Games in tip-off order, with what each club has said in the last three days. Daily boards ›
Gobert is sitting out tonight but expects a short absence; his minutes and rebounds go to zero and replacements gain.
Rudy Gobert is sitting for the Timberwolves but travelled with the team. At shootaround he said he does not expect to be out long: "I don't plan to be on the sideline too much... that's why I really wanted to travel and be there with the guys."
Minnesota is short-handed, and Finch wants to give Kuminga more chances to attack. His usage and points rise.
With the Timberwolves "down some bodies," Chris Finch said he wants to get Jonathan Kuminga more chances to attack: "We'd be lost without him right now for sure." Ayo Dosunmu: "We short on guys right now." Kuminga had 10 rebounds and 4 blocks against Milwaukee.
Finch wants more size on the floor and more pace off clean rebounds after being beaten on the glass. No players named.
Chris Finch said Milwaukee "just were beating us to every" rebound in the second quarter. In the second half the Wolves stayed out of rotations more and tried to keep "some more size on the floor," he said. He wants more pace off clean rebounds.
Ball says he's going to the game and 'might as well play' despite wrist issue; he is likely to play.
LaMelo Ball said there were calls Nov. 2 about whether he would play: "I'm going to the game, might as well play. So I ain't finna just sit and watch." Asked if his wrist bothered him, the Timberwolves guard said: "it's just life. I mean, you know, keep going."
We have so many people that can put the ball in the hoop... the rest of the jobs like rebounding, playing hard, defending, I think it's right there. Why not do it?
Jonathan Kuminga embraced the Timberwolves' dirty-work role after the win at Houston: "We have so many people that can put the ball in the hoop... the rest of the jobs like rebounding, playing hard, defending, I think it's right there. Why not do it?"
It was very important that we limit them to one shot.
"It was very important that we limit them to one shot." Ayo Dosunmu said the Timberwolves got their late stops against the Rockets by making catches hard and ending possessions. He called Houston "one of the best in the league, if not the best" at offensive rebounding.
don't love Alperen on Kuminga or McDaniels or some of the wings they had out there.
Ime Udoka kept Alperen Sengun on Gobert in the fourth quarter of Houston's loss, switching between small-ball and Sengun at center "trying to get a stop." His reason: "don't love Alperen on Kuminga or McDaniels or some of the wings they had out there."
You'd like to get Bogey some more minutes.
Steven Adams is out with no timeline. Ime Udoka said that takes away Houston's favored double-big lineup, which he likes with Adams over Alperen Sengun and Clint Capela, but "gives other guys opportunity." Oscar Tshiebwe is a center option "if need be without Clint."
Bogdan Bogdanovic "kind of got pushed out of the rotation in the second half," Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. "You'd like to get Bogey some more minutes." Udoka said the small-ball lineup "was really good defensively tonight" and "we love Jabari and Kevin at the 4 and 5."
Adelman will explore other options to reduce reliance on Jokic and Murray; hopes Murray plays only 32 minutes in a blowout.
"We're stuck with those 2 guys playing together." Nuggets coach David Adelman said Monday Denver leans too hard on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray and he will "explore other options, space the floor differently." His hope for Murray: win by 15, "Only plays 32 minutes."
Leonard is starting his season and the coach expects an adjustment period; no minutes or role figures given.
Kawhi Leonard is just starting his season with the Raptors, and Darko Rajakovic said Monday it will take time: "There's going to be a period of him getting adjusted to the team and... his teammates to him as well." Where has he been missed? "Everywhere."
Adelman wants to keep Gordon at a minutes threshold, and says Murray has played a lot. Hints at managed minutes.
DeMar DeRozan was out for Denver's win over Toronto. On Aaron Gordon, David Adelman said: "we'd like to keep him at a threshold." Adelman said he ran Gordon longer in the first quarter with Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. On Murray: "Jamal's played a lot."
Johnson sat early and played with young reserves. Adelman says the lineup mix is unsolved, so his role is uncertain.
Cameron Johnson was the first Denver starter to sit in the win over Toronto, playing with the young reserves. "I thought Cam flowed well with those young guys ... gives them a shooter out there," David Adelman said. On the lineup mix: "we didn't solve the riddle."
I think we won every quarter except the third, but then obviously the third was horrible.
"I think we won every quarter except the third, but then obviously the third was horrible." RJ Barrett after the Raptors' loss in Denver. Clean up that one quarter, he said, and Toronto definitely wins these games. The Nuggets "figure it out every time," he said.
I wish I knew what's going on.
"I wish I knew what's going on." Darko Rajakovic, asked why the Raptors look really good and really bad in the same game, after the game in Denver. On the Nuggets' 76 points in the paint: "that's unacceptable." He said about seven third-quarter turnovers led to easy points.
He is playing winning basketball, and I really believe in him.
Asked about having Cameron Johnson back, Nikola Jokic talked up Bryce Hopkins, who stepped up in Johnson's role: "He is playing winning basketball, and I really believe in him." Jokic said Hopkins played "professional basketball" and "can help us a lot."
"Much more pushing, much more grabbing." Denver's Nikola Jokic said officials let post defenders do far more than perimeter defenders, which is why players avoid the low post. He isn't blaming the calls, likes to wrestle, but sees the post largely gone in five to 10 years.
Ah, no, you're kind of full of shit on that... And okay, maybe you have a point.
DeMar DeRozan tried to shoot before Denver's win over Toronto, then "came back down and said he couldn't," Bryce Hopkins said. The rookie said J.J. Barea told him about 30 minutes before tip he'd play. "No 2-minute scouting report. I had to be locked in," Hopkins said.
"Ah, no, you're kind of full of shit on that... And okay, maybe you have a point." Jamal Murray on working out his rotation with Nuggets coach David Adelman, with longevity in mind. He put his early misses down to "new roles, new pace of play."
