We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!
First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones preview the Northwest division (Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers, Jazz).
On the WNBA side, the guys recap the Dream’s Game 1 win over the Liberty, as well as the Valkyries’ win over the Aces, then talk through potential adjustments we may see in each Game 2.
If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com
01:22 — Oklahoma City Thunder
14:06 — Denver Nuggets
23:55 — Minnesota Timberwolves
34:58 — Portland Trail Blazers
42:29 — Utah Jazz
49:41 — Dream-Liberty
01:11:46 — Valkyries-Aces
Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poses for photos during the NBA basketball team’s media day Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings)
The purple colorway of the Adidas produced shoe dropped with a video – made by PrizePicks – of Anthony’s brother, Bubba Edwards, and his childhood best friend, Nick Maddox, “delivering” the new purple colorway to a crowd of people in Minnesota.
Edwards said in an email to USA TODAY that the purple 3s were “the hardest shoes we’ve put out yet.”
“I know people have been clamoring for the purple, so here they are,” Edwards said.
“‘Hey Ant Man, can you drop your purple shoes,’ said four kids in Minnesota,” Drake says in the ad.
The Edwards video closes with a graphic that says “no one likes a yes man.”
Edwards said that the Nike ad was a sign he is “doing something right.”
“He’s not the first to take a shot and he won’t be the last. I love it. I love talkin’ trash and I love the game,” Edwards said.
The Timberwolves and the Rockets are slated to play on Nov. 4. When asked if the ads will come up during the game, Edwards said that he would “probably be locked in on the game.”
“Now when we beat them, I’ll definitely have something to say,” he added.
Edwards, PrizePicks announce partnership
The video comes as a part of the reveal of a partnership between Edwards and PrizePicks with the former being the company’s first NBA brand ambassador.
“On the day Drake and KD called out Anthony, we immediately pitched a member of Ant’s team that it would be hilarious to kick off the partnership by delivering purple AE3s to fans in Minnesota,” Joey Molko, Senior Vice President of Partnerships at PrizePicks told USA TODAY in an email.
Edwards said that he chose to partner with PrizePicks because the company allows him to “connect with fans in a fun way.”
“I love that PrizePicks is an Atlanta-based company that moves with an energy that felt like a great fit,” the Atlanta native said. “I’ve seen the impact they’ve made in my home city, and they’re committed to helping me do even more in Atlanta and Minnesota.”
The partnership continues a trend of NBA stars partnering with gaming and prediction market companies.
LeBron James’ previous deal with DraftKings recently expired, but he since partnered with Polymarket. In February 2026, Giannis Antetokounmpo took a passive equity stake in Kalshi that is less than 1%, and he’s doing promotional work for the prediction market. Boardroom, a sports and entertainment media network co-founded by Kevin Durant, has partnered with FanDuel, with Durant frequently appearing in ads and even floating proposed parlay bets that fans and users can tail.
Ariel Hukporti has suffered a torn Achilles in Monday’s preseason game between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. An MRI confirmed the injury on Tuesday and he will undergo surgery immediately.
Hukporti signed a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Sixers over the offseason.
The Sixers are already without Adem Bona and Tacko Fall due to injuries.
Philadelphia will likely apply for a $1.7 million Disabled Player Exception. But the Sixers cannot currently sign a player as they’re $1.8 million below the first apron.
Raptors Sign Tyson Degenhart, Waive Andre Jackson Jr.
The Toronto Raptors signed forward Tyson Degenhart to an Exhibit 10 deal. The Raptors waived guard Andre Jackson Jr. in a corresponding move.
The Raptors signed the 23-year-old to an Exhibit 10 contract last month before waiving him shortly afterward.
Degenhart spent last season with Raptors 905 in the NBA G League. He averaged 8.5 points, 3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 21 minutes over 50 games. Degenhart shot 54.7% from the field and 38.9% from 3-point range.
The Spokane, Washington, native played four college seasons at Boise State from 2021 to 2025. He averaged 18.3 points and 6.1 rebounds as a senior with the Broncos.
Kevin O’Connor is joined by Ku Khahil to preview the Detroit Pistons now that Jalen Duren’s contract extension is finally official. What can Pistons fans expect from Duren this season and how will Detroit’s other offseason additions impact their lineups and team chemistry? Later the pair also reacts to Karl-Anthony Towns’ commentary that his deal with the New York Knicks is nowhere close to being done.
Kevin is then joined by Dan Titus to preview the 2026-27 Fantasy Basketball season. Dan shares several sleepers and potential breakout stars you’ll want to have on your roster. Speaking of Fantasy, KOC welcomes Justin Boone to the show to celebrate his Patriots beating Justin’s Bills in Week 4 of the NFL season.
