The 2026-27 NBA season just reached November and there are already countless storylines to discuss. This is the time of year when the schedule truly begins to ramp up after what sometimes feels like an extended preseason in October.
Last week provided several notable stories, while the week ahead has plenty of intrigue in store.
First, a look at two of the top stories from last week.
Ja Morant, Chet Holmgren latest to join concerning injury trend
Stars seem to be getting injured left and right to begin this new season. Two of the latest to go down are Ja Morant and Chet Holmgren, respectively.
Morant has injected energy into the Portland Trail Blazers and was in the midst of a revenge game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday when he was forced to leave with what ended up being a Grade 2 hamstring strain. He is expected to be out for at least a month.
Holmgren’s timetable to return is 8-10 weeks due to a tear in his knee. This comes after the Oklahoma City Thunder lost both Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace.
Anthony Edwards is having knee surgery that will keep him out for up to two months. Tyrese Haliburton is out with a hamstring strain. Kawhi Leonard has already been sidelined with an injury in his return to Toronto.
The list keeps going on and on, raising concerns about why this is happening in today’s NBA.
Grizzlies remain undefeated at 6-0
The Memphis Grizzlies are the NBA’s lone remaining unbeaten team with a perfect 6-0 start. Veteran guard Ty Jerome leads the way with 25.8 points per game, while No. 2 overall pick Cameron Boozer is already averaging a double-double.
Those looking at the schedule will note the Grizzlies have already beaten the Utah Jazz twice. Memphis has also taken down the winless Sacramento Kings twice so far this season.
Teams can only play the schedule given to them and Memphis will look to improve to 7-0 Monday night at home against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Next up is a look at two storylines already turning heads as a new week gets underway.
LeBron James returns to Cleveland…again
James once again spurned the city of Cleveland this past summer when he decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
That decision appears to be a smart one as the loaded 76ers are off to a 6-1 start.
Friday night’s NBA slate features NBA Cup showdowns, including the 76ers heading on the road to take on the Cavaliers. James will, once again, return home after making a decision to sign elsewhere.
He will likely hear some boos, but the deep-rooted acrimony has fizzled out a ton since he led the Cavs to a championship back in 2016.
Miami Heat facing difficult road trip amid 2-4 start
Miami was full of good vibes when the season began thanks to the arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo. That is why the 0-4 start to the season was such a shock.
The team has bounced back with consecutive wins, but a true test begins Monday. The team is on a five-game West Coast road trip with three games in four days to start.
The Heat will take on the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, followed by a trip across town to take on the Clippers on Wednesday. The team then heads north to face the Golden State Warriors on Thursday.
Returning home with something like a 3-8 record could doom the team’s grand plans, as rumors have already circulated about potential trades.
