Overview
- Philadelphia fell 113-111 in Chicago after going scoreless for the final 6:26, with Nikola Vučević hitting the winning three with three seconds left.
- Jared McCain returned for the 76ers and logged 15 minutes with zero points on 0-for-4 shooting and two assists as Tyrese Maxey scored 39 and Joel Embiid finished 7-for-21; Paul George remained out with no clear return date.
- Toronto leaned heavily on Anthony Stolarz in October (8 starts in 11 games; 4-4-1, 3.13 GAA, .893 SV%), exposing goalie depth concerns while waiver claim Cayden Primeau struggled early (4.30 GAA, .838 SV% in 3 games).
- The Maple Leafs’ reliance on Stolarz drew scrutiny given his prior knee layoff after heavy early usage last season, and Joseph Woll is working toward an NHL return following a conditioning stint.
- Winnipeg opened 9-3-0 and a perfect 4-0-0 on the road, and captain Adam Lowry was cleared to make his season debut against the Kings as Connor Hellebuyck entered at 6-3-0 with a 2.34 GAA and .921 save percentage.