Ginebra returns to action needing a quick turnaround, while Philadelphia is preparing its first preseason look at LeBron James alongside its other starters. Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton have also taken important steps back onto the court, even as another injury changes Utah’s preparations.
1. Ginebra Returns with Murphy and Little Room for Error
Barangay Ginebra resumes its Governors’ Cup campaign against Rain or Shine tonight at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with Jordan Murphy taking over the import role and the Gin Kings needing an immediate response to their difficult start. Ginebra has two wins and four losses, leaving only four elimination games to improve its position in Group B. Rain or Shine presents a demanding first assignment after winning four straight games following an opening pair of defeats, including a 110 to 99 victory over Ginebra in July. Tim Cone has expressed confidence in Murphy’s ability to contribute inside and outside, but the new import will have to establish chemistry quickly against an opponent already carrying momentum. Our earlier coverage of Ginebra’s import transition and Cone’s trade rumor response provides the background. Tonight’s test is more immediate: whether the Kings can turn that adjustment into a result before Sunday’s Manila Clasico against Magnolia.
2. Philadelphia Plans First Look at LeBron with Its Starting Group
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reports that Philadelphia plans to use LeBron James and its other starters against Brooklyn this morning. That is the significant development after yesterday’s uncertainty over whether the major names would appear together. Nick Nurse previously said he hoped to use most of the group if they came through practice healthy, making this an opportunity to assess how James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe share possessions. Philadelphia still has a separate problem behind its starters, with Ariel Hukporti out for the season and Dominick Barlow, Anfernee Simons and Adem Bona unavailable for this game. Jabari Walker’s 11 points and 11 rebounds in the opener offer one possible answer in the frontcourt. The preseason result will matter less than seeing workable combinations and getting through the game without another setback.
3. Lillard Returns as Portland Holds Off Golden State
Portland defeated Golden State 123 to 118 at Moda Center, with Damian Lillard scoring 15 points in 19 minutes in his return to a Trail Blazers uniform. Ja Morant contributed eight points and five assists in his Portland debut, while Deni Avdija led the home team with 23 points. Golden State rested Stephen Curry and other established players during its third preseason game in four nights, yet Miles Kelly kept the contest competitive with 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists, including six made three pointers. Unlike the Warriors victory over the Lakers covered in yesterday’s edition, this game gave a reduced rotation the larger assignment. Portland generated 25 transition points, while Robert Williams III supplied five blocks in 14 minutes. Lillard’s return and Morant’s first appearance were the central developments, although the narrow margin also gave Golden State’s younger players useful competitive minutes.
4. Haliburton Makes an Emotional Return at Iowa State
Tyrese Haliburton returned to game action as Indiana defeated Minnesota 123 to 112 at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, bringing his recovery from the Achilles injury suffered in the 2025 NBA Finals to a meaningful new stage. He finished with seven points and six assists in 16 minutes in the arena where he played college basketball. The numbers were modest, but completing an actual game after missing the entire following season matters more than producing a large preseason scoring total. Haliburton also bought out the Iowa State student section, giving the occasion a personal connection beyond the usual exhibition setting. Indiana now has the opportunity to rebuild its timing around its lead playmaker, with his workload and recovery between games still worth watching as opening night approaches.
5. Nurkić Injury Forces Utah to Rework Its Center Rotation
Utah has confirmed that Jusuf Nurkić will be reassessed in four weeks following a right toe injury. The diagnosis is a partial plantar plate tear in the second toe, sustained during the preseason opener against Denver. His absence leaves coach Will Hardy with a different problem from simply managing exhibition minutes, because the Jazz must prepare to begin the regular season without an established interior presence. Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba are possible alternatives, while Jaren Jackson Jr. offers another option in smaller combinations. Those are potential adjustments rather than a confirmed starting lineup. The next medical assessment will provide more clarity, and the four week checkpoint should not be mistaken for a guaranteed return date.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
All dates below are in Philippine time.
| Date | Matchup | Final Score | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 | NBA: Warriors at Trail Blazers | Trail Blazers 123, Warriors 118 | Deni Avdija: 23 points |
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and times below are in Philippine time.
| Date | Matchup | Location | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 9, 2026, 7:30 AM | NBA: 76ers at Nets | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, USA | Philadelphia plans to use its starters. |
| October 9, 2026, 10:30 AM | NBA: Kings at Lakers | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, USA | Lakers return home for another rotation test. |
| October 9, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine | Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines | Murphy faces a demanding first assignment. |
| October 9, 2026, 8:00 PM | NBA: Rockets vs. Mavericks | The Venetian Arena, Macao, China | First game of the Macao showcase. |
| October 10, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: TNT vs. San Miguel | Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines | Important contest in Group A. |
| October 11, 2026, 8:00 AM | NBA: 76ers at Celtics | TD Garden, Boston, USA | Brown’s return to Boston adds interest. |
| October 11, 2026, 8:30 AM | NBA: Kings at Warriors | Chase Center, San Francisco, USA | Another look at Golden State’s combinations. |
| October 11, 2026, 6:00 PM | NBA: Mavericks vs. Rockets | The Venetian Arena, Macao, China | Second meeting in the Macao series. |
| October 11, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: Ginebra vs. Magnolia | Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines | Manila Clasico carries added urgency. |
Watch how Ginebra responds to Murphy’s arrival and how Philadelphia’s new starting group shares the floor. Can Murphy help the Gin Kings recover quickly enough to change their Governors’ Cup outlook?
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