# NBA preseason games and roster evaluations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-preseason-games-and-roster-evaluations
> Updated: 2026-10-05T15:39:44.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The NBA preseason has commenced, featuring various roster evaluations and matchups. The Cleveland Cavaliers are preparing for their opener against the Boston Celtics, focusing on integrating new addition Peyton Watson into their core lineup.

In a matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Phoenix Suns, preseason tension arose when Detroit’s John Collins and Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks were involved in an altercation. Following a physical exchange, officials assessed Collins a flagrant-1 foul and Brooks a technical foul after video review. 

The Suns are also using these preseason games to evaluate their starting center position, rotating lineups between Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach while Mark Williams remains sidelined due to an offseason injury.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns face preseason tension and roster evaluations

A preseason matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Phoenix Suns featured a heated altercation between John Collins and Dillon Brooks, alongside continued competition for the Suns' starting center role.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/detroit-pistons-and-phoenix-suns-face-preseason-tension-and-roster-evaluations

### 2026-10-05: NBA preseason begins with Cavaliers and Pistons matchups

NBA preseason action commences as the Cleveland Cavaliers prepare for their opener against Boston and the Detroit Pistons face the Phoenix Suns.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-preseason-begins-with-cavaliers-and-pistons-matchups

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Cite as: NBA preseason games and roster evaluations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-preseason-games-and-roster-evaluations