NBA News

Keaton Wagler • SG • Clippers

Keaton Wagler Shines in First Preseason Start

Los Angeles Clippers guard Keaton Wagler recorded 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists in his first preseason start Wednesday, helping Los Angeles beat the Denver Nuggets 122-110. Starting alongside Darius Garland while Kris Dunn rested, the 19-year-old shot 4-for-9 from the field and 3-for-7 from three without committing a turnover in 28 minutes. Wagler struggled with his shot in the preseason, finishing at 30.3 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from three. Still, with Brandon Ingram (Achilles) and Bradley Beal (knee) sidelined to start the season, the rookie should have a chance to earn a regular spot in the rotation.

4 hours ago

Rui Hachimura • PF • Clippers

Rui Hachimura Leads Clippers with 16 Points in Preseason Finale

Los Angeles Clippers forward Rui Hachimura scored a team-high 16 points in Wednesday's 122-110 preseason win over the Denver Nuggets, adding five rebounds, two steals, and one assist in 24 minutes. He shot 5-for-12 from the field, 3-for-5 from three, and 3-for-3 at the line. Hachimura led Los Angeles in scoring in all three exhibitions, totaling 51 points. He averaged 11.5 points while shooting 44.3 percent from deep with the Lakers last season, but Brandon Ingram (Achilles) and Max Strus (foot) will miss the start of the year, leaving Hachimura with more scoring opportunities when the Clippers open Wednesday against Sacramento.

5 hours ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo • PF • Heat

Giannis Antetokounmpo Posts 20-15 Double-Double Against Brooklyn

Miami Heat forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded 20 points, 15 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and three blocks in 24 minutes during Wednesday's 144-128 preseason win over the Brooklyn Nets. He shot 8-for-10 from the field but went just 4-for-9 at the line. Antetokounmpo had grabbed only four rebounds in each of his first two preseason appearances, so the 15-board night was a welcome sight. His minutes have also climbed from 14 to 18 to 24 across those outings. The free throws remain the main fantasy concern, but his workload is trending in the right direction ahead of the Oct. 21 opener against Minnesota.

5 hours ago

Mikel Brown Jr. • PG • Nets

Mikel Brown Jr. Impresses in Limited Minutes Wednesday

Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. scored 15 points off the bench in Wednesday's 144-128 preseason loss to the Miami Heat, adding three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 18 minutes. The No. 6 overall pick shot 4-for-7 from the field, 2-for-5 from three and 5-for-5 at the line in his first action after missing three games with a left ankle injury. Egor Demin remained in the starting lineup, but Brown should have a chance to challenge for a larger role as his minutes restriction eases. His efficient debut was an encouraging start ahead of the Oct. 21 opener against Charlotte.

5 hours ago

Michael Porter Jr. • SF • Nets

Michael Porter Jr. Scores 27 Points in Preseason Finale

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. scored a game-high 27 points in Wednesday's 144-128 preseason loss to the Miami Heat, adding one rebound, one assist, and one steal in 27 minutes. He shot 9-for-17 from the field and 4-for-8 from three, closing the exhibition schedule with his best scoring night. Porter averaged 24.2 points and 7.1 rebounds over 52 games last season, and Julius Randle's arrival hasn't kept him off the floor. The one rebound was unusually quiet, but Porter's scoring role looks secure heading into the Oct. 21 opener against Charlotte.

5 hours ago

Kristaps Porzingis • C • Warriors

Kristaps Porzingis Back at Warriors Facility, Remains Out Indefinitely

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (undisclosed) returned to the team's practice facility Tuesday. He met with general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Rick Celebrini, the team's vice president of player health and performance. The Warriors later confirmed that Porzingis remains out indefinitely, with no timetable for returning to practice or game action. The 31-year-old averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 15 games with Golden State last season. Head coach Steve Kerr is leaning toward starting the season with Draymond Green at center, while Charles Bassey could get more frontcourt minutes during Porzingis' absence.

