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NBA Notes: Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, Nets, Egor Demin, Lakers
The Raptors confirm Kawhi Leonard will miss three to four weeks with left‑knee swelling, with a progress check slated a week after Tuesday’s announcement; Ja’Kobe Walter steps into the starting lineup amid the void. The Nets’ Egor Demin suffers a bone bruise on his right leg, sidelining him for at least four games after his Tuesday overtime injury in Boston, prompting increased roles for Mikel Brown Jr. and Nolan Traore. Meanwhile, Lakers center Walker Kessler warns that relying solely on offense won’t secure a championship after a 136‑point loss to Portland, and Jarred Vanderbilt returns to help the Lakers beat the Clippers 112‑90.
Clippers make roster move
The Los Angeles Clippers sign veteran guard Blake Wesley to a 10‑day hardship contract running through Nov. 7, covering four games. Waived after training camp, Wesley returns as injuries plague the roster—Jordan Miller, Yanic Konan, Niederhauser, Max Strus, Brandon Ingram and Bradley Beal have yet to play. The hardship deal lets L.A. add Wesley without using a standard roster spot. The 23‑year‑old, a former first‑round pick who posted 4.8 points and 2.0 assists in 31 games for Portland before a foot fracture, now has a brief window to prove his speed, defense and versatility.
Sixers granted $1.7 million exception after Ariel Hukporti injury
The NBA grants Philadelphia a $1.7 million disabled‑player exception after Ariel Hukporti tears his Achilles in the preseason, freeing half of his salary. The cap‑friendly allowance lets the Sixers sign a free agent, trade for a player in his final contract year, or claim a waiver before March 10, but it doesn’t add a roster spot or let them break their first‑apron hard cap. The timing could prove valuable on the buyout market, offering a modest boost as the team battles frontcourt injuries.
Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards has knee surgery, return date still uncertain
Anthony Edwards undergoes successful arthroscopic debridement on his right knee, but Minnesota Timberwolves give no return timeline. Initial reports warned of a two‑month layoff, while The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski suggests he could miss the rest of the season, possibly until January. Edwards, who averaged 33.3 points in the first four games and scored 47 against Cleveland despite limping, leaves a big hole in the offense. LaMelo Ball, Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr. and rookie Isaiah Evans must step up while Edwards recovers.
Trail Blazers pick up options on Donovan Clingan, Yang Hansen
The Portland Trail Blazers exercised their 2027‑28 team options on centers Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen, locking in $9.55 million for Clingan and $4.86 million for Hansen. Clingan, the starting big man since Feb 2025, posted 12.1 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks over 77 games last season and is averaging 9.3 points and 9.0 rebounds in the Blazers’ 3‑0 start. His rookie‑scale extension becomes eligible next summer. Hansen, the 2025 No. 16 pick, logged 2.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in limited rookie minutes and has appeared in just one game this year, giving him more time to develop. Both bigs remain in Portland’s plans as Lillard and Morant drive the offense.
NBA Notes: Jazz, Darryn Peterson, Lakers, Collin Sexton, Warriors
In Utah, rookie Darryn Peterson posts 18 points but coach Will Hardy benches him for overtime, turning to Brice Sensabaugh who scores all six OT points in a 117-111 loss to the Spurs. In Los Angeles, Collin Sexton erupts for 21 points in the Lakers’ 4-1 start, earning praise from JJ Redick for his fire. Meanwhile, Steve Kerr warns the Warriors to avoid flashy plays after a near‑collapse sees Golden State cling to a 119-114 win over Minnesota, despite rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s 26 points and seven turnovers.
Jaylen Brown pushes back on Brian Scalabrine: ‘None of that is true’
After a 112-104 win at Indiana, Philadelphia’s Jaylen Brown publicly refutes former Celtics teammate Brian Scalabrine’s claim that he demanded a trade from Boston. Brown insists he never issued ultimatums or a trade list, calling the allegations “not true,” while acknowledging he asked for input on his potential destination—a detail confirmed by an ESPN report. Scalabrine later softened his statement, saying he wasn’t aware of any demands. Brown emphasizes he won’t let “false allegations” follow him to his new chapter in Philly ahead of the Sixers’ Nov. 10 showdown with the Celtics.
Cavs’ Evan Mobley on 3-point barrage: ‘I feel like it’s sustainable’
Evan Mobley erupts for a game‑high 24 points, sinking five of six three‑pointers as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Washington Wizards 121‑111 on Oct. 29, 2026. The 7‑footer’s hot shooting stretches the Wizards’ defense, freeing up center Jarrett Allen and bolstering Cleveland’s floor spacing. Mobley says his shooting feels "sustainable" after years of work, and teammates hope his perimeter threat will complement his rim defense and fuel the Cavs’ next jump. The win marks Cleveland’s third straight victory, improving to 3‑1.
