NBA Seeking To Tighten Controls On Injury Reporting, Prop Betting
In the aftermath of the FBI’s arrests of Heat guard Terry Rozier, Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones last week, the NBA informed its teams that the league has begun a process of reviewing policies regarding injury reporting, training and education of all personnel, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports (Twitter link). The memo also specifically addresses concerns regarding gambling, with the league exploring ways to enhance internal and external monitoring programs to identify suspicious betting activity.
Injury reporting has jumped into the spotlight in light of the allegations against Billups and Jones. While the most serious allegations against Billups regard his involvement in rigged poker games, Billups was also accused of providing inside information that could potentially be used by others for betting purposes. According to the indictment, an unnamed co-conspirator (Billups) told Eric Earnest, another of the defendants, that the Trail Blazers were going into tank mode ahead of a game on March 24, 2023 and that a certain player, purportedly star guard Damian Lillard, would sit out.
Along similar lines, Jones allegedly informed an unnamed co-conspirator prior to the Lakers‘ game vs. Milwaukee on February 9, 2023 that a specific Laker would miss the game and that the co-conspirator should bet on the Bucks. That player was later identified as LeBron James. James reportedly wasn’t aware that Jones was sharing information about his playing status.
NBA teams typically provide injury reports the day prior to a game but there is a gap in time during game days before the final injury report prior to tip-off is revealed.
The memo also specifically addressed Rozier’s situation. Rozier was accused of essentially taking himself out of a game due to injury so that prop bets on “unders” could be cashed.
The memo obtained by Charania (Twitter link) stated, “While the unusual betting on Terry Rozier’s ‘unders’ in the March 2023 game was detected in real time because the bets were placed legally, we believe there is more that can be done from a legal/regulatory perspective to protect the integrity of the NBA and our affiliated leagues. In particular, proposition bets on individual player performance involve heightened integrity concerns and require additional scrutiny.”
Prior to the FBI’s arrests, Rozier had been cleared by the league during its investigation and was in uniform for Miami’s opener, though he did not play. Commissioner Adam Silver stated last week the FBI had broader powers to conduct a more thorough investigation. Silver had also expressed growing concerns with regard to prop bets.
Charania shared the entire league memo on social media (Twitter link).
Atlantic Notes: Z. Williams, Thomas, Demin, Edgecombe, Gonzalez
Injuries continue to pile up for the Nets, who dropped their third straight game Sunday in San Antonio and saw Ziaire Williams leave with a lower back contusion, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. Williams landed hard on the court after a collision, and his status for tonight’s game in Houston is uncertain.
“Yeah, it definitely hurt. I would never leave the game if I could play,” Williams said. “It just got real tight. I couldn’t really move out there. So I’ve just got to go over it with the medical staff. They’re already going over a game plan for me. I’ve already iced and started my recovery now. So hopefully, with this early game and some recovery and I get back to hotel, hopefully, I’ll bounce back.”
Brooklyn was already without Haywood Highsmith, who is recovering from right knee surgery, along with rookies Drake Powell and Danny Wolf, who are day-to-day with sprained ankles. Cam Thomas is dealing with a nasal fracture, but he’s opting to play without a mask.
“Just gotta keep playing, keep pushing. If I’m good enough to play, I’ll be out there playing, so no worries. Just basketball,” Thomas said. “Yeah, I considered it, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t that bad. … If I wanted to wear a mask, I could. But at the end of the day, I’ll just take my chances.”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- Nets guard Egor Demin is showing promise early in his NBA career, but he understands that he has to drive into the lane more often to be fully effective, Lewis adds in a separate story. Demin is answering doubters about his outside shot, but he needs to break down defenses to create opportunities for teammates. “We have a lot of shooters, and for me getting to the paint is an opportunity to make their lives easier and create something good for them,” he said. “So that’s something I’m really having in focus. And I’m really planning to work on it even more and trying to adjust myself so I can be able to do that more.”
- Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe has already won over Joel Embiid, per Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer (subscription required). After scoring 34 points on opening night, Edgecombe has found multiple ways to help the team, posting 15 points, six rebounds, eight assists and three steals in Saturday’s win over Charlotte. “You’ve got to keep being aggressive, but also letting the game come to you,” Embiid said. “And that’s what he did tonight. Every night, I said it after the first game, every night — it might be Tyrese (Maxey). It might be me. It might be him. It might be someone else, but you’ve still got to play the right way. Some nights, you’re not going to score. How else are you going to contribute? He’s doing it defensively and sharing the ball.”
- Guarding Cade Cunningham was part of the assignment on Sunday as Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez made his first NBA start, notes Brian Robb of MassLive. Gonzalez got plenty of recognition from teammates after holding the Pistons star to three points on 1-of-5 shooting as his primary defender. “I like Hugo’s mentality. I like how he comes out; he’s ready to go,” Jaylen Brown said. “He knows his role. And he can play. So, we’re gonna need more of that. He’s gonna continue to learn as he gets better, as he grows, but that’s what we need.”
Northwest Notes: Randle, Edwards, Watson, Jazz
Julius Randle was comfortable taking over as the Timberwolves‘ primary scoring option after Anthony Edwards left Sunday’s game early due to tightness in his right hamstring, writes Chris Hine of The Star-Tribune (subscription required). Randle wound up with 31 points on 11-for-18 shooting and six assists as Minnesota held off Indiana in its home opener.
“We don’t have to overreact, just do what we’ve been doing,” Randle said. “Naturally, the ball is going to find me a little bit more. So, it doesn’t change my mentality as far as trying to play the right way and make the right play. If they’re guarding me straight up, try to score. If they get in the gaps, help or double team, trust my teammates.”
Coach Chris Finch didn’t have an update on Edwards’ condition following the game, and the Wolves face a quick turnaround with Denver coming to town tonight. The injury appeared to happen with 3:07 gone in the first quarter when Edwards was hit on a layup, per ESPN. Finch pulled him from the game, and he was ruled out a short time later.
“Having Ant is a luxury, but I think he’ll be all right. I think he’ll play tomorrow,” Naz Reid said. “We’ve seen him do that plenty of times before.”
There’s more from the Northwest Division:
- In an interview with Mark Medina of Essentially Sports, Randle talks about his decision to re-sign with the Timberwolves and his appreciation for Finch, who helped him adjust following a surprise trade from New York just before the start of last season. “The trust is always going to be there,” Randle said. “It’s also understanding too that, through adversity, how he showed up for me as well. That was important for me, knowing that he had my back. He was a big reason for me coming to Minnesota. He wanted me here. So that’s my guy, man. I’ll ride with Finch all day, for sure.”
- Peyton Watson would have preferred a rookie scale extension, but he’s looking forward to the opportunity he’ll have as a restricted free agent next summer, relays Bennett Durando of The Denver Post. Durando points out that after giving Christian Braun a five-year, $125MM extension, the Nuggets were limited to about $7MM per year for Watson without moving into future second apron territory. “From what I understand, it was just a financial business decision (for the Nuggets). Obviously, with the new CBA and the second apron, things of that nature, they wanted to stay out of that,” Watson said. “As a business, you’ve gotta operate (based on) what’s best for your business. And when it comes time for me to make my decision next summer, I’ve gotta operate as a business myself.”
- Sarah Todd of The Deseret News examines the advantage the Jazz have with multiple big men who are accomplished passers. Lauri Markkanen, Jusuf Nurkic, Kevin Love and Kyle Filipowski can all make plays for teammates, and Walker Kessler is working to reach that level.
Knicks Notes: Brown, Brunson, Hukporti, Hart, Anunoby
The Knicks didn’t shoot well Sunday night, but coach Mike Brown believes losing the “possession game” was the main reason for a 115-107 defeat at Miami, writes Steve Popper of Newsday. Since taking over the team, Brown has emphasized the importance of limiting transition points and opponents’ free throws. As his players adjust to the up-tempo style he wants to implement, Brown understands that defense will make the difference on most nights.