5 hours ago

Bradley Beal • SG • Clippers

Bradley Beal to Miss the Beginning of the Regular Season

Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Bradley Beal (knee) will not be ready for the start of the regular season, head coach Tyronn Lue said. Lue added, "He's been getting better. Rehab is going pretty well, so we'll see where he's at. We don't know the timetable, just making sure he feels good before he steps on the floor." Beal re-signed with the Clippers this offseason, signing a two-year, $13.2 million contract in August. The veteran shooting guard played just six games with the team last season, averaging 8.2 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 0.5 assists in 20 minutes per game. With him expected to be sidelined at the start of the season, look to guards Kris Dunn, Gradey Dick, and fifth-overall pick Keaton Wagler to fill in.

16 hours ago

Jalen Duren • C • Pistons

Jalen Duren Dominates in His Preseason Debut

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren scored 24 points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out one assist in 15 minutes during his first preseason action. After negotiating a new contract ahead of training camp, Duren made his preseason debut, and it didn't disappoint. He shot 89% from the field (8/9) and led the team in scoring in the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Duren signed a five-year, $200 million deal in early October and, despite not practicing with the team for most of training camp, looks ready for opening night against the Boston Celtics. Fantasy managers should expect Duren to be a top-end center option in the 2026-27 season as he looks to follow up his All-Star-caliber season in 2025-26.

16 hours ago

Brandin Podziemski • SG • Warriors

Brandin Podziemski Tallies 17 Points in Win Over Lakers

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski scored 17 points in Tuesday's 101-89 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers, adding five rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 26 minutes. He shot 6-for-12 from the field and 3-for-7 from three, though a 2-for-5 showing at the line kept the night from being cleaner. Fresh off a five-year, $110 million extension, Podziemski is averaging 13.5 points across four preseason appearances. Coach Steve Kerr is leaning toward starting the 23-year-old alongside Stephen Curry on Opening Night, giving Podziemski a good chance to build on last season's career-high 13.8 points per game.

Yesterday

Yaxel Lendeborg • PF • Warriors

Yaxel Lendeborg Shakes Off Ankle Scare in Las Vegas

Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg (ankle) recorded 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 101-89 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The No. 11 overall pick shot 5-for-11 from the field before turning his ankle in the third quarter after landing on Kevon Looney's foot. Lendeborg briefly returned before sitting out the fourth and said afterward that he expects to be fine. The rookie has scored at least 17 points in three straight appearances and is in line for an opening night starting role. His status for Friday's preseason finale against Portland is worth watching.

Yesterday

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves Pours in 28 Points Against Warriors

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves scored a game-high 28 points in Tuesday's 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors, adding four rebounds and seven assists in 25 minutes. With Luka Doncic resting, Reaves took on more of the ball-handling work and shot 10-for-18 from the field, 4-for-7 from three and 4-for-4 at the line. Seven turnovers were the lone blemish on an otherwise strong night. Reaves averaged 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season, and nights like this show how much more he can take on when Doncic is out.

Yesterday

Tyrese Haliburton • PG • Pacers

Tyrese Haliburton Scores 24 Points in Return to Oklahoma City

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton scored 24 points in just 18 minutes during Tuesday's 114-112 overtime preseason loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, adding five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. Haliburton shot 9-for-14 from the field and 4-for-6 from three, with all 24 points coming before halftime. It was his first game at Paycom Center since tearing his right Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals, and he showed little hesitation after sitting out Saturday with a minor ankle issue. Haliburton averaged 18.6 points and 9.2 assists in his last healthy season, and Tuesday's outing was an encouraging sign that his scoring and playmaking are coming back quickly.

Yesterday

James Wiseman • C • Knicks

James Wiseman Posts Double-Double in Preseason Start

New York Knicks center James Wiseman posted 18 points and 10 rebounds in 24 minutes during Tuesday's 148-98 preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors. With New York's regulars resting, Wiseman drew the start and shot 7-for-8 from the field and 4-for-4 at the line. The former No. 2 pick is on an Exhibit 9 deal and remains in the mix with Drew Eubanks and Tony Bradley for a roster spot. Tuesday's double-double certainly helped his case, but Andre Drummond is already in place behind Karl-Anthony Towns, leaving little room for Wiseman to make a fantasy impact if he sticks.