(0:38) Ku Khahil talks Detroit Pistons
(28:38) KAT & Knicks ‘not close’ to extension
(34:59) Fantasy Basketball advice with Dan Titus
(1:04:50) Patriots vs. Bills recap with Justin Boone
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 24: Cade Cunningham #2 and Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons celebrate a 106-97 win over the LA Clippers at Little Caesars Arena on February 24, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The Utah Jazz signed forward Taylor Funk. Funk spent last season with the San Diego Clippers in the NBA G League. Funk appeared in 41 games in 2025-26, averaging 11.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 26.2 minutes.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound forward also posted six games of 20 or more points last season.
Funk brings two additional years of G League experience. He played for the Capital City Go-Go in 2024-25 after splitting the 2023-24 season between the Go-Go and the Maine Celtics.
Lamar Jackson injury: Ravens star sprains ankle vs. Titans
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Lamar Jackson is questionable to return after spraining his ankle against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4. Jackson was tripped up by a Titans defender during the third quarter and hurt his ankle on the play. He was replaced by Tyler Huntley at QB.
Baltimore was already up 24-7 at the time of the injury. Jackson is 15-of-20 for 222 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions through the air so far.
The Ravens are in full control against Tennessee, and probably won’t even need Jackson to finish off this win. The Titans entered the week as one of four winless teams throughout the NFL this season.
Lakers ace defender Matisse Thybulle learning from savants Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves
Lakers guard Matisse Thybulle says he has been tested on defense daily by dynamic scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. (Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)
“I mean, you have to work soooo hard. They’re soooo talented,” Thybulle said, laughing. “And it’s just … I think for me it’s great because getting to play against two of the best offensive players in the NBA every day just primes you for — I think it primes all of us, but me specifically — just primes you for what to expect. And I think it was a big thing when you’re growing up that practice should be harder than the games. And I think in the NBA it’s a little different because you just have to pace yourself for such a long season. But guarding Luka and AR, practice is definitely going to be harder than the games.”
During the first four days of Lakers training camp, Thybulle was frequently listed as one of the players who has been a menace on defense.
It was why the Lakers signed the 6-foot-5 free-agent wing to a one-year, $3.2-million contract.
Thybulle, along with Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero, has been praised for how disruptive he has been during workouts.
“I just think naturally it’s going to be a healthy competition and it gets you better. It’s going to make Austin better when Ziaire is picking them up full court every possession and Matisse is in the passing lane trying to blow things up,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I think [Thybulle and Williams] — [and] Adou with his physicality — those guys are getting better from practicing that way. It goes both ways.”
Thybulle made a name for himself on the defensive end of the floor. He is a two-time NBA all-defensive second team selection, both times with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021 and 2022.
Still, Thybulle said he’s picking up new skills.
“I think, like the best offensive players in the league — Luka being probably one of the best — change pace so well,” Thybulle said. “And I think as I’m growing in this league, growing as a defender, learning when to change pace and go for steals versus sitting back and being solid and make it more of a cat-and-mouse game as opposed to trying to be in every passing lane every single time.”
On offense, Thybulle will try to mold his game around Doncic and Reaves.
Thybulle will be asked to knock down corner threes and fill the lane on the fast break.
Over the course of his seven-year career, he has made 34.9% of his three-pointers.
“I think luckily for me, I started my career in an offense that was similar to that, and just understanding you never know when it’s going to come, but just to be ready,” Thybulle said. “And just for me personally, at this point, having the confidence in my shot to know that when it comes, I’m ready for it, as opposed to just hoping for the best. I think it goes a long way as well.”
Health has been an issue for Thybulle during the past two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
He played in just 30 games last season while recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and in just 15 games during the 2024-25 season because of right knee and right ankle injuries.
But he’s healthy now and ready for a breakout season.
He’s one of nine new players on the roster and he’s one of the Lakers that will compete for a starting role.
“I leave those decisions up to the coaches,” Thybulle said. “Yeah, so for me, if my teammates are happy with how I’m playing and the coaches are happy with how I’m playing, that’s a good sign to me that I’m doing a good job. But if that means I’m coming off the bench or that means I’m starting, I trust that the coaches know how to use me best to create the most impact, and we’ll go with that.”
Two starting spots up for grabs
When the Lakers play their first exhibition game Monday night in Sacramento, the big story line will be the starting five.
Redick has said Doncic, Reaves and Walker Kessler will for sure start and that the other two spots will be decided by an open competition.
Redick was asked who would be available in Sacramento.
“Obviously, [we’re] still working through stuff,” he said.
Keon Coleman’s preposterous catch offers a glimpse of what he could mean for Bills
Perhaps few players entered the 2026 NFL season under a bigger microscope than Buffalo Bills WR Keon Coleman.
After two underwhelming seasons with the Bills, after Buffalo selected him with the 33rd overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, owner Terry Pegula put enormous pressure on the wide receiver at a press conference announcing the firing of head coach Sean McDermott. Speaking about the roster construction, Pegula addressed the wide receiver specifically:
“Can I interrupt? I’ll address the Keon situation,” Pegula said. “The coaching staff pushed to draft Keon. I’m not saying Brandon wouldn’t have drafted him, but he wasn’t his next choice. That was Brandon being a team player and taking advice of this coaching staff who felt strongly about the player. He’s taken, for some reason, heat over it and not saying a word about it, but I’m here to tell you the true story.”
