NBA News
Zach Collins Unavailable Wednesday Against Orlando
According to ESPN's Michael C. Wright, San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins (shoulder) will not play in the team's preseason game against the Magic on Wednesday. Despite not suiting up in the preseason, the 26-year-old has been participating in 5-on-5 drills during training camp after having shoulder surgery in April. Last season, Collins averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 69 regular season contests. Saturday, he has another chance to make his preseason debut against Utah.
0 hour ago
Nick Smith Jr. Dealing With Groin Injury
Charlotte Hornets guard Nick Smith Jr. is battling a groin injury. He missed Sunday's preseason opener against the Knicks and will be re-evaluated in one week. This means Smith Jr. will have to sit out at least two more preseason games. Charlotte faces Miami on Tuesday and Memphis on Thursday. After going off the board as the 27th pick in the 2023 draft, Smith Jr. had his debut campaign in 2023-24. He averaged 5.9 points across 14.3 minutes in 51 outings. However, Smith Jr. was a 20-point scorer in the G League while averaging 5.5 assists, showing that he has the ability to make noise in the right circumstances.
8 hours ago
P.J. Washington Battling Hip Tightness
Dallas Mavericks power forward P.J. Washington did not play in Monday's preseason game versus Memphis due to left hip tightness. It doesn't sound like a serious issue for Washington, but this might not end up being the only game he sits out, as the Mavericks won't want to take any risks ahead of the regular season. The team is already dealing with several injuries. Washington proved to be a great mid-season pickup for the Mavericks last term and should enjoy another fine campaign in Dallas. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals after moving from Charlotte to Texas. There should also be room for improvement for the 26-year-old, as Washington's shooting numbers dipped a bit on his new team.
8 hours ago
Kevin Huerter Remains Limited To Non-Contact Activities
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Kevin Huerter (shoulder) remains limited to non-contact activities, according to head coach Mike Brown. A week ago, it was reported that Huerter had started ramping up his individual workouts, but it looks like he's still a bit away from being ready to play. However, with over two weeks to go until the Kings' season opener against Minnesota, Huerter has a good amount of time to get up to speed. Keon Ellis has been working with the starting unit in Huerter's absence during training camp. Ellis and the Kings get their first taste of preseason action on Wednesday versus Golden State.
8 hours ago
Emoni Bates Undergoes Knee Surgery
Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Emoni Bates has undergone knee surgery and will be re-evaluated in approximately one month. He had arthroscopic surgery on Monday for a torn meniscus in his right knee. Bates, the 49th pick of the 2023 draft, made 15 appearances during his rookie campaign in 2023-24, averaging 2.7 points in 8.9 minutes. He's not made an impact in the NBA but has posted good numbers with the Cleveland Charge in the G League. The 20-year-old notched 19.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the G League last season.
9 hours ago
Wendell Carter Jr. Signs Three-Year, $59 Million Extension
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) has agreed to a three-year, $59 million extension with the franchise. He's now locked up through the 2028-29 campaign, with the final year being a team option. Carter Jr. has spent three and a half seasons in Orlando, posting 13.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. However, he's struggled to stay on the court due to health issues, and Carter Jr. suffered a new setback on Monday when he was forced to exit a preseason game against New Orleans with an ankle injury. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said after the game that Carter Jr. is set to undergo imaging on his left ankle.
9 hours ago
Ja Morant Suffers Minor Ankle Injury In Preseason Win
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (ankle) was limited to 18 minutes in Monday's preseason matchup against Dallas, but he escaped serious injury. Morant exited the action multiple times due to an ankle issue. However, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins called it only a "minor little tweak." Morant himself said after the game he's "good," according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. This is great news, considering Morant's injury history. He was in fine form in Monday's game, producing 13 points with four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in a 121-116 win.
9 hours ago
Tyler Herro Dealing With A Groin Strain
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (groin) won't play in Tuesday's exhibition versus the Hornets. He's dealing with a strained groin, although he'll likely make an appearance during the preseason. Despite trade rumblings over the years, Herro remains on the roster. He averaged a career-high 20.8 points last season with 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The 24-year-old also shot 39.6% from deep, the second-best mark of his career. Unfortunately, Herro's defense is a liability, and his inability to stay healthy is an even bigger issue. However, if the 2019 No. 13 overall pick can at least stay healthy, he could exceed fantasy expectations this season. As far as Tuesday's contest is concerned, DFS managers could see more action from Pelle Larsson and Nassir Little, considering Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin) will also be sidelined for that one.
22 hours ago
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Battling A Groin Injury
Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin) won't suit up for Tuesday's preseason showdown with the Charlotte Hornets. The 23-year-old is battling a groin strain. While he should be ready to go to begin the regular season, there's a chance he'll be limited throughout the preseason. Jaquez had a stellar rookie campaign, averaging 11.9 points and 1.0 steals. Although he likely won't be in the starting lineup regularly in 2024-25, he should get his chances with the first five, considering Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro's injury woes over the years. Regardless of his role, Jaquez will get enough minutes to be relevant in any fantasy setup, and his commitment to improving his shot could positively impact his category production.
23 hours ago
Andrew Wiggins Practices On Monday
Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (illness) practiced on Monday. While he didn't log a full session, he's moving in the right direction. The veteran is coming off the worst season of his career, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 2023-24. With Klay Thompson now in Dallas, expectations are high for Wiggins, so there is bounce-back potential. At any rate, he won't suit up for Wednesday's preseason matchup with the Kings, meaning Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III could see more action. However, Wiggins should be ready to begin the 2024-25 campaign.
