the center of attention, while the NBA is ultimately a players’ league. They are often viewed as too tactically focused and not focused enough on catering to the people who are under the brightest spotlight – the su
  
  Read more

Follow @Newslocker_NBA on Twitter!