NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 25, 2026, 3:40 PM ET

Heat and Pistons Injury Concerns

The Heat fell to 0-3 espn.com after a 115-110 loss to the undermanned Hornets, a game in which Giannis Antetokounmpo fouled out. Detroit will be without center Jalen Duren espn.com for at least two weeks with a hamstring strain, a blow to the $200M extension he signed earlier this month.

Giannis and Jokic Stand Out

Giannis Antetokounmpo espn.com scored 36 points in Friday's game, extending a blistering start to the season. Nikola Jokic recorded his 199th career triple-double espn.com with 35 points and 15 rebounds, then rallied the Nuggets from 23 points down before ripping booing fans, saying they were "not welcome anymore."

Sixers, Celtics and Rockets

Joel Embiid posted a triple-double espn.com as the LeBron-less Sixers stayed unbeaten, while LeBron James will sit out espn.com the first game of a back-to-back against the Bucks with low back pain. In Boston, Jayson Tatum denied espn.com any feud with former teammate Jaylen Brown, though Brown said Tatum should "stay ready at all times." Amen Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama espn.com at the rim on the final possession to preserve a Rockets win over the Spurs.

Injuries Across the League

Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg exited espn.com after a hard foul by Pacers guard Nesmith, sparking a scuffle, and he was later ruled out for the home opener with a mild left shoulder sprain espn.com. Magic star Paolo Banchero is expected to miss multiple weeks espn.com with a low-grade high ankle sprain. Former NBA player Malik Beasley is negotiating a plea deal espn.com with federal prosecutors in a gambling case.

Coming Up

LeBron James misses the Bucks game espn.com as the first leg of a back-to-back, and Cooper Flagg is out espn.com for the Mavericks' home opener.