“On top of the 45 transition points, we gave up 31 free throws,” he said. We talked about both of those things at halftime and then we gave up 15 free throws just in the third quarter alone … That’s where the game was won or lost. Could we have played better offensively? Yes. But it’s going to be hard to win versus a good team on their home floor if you give up that many fast-break points or transition baskets and we send them to the line 31 times.”
New York also shot a miserable 15-of-54 from three-point range and had to rely on Jalen Brunson, who finished with 37 points, to carry the offense. The game was tied when Brunson checked out in the third quarter, but Miami was able to build a big lead during his time on the bench.
After the game, Brunson delivered the same messages as Brown.
“We were definitely a step slow in transition defense,” he said. “Just not being disciplined on their drives, fouling. Not a good night for us defensively. That shouldn’t happen this early. But at the same time, it is early and we have to understand we’re getting back in the flow of things, so we need to be ready to go when the ball is jumped up. Very correctable mistakes.”
There’s more on the Knicks:
- Brown continues to adjust his starting lineup based on the opponent, observes Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. On Sunday, he matched the Heat’s size by turning to Ariel Hukporti, who didn’t play Friday against Boston after starting the opener against Cleveland. Hukporti was only on the court for 10 minutes Sunday night and went scoreless.
- Josh Hart is wearing a splint on his surgically repaired right ring finger, but he says that’s not why he’s off to an 0-of-6 start from three-point range, per Kristian Winfield of The New York Daily News. Hart blames conditioning after missing nearly all of the preseason following a back injury early in the first game. “I think most of my shots have been short,” he said. “I’m just getting my legs under me, getting a rhythm. I think it’s more legs than the finger. The finger is what it is. But when I get my legs under me, a lot of those shorter shots won’t be short.”
- In a unique perspective, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic focused solely on OG Anunoby throughout Sunday’s game.
Lakers Notes: Reaves, Ayton, Doncic, Vincent
With Luka Doncic sidelined for about a week due to a finger sprain and a leg contusion and LeBron James still recovering from sciatica, Austin Reaves turned in a star performance in Sunday’s win over Sacramento, writes Dave McMenamin of ESPN. Reaves carried the scoring load with a career-high 51 points while adding 11 rebounds and nine assists.
“Especially on a night where you don’t have Luka, you don’t have Bron, you don’t have Jaxson (Hayes), you got to go out there and be big for the team,” Reaves said. “I wasn’t in my head thinking, ‘You got to go score 50.’ It was, ‘Do whatever you can do to help the team win.'”
Teammate Jarred Vanderbilt told Reaves on the team bus that the Lakers would need 50 points from him, and the fifth-year guard delivered, becoming the 12th player in franchise history to reach that mark. McMenamin points out that Reaves tallied 45 and 37 points in the two games he played without Doncic and James last season, so he has a history of producing big scoring nights as the number one option.
“I do think for this group it’s important to know that you can win a basketball game without those two guys,” coach JJ Redick said.
There’s more on the Lakers:
- Center Deandre Ayton had his best game since coming to L.A., posting 22 points and 15 rebounds in 36 minutes, McMenamin adds. The free agent addition has fit smoothly into the offense, averaging 15.7 PPG while shooting 62.9% from the field. “This team is, no matter who’s on the floor, we’re going to come out and play hard as hell,” Ayton said.
- Doncic and Reaves worked with Ayton in practice this week to develop better pick-and-roll chemistry, according to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register (subscription required). Ayton admits he’s a “confusing big” because he plays a variety of ways as a roll man.
- Veteran guard Gabe Vincent left the game after turning his ankle early in the second half. He wore a walking boot as he left the arena, but he told McMenamin that X-rays were negative.
Central Notes: Nembhard, Cunningham, Jones, Allen
The Pacers have been hit hard by injuries, but there’s at least one ray of hope on the horizon, reports Marc Stein of the Stein Line (subscriber link).
