Basketball

Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are leading the NBA in Player Efficiency Rating (PER) after the first week of the 2025-26 season, each surpassing 40.0, followed by Aaron Gordon and Austin Reaves in the top five, while reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks eighth and Nikola Jokic falls outside the top-50. Want More Context? 🔎

Obi Toppin left the Indiana Pacers' 114-110 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves due to a right hamstring injury, prompting coach Rick Carlisle to announce that Toppin would undergo imaging. At the time of his exit, Toppin had recorded nine points and six rebounds, contributing to a growing injury list that now includes nine players for the Pacers. Want More Context? 🔎

Ty Lue expressed support for Chauncey Billups following his arrest related to illegal sports betting and fraudulent poker games, emphasizing his confidence in Billups' character. The NBA has placed Billups on immediate leave, while Tiago Splitter has been named interim coach for the Blazers during this period. Want More Context? 🔎

The Indiana Pacers are hopeful that guard Andrew Nembhard's shoulder injury, sustained in the season opener, will not result in a long-term absence, as reported by Marc Stein. The team is currently dealing with multiple injuries, including Bennedict Mathurin, Taelon Peter, and Obi Toppin, with TJ McConnell also sidelined until November 9. Want More Context? 🔎

Guard Austin Reaves delivered a standout performance with a career-high 51 points, including four crucial free throws in the last 32 seconds, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings. This win improves the Lakers' record to 2-1 on the season, despite the absence of Luka Doncic. Want More Context? 🔎

Anthony Edwards exited the Minnesota Timberwolves' 114-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter due to hamstring tightness, occurring shortly after he scored a layup on a fast break. At the time of his injury, he had recorded five points and one rebound. Want More Context? 🔎

The Memphis Grizzlies are set to sign center Charles Bassey to a 10-Day hardship contract due to injuries to key players like Brandon Clarke and Zach Edey. Bassey, a 6-foot-10 center with four NBA seasons under his belt, has played 113 games, averaging 4.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, previously playing for the 76ers and Spurs. Want More Context? 🔎

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic will be sidelined for at least one week due to a sprained finger and lower left leg contusion sustained during a recent victory. Meanwhile, the team is also without LeBron James, who is dealing with sciatica, and faces upcoming games against the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. Want More Context? 🔎

Veteran guard Cameron Payne is opting to remain in the U.S. despite interest from overseas, as he awaits an NBA opportunity amidst injuries affecting several teams' point guards, including the Indiana Pacers, where he was previously waived. With the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, and Memphis Grizzlies also facing point guard shortages, Payne's chances of signing with an NBA team appear promising. Want More Context? 🔎

Legendary former San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was honored by the franchise with a banner recognizing his NBA-record 1,390 regular-season wins and the five championships won under his leadership. The banner, simply reading "Pop 1,390," reflects Popovich's preference for humility and spotlighting his players rather than himself. Want More Context? 🔎