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Grizzlies Notes: Pippen, Stewart, Losing Streak, Jackson
The Memphis Grizzlies battle injuries and a three-game skid. Guard Scotty Pippen Jr. is placed on the injury list with a lumbar disc herniation, marking his fourth consecutive miss and potentially sidelining him for weeks after previous toe surgeries. Big man Isaiah Stewart also sits out after a right‑knee bone bruise suffered in the loss to Indiana, though he appears to be walking normally. Meanwhile, the team fell 6‑0 to start the season but fell to a blowout loss to Oklahoma City, prompting coach Tuomas Iisalo to give players a Saturday off. Rookie forward GG Jackson II, a preseason standout, receives a DNP‑CD after limited minutes earlier in the week.
Jazz Owner Smith Backs Hardy, Front Office Amid Slow Start
After the Jazz slip to 1-8 with a loss to Dallas, owner Ryan Smith publicly backs head coach Will Hardy and basketball ops president Austin Ainge, saying no changes are coming. Speaking on KSL’s podcast, Smith acknowledges the disappointing start, citing injuries to Jusuf Nurkic and Jaren Jackson Jr., but points to the promising young core—Keyonte George, Darryn Peterson and Ace Bailey—as evidence of future success. He highlights the team's rookie extension for George, Jackson’s commitment, a cache of first‑round picks and financial flexibility, emphasizing a multi‑year plan aimed at championship contention.
Nuggets Notes: S. Jones, Jokic, Supporting Cast, Hopkins
Spencer Jones clears the injury list and is set for his season debut Saturday in Mexico City against Indiana, after missing Denver’s first seven games with a hamstring strain. Veteran DeMar DeRozan is also listed as probable after a back spasm. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic finally looks like his MVP self, dropping 32 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a win over Toronto, though the Nuggets are 4‑3 overall and 0‑3 against winning teams, raising concerns about his contract and the supporting cast’s performance. Rookie Bryce Hopkins shines with a career‑high 18 points in the same victory, earning praise from coach David Adelman and Jokic.
Brandon Miller Exits Friday’s Game With Groin Soreness
Charlotte Hornets small forward Brandon Miller leaves Friday’s game against Boston with right groin soreness, ending his night in the second quarter. The second overall pick, who recently signed a five‑year, $208.8 million extension, has already endured a torn wrist ligament, a dislocated shoulder and related surgeries. Through nine games this season he averages 22.0 points, 5.3 rebounds but struggles with efficiency (36.9% FG, 26.7% 3‑pt). The Hornets, already hit by injuries to Coby White, Kon Knueppel, Grant Williams, Moussa Diabate and Dennis Schröder, fall to 3‑7 after a blowout loss to the Celtics, extending their losing streak to six.
L.A. Notes: Ingram, Clippers, Thiero, Doncic, Carr, James
Brandon Ingram says his 2026‑27 Clippers debut is near, as he ramps up 5‑on‑5 work after heel surgery that also revealed a partially torn Achilles. The Clippers sit 1‑7, but Ingram praises returning teammates Max Strus and Yanic Niederhauser and believes a few fixes will turn close losses into wins. Meanwhile, Lakers forward Adou Thiero is cleared to return from a knee injury, and Luka Doncic settles into L.A. with help from former video coordinator‑turned‑assistant Michael Wexler. Rookie Cameron Carr and Bronny James are assigned to the Coachella Valley Lakers G‑League squad for the season opener.
Hawks’ Newell, Gilbert Out Multiple Weeks With Injuries
The Atlanta Hawks report that second‑year big man Asa Newell will be re‑evaluated in about two weeks after a left great‑toe hyperextension during Wednesday’s win in Washington, with recovery likely extending beyond that date. Newell, a 2025 23rd‑overall pick averaging 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds in 11 minutes, joins a frontcourt already hit by injuries to Jalen Johnson, Jock Landale, Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar. Guard Keshon Gilbert also undergoes a non‑surgical knee procedure and won’t be reassessed for roughly six weeks.
Kristaps Porzingis Announces He’s Stepping Away From Basketball
Veteran center Kristaps Porzingis announces he is stepping away from basketball to prioritize his health, citing ongoing issues related to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). In a Friday statement, he said he’ll work with the Golden State Warriors on a mutually sensible solution. The Warriors have been withholding $218,341 per missed game from his $20 million 2026/27 salary and are reportedly seeking a trade or buyout before the Dec. 16 deadline, as Porzingis remains a trade candidate despite a partially guaranteed $20 million player option for 2027/28.