Lillard wants Avdija as the primary attacker, driving downhill. This is a stated plan to play through him, though other ball handlers will share duties.
"I want you to be the horse." Damian Lillard said he told Deni Avdija that when he and Ja Morant arrived. After the 118-110 win over Denver, Lillard said Avdija should "get downhill" and attack. He said the ball will sometimes be in Jrue Holiday's, Morant's or his hands.
With Mark Williams out, Suns switch more and pull 5s off the rim; defensive rebounding and rim protection are weaker.
Suns coach Jordan Ott said missing the injured Mark Williams hurts the defense: "Mark's overall size deters rim attempts." He said the Suns now switch more, pulling their 5s off the rim. Defensive rebounding has surprised him: "I did think we would be bigger this year."
Coach is encouraging Kennard to shoot every window after he took zero shots in 14 minutes; shot volume likely rises.
Luke Kennard played 14 minutes in the Phoenix Suns' loss and did not get a shot off. Coach Jordan Ott said: "We're encouraging him to shoot every window he has." Ott said he has to look at how many chances Kennard "really got in the flow of the action."
Krejci fractured his leg and is out; Youngblood takes his minutes, with a call-up probable.
Vit Krejci fractured his leg, "is what it sounds like," Micah Nori said after the win over Phoenix. He wasn't sure if it was leg or ankle and has no idea yet on surgery. He said Chris Youngblood will take those minutes and John Tonje or Jayson Kent will probably be called up.
Vit Krejci fractured his leg, "is what it sounds like," Micah Nori said after the win over Phoenix. He wasn't sure if it was leg or ankle and has no idea yet on surgery. He said Chris Youngblood will take those minutes and John Tonje or Jayson Kent will probably be called up.
a little slow, a little like a step behind. I wasn't as aggressive on boards offensively.
Donovan Clingan said after Wednesday's win over Phoenix that his first couple of games felt "a little slow, a little like a step behind. I wasn't as aggressive on boards offensively." The Trail Blazers center said he has since "had to turn it up a notch."
I did think we would be bigger this year.
Suns coach Jordan Ott said missing the injured Mark Williams hurts the defense: "Mark's overall size deters rim attempts." He said the Suns now switch more, pulling their 5s off the rim. Defensive rebounding has surprised him: "I did think we would be bigger this year."
Devin Booker went back in after Suns coach Jordan Ott made sure he was okay. Once the loss got out of hand, Ott said, "you got to save some for tomorrow" against rested Orlando in the first back-to-back. "We got to win the recovery battle right now," he said.
Luke Kennard played 14 minutes in the Phoenix Suns' loss and did not get a shot off. Coach Jordan Ott said: "We're encouraging him to shoot every window he has." Ott said he has to look at how many chances Kennard "really got in the flow of the action."
Some of those foul calls we're going to question. But that's what it is on the road.
Devin Booker sat much of the fourth quarter in foul trouble, Phoenix coach Jordan Ott said after Monday's loss at Golden State. The Warriors took 27 free throws in the second half. "Some of those foul calls we're going to question. But that's what it is on the road."
Champagnie thinks Markkanen plays tonight; his return would change Utah's offense and who it runs plays for.
Julian Champagnie said he thinks Utah's Lauri Markkanen will play against San Antonio on Nov. 2: "I think Markkanen is playing." Champagnie said Markkanen's return would change Utah's offense and who it runs plays for compared with the last meeting.
A teammate expects Wembanyama to dunk more and suggests late-game elbow touches; a player's opinion, not a coach's plan.
Victor Wembanyama is "going to dunk the ball a lot more," Julian Champagnie said, crediting better spacing and Wembanyama asserting himself in the right spots. When the Spurs need a basket late, Champagnie said, "give him the ball at that elbow and let him work."
Christie left with hip injury, missed second half; to be evaluated Tuesday and later, status uncertain.
Max Christie left Monday's loss to the Kings with a reported hip injury and missed the second half. Dusty May said the Mavericks will evaluate him Tuesday and again "in the next couple days." Asked about Cooper Flagg grabbing his shoulder late, May said: "I didn't see that."
Spurs guard implies Irving and Flagg are back for Dallas, lifting its strength, but gives no minutes or role detail.
Getting Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg back changes Dallas, Spurs guard Devin Vassell said Wednesday ahead of the Mavericks game. "It's a different Dallas Mavs team and it's going to be a really good test."
Max Christie left Monday's loss to the Kings with a reported hip injury and missed the second half. Dusty May said the Mavericks will evaluate him Tuesday and again "in the next couple days." Asked about Cooper Flagg grabbing his shoulder late, May said: "I didn't see that."
I apologize. I'm sorry for how I played tonight.
Daniel Gafford on playing without Kyrie Irving in Monday's loss to the Sacramento Kings: "we definitely missed his impact, 100%." Gafford said Irving "has a lot of gravity" on the floor, but without him "it's the next man up."
Morez Johnson Jr. scored 13 points in 17 minutes in the Mavericks' loss to the Kings. Asked about him postgame, Daniel Gafford said Johnson "has to, of course, pay attention to certain things when it comes to, I guess, his health, if I'm not mistaken."
Daniel Gafford said Cooper Flagg apologized after Monday's loss to Sacramento: "I apologize. I'm sorry for how I played tonight." Gafford said "It's not on him." Asked if Flagg bounces back against the Spurs, he said: "I got all the confidence in the world."
There may be times where they aren't the biggest lineup. And so they're going to have to make a concerted effort to rebound.
Injuries around the league won't make the Spurs more cautious with Victor Wembanyama, Mitch Johnson said Wednesday. "I don't think that it affects anything we do," he said. Johnson said the plan was set before the season and evolves as players get older and stronger.
Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox have a job when they share the floor, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said Wednesday: "There may be times where they aren't the biggest lineup. And so they're going to have to make a concerted effort to rebound."
It's a different Dallas Mavs team and it's going to be a really good test.
