Group 1 - LeBron James will be sidelined for at least 3 to 4 weeks due to right-sided sciatica, missing the start of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, marking his first absence from a season opener after 22 consecutive appearances [2] - James had previously averaged 25.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in his last 22 season openers [2] - Lakers head coach J.J. Redick mentioned that James has not participated in full team practices and is following his own recovery timeline [2] Group 2 - The Lakers' first five opponents of the season include the Warriors (home), Timberwolves (home), Kings (away), Trail Blazers (home), and Timberwolves (away) [3] Group 3 - Steve Kerr is expected to step down as head coach of the USA Basketball team, with Erik Spoelstra likely to be appointed as his successor [5] - Kerr previously led the team to a fourth-place finish in the 2023 World Cup and a gold medal in the 2024 Olympics [5] - Spoelstra has a successful coaching history with the Miami Heat, winning three NBA championships and being recognized as one of the top 15 coaches in NBA history [5] Group 4 - Paul Pierce was arrested for DUI after being found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle on a highway [7] - Police noted signs of alcohol influence during their interaction with Pierce, leading to his arrest [7] Group 5 - Algeria secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after defeating Somalia 3-0, finishing the qualifiers with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, leading Group G by 7 points [9] - This marks Algeria's fifth appearance in World Cup history, having previously qualified in 1982, 1986, 2010, and 2014 [9] Group 6 - Austria achieved a remarkable 10-0 victory over San Marino in the European qualifiers, with Marko Arnautovic scoring four goals [12] - Austria is currently leading Group H with five consecutive wins, while San Marino remains at the bottom with six losses [12] Group 7 - RCD Espanyol officially completed the sale of a majority stake to Velocity Sports Partners for €130 million [14] - The sale marks a new chapter for the club after a lengthy due diligence process and collaboration with previous owner Chen Yansheng [14][15]