The NBA regular season is currently paused for the US election, giving us a chance to catch our breath and assess the early season landscape. ESPN has released its latest power rankings, with the Celtics claiming the top spot, followed by the Thunder and Cavaliers. Here’s a roundup of other key NBA news:
1. Spurs Suffer Double Blow: Coach Pop Out Indefinitely, Sochan Injured
The San Antonio Spurs, hoping for a resurgence with their young core, have been hit with a series of setbacks. Coach Gregg Popovich is out indefinitely due to an undisclosed health issue. Reports suggest the issue is serious, and there’s concern about his potential return. Adding to their woes, Jeremy Sochan has suffered a fractured thumb and is expected to be sidelined for two months following surgery. With their coach and a key player out, the Spurs face an uphill battle.
2. Embiid Suspended for Altercation with Media Member
Joel Embiid has been suspended for three games without pay for an altercation with a media member in the locker room after the 76ers’ game against the Grizzlies. NBA Executive Vice President Joe Dumars emphasized the importance of mutual respect between players and the media, stating that physical contact is unacceptable even if a player feels offended by a reporter’s work. Embiid will forfeit over $1 million in salary due to the suspension. He’s expected to make his season debut after the suspension, playing in the NBA Cup opener against the Knicks.
3. Anthony Davis Dominates, Leads MVP Race
The Los Angeles Lakers’ strong start is largely due to Anthony Davis’s MVP-caliber performance. He’s thriving in Darvin Ham’s system, averaging a league-leading 32.6 points per game, along with 11.6 rebounds and impressive efficiency. Advanced metrics like RAPTOR (32.31) also place him at the top of the league. If the Lakers maintain their winning ways, Davis is a strong contender for the MVP award.
4. Nuggets Hit with Injuries: Gordon and Murray Sidelined
The Denver Nuggets have suffered two significant injuries. Aaron Gordon is expected to miss several weeks with a right calf strain. This is a major blow to the Nuggets, as Gordon is a key contributor on both ends of the court. Adding to their challenges, Jamal Murray is out with a concussion. Despite Nikola Jokic’s consistently impressive triple-double performances, the Nuggets are off to a 4-3 start, highlighting the impact of these injuries.