Getting Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg back changes Dallas, Spurs guard Devin Vassell said Wednesday ahead of the Mavericks game. "It's a different Dallas Mavs team and it's going to be a really good test."
Thiero, only unhealthy Laker, hopefully available by end of week; Ziaire Williams has no minutes restriction after foot issue.
Adou Thiero has had live exposures and is the only Laker not healthy, JJ Redick said Nov. 2: "Hopefully by the end of the week he'll be available." Ziaire Williams, back from a foot issue, is "not like on a minutes restriction," Redick said.
Six or seven Lakers regulars will play 14-30 minutes depending on game and opponent; no one guaranteed 28, so minutes volatile.
"There's no guarantee any of them are going to play 28 a night." JJ Redick said Nov. 2 the Lakers have six or seven regulars who will play 14 to 30 minutes by game and opponent. Austin Reaves-led stretches without Luka Doncic haven't worked, he said, but he won't overreact.
Christie says 42 minutes was too many and wants to protect Acuff; Sabonis runs offense when Acuff sits.
"Too many," Kings coach Doug Christie said of Darius Acuff Jr.'s 42 minutes against the Lakers: "I have to make sure that I protect him from himself." With no clear backup point guard, Malik Monk sometimes pairs with Domantas Sabonis so Sabonis runs the offense when Acuff sits.
Lakers still figuring out Sexton's group role after missed preseason; LaRavia praised for starting lineup fit, no concrete change.
Collin Sexton missed the preseason, and the Lakers are still working out how to put his group "in a spot to be successful," JJ Redick said Nov. 2. Redick credited Jake LaRavia's "intrinsic knowledge with what we're trying to do" for the starting lineup's strong numbers.
There's no guarantee any of them are going to play 28 a night.
Adou Thiero has had live exposures and is the only Laker not healthy, JJ Redick said Nov. 2: "Hopefully by the end of the week he'll be available." Ziaire Williams, back from a foot issue, is "not like on a minutes restriction," Redick said.
"There's no guarantee any of them are going to play 28 a night." JJ Redick said Nov. 2 the Lakers have six or seven regulars who will play 14 to 30 minutes by game and opponent. Austin Reaves-led stretches without Luka Doncic haven't worked, he said, but he won't overreact.
Collin Sexton missed the preseason, and the Lakers are still working out how to put his group "in a spot to be successful," JJ Redick said Nov. 2. Redick credited Jake LaRavia's "intrinsic knowledge with what we're trying to do" for the starting lineup's strong numbers.
We got really high IQ, talented players, you know, so we're always trying to get the best shot for the team.
Domantas Sabonis said he's all right after taking some hits late in the loss to the Lakers. On his drop in shots, he said he's reading the game and watching film: "We got really high IQ, talented players, you know, so we're always trying to get the best shot for the team."
If he goes in and plays extremely well, hopefully we can stretch those minutes out
"Too many," Kings coach Doug Christie said of Darius Acuff Jr.'s 42 minutes against the Lakers: "I have to make sure that I protect him from himself." With no clear backup point guard, Malik Monk sometimes pairs with Domantas Sabonis so Sabonis runs the offense when Acuff sits.
Nique Clifford has been playing short first-half stretches. "If he goes in and plays extremely well, hopefully we can stretch those minutes out," Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie said Wednesday after the 116-103 loss to the Lakers.
Strus being worked back in slowly with managed time, implying a restricted minutes load.
Tyronn Lue was out sick for the Clippers on Nov. 2. Assistant Brian Shaw ran the team, with Jeff Van Gundy on defense: "I'm not Ty, but... I'm in practice every day." Shaw said Max Strus will be worked back in slowly: "we just want to manage his time and just see what he has."
Tentative starters: Garland, Dick, Sanders, Lopez, Dunn start because players ahead are out; Ingram no update.
Darius Garland, Gradey Dick, Kobe Sanders, Brook Lopez and Kris Dunn were the Clippers' tentative starters for Nov. 2 because "the guys in their position ahead of them are out," Brian Shaw said. Asked about Brandon Ingram, he had "no update": "He's progressing."
Jackson was moved to the bench and played well there; role is now reserve, likely fewer minutes than a starter.
Max Strus on Isaiah Jackson after the Clippers' loss to Toronto: "They moved him to the bench. He didn't take it personally. He showed up and had a really good game. He gave us a spark off the bench."
Jackson will play; Hachimura and Jones return, likely on minute limits, so Clippers must cut some minutes.
Isaiah Jackson will play for the Clippers: "He's good," Tyronn Lue said. Rui Hachimura and Derrick Jones Jr. are back. Lue said returning players are usually on minute limits, so he has to "juggle the times." He said the Clippers "need to cut some guys' minutes down."
Nothing said in the last three days.
Don't think you gotta get into the paint like every single time. Like let some other guys create so you're not getting worn down.
Isaiah Jackson will play for the Clippers: "He's good," Tyronn Lue said. Rui Hachimura and Derrick Jones Jr. are back. Lue said returning players are usually on minute limits, so he has to "juggle the times." He said the Clippers "need to cut some guys' minutes down."
Darius Garland playing off the ball more is by design, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said: "Don't think you gotta get into the paint like every single time. Like let some other guys create so you're not getting worn down." He also told Garland not to get frustrated by misses.
Kobe Sanders will be tested more as a ball-handler after running pick-and-rolls well against Minnesota, Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said. He said Sanders answered a poor Summer League by becoming "a 40% 3-point shooter" and one of their best defenders.
Tyronn Lue wants Max Strus or Kris Dunn on the floor at all times for the Clippers. Asked Wednesday if he'd like one of the two out there at all times because of their competitive nature, Lue said: "Yes, sir."
Play off 2 feet, pass it to my teammates.
Darius Garland blamed turnovers for the opponent's fourth-quarter run and said how he'll cut down on his own: "Play off 2 feet, pass it to my teammates." Asked Monday if he's been worn down by all that's asked of him, the Clippers guard said: "I wanted this."
