Ginebra is preparing for its PBA return while Tim Cone shuts down a trade rumor, and Jaylen Brown has given Philadelphia an impressive preseason start without three of its biggest names. Today’s edition also covers the PBA restart, Boston’s approach to player availability, an MPBL playoff result and the important games coming up this week.
1. Cone Dismisses Ginebra Trade Rumor Before PBA Return
Tim Cone has dismissed a circulating claim that Ginebra is preparing a trade with Terrafirma, telling Fastbreak that he has not heard of the proposed deal and that nothing is on the horizon. The rumor suggested Ginebra would send Norbert Torres, Sonny Estil and a future first round pick for Geo Chiu and Conrad Catapusan, but it should not be treated as an agreed transaction. Cone’s response comes as the Gin Kings prepare to resume their Governors’ Cup campaign with a record of two wins and four losses. Jordan Murphy is set to take over as import after Ginebra opened the conference with Riley Grigsby, making the team’s immediate adjustment on the court more concrete than the unconfirmed trade talk. Ginebra returns against Rain or Shine on Friday, then faces Magnolia on Sunday.
Source: fastbreak.com.ph
2. Brown Scores 22 as Sixers Win Without LeBron, Embiid and Maxey
Philadelphia opened its preseason with a 120 to 97 victory over the Knicks, with Jaylen Brown scoring 22 points in just 17 minutes while LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey sat out. Brown made eight of his 13 shots and three of five attempts from beyond the arc, providing an early look at his scoring role with the Sixers. VJ Edgecombe contributed 12 points, seven assists and four rebounds without a turnover, while Caleb Love added 15 points and six assists. Associated Press reporting described James and Embiid as healthy inactives, so their absence should not be presented as a newly announced injury. Philadelphia’s win came against the defending champions, but this was an exhibition with incomplete lineups. The bigger test will be how the new pieces fit once the regular starters share the floor.
Source: si.com | sportsnet.ca
3. PBA Restarts Wednesday with New Imports and Updated Officiating
The PBA Governors’ Cup resumes on October 7 after its extended pause for national team commitments, with NLEX facing Macau and TNT meeting Terrafirma at Ninoy Aquino Stadium. NLEX and San Miguel return tied atop Group A at seven wins and two losses, while Rain or Shine leads Group B at four wins and two losses. TNT is bringing in Nick Hornsby in place of Rahlir Hollis Jefferson, adding another adjustment to a restart that also features Ginebra’s new import. Fresh reporting says the resumption will introduce updated foul classifications aligned with FIBA, including flagrant and disruptive fouls and separate categories for technical fouls. Those changes make the restart worth following beyond the scores, particularly how officials explain calls and how players respond. The coming stretch includes San Miguel against TNT on Saturday and Ginebra against Magnolia on Sunday.
Source: phsportsnews.com | philstar.com
4. Mazzulla Says Playing All 82 Games Is Not Boston’s Standard
Joe Mazzulla says he does not expect every Celtic to play all 82 regular season games, explaining at Monday’s practice that the priority is getting the best from players across the entire year. His comments came during Boston’s training camp at The Citadel in Charleston, where the team is preparing for its preseason opener in Cleveland. Mazzulla emphasized competitive effort and doing everything possible to be available, rather than using a perfect attendance total as the sole measure of commitment. Mitchell Robinson also discussed taking his free throw preparation more seriously, while Hugo Gonzalez said the trip helps players adapt to different environments and life on the road. With 12 of Boston’s 16 November games away from home, the camp offers practical preparation for a demanding travel stretch. The first game will begin to show how that preparation carries into Boston’s rotations.
Source: si.com
5. Caloocan Takes First Game in MPBL Playoff Series
Caloocan defeated Ilagan Isabela 81 to 76 on Monday to take Game 1 of their MPBL North Division quarterfinal series at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. The Batang Kankaloo made their move in the third quarter and held on to secure the opening victory. This is a local result worth keeping on the radar because it directly changes a playoff series, rather than simply adding another regular season score to the roundup. Ilagan Isabela now needs a response in the next meeting, while Caloocan has the opportunity to build on its early advantage.
Source: philstar.com
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and times below are in Philippine time.
| Date | Matchup | Location | Quick Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 7, 2026, 10:00 AM | NBA: Lakers at Warriors | Chase Center, San Francisco, USA | Preseason meeting between two fan favorites. |
| October 7, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: TNT vs. Terrafirma | Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines | TNT returns with new import Nick Hornsby. |
| October 8, 2026, 10:00 AM | NBA: Warriors at Trail Blazers | Moda Center, Portland, USA | Another look at Golden State’s preseason rotation. |
| October 9, 2026, 7:00 AM | NBA: Celtics at Cavaliers | Rocket Arena, Cleveland, USA | Boston’s preseason opener. |
| October 9, 2026, 10:30 AM | NBA: Kings at Lakers | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, USA | Preseason opportunity to assess the Lakers’ lineup. |
| October 9, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: Ginebra vs. Rain or Shine | Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines | Jordan Murphy’s first scheduled game with Ginebra. |
| October 10, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: San Miguel vs. TNT | Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines | Important Group A meeting after the long break. |
| October 11, 2026, 7:30 PM | PBA: Ginebra vs. Magnolia | Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines | Manila Clasico rivalry and a quick test for Ginebra. |
Watch how Ginebra responds with its new import and how the NBA’s reshaped teams look as more regular starters enter the preseason. Can Jordan Murphy help the Gin Kings turn their conference around, or do they need a bigger change?
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