"The curtain will rise on the 2025-26 season in Oklahoma City on Oct. 21, when the defending champion Thunder will celebrate their first championship as they host former Thunder star Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. And while much of the preseason is about rounding into shape and getting to the start of the season healthy, there are still things that can be gleaned from the early October action."
"One of the early observations made by players during the first days of Hawks camp was that everyone was on the court, and the trainer's room was empty. The Hawks are healthy and buzzing over new additions Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. But being healthy again is vital to the Hawks' success and growth. A huge piece for Atlanta this season is Jalen Johnson, who looked good in his first two preseason games back from left shoulder surgery that ended his 2024-25 season."
The 2025-26 NBA season opens Oct. 21 in Oklahoma City as the defending champion Thunder host Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. Preseason play has focused on conditioning, health and evaluating roster additions. The Atlanta Hawks entered camp healthy and energized after adding Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard. Jalen Johnson returned from left shoulder surgery, scoring 20 points with rebounds and steals in limited action; coaching staff emphasized defensive improvement and continued playmaking growth. The Cleveland Cavaliers possess depth but face setbacks, with Max Strus sidelined by a Jones fracture and Darius Garland to miss opening weeks after turf-toe surgery; Lonzo Ball’s availability is limited.
Read at ESPN.com
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