Wagner says knee is "all good" and he is the lead creator with teammates out, so playing and creating more.
Franz Wagner said his knee is "all good" after he bumped it with Anthony Davis. On being lead creator with teammates out: "If you want to be a great player in this league, you can't shy away from that type of stuff." Desmond Bane said Wagner is "doing a hell of a job."
With Mark Williams out, Suns switch more and pull 5s off the rim; defensive rebounding and rim protection are weaker.
Suns coach Jordan Ott said missing the injured Mark Williams hurts the defense: "Mark's overall size deters rim attempts." He said the Suns now switch more, pulling their 5s off the rim. Defensive rebounding has surprised him: "I did think we would be bigger this year."
Coach is encouraging Kennard to shoot every window after he took zero shots in 14 minutes; shot volume likely rises.
Luke Kennard played 14 minutes in the Phoenix Suns' loss and did not get a shot off. Coach Jordan Ott said: "We're encouraging him to shoot every window he has." Ott said he has to look at how many chances Kennard "really got in the flow of the action."
Sweeney keeps paint-attack approach, expects da Silva and Bane to hit missed threes; no concrete role change.
Orlando shot 1-for-11 from three in the third. Coach Sean Sweeney: "nothing changes in terms of how we want to play. We want to attack the paint." He expects Tristan da Silva and Desmond Bane to hit the good looks they missed.
I'm playing rotation minutes during the first week. That wasn't happening last year.
"I'm playing rotation minutes during the first week. That wasn't happening last year." Jase Richardson, now starting for the Orlando Magic, said at practice he is still adjusting but growing more confident each game.
If you want to be a great player in this league, you can't shy away from that type of stuff.
Franz Wagner said his knee is "all good" after he bumped it with Anthony Davis. On being lead creator with teammates out: "If you want to be a great player in this league, you can't shy away from that type of stuff." Desmond Bane said Wagner is "doing a hell of a job."
Orlando shot 1-for-11 from three in the third. Coach Sean Sweeney: "nothing changes in terms of how we want to play. We want to attack the paint." He expects Tristan da Silva and Desmond Bane to hit the good looks they missed.
Jase Richardson has "just been playing great," Franz Wagner said after Orlando's Nov. 2 loss to Washington. With a couple guys out, Wagner said, "we need him to keep being aggressive, you know what I mean? Especially as a ball handler."
I did think we would be bigger this year.
Suns coach Jordan Ott said missing the injured Mark Williams hurts the defense: "Mark's overall size deters rim attempts." He said the Suns now switch more, pulling their 5s off the rim. Defensive rebounding has surprised him: "I did think we would be bigger this year."
Devin Booker went back in after Suns coach Jordan Ott made sure he was okay. Once the loss got out of hand, Ott said, "you got to save some for tomorrow" against rested Orlando in the first back-to-back. "We got to win the recovery battle right now," he said.
Luke Kennard played 14 minutes in the Phoenix Suns' loss and did not get a shot off. Coach Jordan Ott said: "We're encouraging him to shoot every window he has." Ott said he has to look at how many chances Kennard "really got in the flow of the action."
Some of those foul calls we're going to question. But that's what it is on the road.
Devin Booker sat much of the fourth quarter in foul trouble, Phoenix coach Jordan Ott said after Monday's loss at Golden State. The Warriors took 27 free throws in the second half. "Some of those foul calls we're going to question. But that's what it is on the road."
Late-game offense usually runs through Curry and Lendeborg; Melton handles some possessions when Curry is denied the ball.
"Usually it's me and Yax having the ball in some way, shape, or form." Stephen Curry said the Warriors' late-game calls put the ball with him and Yaxel Lendeborg. He said De'Anthony Melton ran some possessions when Phoenix tried to take Curry out of it in Monday's win.
Curry confirms Warriors have limits on his minutes, practice and off days, but gives no numbers or specific games.
Stephen Curry, 38, said after Monday's win over Phoenix that the Warriors' limits on his minutes, practice days and off days are "all brand new." He said he is pacing himself for a long season and is proud he has figured it out "pretty quickly."
Nothing said in the last three days.
Usually it's me and Yax having the ball in some way, shape, or form.
Stephen Curry, 38, said after Monday's win over Phoenix that the Warriors' limits on his minutes, practice days and off days are "all brand new." He said he is pacing himself for a long season and is proud he has figured it out "pretty quickly."
"He lit a fire in all of us and we had to respond." Stephen Curry said Draymond Green's ejection in Monday's win over Phoenix fired up the Warriors to back a teammate who defends them. Curry said Charles Bassey didn't expect to play 23 minutes but was ready for it.
"Usually it's me and Yax having the ball in some way, shape, or form." Stephen Curry said the Warriors' late-game calls put the ball with him and Yaxel Lendeborg. He said De'Anthony Melton ran some possessions when Phoenix tried to take Curry out of it in Monday's win.
"Defensively, he's just been a pest out there." Stephen Curry said Will Richard has turned up the Warriors' defensive energy for three straight games, the latest Monday's win over Phoenix.
would be my second choice when he's back
Steve Kerr said Jimmy Butler "would be my second choice when he's back" on Warriors technical free throws when Stephen Curry is off the floor. Kerr said Brandin Podziemski, Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton each missed one before Yaxel Lendeborg made one.
"Bassey was great," Steve Kerr said of Charles Bassey, who filled in after Draymond Green's ejection in the Warriors' win over Phoenix. "What a big night for him." Kerr said the ejection "changed the game for Phoenix" because the Suns went small.
Coach says Landale and Kingston Flemings are both out for Atlanta on Nov. 2, so their minutes go to others.
No Jock Landale and no Kingston Flemings for the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 2, coach Quin Snyder said after the game.
Wizards will put the ball in George's hands as a playmaker, citing his passing and spot-getting.
