NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: September 6, 2026, 6:20 AM ET

Clippers Fallout

The NBA's sweeping penalties against the Clippers could spell long-term doom, as a historical precedent shows Minnesota’s 2000 cap circumvention led to nearly two decades of playoff futility. Brian Windhorst argues the franchise should accept the ruling and pivot quickly, warning that fighting the league would be a costly mistake. The Clippers, he writes, need to take this loss and rebuild trust.

Rivalries & Previews

A competitive postseason and a buzzy free agency period have reshaped the league's landscape, with top-10 rivalry rankings now featuring several newly combustible matchups, including a pair of battles in the West expected to headline 2026-27. The rankings highlight the rising tension between young cores and veteran contenders.

Meanwhile, Orlando enters next year with new head coach Sweeney, and a Magic season preview examines whether his system can unlock the potential of the big three, Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. With strong offensive growth, Orlando projects to be a playoff dark horse, though defensive consistency remains the key variable. The team’s offseason additions and player development will be critical to sustained success.