NBA opening night yields mixed results, rookies shine, veterans stumble
Sports Illustrated reported that NBA teams posted mixed results in the opening games of the 2026-27 season across the United States, with rookies standing out while several established stars struggled, setting early storylines for the campaign. CBS Sports said Minnesota posted a 131-106 win over Miami, limiting the Heat's shooting and featuring debut performances by Walker Kessler, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard.
Yahoo Sports noted that Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 21 points for Miami, the Lakers defeated the Warriors, and Lillard returned to Portland. Bleacher Report added that the opening night produced notable performances and raised concerns about roster depth for some clubs.
Actors
Minnesota Timberwolves
Miami Heat
Anthony Edwards
LaMelo Ball
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bam Adebayo
Los Angeles Lakers
Walker Kessler
Golden State Warriors
Anthony Davis
Washington Wizards
Milwaukee Bucks
Tyrese Haliburton
Indiana Pacers
New Orleans Pelicans
Ivica Zubac
Damian Lillard
Portland Trail Blazers
Phoenix Suns
Orlando Magic
Atlanta Hawks
Paolo Banchero
Franz Wagner
Ty Jerome
Memphis Grizzlies
Utah Jazz
Caleb Wilson
Chicago Bulls
Toronto Raptors
Locations
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Miami, Florida, United States
Los Angeles, California, United States
San Francisco, California, United States
Washington, D.C., United States
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Portland, Oregon, United States
Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Orlando, Florida, United States
Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Memphis, Tennessee, United States
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
