NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: October 21, 2026, 6:50 PM ET
Opening Night Results
The 76ers rallied past the defending champion Knicks in LeBron James's NBA-record 24th season debut, spoiling New York's championship celebration. Philadelphia took down the Knicks in the season opener, and Joel Embiid shined with three blocks. Mike Brown admitted he wouldn't have felt good about a Knicks win given the way they played. New York raised its title banner before tip-off, adding a surprise Cup banner.
Comebacks and Standout Debuts
The Pistons rallied from 22 points down to beat the Celtics, the largest comeback in NBA history on the first day of a season. Paul George scored 38 points in his Celtics debut, the most by a Boston player in his first game, though it came in a loss. In the Thunder's season opener, the team showed it has Chet Holmgren's back after a scuffle early in the second quarter.
Injuries and Roster Moves
Brandin Podziemski was a surprise scratch for the Warriors with back soreness. Stephen Curry is expected to play despite an ankle issue. The Hornets will be without Kon Knueppel and Coby White for their opener. AJ Dybantsa's Wizards debut has been delayed by an ankle injury. Ben Simmons suffered a torn Achilles and will undergo surgery, ending his season with the Kings.
Contracts and Transactions
The Hornets and Brandon Miller agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie extension. Jaden McDaniels signed a one-year, $40 million extension with the Timberwolves. Cason Wallace agreed to a five-year, $139 million extension with the Thunder. The Lakers waived Dalton Knecht, the 2024 first-round pick. The Bucks waived Kevin Porter Jr. before the season opener.
Season Outlook and League News
Commissioner Adam Silver said there is "no rules issue" with LeBron's helicopter commute. The NBA will make its largest investment ever in European basketball through a new league. Oddsmakers list the Spurs and Thunder as the championship favorites entering the season. Our experts made their picks for the East, West and title, and offered bold predictions for fantasy hoops. Jayson Tatum and the Celtics face a new-look roster as the season begins.
Coming Up
The Warriors and Lakers meet Wednesday night in the season opener, with Curry expected to play. The NBA season preview breaks down all 30 teams ahead of the full season.