Jazz Center Jusuf Nurkic Out At Least Two More Weeks
The Utah Jazz announce that center Jusuf Nurkic will miss at least two more weeks after a re‑evaluation of his right‑foot toe injury—a partial plantar plate tear suffered on Oct. 4. Nurkic, who averaged 10.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists last season, is now in on‑court rehab and will be checked again in two weeks. With Walker Kessler gone to the Lakers and Jaren Jackson Jr. out with an MCL tear, free‑agent Jaxson Hayes has started five of the Jazz’s eight games as Utah sits 1‑7.
Knicks Notes: Knecht, Kolek, Brunson, Shamet
Dalton Knecht, the former Lakers first‑round pick now on a two‑way contract, made a splash in his Knicks debut, scoring 10 points with seven rebounds and a block in 16 minutes against Chicago. Coach Mike Brown praised his versatile offense but warned he must improve defensively. The Knicks also shuffled their backup point guard, giving Tyler Kolek six minutes in the 30‑point win over the Bulls while sideling Jose Alvarado until garbage time, a move that could affect Kolek’s contract option. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson’s rising cultural profile is examined, and Landry Shamet’s knack for creating closeouts that generate 1.38 points per play is highlighted as a unique offensive asset.
Sixers Notes: Wade, Simons, James, Maxey, Hot Start
The Sixers open the season 8-1, propelled by smart free‑agent moves and clutch play. Dean Wade, on a four‑year, $39 M deal, logs 26.3 minutes and 1.9 steals per game, while Anfernee Simons, signed to a two‑year, $12.3 M contract, rebounded with a 20‑point average after early struggles. Tyrese Maxey, boasting 28 points, 48.6% shooting and 5.4 assists, eyes MVP contention after an offseason focused on passing and late‑game scoring. The team’s 7‑0 record in games decided by five points or fewer fuels talk of a deep playoff run, even as LeBron James warns against getting ahead of themselves.
Warriors Notes: Green, Porzingis, Thompson, Williams, Curry
The Warriors are pushing past Kristaps Porzingis' undisclosed illness and related payment hold, with Draymond Green stressing a "next man up" mindset after the team clinched its sixth straight win on Thursday. Green notes that no one is bashing Porzingis and that players like Charles Bassey and rookie Graham Ike are getting more minutes. Klay Thompson, returning from the Heat, says the squad’s system under Steve Kerr keeps them in playoff contention, citing Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Meanwhile, Brandon Williams cites former high‑school teammate De’Anthony Melton as a key factor in signing with Golden State, and Elise Devlin explores Curry’s new comfort at the free‑throw line.
Central Notes: D. Robinson, Allen, Giannis, Buzelis
Duncan Robinson is poised for a full $16 million guarantee from the Pistons after posting career‑high numbers – 19 points per game, 47.4% shooting and 47.9% from three over his first eight games. His non‑guaranteed $15.2 million salary for next season appears likely to become guaranteed as he fills the offensive void left by Jalen Duren. Meanwhile, Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen left a game with a right‑knee knock but expects a quick return, while Tyrese Proctor and other Cleveland players are listed as questionable for the NBA Cup showdown in Philadelphia. Former Bucks coach Doc Rivers reveals on the Bill Simmons Podcast that Giannis Antetokounmpo silently pressured Milwaukee to trade him, and a Chicago Tribune piece questions the Bulls’ concern over Matas Buzelis’ slow start.
Windhorst/MacMahon’s Latest: LeBron, Nurse, Grizzlies, Clippers, Kings
LeBron James and new Sixers coach Nick Nurse quickly built a strong rapport, helping Philadelphia post a hot start; James even fills in at center when injuries hit. Meanwhile, the Memphis Grizzlies surprise with a 6-2 record anchored by four rookie‑contract starters, giving GM Zach Kleiman trade flexibility. The Clippers, sitting 1‑7, appear poised to sell veteran contracts like Brook Lopez and Rui Hachimura as trade season looms. Finally, any friction between Kings center Domantas Sabonis and rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. is dismissed as a non‑issue.
