Philadelphia has chosen Tacko Fall for its final two way contract, but signing center insurance does not make that insurance immediately available. Rain or Shine has also clinched a playoff place, while the Lakers and Nuggets leave preseason with different problems to solve.
1. Embiid’s backup plan adds Fall, who is also recovering
The 76ers have awarded Tacko Fall their final two way spot, according to PhillyVoice’s Adam Aaronson, reporting the team’s Saturday confirmation. The revealing detail is that Fall has been sidelined by a hip injury suffered early in camp. Ariel Hukporti’s torn Achilles and other frontcourt injuries explain why Philadelphia wanted additional depth behind Joel Embiid, but Fall’s signing is not evidence that he is ready to play.
Powcast’s analysis: the contract addresses an option for the season, not necessarily the next available backup shift. LeBron James’ new team still needs healthy bodies around its stars. Watch Fall’s return to action and Adem Bona’s availability before assuming the center rotation has been repaired.
2. Rain or Shine qualifies, leaving Ginebra in a tighter race
Rain or Shine survived Blackwater 125–123 in Antipolo on October 17 and secured its quarterfinal berth at 5–3. Aaron Fuller produced 24 points and 19 rebounds, but the closing sequence is the warning inside the celebration: a 124–115 lead with 1:16 remaining shrank to one point. Adrian Nocum split two free throws before Sedrick Barefield missed the final three, GMA reported.
For Ginebra fans, the table now matters more than the drama. Magnolia, Phoenix and Rain or Shine have qualified, while Ginebra sits at 3–5, Blackwater at 3–6 and Meralco has finished at 4–6. Powcast’s read: tonight’s Phoenix meeting carries genuine qualification pressure for Ginebra, but exact outcomes still depend on the remaining games and applicable tiebreakers.
3. Doncic’s Lakers need cleaner openings, not just more scoring
The Lakers closed preseason with a 121–106 home loss to Denver, committing six of their 14 turnovers in the first quarter. Silver Screen and Roll’s Karin Abcarians reported that Los Angeles shot 42.7 percent, yet converted Denver’s 14 turnovers into 27 points and received 45 points from its bench. That combination points toward an uneven performance rather than an offense with nothing working.
Luka Doncic did not play after halftime, with the report specifying that injury was not the reason. This was still preseason. Beyond our October 17 look at the Lakers’ roster decisions, Powcast’s analysis is that a cleaner opening stretch deserves attention regardless of who fills the final roster. One exhibition loss does not settle the team’s ceiling.
4. Strawther now has a reassessment timetable, not a return date
Denver has provided the information missing from our October 16 report on Julian Strawther’s injury uncertainty: the wing has a sprained left knee and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. The Associated Press, carried by NBA.com, reported the Nuggets’ Friday night announcement. That is a meaningful medical update, not a guarantee that he will play as soon as six weeks expire.
Strawther was projected to come off Denver’s bench. Powcast’s analysis: his absence forces the Nuggets to establish their early perimeter rotation without a player they expected to use, even after beating the Lakers. Watch which reserves receive consistent regular season minutes and responsibilities, rather than automatically awarding his role to the best performer from one preseason game.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
NBA
- Saturday, October 17, 2026: Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers, Boston won 125–120 in overtime. Embiid scored 27 points for Philadelphia.
- Saturday, October 17, 2026: Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors, Golden State won 128–118. Stephen Curry scored 20 points.
- Saturday, October 17, 2026: Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers, Denver won 121–106. Los Angeles committed six first quarter turnovers.
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and tipoff times are Philippine time.
NBA
- Thursday, October 22, 2026, 10:00 AM: Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, United States.
Why watch: Regular season possessions replace preseason experimentation for Curry’s and Doncic’s teams.
PBA
- Sunday, October 18, 2026, 7:30 PM: Barangay Ginebra vs. Phoenix
Location: Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines.
Why watch: Ginebra needs progress in the qualification race against an already qualified opponent. - Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 5:15 PM: San Miguel Beermen vs. NLEX Road Warriors
Location: Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines.
Why watch: The leading Group A teams meet with positioning at stake. - Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 7:30 PM: Rain or Shine vs. Magnolia
Location: Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines.
Why watch: Rain or Shine faces another qualified team after its shaky finish against Blackwater.