Andrew Nembhard left Thursday night’s game against the Thunder early after aggravating a preexisting shoulder injury. According to Stein, following an MRI, there’s optimism that Nembhard’s absence won’t be a long-term one.
Nembhard is expected to play a key role for the Pacers this season as one of the few healthy ball-handlers remaining on the roster. As Indiana has lost more and more players due to injury, it’s become harder for the team to keep itself organized, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.
In addition to Nembhard, Tyrese Haliburton, TJ McConnell, Taelon Peter, Kam Jones, and Bennedict Mathurin were all on the injury report for Indiana coming into Sunday’s game, and things only got worse after tip-off, as Obi Toppin left the game against the Timberwolves early with a hamstring injury, per Dopirak (Twitter link).
We have more from around the Central Division:
- Cade Cunningham had his coming-out party for the Pistons last season, earning All-NBA honors for the first time and placing seventh in MVP voting. That has led to renewed defensive focus from opposing teams, which Cunningham says he’s still trying to learn how to deal with, writes Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press (via Twitter). “I just don’t feel like I’ve handled it the way I want to,” Cunningham said. “I’m gonna keep watching the film and try to be better for my team. I feel like we had a lot of empty offensive possessions because I just didn’t handle the hots correctly.”
- Tre Jones has been labeled a “pure point guard” for much of his career. He’s showing how that can help a team during the start of the Bulls‘ season, writes Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “The game is going positionless a little bit, but trying to keep the point guard spot alive, especially with the height that I have,” Jones said. “I don’t think point guard will ever be out of the game completely. I think there will always be a spot for a point guard and that mentality. It’s something I’ve taken pride in my whole life. How could you not take pride in being called a pure point guard?” Head coach Billy Donovan compared Jones’ ascent in Chicago to Aaron Nesmith‘s jump as a player from his time with the Celtics to his Finals run with the Pacers last season. “One thing I figured out really quickly when I was playing, the most important stat for any NBA player is minutes played per game because these guys are all really, really good, and if they get an opportunity, generally they’re going to show what they can do,” Donovan said.
- Jarrett Allen‘s season debut against the Knicks left a sour taste in Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson‘s mouth, writes Chris Fedor for Cleveland.com (subscriber link). “That wasn’t the Jarrett Allen we all know,” Atkinson said. “That was more on us not seeking him out. But conversely, he can’t get four rebounds. I was really bummed about that. Can’t be like that.” Atkinson made sure to be clear that he wasn’t singling out Allen, saying, “This is a self-criticism too. We take him for granted. I have to be better about talking to him more and talking to our leaders more about him.” The message seemed to sink in: in Cleveland’s second game against the Nets, Allen had 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists; he followed that up with an eight-point, 11-rebound outing in Sunday’s 118-113 win over the Bucks.
Texas Notes: Popovich, Harper, Flagg, Mavs Fans
The Spurs have unveiled a banner in honor of former head coach Gregg Popovich, according to The Associated Press. The team honored the legendary coach ahead of its home opener against the Nets today.
The banner was not accompanied by a celebration or ceremony, in keeping with Popovich’s wishes and style. In understated fashion fitting for the team and person it’s honoring, the banner simply read: “Pop 1,390,” in reference to his 1390 wins, the most of any coach in NBA history, followed by “Hall of Fame,” as tribute to his 2023 induction.
“I think it’s very Pop-esque,” Mitch Johnson, who is currently in the midst of his first full season as the Spurs head coach, said of the unflashy ceremony.
Popovich took out an ad on page A12 of the San Antonio Express-News today to express his gratitude to the fanbase, relays Mike Finger of the Express-News (via Twitter).
“While I will miss being on the sidelines, I’m content knowing this transition came at a time when we were fortunate to have Mitch Johnson in place, ready to take over the program,” Popovich wrote. “All of us across the organization are excited to, once again, experience the good times together. Thank you for all the great years and here’s to many more.”