Dribbles: Cavs win again, but sure take the scenic route
The Cavaliers pull off a 121-111 comeback win over the Washington Wizards at Rocket Arena, snapping a wild first half where the Wizards poured 42 points in the opening quarter and 50 in the paint. After trailing by ten at halftime, coach Kenny Atkinson’s adjustments tighten the defense, limiting Washington to just 16 second‑half paint points while Cleveland outscored them 62-42. Standout performances include Evan Mobley’s 24‑12 line with five threes, Jarrett Allen’s key blocks, and Peyton Watson’s 22 points. Fresh rookie AJ Dybantsa drops 19 in his debut, and the Cavs’ depth—Mitchell, Harden, and others—suggests they can sustain this surge as they head to Atlanta next.
Cavs get wake-up call, then take care of Wizards
The Cavaliers rebounded from a 10‑point halftime hole to beat the Washington Wizards 121‑111 on Oct. 29, 2026, earning their third straight win and improving to 3‑1. Coach Kenny Atkinson’s halftime pep talk sparked a second‑half surge led by Evan Mobley’s 24 points, Peyton Watson’s 22 and Donovan Mitchell’s 19. Wizards rookie No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa debuted with 19 points, posting the most first‑quarter rookie scoring since 1996‑97. Washington’s Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr added 18 each, while the Cavs’ defense steadied after a shaky start, showing growing team cohesion.
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum starting to feel like himself: ‘Something in my mind clicks’
Jayson Tatum says he’s finally feeling like his pre‑injury self after the Celtics’ 125‑124 overtime win over the Nets on Oct. 28, 2026. The 40‑point, 42‑minute performance featured a game‑winning buzzer‑beater and, more importantly for Tatum, moments where his cuts and explosiveness felt natural again, 18 months after tearing his Achilles. He describes the sensation as “something in my mind clicks,” highlighting the mental and physical recovery beyond the box score.
Thunder need Isaiah Hartenstein to do more than clean up the glass
With Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander shouldering the offense, the Thunder now rely on veteran center Isaiah Hartenstein to do more than rebound. Injuries to Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace and Chet Holmgren leave Oklahoma City short on scoring, ball‑handling and defense, so Hartenstein’s passing, screen‑setting and mid‑court play become crucial for creating extra possessions. The team entered the Dallas game 4‑0, but sustaining that streak will hinge on Hartenstein facilitating cuts, finding open teammates and finishing opportunities, easing the load on their MVP‑caliber star.
Lawson Lovering gives Lakers another option where they need help
The Lakers sign young center Lawson Lovering to a two-way deal, adding depth behind Walker Kessler. Lovering, a former Utah standout, averaged 7.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 30 G League games with the Memphis Hustle and earned a brief 10‑day stint with the Grizzlies. His size, rebounding and rim‑protection could address the Lakers' frontcourt needs, while his passing offers a new offensive angle. However, his sub‑40% free‑throw shooting and the jump from G League to NBA make his roster spot uncertain. He must prove he can consistently rebound, protect the paint and keep the offense fluid.
Suns’ early problem goes beyond getting Devin Booker better shots
The Phoenix Suns’ early season woes stem from disorganized offense and a leaky rebounding defense. In their first three games they allowed a league‑high 15.7 offensive rebounds and 23.0 second‑chance points per game, while opponents grabbed 43.3% of their own misses. The team sits last in defensive rating and its five‑man starting unit has the worst net rating among lineups with 25+ minutes together. Injuries compound the issue, with center Mark Williams out and rookie Khaman Maluach forced into a larger role, while Booker, Green, Brooks and Bridges still lack offensive cohesion. Fixing rebounding and defensive possessions will be crucial for the Suns to avoid a repeat of last season’s late surge.
Kings’ winless start comes with a troubling gap in open shots
Sacramento’s 0-4 start is marked by a stark disparity in open looks: the Kings have produced just 40 wide‑open three‑point attempts while allowing opponents 90, the fewest and most in the league, respectively. Opponents also shoot 77.9% in the restricted area versus the Kings’ 61.8%. Injuries, including Ben Simmons’ Achilles loss, compound the issue, leaving the team 28th offensively and 29th defensively after four games. Coach Doug Christie must tighten shot quality on both ends to halt the slide.
Thunder’s Jalen Williams undergoes surgery, out through regular season
The Oklahoma City Thunder confirm that forward Jalen Williams will miss the remainder of the 2026-27 regular season after successful surgery to repair a fractured left fibula and a dislocated ankle with ligament reconstruction. The injury occurred late in Sunday’s win over the Clippers, and Williams will be reassessed after the season, leaving his postseason availability uncertain. The Thunder also face the loss of Cason Wallace with a torn shoulder labrum, prompting Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain to step up alongside Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander as the team navigates roster gaps.
Cavs vs. Wizards halftime dribbles
At halftime of the Cavs’ home showdown with the Wizards, Washington leads 69‑59, fueled by a flurry of dunks that eclipse a typical game. Trae Young, Anthony Davis and rookie AJ Dybantsa make the Wizards a high‑flying threat, while Cleveland struggles to protect the rim despite Jarrett Allen’s occasional blocks. Off the board, Peyton Watson shines with 16 points on 7‑of‑11 shooting, but James Harden sputters (2‑of‑10) and Donovan Mitchell barely touches the ball. The article argues the Cavs must get physical and stop backdoor cuts to rebound from a difficult first half.
