NBA Player News

Chandler averaged 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.2 3-pointers and 1.1 blocks in 21 games for the Nuggets last season, and while he struggled a bit during that time those will be the ballpark numbers that owners want to use in their assessments. Ronny Turiaf will be waived to make room for Chandler, who appears to be on the verge of coming to terms with the Nuggets.

Wemby didn’t have a great night in the first game of his second season, shooting 1-of-8 from three and 4-of-10 from two. He was effective as a rebounder, and the free-throw percentage was elite, so all wasn’t lost. Wembanyama will have better nights than this moving forward. He’ll look to rebound when the Spurs take on the Rockets on Saturday.

The good news for Washington was that, even with the addition of Klay Thompson to a lineup that already boasted Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, shot attempts weren’t an issue. The problem for PJ was his accuracy or lack thereof. Washington scored 11 points on 11 attempts, shooting 2-of-7 from beyond the arc. Having more opportunity to play around the basket could help Washington improve the field-goal percentage, but that isn’t easy in this lineup.

There has been no shortage of questions regarding how Mavericks coach Jason Kidd will handle the center position this season. He went with Daniel Gafford as his starter against the Spurs, but Lively played more minutes. While the second-year pivot logged 28 minutes and recorded a double-double with six assists, Gafford chipped in with nine points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one blocked shot in 19. If this is the split we get moving forward, that’s great news for managers who have Lively rostered.

Neither of Dallas’ starting guards shot the ball well on Thursday, with Irving and Luka Doncic going a combined 15-of-42 from the field. But they were impactful in other ways, with the latter nearly recording a triple-double and Irving posting a full stat line. Kyrie will clean up the efficiency moving forward; availability is his most significant concern in fantasy basketball this season.

Doncic didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but he still finished two assists shy of a triple-double. And the chemistry between him and Klay Thompson appeared solid in the latter’s official Mavericks debut. That’s no small feat, considering Doncic did not play during the preseason due to a calf injury. The sharpness will come as Doncic shakes off the “game rust” that likely accumulated while sidelined.

Dallas’ significant offseason addition, Thompson didn’t waste any time making a positive impression on his new team. One of the game’s all-time great 3-point shooters, Klay established a new Mavericks record for most 3-pointers made in a debut for the team with six. Playing off of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving should guarantee Thompson ample catch-and-shoot opportunities, and fantasy managers will undoubtedly take the three steals as well.

The initial diagnosis is good news for Carrington and the Wizards. The first-round pick injured his ankle on a layup attempt during the fourth quarter and did not return. Fantasy managers should consider Carrington doubtful for Saturday’s game against the Cavaliers until the Wizards provide an official designation. Corey Kispert and fellow rookie Kyshawn George may play more minutes if Carrington misses time.

Recently removed from the injury report after suffering a sprained ankle, Williams is in the starting lineup for Thursday’s season opener. The other notable starter is Joe, who receives the nod with Isaiah Hartenstein (hand) sidelined. Alex Caruso, acquired from the Bulls this summer, will figure prominently off the bench, but that role limits his fantasy potential.

The lone change from the preseason is Huerter, who was recently cleared after having his 2023-24 season end prematurely due to a shoulder injury. Red Velvet’s return means Keon Ellis will come off the bench, limiting his fantasy value. Also, this is DeRozan’s official Kings debut after being acquired from the Bulls this summer.

George didn’t offer much value to fantasy managers on Thursday, but the good news is that he’s firmly in the rotation. That may change once Malcolm Brogdon (thumb) is cleared to return, but that’s still a few weeks away. Depending on the status of Bub Carrington (leg), who was injured during the fourth quarter, George may take on additional responsibilities in the short term.