Wizards coach Brian Keefe said the team will put the ball in Kyshawn George's hands, citing his passing and his ability to get to certain spots. "He bailed us out in some tough situations against the shot clock," Keefe said.
Dybantsa grabs rebounds and pushes the ball himself; teammates will keep feeding him in transition.
AJ Dybantsa's job: grab the rebound and push the ball up the floor himself. "It's like a one-man fast break. It's hard to guard him," Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. Anthony Davis said Washington will keep kicking the ball ahead to feed him.
Davis-Young two-man game is the go-to set for good shots, boosting both players' shot creation and assists.
Anthony Davis and Trae Young working the two-man game together is where Washington goes when it needs a good shot, Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. "That's part of the reasons we wanted those guys on our team."
could have got more shots if he was in at the end of the game.
Alex Sarr took six shots in his first game back, the Wizards' loss to Atlanta. Trae Young said Sarr "could have got more shots if he was in at the end of the game." Coach Brian Keefe, asked about a 52-16 bench deficit, said they're "still figuring out" which lineups work.
He bailed us out in some tough situations against the shot clock
Wizards coach Brian Keefe said the team will put the ball in Kyshawn George's hands, citing his passing and his ability to get to certain spots. "He bailed us out in some tough situations against the shot clock," Keefe said.
AJ Dybantsa's job: grab the rebound and push the ball up the floor himself. "It's like a one-man fast break. It's hard to guard him," Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. Anthony Davis said Washington will keep kicking the ball ahead to feed him.
Anthony Davis and Trae Young working the two-man game together is where Washington goes when it needs a good shot, Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. "That's part of the reasons we wanted those guys on our team."
we already play small ball and then we're redefining it on another level.
Kingston Flemings made his first start for the Hawks at Washington. Quin Snyder said that "in spite of his age" Flemings "was poised and kind of let the game come to him." Snyder credited CJ McCollum's example, including the two working together after shootaround.
Quin Snyder said that after Asa Newell went out at Washington, "we already play small ball and then we're redefining it on another level." He said Zuby Ejiofor guarded Anthony Davis without fouling and fits the identity the Hawks are building.
Quin Snyder singled out Corey Kispert after his third-quarter minutes against Washington. "I hope everybody writes this," Snyder said. Few NBA players can play well, then not play, then be asked to play again, he said, and it "takes an incredible amount of mental toughness."
No Jock Landale and no Kingston Flemings for the Atlanta Hawks on Nov. 2, coach Quin Snyder said after the game.
White returns from a calf injury vs Pistons, says he's 100% healthy, and plans to space the floor and attack the line.
Coby White returns from a calf injury against the Pistons. At Hornets shootaround he said: "I'm feeling healthy, 100%. I don't know what will happen an hour from now, but I'm healthy." He said he'll space the floor, get downhill and get to the free-throw line.
Knueppel left in the first quarter for the locker room; no update, to be evaluated after the team gets home.
"We beat ourselves." Sion James cited a slowed pace and careless turnovers in the loss at Brooklyn; Charles Lee pointed to defensive lapses. Kon Knueppel went to the locker room in the first quarter. Lee had no update; he'll be evaluated when the Hornets get home.
White returned on a minutes limit (~16 min) and exceeded it slightly; suggests limit continues but may loosen.
Coby White knew his minutes number before tip-off in his first game back for the Hornets, and he thinks he went past it. "Probably played a little more than I was supposed to, actually," White said after the 124-91 loss to Detroit. He played a little under 16 minutes.
running lineups that we haven't really done before.
Without Jayson Tatum for the first time this season, then without Payton Pritchard after he went out in the second half, the Celtics beat Milwaukee. Derrick White said they had no real point guard and were "running lineups that we haven't really done before."
"We beat ourselves." Sion James cited a slowed pace and careless turnovers in the loss at Brooklyn; Charles Lee pointed to defensive lapses. Kon Knueppel went to the locker room in the first quarter. Lee had no update; he'll be evaluated when the Hornets get home.
Probably played a little more than I was supposed to, actually
Coby White knew his minutes number before tip-off in his first game back for the Hornets, and he thinks he went past it. "Probably played a little more than I was supposed to, actually," White said after the 124-91 loss to Detroit. He played a little under 16 minutes.
Watson sat out and Cleveland is being cautious until he is fully healthy; Tyson also out. Return date unspecified.
Peyton Watson sat out the Cavaliers' loss to the Thunder. Kenny Atkinson said they're being cautious: "I'd rather him get, you know, fully healthy, you know, rather than throwing him out there game 6, game 7." Jaylon Tyson was also out.
Nurse describes tactics against switching: sealing smalls, leaking out instead of crashing, possible deep seals for Jaylen Brown. This is a hedged team-level plan with a named player.
"Make them pay for the switching one way or another," Nick Nurse said. That means sealing smalls, leaking out so teams stop crashing the glass, maybe deep seals for Jaylen Brown in transition. On the Joel Embiid-LeBron James high-low, he said: "Slightly above average."
Allen hurt his knee in a collision; the team will assess him Thursday and it is 'too early to determine'. Proctor also hurt.
Jarrett Allen will be looked at Thursday after a knee-to-knee collision in the Cavaliers' loss to the Thunder. "Too early to determine," Kenny Atkinson said. Tyrese Proctor, starting for his defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left with "a pretty good twist."
Rookie Thomas made his first start and closed; Atkinson voiced trust, but no explicit commitment to repeat the role.
Meleek Thomas made his first NBA start in the Cavaliers' loss to the Thunder, and Kenny Atkinson also played the rookie at the finish. "Obviously trust him enough to throw him in at the end of the game too," Atkinson said. "Guy's gonna be a heck of a player."
