González fuels Celtics comeback
The Boston Celtics rallied past the Philadelphia 76ers 125-120 in a preseason overtime on Oct. 16 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. González spearheaded the late charge as Boston overcame multiple lead changes; the game drew 19,746 fans. The result closed the teams’ preseason play in Philly.
Source: NBA.com
Herro stars in OT win
Tyler Herro carried the Milwaukee Bucks in their preseason finale, pouring in 25 points (10-16 FG, 5-7 3PT) with three rebounds and three assists in a 128-127 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 16. Milwaukee’s bench also shone — Brayden Burries and others provided spark off the bench.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Bulls dominate Timberwolves
The Chicago Bulls closed their preseason at the United Center with a convincing 114-96 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 16. Chicago’s balance and defense limited Minnesota to 96 points as the Bulls closed their tune-up on a winning note ahead of the regular season.
Source: NBA.com
Magic scorch Heat 136-115
The Orlando Magic overwhelmed the Miami Heat 136-115 in Orlando on Oct. 16, a preseason finale that improved the Magic’s mark while snapping Miami’s run. The teams met at the Kia Center; Orlando’s scoring outburst carried them to a comfortable margin in the final tune-up before the regular season.
Source: NBA.com (game recap)
Spurs end preseason with big win
The San Antonio Spurs closed the preseason with a 126-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 16. The Spurs’ balanced attack produced a dominant final score in their last tune-up; San Antonio finished the exhibition slate on a strong note before opening the regular season.
Source: NBA.com (game recap)
Pistons edge Raptors 129-125
The Detroit Pistons nipped the Toronto Raptors 129-125 in a high-scoring preseason game on Oct. 16 at Little Caesars Arena. Both teams traded leads in a close finish, but Detroit held on to take the win in the teams’ final tune-up before opening the regular season.
Source: NBA.com (game recap)
Holmgren out during preseason
Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren was ruled out of Thursday’s preseason action on Oct. 16 with a quadriceps issue, the team listing him as unavailable. Reports say he will miss the remainder of the preseason as the Thunder manage his recovery ahead of the regular season.
Source: ESPN (Player News)
NBA limits certain prop wagers
The NBA told partner sportsbooks on Oct. 16 that it would remove or limit several easily manipulable wager types, including prop-parlay unders on the same player, unders on players expected under 12 minutes, and many “first-of” bets (first basket, first 3, first block). The move aims to reduce integrity risk.
Source: NBC Sports