NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Celtics Star Returns
Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum is expected to make his 2025-26 NBA season debut against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night at TD Garden, sources told ESPN. The All-Star forward has been sidelined since the season opener with a right ankle sprain.
All-Contract Team Analysis
ESPN's All-Contract Team features Jalen Brunson, Deni Avdija, and Cameron Johnson leading a 15-player roster built without max or rookie deals. The hypothetical squad raises questions about whether contract value alone could produce a playoff-caliber team.
Draft Prospects Spotlight
ESPN examines nine key questions for the top freshmen in the 2026 NBA draft class, including Duke's Cooper Flagg and UConn's Stephon Castle. The analysis focuses on areas of improvement needed before these prospects enter the professional ranks.
Knicks Coach on SGA
New York Knicks coach Mike Brown praised Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his ability to draw fouls, calling him the league's best at "convincing referees" he's been hit. Brown made the comments following his team's 103-100 loss to the Thunder.
Injury Updates
Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein exited the Knicks' 103-100 victory over the Thunder with injuries. Caruso suffered a left hip contusion while Hartenstein dealt with left calf tightness, both players ruled out and set for re-evaluation Thursday.
Legal News
A member of a theft group comprising Chilean nationals who burglarized athletes' homes across the United States in 2024 pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property. The case highlights security concerns for professional athletes.