He looks to be okay, but nothing official on that
Adem Bona has neck soreness after a hit in the 76ers' win over Detroit. "He looks to be okay, but nothing official on that," Nick Nurse said. Joel Embiid hopes Dominick Barlow is "back soon." Tyrese Maxey said his right pinky has looked that way since last year: "I'm fine."
It's going to be an adjustment for JB as well to truly understand... where he finds his spots.
"We ask him to guard the best player you see every night," Anfernee Simons said Wednesday of Philadelphia 76ers teammate VJ Edgecombe. Simons said Edgecombe "plays his heart out regardless of if he's shooting the ball well or not."
Jaylen Brown is guarding some of the best opposing players every night for the Philadelphia 76ers and is still learning where he fits, Anfernee Simons said Wednesday: "It's going to be an adjustment for JB as well to truly understand... where he finds his spots."
Hopefully whatever happened to him isn't too bad.
Sam Merrill said the Thunder have "kind of blitzed us in the first quarter" three straight years, with Cavaliers turnovers feeding Thunder fast breaks and open 3s. On Tyrese Proctor: "Hopefully whatever happened to him isn't too bad."
He came in, gave us some good minutes
Jarrett Allen will be looked at Thursday after a knee-to-knee collision in the Cavaliers' loss to the Thunder. "Too early to determine," Kenny Atkinson said. Tyrese Proctor, starting for his defense on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, left with "a pretty good twist."
Tristan Enaruna played in the Cavaliers' loss at Oklahoma City. Kenny Atkinson said Enaruna had been good in practice, the team needed another body and he wanted his athleticism against the Thunder. "He came in, gave us some good minutes," Atkinson said.
Christie left with hip injury, missed second half; to be evaluated Tuesday and later, status uncertain.
Max Christie left Monday's loss to the Kings with a reported hip injury and missed the second half. Dusty May said the Mavericks will evaluate him Tuesday and again "in the next couple days." Asked about Cooper Flagg grabbing his shoulder late, May said: "I didn't see that."
Markkanen is playing through pain and his minutes at center are undecided, night to night. Minor availability risk.
"I think he's playing through a lot of pain right now," Jazz coach Will Hardy said Wednesday of Lauri Markkanen. Hardy wouldn't commit to Markkanen's minutes at center: "Be a night-to-night thing." He said those lineups spread the court.
Their opportunity has gone up and down based on factors that are outside of their control.
"I think he's playing through a lot of pain right now," Jazz coach Will Hardy said Wednesday of Lauri Markkanen. Hardy wouldn't commit to Markkanen's minutes at center: "Be a night-to-night thing." He said those lineups spread the court.
Josh Green and Josh Okogie's minutes have swung, and Jazz coach Will Hardy said Wednesday it isn't on them: "Their opportunity has gone up and down based on factors that are outside of their control." He praised their physicality and work guarding the ball-handler.
I'm seeing a ton of growth from him, especially as a primary handler.
Darryn Peterson ran the Utah Jazz second unit against the Spurs. Will Hardy said: "I'm seeing a ton of growth from him, especially as a primary handler." Hardy said Peterson handled Stephon Castle's pressure by creating space with his body without pushing off.
Max Christie left Monday's loss to the Kings with a reported hip injury and missed the second half. Dusty May said the Mavericks will evaluate him Tuesday and again "in the next couple days." Asked about Cooper Flagg grabbing his shoulder late, May said: "I didn't see that."
I apologize. I'm sorry for how I played tonight.
Daniel Gafford on playing without Kyrie Irving in Monday's loss to the Sacramento Kings: "we definitely missed his impact, 100%." Gafford said Irving "has a lot of gravity" on the floor, but without him "it's the next man up."
Morez Johnson Jr. scored 13 points in 17 minutes in the Mavericks' loss to the Kings. Asked about him postgame, Daniel Gafford said Johnson "has to, of course, pay attention to certain things when it comes to, I guess, his health, if I'm not mistaken."
Daniel Gafford said Cooper Flagg apologized after Monday's loss to Sacramento: "I apologize. I'm sorry for how I played tonight." Gafford said "It's not on him." Asked if Flagg bounces back against the Spurs, he said: "I got all the confidence in the world."
Coach says a 35-shot load isn't the identity and expects more diversified offense; Shai's shots and points likely fall.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 43 on 35 shots in Monday's win at Cleveland. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said they "cut him loose," but "it's not our identity for 82 games." He expects Cleveland to take the ball from him next game: "We're going to need to be more diversified."
Two-big lineups, a mess in preseason, are now an option for Thunder; no named players.
Playing two big men together "was a mess in the preseason when we tried it," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said after Wednesday's win over Cleveland, "and we've kind of tightened the screws on a little bit, and it gives us another option."
Memphis is working to free Jerome from ball-screen traps and let others bring the ball up, which could raise his pick-and-roll output.
Ty Jerome is "in some of the highest percentiles in the whole league" in the pick-and-roll, Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said, so they're working on freeing him from ball-screen traps: "You can have others bring it up too." Indiana scored 24 off 19 Memphis turnovers.
Hartenstein says a bigger wing like Peavy helps with starters out, hinting at a role, but nothing is stated firmly.
Isaiah Hartenstein said OKC had three starters and a main bench player out for its two losses in Texas. "We lost probably some of our biggest defenders," he said, Chet Holmgren among them. On Micah Peavy: "anytime we can get a bigger wing out there, I think it's helpful."
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said his bigger shot load in Oklahoma City's two games against Cleveland was "what they've been giving me." With a young group, he said, the offense has had "different plays," and players are still learning defensive rotations.
The circumstances aren't gonna change, you know, in the short term
"The circumstances aren't gonna change, you know, in the short term," Mark Daigneault said postgame of short-handed Oklahoma City, adding there will be no excuses. Bennett Stirtz, Aday Mara, Micah Peavy and Josh Dix are "getting an opportunity and they're delivering for us."
Playing two big men together "was a mess in the preseason when we tried it," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said after Wednesday's win over Cleveland, "and we've kind of tightened the screws on a little bit, and it gives us another option."
