Basketball

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? 🔎

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson expressed understanding regarding the team's decision not to offer him an extension before the deadline, attributing it to financial considerations related to the new CBA. He remains positive about his future with the Nuggets, emphasizing their support, and believes his performance this season could help him secure a favorable contract next summer, as noted by head coach David Adelman. Want More Context? 🔎

The Indiana Pacers' backcourt suffered further setbacks as Bennedict Mathurin exited Saturday's game with a sore right foot, prompting potential imaging tests, while rookie Taelon Peter left due to a groin injury. The team is already without their top three point guards: Tyrese Haliburton (season-ending Achilles injury), T.J. McConnell (hamstring strain), and Andrew Nembhard (sore shoulder). Want More Context? 🔎

The San Antonio Spurs are optimistic about the imminent returns of veterans De'Aaron Fox, Kelly Olynyk, and Jeremy Sochan, all of whom participated in a five-on-five scrimmage. Fox is recovering from a hamstring strain, Olynyk is healing from heel surgery, and Sochan is working back from a wrist injury, with hopes for their return by the end of October. Want More Context? 🔎

The G League conducted its annual draft, where players not previously signed to a team were eligible. The South Bay Lakers selected Dillion Jones first overall, while the Osceola Magic picked Tyler Smith second; both players were waived by NBA teams prior to the season. The G League season starts on November 7 with a Tip-Off Tournament, followed by the regular season on December 19. Want More Context? 🔎

Adam Silver received a bipartisan letter from Congress requesting a briefing on the NBA's gambling scandal by October 31, following the arrests of Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones. The letter highlighted concerns about illegal betting practices and called for clarity on the league's Code of Conduct, disclosure of information, and potential reevaluation of partnerships with sports betting companies. Want More Context? 🔎

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors 139-119 in their first game under interim head coach Tiago Splitter, following Chauncey Billups' indictment. Splitter, who was recruited by Billups to improve the team's offense, expressed his readiness to lead, despite the challenges arising from the situation. Want More Context? 🔎

Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets are off to an 0-2 start after a double overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder and a 115-111 defeat to the Detroit Pistons. Despite frustrations within the coaching staff and players, Durant emphasized the need for patience and growth, highlighting their defensive strength and the importance of finding balance in their offensive play. Want More Context? 🔎