Celtics Stay Undefeated in Preseason; Nuggets Top Lakers on Stacked 12-Game NBA Preseason Slate
BOSTON, Mass. – The 2026 NBA preseason wrapped up its final round of action on October 17, with twelve games across the league showcasing final roster tweaks, rotation battles and star-caliber performances ahead of the 2026-27 regular season tipoff. Two overtime thrillers headlined the packed night, while several title contenders locked in their rhythm for the upcoming campaign.
The marquee overtime matchup took place in Philadelphia, where the Boston Celtics outlasted the 76ers 125-120 to keep their preseason record unblemished at 4-0. Joel Embiid led Philadelphia with 27 points, followed by Tyrese Maxey’s 22 and Buddy Hield’s 20. Boston leaned on its deep bench unit; Juanchón González scored a team-high 21 points, Ron Harper Jr. added 16 points, and Luka Garza chipped in 13 points in the overtime victory. The Celtics’ balanced system shined even without their full starting core, proving their depth remains a major strength as they chase another championship run.
Another overtime classic unfolded in Milwaukee, as the Bucks edged the Indiana Pacers 128-127. Both teams traded buckets down the stretch, with reserves getting extended minutes to fight for roster spots. The Bucks pulled out the tight win in extra time, polishing their late-game execution before regular-season play begins.
Down in Orlando, the Magic cruised past the Heat 136-115, firing on all cylinders on the offensive end. Orlando’s young core moved the ball freely and knocked down outside shots, overwhelming Miami’s defensive rotations. The Pistons held off the Raptors in a back-and-forth contest, taking a 129-125 victory. Detroit’s young guards created consistent scoring chances, while Toronto’s frontcourt battled hard but fell short in the closing minutes.
The Bulls earned a convincing 133-116 win over the Timberwolves in Chicago. Chicago’s offense exploded in the second and third quarters, building a comfortable lead that Minnesota could not overcome. In Sacramento, the Spurs beat the Kings 126-97. Victor Wembanyama anchored San Antonio’s effort with 14 points and 8 rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox put up 16 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for Sacramento.
Memphis defeated the Hornets 116-98 at home. The Grizzlies controlled the glass and forced turnovers to keep Charlotte at bay all night. A nail-biter in New Orleans saw the Pelicans narrowly beat the Wizards 107-106. Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 19 points off the bench, going 7-for-11 from the floor with three made threes. Jeremiah Fells added 14 points and 5 assists. For Washington, Anthony Davis posted a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds, and Keyon George also scored 14 in the heartbreaking one-point loss.
The Hawks rolled over the Mavericks 135-111. Atlanta’s hot three-point shooting blew the game open early, and Dallas struggled to find consistent scoring. Out west, the Jazz beat the Suns 119-116. Devin Booker scored 16 points with 6 assists for Phoenix, while Jalen Green dropped 18 points for the Suns. Utah’s bench delivered critical buckets late to seal the close win.
The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 128-118 in a high-scoring affair. Golden State’s sharpshooters connected from deep, and Portland fought back in the second half but could not erase the deficit. The night’s final featured the Nuggets visiting the Lakers, with Denver winning handily 121-106. Denver’s starters and reserves blended smoothly, outscoring Los Angeles in both the second and third quarters to secure the victory.
With preseason action now nearly complete, franchises will finalize their 15-man rosters and continue fine-tuning lineups before the regular season opens. Many coaches used these final exhibition games to evaluate fringe players, test alternative rotations and limit heavy minutes for their franchise stars to avoid injury.
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