We have more from around the world of Texas hoops:
- The Spurs were on the cusp of blowing a 26-point lead to the Nets on Sunday — then Dylan Harper happened, writes Jeff McDonald of the Express-News. Harper finished his third game as a professional with 20 points and eight assists off the bench, and his teammates felt that he helped turn the tide. “He’s making all the right plays,” Spurs forward Keldon Johnson said. “When we had that little slump in the second half, he came in and bought that spark.” Mitch Johnson was thrilled with Harper’s performance on both ends of the court against Brooklyn. “I think his offense was really good and obviously his stat line will represent that,” the Spurs’ coach said. “But I thought his defense was better than his offense.”
- Cooper Flagg spoke about the Mavericks‘ 0-for-2 start to the season ahead of their Sunday night tip-off against the Raptors. “It came down to turnovers — just silly ones we shouldn’t have thrown,” Flagg said of the team’s 117-110 loss to the Wizards. “We’ve got to take care of the ball because that led to a lot of transition opportunities for them.” Flagg has been operating as the Mavs’ primary ball-handler through the first three games, and has had some positive moments while still working on learning the intricacies of running an offense, writes Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal. Flagg became the second player under 19 to have a game with at least 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists, Afseth notes, with the other being LeBron James.
- It took just two games for Mavericks fans to regain their frustration with team leadership, writes Marc Stein of the Stein Line (subscriber link). Stein writes that “Fire Nico” chants, referencing general manager Nico Harrison, were audible in both of the team’s two losses to start the season, the first one coming at the hands of Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, and the second against the Wizards. Harrison remains confident in his position with the team, which Stein notes is bolstered by the support of owner Patrick Dumont, partially because Dumont was the person who signed off on Harrison’s trade of Luka Doncic.
Bennedict Mathurin Out With Toe Sprain
Bennedict Mathurin will miss Sunday’s Pacers game in Minnesota with a right great toe sprain, reports Scott Agness of the Fieldhouse Files (Twitter link).
Dustin Dopirak of the Indy Star adds (via Twitter) that Mathurin is currently in a walking boot, and, according to head coach Rick Carlisle, will undergo imaging on his foot tomorrow in Dallas.
Now possessing a much larger role due to injuries to Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell, along with the departure of Myles Turner, Mathurin has averaged 31.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the Pacers’ first two games, posting .548/.500/.885 shooting splits.
Mathurin joins a growing Indiana injury list that also includes Andrew Nembhard, Johnny Furphy, Kam Jones, and Taelon Peter in addition to Haliburton and McConnell, writes Alessandro Maggi of Sportando.
Maggi notes that Carlisle has yet to give a timetable for Mathurin’s return.
Sixers Notes: Embiid, Barlow, Drummond, Edwards
Joel Embiid will miss the Sixers‘ game against the Magic on Monday due to left knee injury management, reports Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer (via Twitter). It has been reported that Embiid and the Sixers would be cautious with his health, so the move isn’t unexpected after he played in the first two contests of the season.
Embiid scored 20 points in 20 minutes in the Sixers’ most recent game against the Hornets, following a disappointing season debut against the Celtics. Taking advantage of Charlotte’s lack of big man depth, Embiid added four assists and two steals while scoring nine of the team’s first 18 points, writes Pompey.
Embiid, who is currently on a minutes restriction, is still trying to navigate how to be most effective in a more limited role, Pompey writes.
“Longer stints, you’ll actually be able to let the game come to you,” he said. “But then again, longer stints also mean you might be done by halftime. But I can’t sit for too long… being in shape is one thing, but being in basketball shape is another thing. You need to play, and you need to play a lot.”
We have more from the Sixers:
- Dominick Barlow will miss at least the next two games with a laceration to his right elbow that will require a procedure on Monday to address, reports Pompey (via Twitter). Pompey adds that Barlow will be reevaluated later in the week. Barlow was one of the standouts of the Sixers’ preseason, winning the starting power forward job in Paul George‘s absence despite being on a two-way contract. In his season debut against the Celtics, he scored 13 points and added eight rebounds and five assists. He played just under 16 minutes against the Hornets before leaving the game due to the injury.
