NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 22, 2026, 4:40 AM ET
Opening Night Results
Anthony Edwards dropped 40 points in another opener and joined Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players to do so in a season opener. Tyrese Haliburton returned from his Achilles tear to lead an emotional Pacers win over the Pelicans, and Kawhi Leonard scored 23 points in his Toronto return as the Raptors routed the Bulls 135-92.
In Portland, Damian Lillard received a warm welcome in his first regular-season game back with the Trail Blazers. Kyrie Irving was held to 15 points as Houston trapped him in the Rockets' win over Dallas.
Sixers, Knicks and Wizards
LeBron James opened his 24th season with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists as Philadelphia rallied past New York. Joel Embiid was all over the place with three blocks and is targeting an All-Defensive season. The Knicks raised their title banner before the game, and coach Mike Brown said he would have felt uneasy with the win given New York's play.
In Washington, Anthony Davis drew MVP chants from an eager crowd in a strong debut for the Wizards.
Heat, Rockets and Wolves
Giannis Antetokounmpo said the Heat must trust each other more after an opening night blowout loss to Minnesota. Rockets reserve Tari Eason was ejected in the first quarter after shoving Dallas's Washington in the back. In Minnesota, the new LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards backcourt opened the season with plenty of promise.
Wembanyama and Opening Day
Victor Wembanyama started 0-for-12 in a career-worst shooting night and didn't record a bucket until late in the third quarter. Results from the season's opening day tripleheader span Detroit to San Antonio, and Thunder center Chet Holmgren had teammates rally around him after a scuffle in the season opener.
Roster Moves and Trade Talk
The Mavericks agreed to a two-way deal with former first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr. The Warriors are exploring trade options for veteran center Kristaps Porzingis.
Lakers Focus
Luka Dončić took out a full-page ad in the Los Angeles Times, declaring the Lakers' title run starts now and asking for fan support. ESPN laid out the five biggest questions still facing Dončić and the Lakers after a transformative offseason.
Coming Up
The Pacers and Pelicans meet in the early stages of a new season, with Haliburton's workload being watched closely. ESPN's fantasy experts have published bold predictions for the 2026-27 campaign.