Heat Notes: Thompson, Wiggins, Larsson, Hardaway, Conwell, Giannis
Klay Thompson flashes his old Splash Brother brilliance with a 30‑point, buzzer‑beater win over the Clippers, then scores just 11 on his Heat debut against the Warriors in a 20‑point loss. He says he finally feels happy playing in Miami, close to family in the Bahamas. Meanwhile, Andrew Wiggins returns to the lineup but is outshone by reserve Pelle Larsson, and Tim Hardaway Jr. slips down the rotation as rookie Ryan Conwell contributes 13 off the bench. Coach Erik Spoelstra cites lineup tweaks amid multiple ball‑handlers, while Doc Rivers on the Bill Simmons podcast critiques Giannis Antetokounmpo’s high‑tempo, single‑track style. The piece tracks the Heat’s evolving roster and on‑court dynamics.
And-Ones: 2027 NBA Draft, Star Trades, Najera, Mexico
Jeremy Woo of ESPN ranks Kansas forward/guard Tyran Stokes as the No. 1 prospect for the 2027 NBA draft, praising his all‑around perimeter game but noting concerns about efficiency and maturity. The draft class is deemed weaker, with many top‑100 talents likely to stay in college for another year due to lucrative NIL deals and upcoming NCAA and NBA rule changes. Slovenia’s Stefan Joksimovic sits at No. 2, playing in Spain’s Liga ACB and EuroLeague, while BYU’s Bruce Branch III, Arkansas’s Jordan Smith Jr. and Arizona’s Caleb Holt complete the top five. The piece also previews potential star trades—Nikola Jokic, Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker—and features former NBA player Eduardo Najera discussing Mexico’s rise as the NBA’s second‑most popular sport ahead of the Pacers‑Nuggets game in Mexico City.
Northwest Notes: Nori, Blazers, Avdija, Jazz, Thunder
Portland’s new coach Micah Nori demands precision, even as the Trail Blazers roar to a 6‑1 start (5‑0 on the road). A mis‑screen by Sidy Cissoko in a 19‑point lead win over Phoenix sparked an angry timeout, underscoring Nori’s strict standards. Deni Avdija praises Nori’s focus on details, noting the coach’s plan to leverage Ja Morant’s pass‑first style and Lillard’s return to create driving lanes and reduce turnovers. Meanwhile, Utah struggles at 1‑7 under Will Hardy, emphasizing consistent execution, while Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander says the injury‑hit Thunder are adapting and improving after two straight wins.
Norchad Omier Signs Two-Way Contract With Cavaliers
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to sign 25‑year‑old forward Norchad Omier to a two‑way contract, sources tell HoopsHype. Omier, the first NBA player born in Nicaragua, went undrafted in 2025, split his rookie year between the G League's Cleveland Charge and the San Diego Clippers, and logged six NBA games with Los Angeles. He averaged 18.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and 59.2% shooting in 38 G League contests, earning All‑Rookie honors. After a strong Summer League showing (10.6 PPG, 9.8 RPG), he signed a training‑camp deal with Minnesota, was waived, and will now replace injured two‑way guard Enrique Freeman. The deal lets Omier play up to 46 regular‑season games, but he won’t be playoff‑eligible unless promoted to the main roster.
Cavaliers Waive Riley Minix
The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to waive forward Riley Minix from his two‑way contract, clearing a roster spot for Norchad Omier, who chose Cleveland over a tentative deal with Minnesota. Minix, a 26‑year‑old undrafted Morehead State alum, has appeared in only 11 NBA games with the Cavs and Spurs, spending most of his time in the G League where he posted 18.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals over 34 games. After a brief garbage‑time appearance last Saturday, his future is uncertain – he could pursue overseas options like the French club ASVEL or remain in the G League as a free agent.
Suns Notes: Ighodaro, Peat, Goodwin, Fleming, Point Guards
The Phoenix Suns shuffle their starting lineup as Oso Ighodaro replaces Khaman Maluach at center ahead of Thursday’s game against Orlando, a move backed by analyst Gerald Bourguet who praises Ighodaro’s playmaking. The change comes while Mark Williams remains sidelined after shoulder surgery, keeping the Suns 1‑5 after a loss to Portland. Rookie forward Koa Peat, after just 13 garbage‑time minutes, is “on the cusp” of earning rotation minutes, according to coach Jordan Ott. Guard Jordan Goodwin (calf) and forward Rasheer Fleming (ankle) miss another game but are day‑to‑day. Bourguet also lists five veteran point guards—like De’Aaron Fox and Jrue Holiday—who could be trade targets if Jalen Green’s struggles persist.
