NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 17, 2026, 4:20 PM ET
Thunder and Rookie Eligibility
A Spanish basketball club is challenging the NBA eligibility of Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Aday Mara, a move that could complicate the 7-foot center's path to regular minutes.
Nuggets Injury Report
Denver will be without Julian Strawther indefinitely after a sprained knee, with the team set to reevaluate him in six weeks.
Lakers Trust Dispute
The Buss family legal fight deepened as five siblings filed a challenge to their sister Jeanie's petition to remove them as trustees of the Lakers' ownership stake.
Wizards Rookie Health Watch
First overall pick AJ Dybantsa exited Washington's preseason finale with an ankle issue and is set to have it checked.
Remembering Cliff Hagan
Basketball Hall of Famer and Kentucky legend Cliff Hagan died at 94, a five-time All-Star whose entire NBA career was spent with one franchise.
League Intel and Expansion
Brian Windhorst's latest reporting covers Karl-Anthony Towns' next contract, the next steps in league expansion, and why rival teams are watching Orlando closely.
Entertainment Crossover
Steve Lacy delighted a concert crowd with a viral "LeBron, LeBron, LeBron" version of his hit "Oh Yeah?"
76ers Star Power
Joel Embiid insisted no one will take a back seat on a star-laden Philadelphia roster after a 125-120 loss to the Celtics without VJ Edgecombe. LeBron James then lit up a sellout home crowd with a monster slam in his Sixers debut. Tyrese Maxey said a healthy Embiid changes everything for the team.
Warriors Outlook
Jimmy Butler is determined to return to Golden State after a quiet offseason, and the Warriors see his return as their best hope. Kristaps Porzingis will be out indefinitely but will remain with the team.
League Policy and Schedule
The NBA is prohibiting certain bets this season, including player prop parlays, and has told sportsbooks to restrict parlays. The Bucks moved their home opener to an afternoon tipoff to avoid a World Series conflict.
Title Outlook
An annual survey of NBA general managers projects Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs to win the championship. San Antonio also debuted a three-guard lineup of Fox, Harper and Castle in a preseason win.
Coming Up
The Bucks' home opener tips off October 23 in an afternoon slot. Dybantsa's ankle evaluation is pending, and Strawther is set to be reevaluated in six weeks.