The NBA Investigates Joel Embiid and the Sixers’ Plan

It seems like the Philadelphia 76ers are already making headlines, and not exactly the kind they wanted. The NBA is set to open an investigation into Joel Embiid’s participation or lack thereof. Embiid skipped the preseason and sat out Wednesday’s season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks but according to the team, this was “Left knee injury management.”

This is a part of the NBA’s new player participation policy, which keeps a close eye on star absences, especially during nationally televised games. Embiid won’t play again until next week, but sources say this is all part of the Sixers’ long-term strategy to have him healthy and ready for the playoffs. We’ll see if the league agrees with that plan, or if they decide to hit Philly with a warning or fine.

The Real Start to the NBA Season

Technically, the season began on Tuesday. But with only four teams playing, it felt more like a soft launch. Sure, the Celtics raised banner number 18, and LeBron James shared the floor with his son for a historic moment, but Wednesday was the real deal. Twenty teams opened their seasons, bringing fresh energy and new storylines to the league, and we've got you covered.

LaMelo Ball Makes a Grand Return

LaMelo Ball wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. After missing most of last season with nagging ankle injuries, Ball returned in style, dropping 34 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds in the Hornets’ 110-105 win over Houston.

Ball was everywhere draining threes, orchestrating the offense, and hitting all 10 of his free throws. For a Charlotte team that’s been struggling for a playoff spot for eight years, a healthy LaMelo could be the spark they need.

Ja Morant’s Redemption Arc Begins

Ja Morant wasted no time silencing the doubters. Coming off a tumultuous 2023-24 season that included a 25-game suspension and a season-ending shoulder injury, Morant looked every bit the game-changer Memphis relies on.

With 22 points, 10 assists, and 5 rebounds in just 28 minutes, Ja led the Grizzlies to a nail-biting 126-124 victory over the Utah Jazz.

With Memphis looking to make a deep playoff run this season, Morant seems ready to shoulder the load and leave last year’s drama behind.

Steve Kerr’s ‘Use Everyone’ Strategy Unleashed

The Golden State Warriors came out swinging in their 139-104 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, and Steve Kerr wasn’t shy about throwing the entire kitchen sink at them. Kerr rotated 12 players, yes, 12 , into the game, all before halftime. That’s not exactly the norm, but Kerr thinks this could be the way forward.

With Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jonathan Kuminga leading the starting unit, Kerr went deep into the bench. Buddy Hield, Kevon Looney, Gary Payton II, and Moses Moody all saw significant minutes. Even Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski got their moments to shine.

Kerr’s bold approach to use everyone on the roster might cause some rotation headaches, but it's a luxury problem most coaches would love to have.

Stephen Curry Has a New Splash Brother

Once upon a time, the Curry-Thompson duo was untouchable, rewriting the record books for shooting. But time catches up with everyone. With Klay Thompson not quite regaining his former magic post-injury and eventually heading to Dallas, the Warriors made a bold move signing Buddy Hield.

Hield might not have Thompson’s defensive chops or versatility, but in terms of pure shooting? The gap is razor-thin. Hield’s career 40% shooting from deep matches the standard set by the Warriors’ old guard.

In fact, Hield has posted more top-tier 3-point seasons than Thompson. The fit seemed seamless on opening night, Hield came off the bench and erupted for 22 points in just 15 minutes, drilling 5-of-7 from beyond the arc in Golden State’s 139-104 win over the Trail Blazers.

While the Warriors may miss Thompson’s presence, it looks like Hield is more than ready to help Curry keep the Splash Brothers’ legacy alive.

The Clippers Open Intuit Dome With a Tough Loss

The Clippers finally said goodbye to the Staples Center era and opened their new palace, Intuit Dome, with a packed crowd, an electric vibe, and… a heartbreaking overtime loss.

The stage was set. But the night’s festivities couldn’t make up for the absence of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the former still battling knee inflammation and the latter now suiting up for Philadelphia.

James Harden and company did their best to hold down the fort, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. The Clippers fell 116-113 to the Phoenix Suns in a thrilling overtime battle. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal combined for 49 points, handing the Clippers their first loss at their new home.

Still, the vibe at Intuit Dome made it clear, this is a new era for the Clippers, and once they’re at full strength, they’ll be ready to make some noise.

Lonzo Ball’s Long-Awaited Return

After more than two years away from the game, Lonzo Ball finally suited up for a regular-season game with the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. But the return came without much fanfare, just the way he wanted it.

Ball had already experienced the emotional celebration during the preseason when his teammates surprised him with the game ball. But his five points, four assists, and two rebounds in 14 minutes during the Bulls' 123-111 loss to the Pelicans didn’t feel all that different to him.

While his stat line was modest, seeing Ball healthy is the biggest win for Chicago, especially after undergoing a cartilage transplant in his left knee in 2023. It’s been a long road back, but this return is about building rhythm and staying healthy for the full season.

Dejounte Murray’s Unfortunate Debut

It was a bittersweet night for Dejounte Murray and the New Orleans Pelicans. Murray shined in his first regular-season game since being traded from Atlanta, finishing with 14 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds in the Pelicans' 123-111 win over the Bulls.

But his debut was marred by a fractured left hand, which he appeared to aggravate late in the fourth quarter after drawing a foul from Zach LaVine on a 3-point attempt. Murray made two of his three free throws before leaving the game for good with just over a minute left.

Coach Willie Green already had doubts about Murray’s availability for the game, as the guard had returned late from a family emergency earlier in the week. Now, the Pelicans will need to prepare for an extended stretch without their new star.

Mystics Hit the Reset Button

Big changes are coming to the Washington Mystics. On Wednesday, the franchise announced it had "mutually agreed to part ways" with general manager Mike Thibault and head coach Eric Thibault.

Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger hinted at a desire to "carve a new path" in WNBA basketball, marking the beginning of a full-on reset for the team.

Sources say the team plans to focus on building through the draft rather than free agency. The Mystics hold a 10.4% chance at the No. 1 pick in next month’s 2025 draft lottery and have also secured the No. 6 pick via trade.

Washington joins the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Los Angeles Sparks, all currently without head coaches, in search of new leadership. Atlanta Dream, who made the playoffs, is also hunting for a new coach.

Ticker-Tape Parade for the Champs

New York City is in celebration mode, and it’s long overdue. After winning their first WNBA Championship, the New York Liberty will bask in the glory of a ticker-tape parade on Thursday, Oct. 24. It’s the first basketball championship for the city since 1973, so fans are ready to savor the moment.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Battery Place, winding through the famous Canyon of Heroes before concluding with a ceremony at City Hall. Though open to the public, tickets for the ceremony have already been claimed.

Later that evening, the Liberty will host a championship celebration at Barclays Center, scheduled for 7 p.m. The event is free but, unsurprisingly, the tickets have already sold out. It’s a good time to be a Liberty fan, or, frankly, any fan of New York basketball.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The Players Unlimited Team