Jared McCain is still working through "the shooting thing," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said after Wednesday's win over Cleveland, but he liked the shots McCain took. "He didn't force, but he didn't hide."
You can have others bring it up too.
Olivier-Maxence Prosper came in earlier than usual in the second half of the loss to Indiana. "Mostly energy and defensive intensity," Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said, adding it worked. He had no update on Isaiah Stewart's knee.
Ty Jerome is "in some of the highest percentiles in the whole league" in the pick-and-roll, Grizzlies coach Tuomas Iisalo said, so they're working on freeing him from ball-screen traps: "You can have others bring it up too." Indiana scored 24 off 19 Memphis turnovers.
Foul, not a foul, doesn't really matter. Like, I got to get a better move off in the end of the game.
Burries is set for his first NBA start on Nov. 2, moving into the starting lineup with more minutes expected.
Milwaukee Bucks' Brayden Burries was set for his first NBA start on Nov. 2 and called it "a great opportunity to come out here and just try my best." His biggest adjustment to the league? "Uh, fouling, I guess." Great players, he said, make fewer mistakes.
Bucks changed their starting lineup and bench units; plan for Boston is tweaking, no names or guarantee.
"You're 1-5, you think about different things." Taylor Jenkins changed the Bucks' starting lineup with "the full 48 minutes" and the bench units in mind. Asked if the plan holds for Boston: "Tweaking ... I went off script, you know, midway through that first quarter."
Jenkins praises Burries and is excited for coming opportunities; implies a larger role but gives no specifics.
Bucks coach Taylor Jenkins said Brayden Burries was "playing with great pace" and "did a great job rebounding." "He missed some open ones," Jenkins said, but he's "excited for the opportunities that he's going to have ahead... the discipline it's going to take."
Leonard is starting his season and the coach expects an adjustment period; no minutes or role figures given.
Kawhi Leonard is just starting his season with the Raptors, and Darko Rajakovic said Monday it will take time: "There's going to be a period of him getting adjusted to the team and... his teammates to him as well." Where has he been missed? "Everywhere."
I think we won every quarter except the third, but then obviously the third was horrible.
"I think we won every quarter except the third, but then obviously the third was horrible." RJ Barrett after the Raptors' loss in Denver. Clean up that one quarter, he said, and Toronto definitely wins these games. The Nuggets "figure it out every time," he said.
I wish I knew what's going on.
"I wish I knew what's going on." Darko Rajakovic, asked why the Raptors look really good and really bad in the same game, after the game in Denver. On the Nuggets' 76 points in the paint: "that's unacceptable." He said about seven third-quarter turnovers led to easy points.
A lot of us were just sick and tired of being sick.
"A lot of us were just sick and tired of being sick." Jaime Jaquez Jr. on the Bucks' 38-point third quarter vs. Boston. They still lost. Taylor Jenkins: "we were down 22 to the Celtics and came back and took the lead." He said "we'll figure out how to close out a game."
Finding other ways to impact the game of winning outside of scoring... Rebounding gets me going.
Brayden Burries had 9 rebounds in his first start for the Milwaukee Bucks. He said his shot wasn't falling: "Finding other ways to impact the game of winning outside of scoring... Rebounding gets me going." On the fourth quarter: "They broke it from 3 to 10."
Gobert is sitting out tonight but expects a short absence; his minutes and rebounds go to zero and replacements gain.
Rudy Gobert is sitting for the Timberwolves but travelled with the team. At shootaround he said he does not expect to be out long: "I don't plan to be on the sideline too much... that's why I really wanted to travel and be there with the guys."
Murray flew home for personal reasons before the game, so he is effectively unavailable tonight; his minutes shift to teammates.
Dejounte Murray travelled with the Pelicans on Nov. 1 but flew back home on the afternoon of Nov. 2 "for personal reasons," coach Jamahl Mosley said before New Orleans' game.
Minnesota is short-handed, and Finch wants to give Kuminga more chances to attack. His usage and points rise.
With the Timberwolves "down some bodies," Chris Finch said he wants to get Jonathan Kuminga more chances to attack: "We'd be lost without him right now for sure." Ayo Dosunmu: "We short on guys right now." Kuminga had 10 rebounds and 4 blocks against Milwaukee.
Finch wants more size on the floor and more pace off clean rebounds after being beaten on the glass. No players named.
Chris Finch said Milwaukee "just were beating us to every" rebound in the second quarter. In the second half the Wolves stayed out of rotations more and tried to keep "some more size on the floor," he said. He wants more pace off clean rebounds.
We have so many people that can put the ball in the hoop... the rest of the jobs like rebounding, playing hard, defending, I think it's right there. Why not do it?
Jonathan Kuminga embraced the Timberwolves' dirty-work role after the win at Houston: "We have so many people that can put the ball in the hoop... the rest of the jobs like rebounding, playing hard, defending, I think it's right there. Why not do it?"
It was very important that we limit them to one shot.
"It was very important that we limit them to one shot." Ayo Dosunmu said the Timberwolves got their late stops against the Rockets by making catches hard and ending possessions. He called Houston "one of the best in the league, if not the best" at offensive rebounding.
"Game's about adjustments and matchups." Saddiq Bey said the Pelicans went small in overtime of the Utah win because the Jazz did too at times, playing Lauri Markkanen at center with their big man in foul trouble. Bey said Trendon Watford stepped up on both ends.
to be the face and the best player on the team
After the Utah win, Jamahl Mosley said the Pelicans have tasked Zion Williamson "to be the face and the best player on the team" and to take on every matchup. He said Williamson forced a couple of shot-clock violations in overtime and is leading the league in steals.
Trendon Watford "was going from playing none to in rotation," Jamahl Mosley said after the Pelicans' overtime win over Utah. Mosley praised Watford's defense and energy.