Yesterday

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Raptors

Kawhi Leonard Looks Sharp in Toronto Return

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Kawhi Leonard scored a game-high 21 points in Tuesday's 148-98 preseason win over the New York Knicks, adding five rebounds and two steals in 17 minutes. Leonard shot 6-for-12 from the field and 4-for-8 from three, with all of his work coming before halftime. New York rested its regular starters, but it was still an encouraging first game back after Leonard went without live action for much of the summer. He averaged 27.9 points and 1.9 steals across 65 games last season, and Toronto's planned workload management remains the biggest concern for his fantasy outlook.

Yesterday

Ziaire Williams • SF • Lakers

Ziaire Williams Ruled Out Again on Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams (foot) will miss Tuesday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, per Jovan Buha. Head coach JJ Redick said Williams remains day-to-day with a foot contusion. The 25-year-old hasn't played since starting the preseason opener, when he scored 13 points on 4-for-6 shooting and hit all three of his attempts from deep in 21 minutes. Williams is competing for one of Los Angeles' open starting spots, so Friday's finale against Denver could be important if he's cleared. Matisse Thybulle and Jake LaRavia remain in the mix for those wing minutes.

Yesterday

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Resting Tuesday Versus Golden State

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (rest) will sit out Tuesday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, with head coach JJ Redick confirming that the 27-year-old is simply getting the night off. Doncic has scored 44 points across two preseason appearances against Sacramento after averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds last season. With LeBron James now in Philadelphia, Doncic should remain at the center of everything Los Angeles does offensively. Friday's preseason finale against Denver could give him his first game action alongside Walker Kessler (finger) before the Oct. 21 opener.

Yesterday

Walker Kessler • C • Lakers

Walker Kessler Set to Make Preseason Debut Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (finger) will make his preseason debut Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, head coach JJ Redick confirmed, per The Athletic's Jovan Buha. The 25-year-old missed the first three exhibitions after jamming his left pinky on the backboard during training camp. Kessler also played only five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 2024-25, and the Lakers have missed that kind of rebounding and rim protection while he's been sidelined this preseason. If he gets through Tuesday without a setback, he should be on track to start the Oct. 21 opener against Golden State.

Yesterday

Dylan Cardwell • C • Kings

Dylan Cardwell Sidelined at Least Two Weeks

Sacramento Kings forward/center Dylan Cardwell (calf) will miss at least two weeks with a left calf strain, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The second-year big man developed soreness after the Oct. 8 preseason game against the Lakers, and imaging confirmed the injury. With Maxime Raynaud (knee) also sidelined, Sacramento will be short on center depth for its Oct. 21 opener against the Clippers. Cardwell averaged 5.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes across 44 games as a rookie. Domantas Sabonis should soak up most of the center minutes early, while Precious Achiuwa figures to see more time up front and could help on the boards in the short term.

Yesterday

Payton Pritchard • PG • Celtics

Payton Pritchard Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Celtics

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard has agreed to a two-year, $44.2 million contract extension with a mutual option for 2029-30, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The new deal begins in 2028-29 because Pritchard still has two years remaining on his current contract. The 2025 Sixth Man of the Year is coming off career highs of 17.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.2 assists across 79 games, including 50 starts. His Opening Night role remains unsettled after Boston brought him off the bench in its first near-full-strength preseason lineup. Still, Jaylen Brown's departure leaves more offense available, and Pritchard should remain heavily involved whether he starts or leads the second unit.

Yesterday

Mikel Brown Jr. • PG • Nets

Mikel Brown Jr. Expected to Make His Preseason Debut Wednesday

Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle) is expected to make his preseason debut Wednesday against the Miami Heat, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The No. 6 overall pick practiced fully over the weekend and went through 5-on-5 work before sitting out Monday's win over Washington. Brown averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 assists, and 2.2 threes across four Summer League appearances before rolling his left ankle ahead of training camp. Egor Demin has made good use of the extra time on the ball, so Brown may have to work his way back into a bigger role once he returns.

2 days ago

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