NBA Player News

The Knicks have 17 players currently, which is two above the maximum. Robinson had a disappointing second season, which included him starting the Knicks-Nuggets brawl on Dec. 16. He’s only 5-7 and the Knicks don’t consider him a point guard any longer, especially with the emergence of Mardy Collins. Newly acquired Dan Dickau and Fred Jones probably have a better shot of making the team than Robinson at this point.

Powell will not play on Friday and has not traveled to Seattle for the exhibition. With Kawhi Leonard (knee) also sidelined, the Clippers should take a more extended look at players such as Kevin Porter Jr. and Amir Coffey. While Porter offers significant fantasy upside, there’s the question of whether or not the NBA will suspend him for off-court issues in the summer of 2023 that factored into his not catching on with a team last season.

One of the most improved players in the NBA last season, White’s role stands to change in 2024-25. The Bulls acquired Josh Giddey from the Thunder during the offseason, which could be interpreted as a sign that the front office is not entirely convinced about White as a point guard despite playing very well last season. Add in Lonzo Ball’s potential return, and Coby’s fantasy value could take a hit despite the likelihood that he’ll remain in the starting lineup. He’s worth selecting in the middle rounds of drafts, but providing top-100 per-game value may be more difficult. As for the immediate future, it’s unknown if White will be available for Saturday’s exhibition against the Grizzlies.

Signed by the Pistons this summer, Harris has yet to appear in his second stint with the franchise. A case of COVID-19 sidelined the veteran forward, but he’s feeling better and could be in the lineup for Friday’s game against Phoenix. A healthy Harris can threaten top-50 fantasy status, even if his game isn’t considered “eye-popping.” He’ll be asked to help lead a young team in a significant rebuild in Detroit.

Washington has yet to appear in a game this preseason, but Friday’s update suggests his recovery is on the right track. The Mavericks will play two more exhibitions, Monday night against the Clippers and Thursday against the Bucks. Jason Kidd has used two different starters with Washington sidelined, with Naji Marshall receiving the nod for Dallas’ preseason opener and Olivier-Maxence Prosper for Thursday’s loss to the Jazz. If Washington is not ready for the start of the regular season, Marshall would offer higher value than Prosper.

Payton hasn’t played in the NBA since his 50-game stint with the Phoenix Suns in 2021-22. He averaged 3.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game that with Phoenix. Payton also averaged 10.8 points and 8.2 assists with the Indiana Mad Ants in 2023-24.

George injured his knee during the third quarter of Thursday’s exhibition win over Dallas and could not put any weight on his leg while being helped off the court. However, the initial diagnosis of a mild sprain has sparked optimism within the organization, with George scheduled to undergo an MRI on Friday. While Collin Sexton should already be selected in league drafts, rookie Isaiah Collier would be worth a roll of the dice if George’s injury is more problematic than the Jazz reportedly believe.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. (hamstring) sidelined, Aldama has been able to start alongside Zach Edey in the Grizzlies’ frontcourt. All seven of his shot attempts on Thursday came from beyond the arc, and Santi was one blocked shot away from a full stat line. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but this was a night when the Grizzlies were also without Ja Morant. Aldama’s value once the season begins will depend on Jackson’s availability; he’s a streamer at best.

The Grizzlies remain without Jaren Jackson Jr., and Ja Morant did not play on Thursday after tweaking his ankle in Memphis’ preseason opener. That left Bane to do a lot of the heavy lifting offensively, and he led the Grizzlies in scoring. Provided he stays healthy, Bane should offer consistent top-50 fantasy value this season.

LaMelo Ball did not play on Thursday; the Hornets aren’t going to rush him back to full usage after ankle injuries limited him to 58 games over the last two seasons. As a result, Micic started against Memphis. If this was a game to help determine who would back up Ball once the regular season begins, Vasa was outplayed by Tre Mann. Mann played 22 minutes, finishing with 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, one block, and two 3-pointers. There was room for both guards in the rotation after the trade deadline last season, but that was with Ball sidelined. That may not be the case this time around.

After hitting three 3-pointers in Sunday’s loss to the Knicks, Miller doubled his output on Thursday. Charlotte did play against Memphis without starting point guard LaMelo Ball, resulting in their second-year wing having to do a little more to hunt his shot. Miller stepped up, scoring efficiently and leading Charlotte to a comfortable win on the road. Miller should be a middle-round pick in most fantasy drafts, with the potential to be more impactful once the games count.