Charles Barkley on Heat’s Giannis fit: ‘He’s difficult to play with’
Four games into Giannis Antetokounmpo’s tenure with Miami, Charles Barkley says the former Bucks star “is difficult to play with,” pointing to a lack of ball and body movement and his tendency to go one‑on‑five. Barkley and analyst Zach Lowe both question how Bam Adebayo fits into the new scheme, noting his reduced role and the Heat’s low offensive (27th) and defensive (24th) ratings. Coach Erik Spoelstra must find a way to involve Adebayo while preserving Giannis’s impact if the duo is to click.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton unlikely to return before two-week injury update
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle says star guard Tyrese Haliburton remains a week‑to‑week case with a mild left hamstring strain and is unlikely to play before a two‑week update. Haliburton is only four games into his comeback from a torn Achilles, and the hamstring issue echoes injuries from the 2023‑24 season and the 2024 Eastern Conference finals. Veteran T.J. McConnell shows progress but has no set return date, while Ben Sheppard faces months after meniscus surgery. Andrew Nembhard, cleared after neck soreness, will lead the backcourt alongside backups Quenton Jackson and Braden Smith.
Mavericks pick up Zaccharie Risacher’s $17.4 million option
The Dallas Mavericks exercised the $17.4 million team option on 21‑year‑old forward Zaccharie Rischer for the 2027‑28 season, locking in the fourth year of his rookie deal. In four games he averages 8.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals in 30 minutes, though his shooting is low at 30.8% overall and 17.6% from three. Coach Dusty May highlights Rischer’s defensive impact—loose‑ball recoveries, blocks and steals—that doesn’t show up in traditional stats. With Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg driving the offense, Dallas hopes his defense and rebounding will complement the lineup while his shooting improves.
Hornets putting their trust in Brandon Miller: ‘You are that guy’
The Charlotte Hornets lean heavily on guard Brandon Miller after his five‑year, $209 million extension. Coach Charles Lee praised Miller’s leadership, noting teammates trust him to make the clutch plays. Miller delivered, dropping a career‑high 39 points and the game‑winning basket against Washington on Monday, while also tallying two steals and two blocks. He also gave back, purchasing 500 tickets for breast‑cancer survivors. With LaMelo Ball now in Minnesota and Miles Bridges in Phoenix, Miller becomes the team’s longest‑tenured star, embodying the franchise’s new dependable focal point.
Lakers adding center Lawson Lovering, waive AK Okereke
The Los Angeles Lakers sign 23‑year‑old center Lawson Lovering to a two‑way contract and waive rookie wing AK Okereke, reshaping their roster depth. Lovering, a 7‑footer who posted 7.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in 30 G League outings with the Memphis Hustle and saw two brief NBA minutes with the Grizzlies, gets a chance to prove himself in L.A. Okereke, a 6‑foot‑7 wing from Vanderbilt who never debuted after a summer two‑way deal, is released. The move adds size and shot‑blocking potential for the Lakers heading into the 2026‑27 season.
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts to retire, Ethan Casson named successor
Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts will retire at the end of 2026, and team president Ethan Casson will take over as CEO and alternate governor. Welts, 73, returned from retirement in 2024 and praised the seamless transition. Casson, who joined Dallas in 2025, brings experience from the Timberwolves, WNBA Lynx and a stint as COO of the 49ers, plus stadium‑development expertise crucial for the Mavericks' arena plans. Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont highlighted the strong partnership that paved the way for this well‑planned handoff.
Wizards’ Justin Champagnie undergoes foot surgery, faces lengthy absence
Washington Wizards rookie forward Justin Champagnie undergoes surgery on a fractured right foot after injuring it in the first quarter of Monday’s game at Charlotte. The procedure, performed in New York, sidelines him well beyond the team’s upcoming matchup with Cleveland, and the Wizards hope he could return around the All-Star break. Champagnie had just posted 11 points and 14 rebounds against the Bulls, and he averaged 8.7 points and 5.6 rebounds in 69 games last season. His absence tests the Wizards’ depth, with AJ Dybantsa set to debut and other forwards like Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton available.
Cavs’ DAZN rollout raises bigger questions about NBA streaming plans
The Cavaliers' new DAZN partnership sparks debate over the NBA’s streaming future. Manny Soloway of Awful Announcing notes that while DAZN’s early‑season deal—later expanded through a multiyear agreement with DirecTV’s streaming, satellite and U‑verse services—broadens access for five teams, it still forces fans to juggle multiple subscriptions. Soloway warns that a league‑wide regional streaming hub could face the same backlash if local games require a separate package from national broadcasts. He suggests a more familiar platform might ease resistance, but the added cost remains a hurdle. The article examines how these moves balance broadcast revenue with fan accessibility.
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