Scottie Thompson has put Ginebra within one win of the quarterfinals, but Tim Cone still wants something the scoreboard cannot guarantee: consistency. In the NBA, fresh injury developments are changing opening week plans before the season begins.
1. Thompson delivers, but Cone’s concern survives the blowout
Ginebra beat Phoenix 106–89 on Sunday in Antipolo, moving to 4–5 and fourth in Group B. Thompson supplied 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, while Jordan Murphy added 28 points and 13 rebounds. A win against Blackwater on Friday secures qualification. Unlike our October 17 coverage of Phoenix clinching its berth, this result moves Ginebra closer without completing the job.
The revealing detail came from Cone, who told Spin.ph he remained concerned about consistency after the previous loss to Magnolia. Thompson and Murphy combined for 21 first quarter points, and Ginebra led 65–45 at halftime. Powcast’s analysis: the encouraging sign was establishing control early, not merely winning big. Reproducing that start against Blackwater is the next test, rather than treating one comfortable night as proof the problems are solved.
2. Curry leaves scrimmage, with the diagnosis still unknown
Stephen Curry limped out of Golden State’s Sunday open scrimmage after appearing to slip and hurt his right leg, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Luca Evans reported. He went to the locker room and did not return during the scrimmage. The report supplied no diagnosis or recovery timetable.
That distinction matters before the Lakers opener: an alarming exit is not a confirmed lengthy absence. Golden State had already managed Curry’s preseason workload carefully. The next meaningful information is a medical update and his availability, not speculation about the injury’s severity.
3. Simmons’ Achilles tear creates a Kings decision beyond the rotation
Ben Simmons suffered a torn Achilles in Sunday practice and will undergo surgery, Sportsnet reported, citing the Kings’ announcement. That advances the story beyond the initial suspected diagnosis. Simmons had been expected to start after an encouraging camp, so Sacramento has lost more than a player competing for its final spot.
RealGM reports that his non-guaranteed minimum contract becomes guaranteed for $1 million on opening night. It also lists an open standard roster spot. Those details create options, not evidence that Sacramento has decided to waive him or sign a replacement. Powcast’s reading: watch the actual roster response alongside the medical updates, because a planned starter’s injury changes both available minutes and personnel needs.
4. Jones’ practice return gives Denver a different wing outlook
Spencer Jones is back in full practice after missing the preseason with a hamstring injury and says he is on track for Denver’s opener at Oklahoma City, according to Bennett Durando’s reporting summarized by RealGM on Sunday. Jones started 37 of his 64 appearances last season. That makes his return relevant to the regular rotation, not simply the end of the bench.
It also changes the context of our October 18 report on Julian Strawther’s knee setback. Strawther faces reassessment in six weeks, not a guaranteed return then. Powcast’s analysis: Jones offers another established wing option during that absence, although being on track to play does not establish unrestricted minutes.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
PBA
- Sunday, October 18, 2026: Barangay Ginebra 106, Phoenix 89. Thompson’s 29 points, 10 rebounds and six assists helped Ginebra take fourth place in Group B.
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: Golden State’s opening rotation now depends in part on Curry’s medical update; his appearance is not assured.
PBA
- 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 final positioning still relevant. - Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 7:30 PM: Rain or Shine vs. Magnolia
Location: Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines.
Why watch: Both have qualified, making this a positioning test rather than a survival game. - Friday, October 23, 2026, 7:30 PM: Barangay Ginebra vs. Blackwater
Location: Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines.
Why watch: A Ginebra win settles its quarterfinal qualification without relying on tiebreak calculations.