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NBA joins prediction market business, leaves legal fight to courts
The NBA officially partners with prediction‑market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket, granting them access to league data and logos to offer contracts tied to game outcomes. While the league says the deals include data sharing and CFTC oversight, critics argue the service skirts sports‑betting laws. States like New York are suing, and New Jersey seeks Supreme Court review, leaving the legal verdict to the courts. NBA executive Scott Kaufman‑Ross says the league is prepared for any ruling, having secured protections before launching.
Republican, Democratic senators press NBA over Rwanda ties
Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Democrat Sen. Jeff Merkley have written to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver demanding a review of the league’s $6‑7 million‑a‑year partnership with Rwanda. Citing “sportswashing” by President Paul Kagame’s regime—accused of human‑rights violations in Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo—the senators ask the NBA to define its red line for accepting foreign government money. The Clippers already display a “Visit Rwanda” logo, and the NBA’s Basketball Africa League ties add to the scrutiny. The league says it follows U.S. policy and will respond to the inquiry.
Jalen Brunson on Knicks’ 0-3 start: ‘Falls on my shoulders’
After the Knicks’ 0-3 opening stretch—the first title‑defending team to start 0‑3 since the 2011‑12 Mavericks—point guard Jalen Brunson takes full responsibility. He told reporters he must improve his leadership and organization after scoring 28 points on 1‑of‑7 shooting from three in a loss to Orlando, where the Knicks shot just 9‑of‑37 from deep and surrendered 40 fourth‑quarter points. Brunson says the early adversity will reveal the team’s character as they seek to bounce back.
NBA Notes: Timberwolves, LaMelo Ball, Pacers, Ivica Zubac, Lakers
LaMelo Ball sparks the Minnesota Timberwolves with 15 points, eight assists and a head‑up approach that helped the team start 3‑0, while Terrence Shannon Jr. praised his slick three‑point move. In Indiana, the Pacers lose center Ivica Zubac to a sprained ankle (same as last season) but Jay Huff steps up with 14 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Meanwhile, Lakers rookie Walker Kessler admits his emotions got the best of him in a return against Utah, posting two points and seven rebounds as Los Angeles improves to 3‑0 behind Luka Dončić’s 52‑point outburst. The roundup highlights key performances, injuries and early season momentum across the NBA.
Former Nets VP alleges team fired him for taking parental leave
A former Brooklyn Nets cybersecurity vice president claims he was fired 16 days after returning from two periods of protected parental leave. In a lawsuit filed on October 21, he alleges his supervisor greeted him with hostility, gave a sudden negative performance review, and removed him from an NBA conference list while he was on leave. The Nets’ parent company, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, denies the accusations and affirms its anti‑discrimination policy. The case hinges on whether the termination violates federal and New York leave laws, though no court ruling has been made yet.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sends message after Jalen Williams injury
Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander rallies behind teammate Jalen Williams after the forward suffers a left‑leg injury against the Clippers on Sunday. Gilgeous‑Alexander told Sports Illustrated, "I have no doubt he'll be back and better than before," echoing support from Rockets star Alperen Sengun, Tyrese Haliburton and Paolo Banchero. Williams, who battled wrist and hamstring issues last season and helped the Thunder win the 2025 Finals despite a wrist injury, faces his third setback just three games into the 2026 campaign. Coach Mark Daigneault promises more updates after the medical evaluation, while the team remains hopeful for a swift recovery.
Ty Jerome is scoring like a star, and Grizzlies keep winning
Ty Jerome erupts for 104 points in his first three games, posting 45, 28 and 31 points as the Memphis Grizzlies start 3-0 – only the third such start in franchise history. He averages 34.7 points, shooting 8‑of‑17 against Sacramento but perfect from the line (14‑of‑14) and hits a clutch step‑back three to seal a 123‑112 win. While opponents will soon adjust, Jerome’s scoring surge is already fueling Memphis’s early success on the road.
