- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The NBA's second night of the season brought an 11-game slate highlighted by several high-profile player debuts and roster shakeups.
Paul George scored 38 points in his first game with the Celtics, though the team fell to the Pistons. The 76ers defeated the defending champion Knicks on their ring night. The Thunder beat the Spurs in what marked the eighth installment of their ongoing series.
Giannis Antetokounmpo took the court for the Heat against the Timberwolves, who had acquired LaMelo Ball in a trade. Kawhi Leonard made his return to the Raptors, facing the Bulls. In his sophomore season, Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks against the Rockets, with Kyrie Irving back at point guard.
Jalen Green, now with the Suns, faced the Trail Blazers after averaging 22.9 points per game over his final 16 contests last season. The Magic met the Hawks as 2.5-point favorites, while the Wizards laid 4.5 points against the Bucks. Brandon Ingram sat out for the Raptors, and Jamir Watkins missed the Wizards' contest.
Source: ESPN - Wed Oct 21, 2:20 PM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).