With those words, under the bus — and microscope — went Coleman.
Coleman’s production through the first three weeks of the 2026 NFL has been mixed at best. He caught six passes in Buffalo’s Week 2 win over the Detroit Lions, but was held to just a single reception in a Week 1 win over the Houston Texans, and another single reception in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers.
But two receptions against the New England Patriots illustrated just what he could offer Buffalo and quarterback Josh Allen.
Take this first catch, as he makes a tough adjustment on a corner route to secure the reception:
Keon Coleman went up to get that one@NEvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+Stream on @NFLPlus
Somehow Coleman pulls in this throw from Allen, moving the chains on a critical 3rd-and-6 situation early in the fourth quarter of a tight contest against the Patriots. Here is another look at the circus catch from the Bills wide receiver:
The Trail Blazers acquired a player who once looked like a future face of the NBA for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray. That’s how far Ja Morant’s value has fallen. Morant once electrified the NBA with his explosive handle, acrobatic finishes and complete disregard for anyone standing between him and the rim. But with injuries, off-court troubles and diminishing on-court performance, it becomes harder to justify paying him more than $40 million in each of the next two seasons.
But for just Grant and Murray, I understand why the Blazers took the chance. Deni Avdija needs a co-star. Scoot Henderson hasn’t shown enough consistency to become one. Damian Lillard is returning from a torn Achilles. Shaedon Sharpe is recovering from knee surgery. Taking the next step could require a gamble on talent Portland wouldn’t otherwise have a realistic chance to acquire. And maybe, just maybe, Morant could be that piece.
(Dillon Minshall/Yahoo Sports Illustration)
Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Basketball league for the 2026-27 NBA season
In his first 12 games last season, Morant was as bad as he’s ever been. He scored 22.4 points per 36 minutes on 47.7% true shooting and struggled to get to the basket. All that was missing was the James Harden fat suit, because Morant clearly didn’t want to be in Memphis anymore. But after returning from a calf strain in December, he posted 28.5 points per 36 on 58.7% true shooting over his final eight appearances. His efficiency and shot distribution resembled his two All-Star seasons, when he produced 29.6 points per 36 on 56.6% true shooting.
Ja began to look more like Ja. In the clips above from his 40-point game against the Sixers, he displayed burst off the dribble and finished acrobatically with either hand. His ability to get into the paint was returning, and so were the opportunities it created for everyone else.
In the next three games, he logged 36 assists: 11 against the Lakers, 13 against the Magic and 12 against the Hawks. He manipulated defenders with his handle, drew help and found the open man. In transition, he pushed the ball ahead before defenses could get organized.
For a brief moment before a sprained ligament in his left elbow and a Grizzlies tank job ended his season, Morant finally began to look like himself again. Of course, it was only eight games. But at 27, imagine what a healthy Morant could do for Avdija, who averaged 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists last season.
At 6-foot-8, Deni’s combination of size, downhill scoring and passing turned him into an offensive centerpiece. And at only 25, he may be only just tapping into his ceiling. Having another player capable of getting downhill could spare him from having to beat a set defense so often.
But can these Blazers blend?
Even at his peak, Ja had a shaky jumper and defensive limitations. Portland can help mitigate those flaws with Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara there to take the tougher defensive assignments. The both of them also offer spot-up shooting, screening and connective passing on offense. But the core pieces need to offer enough of those role-player qualities too.
Morant has made 33% of his career catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, compared with Avdija’s 34.5%. Spacing could become an issue for this team if Camara can’t sustain his improvement from last year and if Donovan Clingan can’t successfully become a spot-up threat.
Is Dame supposed to play off-ball most of the time now just to offer some spacing? Maybe early on. But he averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 assists in his last season in Milwaukee and was named an All-Star. At age 36 coming off a torn Achilles, there’s no telling how much he has left. But Blazers fans know more than anyone how foolish it’d be to ever count out Dame.
Last season, Portland ranked 22nd in isolation scoring efficiency and 28th in pick-and-roll scoring efficiency, per Synergy Sports. Lillard could help solve those problems with his pull-up jump shooting. So could Ja. And their shared presence alleviates the pressure on each other to be themselves right away. Especially for Dame. At age 36, in his first year back from a torn Achilles, it might be beneficial for him to take on a lighter workload. And there will still be plenty of moments that everyone in the building knows the ball should be in Dame’s hands.
It’s been a weird year in Portland. But looking purely at the basketball situation, the Blazers hired one of the league’s most-respected assistants in Micah Nori and have an impressive blend of proven veterans and young players. Maybe Scoot takes a leap in a sixth-man role. Maybe Clingan becomes the rare center who can both put a lid on the rim and shoot 3s on the other end. Maybe Deni goes from All-Star to All-NBA. Maybe Dame looks like Dame once again. And maybe Ja still has a few prime seasons left in him. Or maybe Morant shoots Portland in the foot.
