Completed Event: Men's Basketball versus Creighton (Exhibition) on October 18, 2026 , Loss , 80, to, 83
Iowa State University Athletics
Photo by: Iowa State Athletics
10.21.2026 | Men's Basketball
The 2026-27 NBA season tips off this week, with four former Cyclones making their season debut Wednesday night.
Tyrese Haliburton - #0, Indiana Pacers (0-0)
After a devastating Achilles tear in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, Tyrese Haliburton will play his first regular-season NBA game in 486 days when the Pacers take on the Pelicans Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Haliburton will look to return to his star-studded form, coming off 19-4-9 (points, rebounds, assists) splits in the 24-25 season, where he led the 4th-seeded Pacers to the NBA Finals.
Tyrese and the Pacers have a jam-packed first week, taking on the Mavericks, Nets, and Bucks after their opening-night bout with New Orleans.
This Week: @ NOP (10/21), vs. DAL (10/23), @ BKN (10/25), @ MIL (10/26)
Zero's back. https://t.co/U8WojqcvO5
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 21, 2026
Georges Niang - #32, Golden State Warriors (0-0)
Georges Niang finds himself in a new situation with Golden State after signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract in late August. Niang was forced to sit out last season after suffering a left foot injury during offseason training and conditioning just before the start of training camp.
Niang averaged an impressive 12.1 PPG on 41% from 3 for the Hawks in 2024-25 after being traded from the Cavaliers, setting himself up for big minutes in Golden State. With Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody coming off ACL tears to start the season, Niang should figure to slot into a veteran sharpshooter role alongside Al Horford.
This Week:@ LAL (10/21), vs. MEM (10/23), @ PHX (10/24), @ DEN (10/26)
Joshua Jefferson - #9, Brooklyn Nets (0-0)
Joshua Jefferson was drafted 28th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves and was acquired in a deal with the Brooklyn Nets on draft night. Jefferson was the second rookie off the board for the Nets, being paired with college freshman standout Mikel Brown Jr. (6th overall from Louisville).
Recently cleared from a back injury that kept him out of preseason play, Joshua will slot into a backup role to start the season, getting an opportunity to learn behind experienced NBA veterans like Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle.
This Week: vs. CHA (10/21), @ CLE (10/24), vs. IND (10/25), @ BOS (10/27)
Keshon Gilbert - #00, Atlanta Hawks (0-0)
Keshon Gilbert returns to the Hawks for the 2026-27 season on a two-way contract after a monster G League performance last year. Gilbert averaged 20-6-7 on 51% FG for the College Park Skyhawks (Atlanta Hawks G League affiliate) and put up an impressive 11 points and nine assists in 26 minutes in his lone appearance for the Hawks.
This Week: @ ORL (10/21), @ CHA (10/23), vs. HOU (10/24), @ HOU (10/26)
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's BasketballMonday, October 19
Sunday, October 18
Sunday, October 18
Monday, October 12
