NBA PORTAL
Brandon Miller Won't Face Atlanta
Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller (glute) won't play in Friday's game against the Atlanta Hawks. He logged only 11 minutes in Wednesday's win over the Houston Rockets, finishing with six points. However, the 21-year-old sat out the second half of that contest and is now on the shelf with a gluteal strain. Miller will likely miss more games beyond Friday night. But until he's back, Cody Martin and Tre Mann could benefit. Of course, Miller's absence should also mean more offensive opportunities for LaMelo Ball.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/brandon-miller-wont-face-atlanta/1477943Jalen Williams Available On Thursday
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (ankle) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Thursday's season opener against the Denver Nuggets. Williams suffered a left ankle sprain during a preseason contest against Atlanta and missed practice last week because of it. Despite that, Williams appears to be ready to go and should be in the starting five for Thursday's game. The 23-year-old averaged 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 31 minutes per game last season. He figures to start at power forward and be a viable fantasy option in most formats.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jalen-williams-available-on-thursday/1476910Mark Williams Making Progress
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (foot) has resumed on-court activities. Unfortunately, he remains without a return date, with the Hornets planning to provide an update "when appropriate." The 2022 No. 15 overall pick appeared in only 19 games last season. Unfortunately, he strained a tendon in his foot nearly a month ago while working his way back and has been on the shelf since. With that in mind, Nick Richards, who averaged 10.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 51 starts during the 2023-24 campaign, is more than capable of holding things down underneath the rim until Williams can return.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/mark-williams-making-progress/1476126Alperen Sengun, Rockets Agree To A Massive Contract Extension
According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the Rockets and center Alperen Sengun agreed to a five-year, $185 million contract extension. There were questions if and when this would get done. However, it appears Houston made it a priority to extend Sengun on the same day the team also rewarded Jalen Green with a new deal. The 2021 No. 16 overall pick had easily the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals. He's not the most proficient shot-blocker, something for category managers to consider. Sengun also logged only 63 games last season, so he'll need to stay on the floor more often throughout the 2024-25 campaign. If the 22-year-old can stay healthy, he has All-Star potential.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/alperen-sengun-rockets-agree-to-a-massive-contract-extension/1475269Precious Achiuwa Out For 2-4 Weeks With Hamstring Strain
New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) will be out for at least the next two to four weeks as he deals with a strained left hamstring. According to Shams Charania, that's the timetable for when the team will re-evaluate him, so he has a chance to miss even more time than that. Since Mitchell Robinson (foot) is also out, the Knicks' frontcourt situation is going to be quite thin to start the season. Newly acquired Karl-Anthony Towns will start while Jericho Sims is the next big man on the depth chart. They could also opt to go with some small ball lineups featuring Josh Hart and OG Anunoby in the frontcourt.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/precious-achiuwa-out-for-2-4-weeks-with-hamstring-strain/1474886Max Strus Suffers Sprained Right Ankle
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (ankle) suffered a sprained right ankle on Thursday during a workout. The 28-year-old underwent an MRI, confirming the severity, and he'll be re-evaluated in six weeks. Unfortunately, Strus' return date remains a mystery. But even when he's cleared to return, it will take time for him to get back to full speed. Strus appeared in 70 games for Cleveland last season, starting all of them, and averaged 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. With an opening in the rotation, Isaac Okoro will likely take his spot. The 2020 No. 5 overall pick is mostly known for his defensive prowess, so fantasy managers likely won't get consistent production on the offensive end. Instead, Caris LeVert could significantly benefit from Strus' absence, even if he comes off the bench.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/max-strus-suffers-sprained-right-ankle/1473608Tyrese Maxey Won't Return On Friday
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (thumb) won't return to Friday's preseason contest against the Orlando Magic. The Sixers aren't going to take any chances here with the season opener being on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. Maxey suffered a right thumb contusion during the first quarter of Friday's game. It sounds like a day-to-day issue, so fantasy managers shouldn't panic. The expectation is that Maxey will rest for a few days and be ready to go for the season opener. In the meantime, Kyle Lowry should see increased playing time with Maxey sidelined.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/tyrese-maxey-wont-return-on-friday/1472759Devonte' Graham Waived By Blazers
Free agent guard Devonte' Graham was waived by the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday afternoon. The 29-year-old played for the San Antonio Spurs last season while appearing in a total of 23 games. He averaged 5.0 points, 2.1 assists, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.1 threes across 13.6 minutes per game. His role has diminished as his career rolled on, but there are still plenty of teams who could use a depth option that is able to hit threes. Graham was only fantasy-relevant over the past couple of years when injuries happened, so if he does find a new team, he'll have a tough time getting back on the fantasy radar.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/devonte-graham-waived-by-blazers/1472397Luka Doncic Returns To Full Practice
Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (calf) had his first full practice in two weeks on Wednesday. He has been rehabbing a left calf contusion that Doncic sustained in training camp. According to Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, Doncic did "really, really well" on Wednesday, but it's unlikely that Doncic will be on the court on Thursday when Dallas wraps up its preseason with a game against Milwaukee. The losing finalists from last season begin the 2024-25 campaign on Oct. 24 versus San Antonio, so there's still a good amount of time left for Doncic to work his way into game shape.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/luka-doncic-returns-to-full-practice/1471243Devin Booker "Ready To Go"
According to Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, guard Devin Booker (ankle) looked "great" in Tuesday's practice, adding he's "ready to go." The 27-year-old sat out the Suns' previous two contests because of right ankle soreness. However, the team was likely playing things safe. Booker is coming off a quality season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting 36.4% from behind the arc. While he's a capable performer, he hasn't played more than 68 games in any of his previous four seasons, which is something for fantasy managers to consider ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/devin-booker-ready-to-go/1470291Paul George Suffers Left Knee Hyperextension Monday Night
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George suffered a left knee hyperextension during Monday night's 104-89 preseason victory over the Atlanta Hawks. George suffered the injury early in the second quarter and did not return to the game after. The 34-year-old said he's "not too concerned" about the injury, potentially easing nerves for both Sixers fans and fantasy owners about the severity of the situation. No timeline has been released for George's potential recovery timeline and until then he should be considered day-to-day. However, given his lengthy injury history, fantasy owners should have a contingency plan in place should George be forced to miss any time. After signing a four-year $212 million contract this offseason, Philadelphia will likely do all it can to keep George healthy. Should he miss any time in the regular season Caleb Martin and KJ Martin are likely to pick up more playing time.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/paul-george-suffers-left-knee-hyperextension-monday-night/1469482Lonzo Ball, Bulls Targeting Wednesday For Official Return
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) has missed the last two and a half seasons due to multiple surgeries on his left knee, which rendered him unable to climb stairs, let alone play basketball for a while. According to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic, the team and Ball are targeting Wednesday's preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves as his first game back. His minutes will likely be monitored, and he'll be eased back into the rotation as the season goes on since this will be his first game since January of 2022.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/lonzo-ball-bulls-targeting-wednesday-for-official-return/1468963Jimmy Butler Plans To Play More This Season
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler intends "to play as many games as possible" this season. "I don't need to put a number on the amount of games that I play," said Butler after Saturday's practice. "I know the more games that I play, the more opportunities that my squad has of winning. I do know that." There's no question Butler is one of the most talented players in the National Basketball Association. However, he's struggled to stay healthy, logging 65 games or fewer each season since 2016-17, his last with the Bulls. It's important to note the veteran is looking for a new contract, which may give him plenty of incentive to stay on the floor this season. But if he can remain healthy, Butler is at least a top-25 fantasy option.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/jimmy-butler-plans-to-play-more-this-season/1467804Kevin Huerter Cleared For Full-Contact Work
Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Huerter (shoulder) was cleared for full-contact work. The 26-year-old had the best season of his career in 2022-23, his first in Sacramento, averaging 15.2 points and shooting 40.2% from deep. However, he averaged only 10.2 points in 2023-24 and sustained a season-ending shoulder injury, resulting in a procedure in April. Huerter still has a chance of overtaking Keon Ellis for the starting job at the two spot. Still, it will be tough for him to be a consistent fantasy producer, regardless of his role, considering the Kings have De'Aaron Fox, DeMar DeRozan, and Domantas Sabonis as the primary scoring options. At any rate, Huerter has a few more hurdles to clear, although he should be ready to play soon.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/kevin-huerter-cleared-for-full-contact-work/1467526Moses Browns Signing With Knicks
The New York Knicks have signed center Moses Brown to an Exhibit 10 deal on Wednesday. The 24-year-old has bounced around quite a bit since his rookie season with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2019. In fact, Brown has played with six different organizations since joining the league. Most recently, Brown played 22 games with the Blazers, averaging 3.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 0.3 assists in 9.1 minutes per game. The Knicks are fairly loaded in the front court with Karl-Anthony Towns, Mitchell Robinson, and Precious Achiuwa. It looks like Brown is going to compete for a bench spot, but is unlikely to have fantasy value.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/moses-browns-signing-with-knicks/1465249Malcolm Brogdon Undergoes Surgery
Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon (thumb) underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb. He will be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. The 31-year-old was traded to Washington during the offseason after averaging 15.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 41.2% shooting from deep with the Blazers in 2023-24. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 39 games. Without question, Brogdon is a force whenever he's on the floor. However, his injury woes over the years make him a risky fantasy option. That won't change until he proves he can stay healthy.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/malcolm-brogdon-undergoes-surgery/1464672Ja 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.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/ja-morant-suffers-minor-ankle-injury-in-preseason-win/1464040Brandon Ingram Won't Suit Up For First Preseason Game
New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram will not play in the team's first preseason game on Monday against the Orlando Magic. Head coach Willie Green confirmed that this decision is not injury related, it was actually a "collective decision" that he wouldn't play. At this point, it seems like it's more of a game to get a feel for some of the others on the team. There could be an underlying story here, but there haven't been any reports or rumors to suggest that right now. On unofficial depth charts, Ingram is still listed as a starting forward, but he's been the center of trade rumors for a couple of seasons now. His status will be something to monitor going into their second game on Friday.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/brandon-ingram-wont-suit-up-for-first-preseason-game/1463574LeBron James Plans To Suit Up On Sunday
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James plans to play in Sunday's exhibition versus the Suns. The veteran didn't suit up for the Lakers' preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, James will get on the floor for this one, although he'll likely see limited action. With that said, his presence could still mean fewer minutes for others, especially Dalton Knecht, who is coming off a 16-point performance on Friday.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/lebron-james-plans-to-suit-up-on-sunday/1462391Knicks Interested In Marcus Smart?
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart is reportedly on the New York Knicks' radar. It's unknown how serious New York is about acquiring the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. It's also not clear how the Knicks would orchestrate such a move, considering the financial ramifications. However, Smart has a lot to offer any club that has him on the roster. Besides his defensive prowess, Smart is known for his leadership in the locker room. The 30-year-old is also capable offensively, averaging 10.7 points over the years, including a career-high 14.5 points in 2023-24, his first season in Memphis. Unfortunately, Smart has had issues staying healthy, logging 61 games or fewer in six of his 10 seasons since entering the league in 2014. It's important to note that other teams were rumored to be interested in Smart in the last few months, but nothing came of it. With that in mind, Smart's offensive ceiling would presumably decrease in New York, especially since the team features Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, among others.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/knicks-interested-in-marcus-smart/1462185Trey Murphy III Likely To Miss Start Of Season
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) will likely miss the start of the season. The 24-year-old sustained a right hamstring strain in Wednesday's practice, and the team announced that Murphy III will be re-evaluated in three weeks. New Orleans starts its campaign on Oct. 23 against Chicago. Murphy III mostly came off the bench for the Pelicans last term but continued to play an integral part in the rotation, averaging 29.6 minutes per game. Jordan Hawkins and Matt Ryan could get extra action without Murphy III.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/trey-murphy-iii-likely-to-miss-start-of-season/1461339Julius Randle Confirmed As Starter On New Team
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle (shoulder) will remain a starter on his new team. Randle hasn't come off the bench since the 2018-19 campaign, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has now confirmed that the veteran will continue to start in Minnesota. Randle has been an All-Star in back-to-back campaigns, so it would have been quite a shock if he had landed on the bench with the Timberwolves, although Naz Reid offers a good alternative to Finch. Assuming he stays healthy, fantasy managers should get another productive campaign out of Randle. He averaged 24.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/julius-randle-confirmed-as-starter-on-new-team/1460113Keon Ellis Begins Training Camp As Starter
Sacramento Kings shooting guard Keon Ellis is working with the starting group to begin training camp. Kings head coach Mike Brown sees Ellis as a starter "for now." Sacramento has a spot open in the first unit due to Kevin Huerter's (shoulder) absence. Ellis' fantasy value will get a big boost if he sticks with the starters. The 24-year-old started 21 games last season, averaging 8.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.7 steals. Ellis is mainly known as a defensive specialist, but he can contribute across the board if given enough playing time.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/keon-ellis-begins-training-camp-as-starter/1459265Scottie Barnes Excused From Start Of Raptors Camp
According to Doug Smith of the Toronto Star, Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (personal) has an excused absence from at least the start of training camp to attend to some personal things. He is expected to be at camp later in the week. Toronto will rely heavily on the 23-year-old this season as he is the undisputed superstar of this team. Last year, Barnes compiled his best season yet with averages of 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.
https://www.rotoballer.com/player-news/scottie-barnes-excused-from-start-of-raptors-camp/1458944