NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 22, 2026, 10:40 PM ET
Game Results & Standings
The Wolves opened their season with a 40-point performance from Anthony Edwards, who joined Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players to do so in an opener. Minnesota then beat a Heat team that Giannis Antetokounmpo said must trust each other more after an opening-night blowout. The Lakers pulled away to a 127-105 win over the Warriors behind Luka Dončić and Jaxson Kessler. The Raptors routed the Bulls 135-92, with Kawhi Leonard scoring 23 points in his return to Toronto. The Pacers edged the Pelicans in an emotional return for Tyrese Haliburton from his Achilles tear. The Rockets beat the Mavericks in a blowout, holding Kyrie Irving to 15 points in his return. The Wizards won their debut over the Bucks, with Anthony Davis drawing "MVP" chants from the Washington crowd.
Player Spotlights
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's rise to MVP traces to a long-running partnership with the Thunder's general manager. Damian Lillard received a warm welcome in his first regular-season game back with Portland.
League News & Officiating
The NBA confirmed that LaMelo Ball took two steps too many on a made three-pointer. Rockets forward Tari Eason was ejected after shoving Dereck Lively's teammate in the back. Azeez Al-Shaair was fined for wearing the name Hind Rajab on his eye black, and Kyrie Irving offered to cover the penalty. Donald Trump criticized LeBron James over his pre-game anthem warmups. The Clippers opened the season dedicated to banned owner Steve Ballmer. ESPN Analytics launched an interactive NBA Trade Lab tool for building mock trades.
Transactions & Front Office
The Mavericks agreed to a two-way deal with former first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr. The Warriors are exploring trade options for center Kristaps Porzingis, according to sources.
Legal Developments
Eric Earnest pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the NBA gambling case, while denying that Chauncey Billups provided him information.
Coming Up
Dončić's full-page ad told fans the Lakers' title run starts now and asked for their support.