NBA Basketball 8-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 15, 2026, 3:33 PM ET

Celtics & Contract News

The Boston Celtics are finalizing a two-year extension for guard Payton Pritchard, worth $44.2 million, locking in a key bench contributor for the coming seasons.

Spurs Preseason

San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson experimented with a three-guard backcourt of Fox, Harper and Castle in a preseason win, signaling a fresh look at how the roster fits together.

Warriors Injury Update

Golden State center Kristaps Porzingis will remain out indefinitely while he receives private treatment, though he will stay around the team during his recovery.

Lakers Debut

Walker Kessler made a strong impression in his Lakers preseason debut, as head coach JJ Redick stressed that the team must be relentless this season.

League Outlook

With the 2026-27 season approaching, ESPN's Ben Golliver breaks down the key takeaways from preseason play across all 30 teams, while a separate look at ten names worth watching highlights the coaches, executives and players who could define the year.

Power Rankings

ESPN also ranked the teams most desperate to win immediately, weighing each club's current core against its ability to wait out a rebuild.