NBA Player News

Gilgeous-Alexander had another big scoring night, as he’s scored at least 29 points in all five games in this series. However, he didn’t have as much help as needed, with Chet Holmgren (13/4/1/0/1 with one 3-pointer) being the best of the rest. Dallas is making SGA work, but he continues to get his numbers. Whether or not the Thunder can force a Game 7 on Saturday night depends on whether SGA’s supporting cast increases its production.

Unlike fellow 2023 draftee Taylor Hendricks, who entered the Jazz starting lineup after the All-Star break, Sensabaugh didn’t get many opportunities to make an impact. He made 11 starts but only appeared in 32 games, not making his NBA debut until after Christmas due to offseason knee surgery. Sensabaugh was part of the second set of Jazz subs on Friday, entering during the first quarter with Jordan Clarkson. The second-year wing was impactful as a defender, recording three steals, and he shot 5-of-7 from inside the arc. Sensabaugh isn’t a draftable player in most redraft leagues, but consistent rotation minutes would make him worth tracking.

Williams was one of the first subs off the Jazz bench in Friday’s preseason opener, which can be taken as a sign that he’s had a good training camp. And it didn’t take long for him to make an impact, throwing down a two-handed dunk on Breakers big man Freddie Gillespie during the first quarter. Williams has work to do as a perimeter shooter, but the length and athleticism can benefit him as a finisher and defender. That won’t be enough to make him anything more than a late-round flier in drafts, but Williams is the kind of player on a non-playoff team who can impact fantasy basketball after the All-Star break.

Last season, Hendricks was a fixture in the starting lineup after the All-Star break. His start on Friday is a sign that the second-year forward will retain that role in 2024-25. While Hendricks didn’t offer much offensive production on Friday, the defensive numbers (two steals, one blocked shot) can’t be overlooked. At this point, Hendricks is more of a “late-round flier” than a player fantasy managers should feel obligated to draft. But he’s worth watching, as improved performances and remaining in the starting lineup during the preseason will raise his ADP.

After falling into a bench role last season, many fantasy managers have wondered if Kessler could work his way back into the starting lineup. He started Friday’s preseason opener and was relatively effective as a finisher and rebounder. Foul shooting remains an issue for Kessler, but sticking with the starters would boost his fantasy value, especially in FT%-punt builds. John Collins came off the bench but only played 10 minutes, finishing with 12 points (3-of-5 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs) and three rebounds. Fantasy managers should not read too much into the minutes split, but they should keep an eye on the Jazz rotation for the remainder of the preseason. If Collins only plays when Kessler isn’t on the floor, it becomes clear that he’s viewed more as a center than a power forward. And this would decrease Collins’ fantasy value.

Not only will Wiggins not play in the Warriors’ preseason opener, but he has yet to participate in a training camp practice due to illness. Warriors coach Steve Kerr is unconcerned, stating during his media availability that Wiggins looked good in the weeks leading up to training camp. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup for Saturday’s opener, resulting in more opportunities for Jonathan Kuminga or Buddy Hield to show what they could do in that role.

Having suffered a severe finger injury before the Paris Olympics, Exum missed only one game for Australia. He was given a clean bill of health before training camp, but now the Mavericks guard is dealing with a wrist injury that could require surgery. According to Charania, the team is evaluating treatment options for Exum. He was unlikely to be a reliable fantasy asset this season, with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving playing most of the perimeter minutes, but the injury does not help matters. Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy would figure more prominently in the rotation if Exum is sidelined for an extended period.

For Denver’s preseason opener, Braun answered the question of who would fill the void left by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The 2022 first-round pick didn’t provide much offensive production, but he did a solid job on the glass while also tallying one steal and one blocked shot. Nuggets coach Michael Malone hasn’t made any definitive statements regarding the starters for the regular season, so the door may remain open for Julian Strawther to work his way into the mix. In 23 minutes off the bench on Friday, he tallied 11 points, two rebounds, two assists, one blocked shot, and one 3-pointer. Strawther may not be the defender that Braun is, but he does offer a little more offensively, especially in the perimeter shooting department.

There’s no need for alarm; Horford is healthy. This was simply a coach’s decision, with the 38-year-old center getting the night off. Luke Kornet started Friday’s 107-103 victory, finishing with six points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 21 minutes. Horford will be the starting center until Kristaps Porzingis is cleared to return from offseason leg surgery. However, he did not play both ends of any back-to-backs last season, and fantasy managers should expect the same in 2024-25. Kornet, Xavier Tillman (currently sidelined due to a knee issue), and Neemias Queta would take on a heavier workload on those nights.

Williams, limited to six games last season due to a knee injury, is already back on the shelf. According to the Trail Blazers, during training camp this week, he suffered a Grade 1 strain of his left hamstring. The Time Lord will be re-evaluated in two weeks, and his absence frees up additional opportunities for lottery pick Donovan Clingan to earn rotation minutes. As for the center rotation, Williams’ injury history could impact Portland’s ability to move him via trade if they decide to take that route. After a period in which he was a bonafide fantasy target, Williams isn’t worth the risk in most leagues, even as a late-round flier.

Pritchard can put together some impressive offensive performances but remains behind Jrue Holiday and Derrick White on the depth chart. Holiday, White, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown were all shut down at the half of Boston’s preseason opener, giving Pritchard more room to operate as an offensive focal point. While worthy of late-round consideration in deep leagues, he’s likely to be nothing more than a streamer in standard leagues.