
The NBA Preseason continued on Friday, October 9, featuring two games. The Houston Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 135-117, while the Memphis Grizzlies claimed a 104-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls, showcasing two of the top four picks from the 2026 NBA Draft. Friday's games highlighted notable performances from several high-profile rookies, including a late first-round pick and two second-round selections from this year's draft class. Although preseason results do not guarantee regular-season success, the performances are promising for young players adjusting to the league.
Read More
On Saturday, October 10, seven more games took place. The Atlanta Hawks triumphed over the Indiana Pacers, and the Toronto Raptors bested the Los Angeles Clippers. Additionally, the Detroit Pistons faced the Washington Wizards, the Minnesota Timberwolves played against the Miami Heat, and the Philadelphia 76ers met the Boston Celtics, while the Sacramento Kings went up against the Golden State Warriors, followed by the San Antonio Spurs challenging the Phoenix Suns.
Sunday will feature four more matchups, including a rematch between Dallas and Houston, along with games between Orlando and Cleveland, Charlotte and Milwaukee, and Chicago and Denver. The regular NBA season begins in 10 days, with three games set for October 20, starting with Boston against Detroit.
Here are the top five rookie performances from the seventh night of preseason action:
Cameron Boozer, Memphis Grizzlies: The No. 3 pick scored 10 points, recorded four rebounds and three assists, shooting 3-of-5 from the field and 4-of-4 from the free throw line in 12 minutes against Chicago.
Sergio de Larrea, Dallas Mavericks: The No. 25 pick contributed 11 points, six assists, two rebounds, and one steal, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-3 from three-point range in 24 minutes against Houston.
Tobi Lawal, Dallas Mavericks: The No. 48 pick tallied 13 points, one rebound, and two steals, shooting 5-of-6 from the field in 15 minutes off the bench.
Bruce Thornton, Houston Rockets: The No. 31 pick finished with 13 points, two assists, and one block, shooting 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-3 from beyond the arc in nine minutes against Dallas.
Caleb Wilson, Chicago Bulls: Wilson scored a game-high 21 points, contributing four rebounds and one steal, while shooting 7-of-17 from the field and 5-of-11 from three-point range.