Southeast Notes: Knueppel, Davis, Flemings, Thompson
The Hornets announce sharpshooter Kon Knueppel (Rookie of the Year runner‑up) misses Friday’s game vs. Boston with a left hamstring strain, extending his preseason injury woes; center Moussa Diabate (quadriceps tendinopathy) and guard Dennis Schröder (thigh soreness) are also questionable. In the Southeast, Wizards forward Anthony Davis is doubtful after spraining his right ankle in Wednesday’s loss to Atlanta, though he logged 26‑10‑3 in that game. Rookie guard Kingston Flemings earns his first start for the Hawks, posting 14 points, while CJ McCollum sits. Meanwhile, Klay Thompson, now with Miami, boasts a season‑high 30 points and a game‑winner against the Clippers, saying the Heat environment has revived his career.
Blazers’ Vit Krejci Expected To Miss Significant Time
Portland Trail Blazers swingman Vit Krejci will miss significant time after sustaining a left lower‑leg fracture in the third quarter of Wednesday’s 110‑106 win over Phoenix. Coach Micah Nori confirmed the break, though the exact bone—leg or ankle—remains unclear, and surgery has not yet been decided. Krejci, 26, left on crutches and a protective boot after an awkward step while contesting a charge with Miles Bridges. The injury adds to Portland’s backcourt woes, with Shaedon Sharpe still out after knee surgery and Ja Morant nursing a Grade‑2 hamstring strain. Despite the setbacks, Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday and Chris Youngblood keep the rotation afloat.
Injury Notes: Barlow, Bona, Hawks, Aldama, Cardwell
Dominick Barlow’s low‑back stress reaction keeps him out of the Sixers for another 10‑12 days, according to coach Nick Nurse, while center Adem Bona is doubtful with a cervical spine strain after a neck injury in Detroit. The Sixers also miss Ariel Hukporti (Achilles tear). Meanwhile, the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson (left ankle sprain) is questionable for the NBA Cup opener, with teammates Asa Newell, Jock Landale and others still sidelined. Mavericks forward Santi Aldama is probable for his debut after right‑knee surgery, and Kings rookie Dylan Cardwell returns from a preseason calf strain, posting four points and six rebounds against the Lakers.
The Most Valuable Trade Exceptions For 2026/27
Hoops Rumors highlights that 70 trade player exceptions (TPEs) remain league‑wide, with all but one still active as the February 2027 trade deadline approaches. Most will likely expire unused due to size limits or luxury‑tax constraints, though teams can sometimes roll a TPE into a new one by swapping equal‑value contracts. The article zeroes in on a few high‑value exceptions that could genuinely help clubs absorb salary at the deadline, notably a $40.77 million TPE held by the Charlotte Hornets that expires on July 12, 2027. These exceptions are flagged as worth monitoring through the upcoming months.
Community Shootaround: Domantas Sabonis’ Future
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater say Domantas Sabonis is eyeing a trade after hiring CAA agents Aaron Mintz and Steven Heumann, who recently secured blockbuster deals for Walker Kessler and Trae Young. Jake Fischer adds Sabonis wants an agent who can land him a big contract with a new team, as Sacramento appears unwilling to extend his deal. Though Sabonis assures a good relationship with rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr., insiders claim he wants out, and the Kings could move the three‑time All‑Star for a mid‑first‑round pick. The Hornets and Raptors were linked, but talks stalled, leaving Sabonis on the trade block for the season.
NBA G League Affiliate Players For 2026/27
NBA teams can retain up to five waived players as “affiliate players” for their G League clubs before the 2026‑27 season starts. Hoops Rumors lists every affiliate on the 30 NBA‑linked G League rosters, highlighting notable names such as Miles Barnstable (Austin Spurs), Hunter Dickinson (Laketown Squadron), Caleb Houst on the Rip City Remix, and Miye Oni, Blake Wesley and Fletcher Loyer for the San Diego Clippers (Wesley later lands a 10‑day hardship deal). The Mexico City Capitanes remain the only unaffiliated G League team. The article also explains other roster‑building methods like returning rights, draft rights, two‑way contracts and NBA assignments.
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