The NBA preseason continued on October 7, 2026, with a loaded slate of games. The Los Angeles Lakers faced the Golden State Warriors, the New York Knicks took on the Philadelphia 76ers, the New Orleans Pelicans faced the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the San Antonio Spurs met the Houston Rockets. Off the court, the 76ers received devastating news as a big man was ruled out for the season, and the Warriors are dealing with Kristaps Porzingis sidelined with an undisclosed health issue.
Lakers vs Warriors: Preseason Showdown
The Lakers and Warriors faced off in a preseason matchup that gave fans a glimpse of what is to come in the 2026-27 season. For the Warriors, this game was particularly significant because of injuries to their frontcourt.
The Warriors entered the game with significant frontcourt issues:
| --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|
| Kristaps Porzingis | Sidelized with undisclosed health issue | Major absence in the frontcourt |
| Al Horford | Aging, limited minutes | Cannot carry the frontcourt load |
With Porzingis sidelined and Horford limited, the Warriors were forced to use a smaller lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendborg, and Draymond Green. This lineup is intriguing offensively but vulnerable defensively.
### Lakers Outlook
Knicks vs 76ers: Defending Champions vs Rebuilt Roster
The New York Knicks, fresh off their first championship in over 50 years, faced the Philadelphia 76ers in a preseason matchup that showcased two of the Eastern Conference top teams. The 76ers, who acquired Jaylen Brown from the Celtics in the offseason, are integrating their new Big Three of Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers received a major blow with the news that a big man is out for the season. This is a significant setback for Philadelphia, as their frontcourt depth was already a question mark heading into the season.
| --- | --- |
|---|---|
| Big man out for season | Frontcourt depth severely compromised |
| Jaylen Brown integration | Must accelerate without frontcourt support |
| Embiid health | Already a concern, now more pressure |
The 76ers will need to adjust their rotation and potentially explore the trade market to address their frontcourt void. For the latest 76ers news, visit ESPN NBA.
Pelicans vs Thunder: Western Conference Action
The New Orleans Pelicans faced the Oklahoma City Thunder in a Western Conference preseason matchup. The Thunder, who are coming off a strong 2025-26 season, are one of the favorites in the West. The Pelicans are looking to bounce back and prove they can compete with the elite teams in the conference.
The San Antonio Spurs faced the Houston Rockets in a Texas preseason showdown. The Spurs are continuing to develop their young core, while the Rockets are looking to take the next step in their rebuild. For the latest Spurs and Rockets news, visit NBA.com.
### 1. Knicks Title Defense
### 2. Celtics Rebuilding on the Fly
### 3. Timberwolves Backcourt Explosion
### 4. Suns Khaman Maluach Era
Updated Eastern Conference Hierarchy
The 76ers injury news has shifted the Eastern Conference hierarchy:
| --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|
| Championship contenders | Knicks, Celtics | Top two teams, clear separation |
| Contenders with concerns | 76ers | Big man injury is a major blow |
| Playoff locks | Cavaliers, Magic, Pacers | Solid rosters with established cores |
| Bubble teams | Hawks, Bulls, Bucks, Heat | Roster questions to resolve |
Key Dates for the 2026-27 NBA Season
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 3 | Preseason begins |
| October 7 | Lakers vs Warriors, Knicks vs 76ers |
| October 16 | Preseason ends |
| October 22 | Regular season opens |
| February 20, 2027 | All-Star Weekend begins |
| April 15, 2027 | Regular season ends |
For the full 2026-27 NBA schedule, visit NBA.com. For the latest NBA trades and transactions, visit the NBA transactions page.
The 2026-27 NBA season tips off on October 22, and the preseason is the first chapter of a seven-month story. For more NBA preseason coverage, check our earlier report.