23 hours ago
Joel Embiid Out For Monday's Exhibition
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid won't suit up for Monday's preseason clash with the New Zealand Breakers. The Sixers want to keep Embiid healthy during the 2024-25 campaign, meaning the team will limit him whenever an opportunity presents itself. Paul George will also sit this one out to rest. However, it's safe to assume Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Andre Drummond could see the floor sparingly on Monday night. With that in mind, DFS managers should consider rostering Ricky Council IV, Guerschon Yabusele, Jeff Dowtin Jr., Jared McCain, and Adem Bona.
23 hours ago
Paul George Won't Face New Zealand
Philadelphia 76ers guard Paul George won't play in Monday's exhibition against New Zealand. Head coach Nick Nurse didn't specify why. But it's safe to assume the team will take it easy on the veteran to preserve his health for the regular season. While Nurse indicated everyone else would be available except Joel Embiid, guys like Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, and Kelly Oubre Jr. will likely see limited action. Instead, Jared McCain, Ricky Council IV, Guerschon Yabusele, and Adem Bona could spend extra time on the floor versus the Breakers.
23 hours ago
Terance Mann Set To Start On Tuesday
Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann will slot into the starting lineup for the team's second preseason game on Tuesday. Head coach Ty Lue said that he will be taking Kris Dunn's spot in the starting lineup and they'll see how he meshes with some of the starters. Kawhi Leonard (knee) hasn't been cleared for game action yet, so the other starters based on the previous game look like James Harden, Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac. Mann will probably receive plenty of opportunities this season whether it's as a starter or bench player, but the Clippers have some room to experiment with lineups.
Yesterday
Trendon Watford Out For At Least Two Weeks
Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (hamstring) had a strained hamstring confirmed on Monday at the same time that teammate Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) received confirmation for a more severe hamstring strain. Watford is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks compared to the six-week timeline that Sharpe received. The center and power forward spots are where the Nets are the thinnest, so Watford will likely receive added opportunities when he returns. For now, Noah Clowney and Ben Simmons will probably see some added minutes in the preseason along with Ziaire Williams.
Yesterday
Day'Ron Sharpe Out For At Least Six Weeks
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) was confirmed to have suffered a strained hamstring and the team will re-evaluate his progress in six weeks. In unofficial depth charts, Sharpe projected to be the backup center to Nicolas Claxton, but while Sharpe rehabs his hamstring, Noah Clowney is likely to receive more opportunities. The Nets are in the middle of a rebuild, and they lack a lot of depth at center. Sharpe would have seen an uptick in minutes this season, but his status is now in doubt for the beginning of the season. He appeared in 61 games for Brooklyn last season and averaged 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
Yesterday
Wendell Carter Jr. Suffers Sprained Ankle On Monday
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) suffered an apparent lower leg injury during the Monday afternoon preseason game against the Orlando Magic and was helped off to the locker room as he was in obvious pain. According to Brett Siegel, the big man suffered a sprained left ankle and will not return to the game. Carter showed a lot of frustration at the time of the injury as well. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old has had very bad luck with injuries throughout his six-year career. Some more information should come out about his injury when they're able to do some more tests. He finished Monday's game with four points, six rebounds, and one steal across 20 minutes.
Yesterday
Kawhi Leonard, Clippers Taking Knee Recovery "Day By Day"
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) underwent a procedure on his right knee in May after he was able to only play two games in their first-round series against the Dallas Mavericks. Leonard said that the knee is feeling "good" right now and "We're just taking it slow, day by day and just trying to get me back on the floor." The Clippers are understandably taking a cautious approach after trading away Paul George and putting the weight of the team on James Harden and Leonard's shoulders. His health has been the trickiest part of the situation ever since he joined the Clippers in 2019. This past season, Leonard played in 68 games, which is his highest mark since the 2016-17 season when he was still with the San Antonio Spurs. Every time he's on the floor, he proves why the Clippers wanted him in the first place, but his injury status is something to constantly monitor.
Yesterday
Jazz Asking For Two First-Round Picks For Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler is back in trade discussions as the young big man heads into the third season of his career. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, the Jazz are seeking at least two first-round picks in exchange for Kessler. With two first-rounders as a starting price, the trade discussions haven't seemed to get too far. The New York Knicks were one of the teams that had some serious interest until they made an "all-in" move when they traded for Karl-Anthony Towns. Outside of the Knicks, the phone lines have been pretty dry. On unofficial depth charts, Kessler is listed as the first center off of the bench, but the Jazz drafted Kyle Filipowski and added Drew Eubanks in the off-season.
Yesterday
Gary Trent Jr. Leaves Sunday With Elbow Injury
Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (elbow) left Sunday's preseason game with an elbow injury after 13 minutes of playing time. Trent looked to be in a lot of pain as he was escorted to the locker room, and the team confirmed that it was a hyperextension. A timetable for his return hasn't come out just yet as they're likely still running some tests and seeing how he feels, but a hyperextension could force a few weeks of missed time. Trent just joined the Bucks over the offseason to essentially replace Malik Beasley, so his status will be important when the beginning of the season rolls around.
Yesterday
RJ Barrett Suffers A Shoulder Injury On Sunday
Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (shoulder) was forced to exit the team's preseason contest against the Washington Wizards on Sunday with an apparent shoulder contusion and was held out for the rest of the game as a precaution. Barrett was hit by a defender fighting through a screen and immediately went to the locker room to get his shoulder checked out. There hasn't been any official word on what the injury is just yet, so it seems like it's being labeled a "contusion" at the moment. Barrett finished Sunday's game with 17 points, two rebounds, two assists, and three turnovers on 7-for-10 shooting and 3-for-4 from downtown.
Yesterday