- Andre Drummond was out of head coach Nick Nurse‘s rotation to open the season, but played arguably his best game as a Sixer against the Hornets, writes Tony Jones of The Athletic (subscriber link). Drummond brought down 13 rebounds in 15 minutes and was instrumental in turning the team’s momentum around, according to Jones. “I’m thrilled that he was able to play so well,” Nurse said. “And now, I’m kind of wondering why I didn’t use him earlier. I knew that I would eventually have to use him again, because Joel was down to just a few minutes in the second half. I was trying to find some spark, and he gave it.“
- Justin Edwards was hoping to build off a strong rookie season, but struggled to carve out a role for himself during Summer League or preseason, writes Kyle Neubeck for PHLY Sports (Twitter link). After scoring nine points in the second half against the Hornets, Edwards revealed that Drummond has been an important confidant, having helped keep him confident and ready for his opportunity. “For a guy like Justin who’s young… who is used to playing big minutes off the year he had last year, coming back now and being out of the rotation… I have him sit next to me every game,” Drummond said. “I said bro, don’t lose yourself in this. It’s a game of runs; it’s a game that changes often. Just stay ready, continue to work, and when your number is called, you’re going to be ready to go.“
Knicks Notes: Hart, McBride, Anunoby, Kolek
Josh Hart is no longer on a minutes restriction for the Knicks, reports James L. Edwards III of The Athletic (Twitter link). Hart missed a majority of the preseason with back spasms and is also dealing with a finger injury that he expects to manage all season, but he was able to make his 2025/26 debut on Friday’s win against the Celtics.
Hart only scored three points on 1-for-8 shooting, but he collected 14 rebounds and dished out three assists with zero turnovers in just under 19 minutes. One person particularly impressed with the performance was head coach Mike Brown, writes Madeline Kenney for the New York Post.
“Josh, man, monster, monster, monster.” Brown said. “Not only did he guard everybody, he had six offensive rebounds, eight defensive. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this before — 14 rebounds in 19 minutes — just a phenomenal, phenomenal game doing the dirty stuff by Josh.”
Hart called the outing a “solid first day here at the office” and noted that he’s still working on getting his conditioning back after missing much of the ramp-up to the season.
We have more on the Knicks:
- Miles McBride is not with the Knicks on Sunday as they head to Miami, reports Stefan Bondy of the New York Post (via Twitter). McBride will miss the matchup due to personal reasons, and it’s unclear if he’ll join the team for the rest of its three-game road trip. He started the previous game in the absence of Mitchell Robinson, who is still out due to load management, and scored 10 points with four assists and four rebounds.
- After leaving Friday’s game early, OG Anunoby says that he’s fine, and that he was dealing with cramping and not the ankle injury he fought through during preseason, writes Petter Botte of the New York Post. Botte notes that Anunoby went through practice on Friday, and SNY’s Ian Begley reports (via Twitter) that, according to Brown, Anunoby could’ve gone back into the game if he was needed.
- After Malcolm Brogdon‘s surprise retirement, second-year guard Tyler Kolek has stepped into a larger role and is making the most of it, Botte writes. It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, but Brown likes what he’s seeing from the young point guard. “He had a really good game defensively [Friday] night for the most part,” Brown said. “During the first stretch, he was really good offensively. In the second half, he wasn’t as good, but he’s a young guy, and, he’s gonna learn and grow from any minutes that he gets, and that’s what I like about him, because you know he’s young, he’s smart, but more importantly, he’s tough-minded, so he can take any type of coaching or any adversity that he goes through at any time and he’ll bounce back the right way.” Kolek points to his time on the bench with Cameron Payne last season as a key to growing his understanding of the game, as the two would analyze the play of Jalen Brunson and others together.