NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 8, 2026, 6:00 PM ET
Roster Needs and Title Contenders
Every NBA team has a hole to address, even the leading title contenders, according to a league-wide review of all 30 rosters, and ESPN's Basketball Power Index projections for the 2026-27 season rank every club and stack the Finals favorites. The analysis points to where each squad is thinnest heading into the year.
Offseason Changes and Fantasy Planning
Fans who missed the offseason can catch up on the major moves reshaping the league, as Jim McCormick highlights the key changes and draft tips for 2026-27. For fantasy managers, André Snellings has built an ultimate draft board that factors in average draft position and player value round by round.
Preseason Action and Injury Updates
The Rockets and Mavericks wrapped up their preseason swing in Macao, China, and the top scenes from the trip captured the sights and sounds of the matchup. Injuries continued to shape camps, as the 76ers lost backup center Hukporti to a torn Achilles that thins their frontcourt depth. In Charlotte, the Hornets shut down Coby White for the rest of the preseason with a calf strain suffered during training camp.
Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton made his return from an Achilles injury, scoring seven points in 16 minutes against the Timberwolves in a hyped comeback. He also bought tickets for students to attend the Pacers game at Iowa State, his alma mater.
Rookies and Team Building
The Warriors are counting on their No. 11 pick, with a rookie becoming a key piece of the franchise's future after several failed attempts to build depth.
Ownership, Legal Disputes, and League Business
New Trail Blazers owner Tom Dundon told season-ticket holders he intends to bring a championship to Portland. Broadcaster Mike Breen apologized after a story he shared about a supposed run-in with Joel Embiid drew a dispute from LeBron James. In a legal development, the five Buss siblings filed a formal case against Jeanie Buss over the sale of the family's remaining Lakers shares.
On the international front, the NBA and FIBA say they will press ahead with Europe league plans even without Euro League participation. Finally, the league is testing technology in preseason, experimenting with smart basketballs and wrist wearables for officials.