NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 5, 2026, 10:12 PM ET
NBA Eastern Conference
The 76ers opened their preseason slate without their three biggest stars, as LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey all sat out the team's opener against the Knicks. LeBron James watched from the sidelines while Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey remained inactive, leaving the starting lineup significantly depleted. Despite the absence, the team still managed to draw significant fan interest, with throngs waiting in lines more than 10-deep to catch a first look at the new-look roster during LeBron James's scrimmage session.
Meanwhile, the Hornets placed guard Coby White on the shelf for the remainder of the preseason after he suffered a left calf strain during training camp. Coby White will miss extended action, a blow to Charlotte's backcourt depth entering the exhibition schedule. In a similar vein, Tobias Harris sustained a calf strain during camp and will miss preseason action for the Spurs, joining a growing list of veterans dealing with lower-leg issues. On the injury front, Max Strus of the Clippers is scheduled for reevaluation in four weeks after suffering a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot, a timeline that could impact the team's early regular-season planning.
NBA Western Conference
The Pistons welcomed back Jalen Duren, who expressed relief at returning to Detroit and called the city "home" after a prolonged negotiation period that tested both sides. Duren's return provides a boost to Detroit's frontcourt rotation as they look to build chemistry ahead of the regular campaign. On the transaction wire, the Memphis Grizzlies waived guard Jordan Hawkins three weeks after acquiring him in a trade with the Pelicans, signaling a quick roster adjustment by the young Western Conference franchise.
Elsewhere, Karl-Anthony Towns weighed in on his future with the Knicks, stating the chances "don't look good" for him securing a new extension before the regular season tips off. Towns' contract situation remains a storyline to monitor as the season approaches. On the court, LeBron James and Jaylen Brown participated in a scrimmage for the 76ers, providing fans their first glimpse of the new-look lineup during LeBron James's first training camp with the franchise.