NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 24, 2026, 3:40 PM ET

Season Openers and Early Standings

The first week of the NBA season produced a mix of standout debuts and some results that will prompt second thoughts. Ben Gollive espn.com breaks down which newcomers shined with their new teams and which may want a do-over. In Philadelphia, the Sixers turned boos into cheers espn.com with a 29-point comeback over the Cavaliers, rallying from a 24-point halftime deficit behind a game-high 32 points from Tyrese Maxey.

Giannis Antetokounmpo keeps rolling espn.com, scoring 36 points on Friday as Miami remained winless at 0-2. In Memphis, the Grizzlies flipped a deficit espn.com with a 17-0 run that stunned the Warriors, who had appeared to be in control before collapsing late.

Late Drama and Clutch Plays

Houston's Amen Thompson rose to block espn.com Victor Wembanyama's last-second attempt at the rim, preserving a Rockets win over the Spurs. Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended his streak espn.com of 20-point games by sitting out the final stretch of a blowout, opting for respect over a record.

Injury Report

Orlando's Paolo Banchero is out multiple weeks espn.com with a low-grade high ankle sprain. Dallas will be without Cooper Flagg for its home opener after an MRI revealed espn.com a mild left shoulder sprain, and Flagg later exited a game espn.com after a hard foul by Pacers forward Nesmith. New Orleans center Yves Missi was helped off espn.com the court with a left leg injury, and LeBron James will sit out espn.com the Sixers' game against the Bucks to manage low back pain.

Trades, Contracts and Roster Moves

Jayson Tatum denied any beef espn.com with Jaylen Brown after Brown's trade to Philadelphia, saying the situation is nothing like the Shaq and Kobe era. Dalton Knecht agreed to a two-way deal espn.com with New York, while a new trend in contract talks espn.com has shifted how star negotiations unfold.

Gambling Case and League Officiating

Former player Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea deal espn.com with federal prosecutors in a gambling case. Co-defendant Eric Earnest pleaded guilty espn.com to conspiracy to commit wire fraud while denying that Billups provided him information. The NBA's referees' union confirmed espn.com that LaMelo Ball took two steps on a made three-pointer. Madison Square Garden called espn.com a phishing email sent to Knicks employees an unfortunate mistake.

Coming Up

The Sixers return to action against the Bucks with LeBron James sidelined espn.com as he manages his back.