Luka Doncic finds his rhythm, hopes he’s found his home
Luka Doncic lights up his new home, dropping 52 points in a 132‑123 Lakers comeback over the Jazz on Oct. 26, 2026. His fourth‑quarter surge—13 points in 4:06 and three clutch threes—propels Los Angeles to a 3‑0 start and earns MVP chants in Salt Lake City. The performance also moves him past LeBron James for sixth‑most 40‑point games in Lakers history. Coach JJ Redick hails Doncic’s "flow state" as showtime, while the star hints he’d like to finish his career in LA, despite the NBA’s unpredictability.
2027 NBA Mock Draft
Hoops Wire’s early 2027 NBA mock draft outlines a fluid but detailed board ahead of the 2026‑27 season. Washington grabs Alijah Arenas (USC SG) at #1, followed by Indiana’s Jason Crowe (Missouri PG) and Brooklyn’s Jordan Smith (Arkansas PG/SG) at #2‑3. Notable picks include Kanon Catchings (#4, Georgia SF), Tyran Stokes (#5, Kansas SF/PF), and international talent Stefan Joksimovic (#6, Slovenia SG). The list runs through all 60 slots, featuring prospects from college powerhouses and overseas leagues, with updates as of July 28, 2026. This snapshot gives fans a clear view of the top names and team allocations before the college and international seasons reshape the rankings.
Jalen Williams leaves Thunder win on stretcher
Oklahoma City clinches a win over the Clippers on Sunday, but the spotlight shifts to rookie forward Jalen Williams, who sustains a serious left‑leg injury late in the game. After being fouled from behind on a layup, Williams lands awkwardly, collapses, and is escorted off on a stretcher. Trainers wrap his leg, but no diagnosis is yet available, leaving the Thunder awaiting further news on his condition.
Dalton Knecht calls Knicks his ‘best opportunity’
After being waived by the Lakers, 25‑year‑old guard Dalton Knecht signs a two‑way deal with the New York Knicks, calling it his “best opportunity.” He cites familiarity with Coach Mike Brown’s staff and the chance for regular minutes, starting with the G League’s Westchester Knicks, as key factors. Knecht’s Lakers stint saw his role shrink to 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes over 54 games, so the Knicks aim to give him more floor time rather than a rotation spot.
Cavs keep playing with fire, and even Donovan Mitchell knows it
The Cavaliers escaped with a win Saturday night. They also escaped with a few more lessons about finishing games, something coach Kenny Atkinson would probably prefer they learn without all the drama. After blowing a 29-point lead in Thursday’s season-opening loss to the 76ers, the Cavs nearly surrendered a 22-point advantage against the Nets before […] The post Cavs keep playing with fire, and even Donovan Mitchell knows it appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Giannis changes teams, but Heat’s start looks familiar
Giannis Antetokounmpo left the Bucks for South Beach, presumably with something better in mind. Three games into his Heat career, the scenery has changed more than the results. Miami is 0-3 after Saturday’s 115-110 loss to the Hornets, and so far, this looks an awful lot like the situation Antetokounmpo left behind. Big expectations, uneven […] The post Giannis changes teams, but Heat’s start looks familiar appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Sixers give LeBron a reason to rest easy
LeBron James sat out, and the Sixers still had more than enough offense. That might be the most encouraging part of their 3-0 start. Nobody needs to draw sweeping conclusions from three games in October. But Philadelphia didn’t bring James aboard so every night would require him to rescue the operation. Saturday offered a look […] The post Sixers give LeBron a reason to rest easy appeared first on Hoops Wire .
NBA Notes: Mavericks, Walter Clayton Jr, Knicks, Mikal Bridges, Spurs
Mavericks Walter Clayton Jr. is starting his second NBA season with his third team. That’s a lot of introductions for a guy still trying to get his career going. But Clayton likes where he landed. After being waived by the Grizzlies, he chose the Mavericks over several interested teams and signed a two-way contract Wednesday, […] The post NBA Notes: Mavericks, Walter Clayton Jr, Knicks, Mikal Bridges, Spurs appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Dribbles: Cavs get the win, but why must they make it so difficult?