Thiero, only unhealthy Laker, hopefully available by end of week; Ziaire Williams has no minutes restriction after foot issue.
Adou Thiero has had live exposures and is the only Laker not healthy, JJ Redick said Nov. 2: "Hopefully by the end of the week he'll be available." Ziaire Williams, back from a foot issue, is "not like on a minutes restriction," Redick said.
Six or seven Lakers regulars will play 14-30 minutes depending on game and opponent; no one guaranteed 28, so minutes volatile.
"There's no guarantee any of them are going to play 28 a night." JJ Redick said Nov. 2 the Lakers have six or seven regulars who will play 14 to 30 minutes by game and opponent. Austin Reaves-led stretches without Luka Doncic haven't worked, he said, but he won't overreact.
Lillard wants Avdija as the primary attacker, driving downhill. This is a stated plan to play through him, though other ball handlers will share duties.
"I want you to be the horse." Damian Lillard said he told Deni Avdija that when he and Ja Morant arrived. After the 118-110 win over Denver, Lillard said Avdija should "get downhill" and attack. He said the ball will sometimes be in Jrue Holiday's, Morant's or his hands.
Krejci fractured his leg and is out; Youngblood takes his minutes, with a call-up probable.
Vit Krejci fractured his leg, "is what it sounds like," Micah Nori said after the win over Phoenix. He wasn't sure if it was leg or ankle and has no idea yet on surgery. He said Chris Youngblood will take those minutes and John Tonje or Jayson Kent will probably be called up.
Vit Krejci fractured his leg, "is what it sounds like," Micah Nori said after the win over Phoenix. He wasn't sure if it was leg or ankle and has no idea yet on surgery. He said Chris Youngblood will take those minutes and John Tonje or Jayson Kent will probably be called up.
a little slow, a little like a step behind. I wasn't as aggressive on boards offensively.
Donovan Clingan said after Wednesday's win over Phoenix that his first couple of games felt "a little slow, a little like a step behind. I wasn't as aggressive on boards offensively." The Trail Blazers center said he has since "had to turn it up a notch."
There's no guarantee any of them are going to play 28 a night.
Adou Thiero has had live exposures and is the only Laker not healthy, JJ Redick said Nov. 2: "Hopefully by the end of the week he'll be available." Ziaire Williams, back from a foot issue, is "not like on a minutes restriction," Redick said.
"There's no guarantee any of them are going to play 28 a night." JJ Redick said Nov. 2 the Lakers have six or seven regulars who will play 14 to 30 minutes by game and opponent. Austin Reaves-led stretches without Luka Doncic haven't worked, he said, but he won't overreact.
Collin Sexton missed the preseason, and the Lakers are still working out how to put his group "in a spot to be successful," JJ Redick said Nov. 2. Redick credited Jake LaRavia's "intrinsic knowledge with what we're trying to do" for the starting lineup's strong numbers.
Champagnie thinks Markkanen plays tonight; his return would change Utah's offense and who it runs plays for.
Julian Champagnie said he thinks Utah's Lauri Markkanen will play against San Antonio on Nov. 2: "I think Markkanen is playing." Champagnie said Markkanen's return would change Utah's offense and who it runs plays for compared with the last meeting.
Christie says 42 minutes was too many and wants to protect Acuff; Sabonis runs offense when Acuff sits.
"Too many," Kings coach Doug Christie said of Darius Acuff Jr.'s 42 minutes against the Lakers: "I have to make sure that I protect him from himself." With no clear backup point guard, Malik Monk sometimes pairs with Domantas Sabonis so Sabonis runs the offense when Acuff sits.
A teammate expects Wembanyama to dunk more and suggests late-game elbow touches; a player's opinion, not a coach's plan.
Victor Wembanyama is "going to dunk the ball a lot more," Julian Champagnie said, crediting better spacing and Wembanyama asserting himself in the right spots. When the Spurs need a basket late, Champagnie said, "give him the ball at that elbow and let him work."
Reporter says Sabonis's shots fell from 15-16 to about 8 (4 on Monday), a current usage drop; trade talk is context.
Reporter Sean Deveney said Domantas Sabonis has gone from 15-16 shots a game to around 8 and took 4 Monday. He said Sabonis hired agent Aaron Mintz and "he's not like trying to bust the door down out of Sacramento, but he can see that it's not in his future."
There may be times where they aren't the biggest lineup. And so they're going to have to make a concerted effort to rebound.
Injuries around the league won't make the Spurs more cautious with Victor Wembanyama, Mitch Johnson said Wednesday. "I don't think that it affects anything we do," he said. Johnson said the plan was set before the season and evolves as players get older and stronger.
Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and De'Aaron Fox have a job when they share the floor, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said Wednesday: "There may be times where they aren't the biggest lineup. And so they're going to have to make a concerted effort to rebound."
It's a different Dallas Mavs team and it's going to be a really good test.
Getting Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg back changes Dallas, Spurs guard Devin Vassell said Wednesday ahead of the Mavericks game. "It's a different Dallas Mavs team and it's going to be a really good test."
We got really high IQ, talented players, you know, so we're always trying to get the best shot for the team.
Domantas Sabonis said he's all right after taking some hits late in the loss to the Lakers. On his drop in shots, he said he's reading the game and watching film: "We got really high IQ, talented players, you know, so we're always trying to get the best shot for the team."
If he goes in and plays extremely well, hopefully we can stretch those minutes out
"Too many," Kings coach Doug Christie said of Darius Acuff Jr.'s 42 minutes against the Lakers: "I have to make sure that I protect him from himself." With no clear backup point guard, Malik Monk sometimes pairs with Domantas Sabonis so Sabonis runs the offense when Acuff sits.
Nique Clifford has been playing short first-half stretches. "If he goes in and plays extremely well, hopefully we can stretch those minutes out," Sacramento Kings coach Doug Christie said Wednesday after the 116-103 loss to the Lakers.
No games on this day.