Random dribbles on the Cavaliers’ 125-121 win over the visiting Brooklyn Nets in Saturday’s home opener. 1. I said before the season that I thought these Cavaliers could be a frustrating bunch. I really didn’t want to be right. But two games into the season, I’m feeling pretty good about that prediction. Unfortunately. 2. Listen, […] The post Dribbles: Cavs get the win, but why must they make it so difficult? appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Thunder waive rookie after season-ending injury
Otega Oweh’s first NBA season ended before it could begin. Now the Thunder have waived him to make room for another young wing. Oklahoma City announced the move Saturday, opening a two-way spot after agreeing to terms with Micah Peavy. Oweh, 23, ruptured his right Achilles tendon during an October 12 preseason victory over the […] The post Thunder waive rookie after season-ending injury appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Michael Jordan revealed Kobe Bryant’s final text to him, and why he couldn’t delete it
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant shared plenty of memorable moments on the basketball court. But one of the most meaningful exchanges between the two NBA legends came away from the game. It was a simple text message. Nothing particularly dramatic. Nothing that either man could have imagined would become so important. And years after Bryant’s […] The post Michael Jordan revealed Kobe Bryant’s final text to him, and why he couldn’t delete it appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Jazz add former lottery pick
Kobe Bufkin hasn’t had much of a chance to get comfortable in the NBA. The Jazz will give him another shot. Utah has officially signed the former lottery pick to a two-way contract, the team announced. Blake Hinson was waived to make room. Bufkin, 23, was the No. 15 overall pick in 2023, but injuries […] The post Jazz add former lottery pick appeared first on Hoops Wire .
NBA Rumors: Warriors, Kristaps Porzingis, Wizards, Anthony Davis, Nets
Warriors The Warriors may want to trade Kristaps Porzingis, but getting another team to send back someone who can help? Well, that’s where things get complicated. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, Golden State might have to absorb an unwanted contract, attach a first-round pick or potentially do both to move Porzingis. His uncertain […] The post NBA Rumors: Warriors, Kristaps Porzingis, Wizards, Anthony Davis, Nets appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Knicks’ title defense off to historically slow start
The Knicks have their championship rings. They’re still looking for their first win. Friday’s 107-103 loss to the Celtics dropped New York to 0-2, making it the first defending NBA champion to lose its first two games in 15 years, as Ian Casselberry of Yahoo Sports noted. The last team to do it was the […] The post Knicks’ title defense off to historically slow start appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Stephen Curry: Warriors’ loss to Grizzlies could cost him sleep
The Warriors led by 12 with less than four minutes left. They had Stephen Curry on the floor and their first win within reach. Then, as Curry put it, “pretty much everything went wrong.” Golden State missed its final nine shots and surrendered a 17-0 run in Friday’s 111-108 home loss to the Grizzlies. The […] The post Stephen Curry: Warriors’ loss to Grizzlies could cost him sleep appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Cavs games reportedly coming to DirecTV for home opener
Are the Cavaliers coming to satellite just in time for the home opener? According to Danny Cunningham of The Inside Shot and Locked on Cavs, that seems to be the deal. As you know, the Cavs reached an agreement with DAZN to broadcast regional games this season. It created somewhat of a fuss. And that’s […] The post Cavs games reportedly coming to DirecTV for home opener appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Cavs have chance to quiet outside noise that comes with meltdowns
The best thing about the NBA is that there’s always another game. And between now and mid-April, the Cavaliers will have 81 of them. So, yes, the meltdown on opening night in Philadelphia will be a long-forgotten memory that means nothing by the time the playoffs roll around. This is assuming the Cavs make the […] The post Cavs have chance to quiet outside noise that comes with meltdowns appeared first on Hoops Wire .
Talkin’ Cavs: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Kenny Atkinson
I joined the BIGPLAY Cleveland show and I can tell you I didn’t overreact to the Cavaliers’ season-opening meltdown vs. the 76ers. But I sure didn’t take it easy on them, either. You can listen to my entire semi-rant in this very post. All I can tell you is … well, my complete thoughts are […] The post Talkin’ Cavs: Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, Kenny Atkinson appeared first on Hoops Wire .
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