NBA Player News

Temple was limited to 27 appearances in his first full season with the Raptors, averaging 3.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 10.7 minutes per game. He’s unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball next season.

Coffey hasn’t been much of a factor so far during the preseason, but he is set to see extra minutes with Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely. Coffey has been a part-time starter in recent years, but he has never finished in the top-200. He may have some solid games this season, like he did in this one, but he isn’t a player to consider drafting outside of incredibly deep fantasy leagues.

Miller has been able to carry some of his success from Summer League over to the preseason, which held true in this game, as he had his highest scoring performance of the preseason. He was a second round pick last year, but the team’s roster looks quite different from how it did last season, which may allow for Miller to see more of an opportunity. However, he won’t make much of an impact in fantasy hoops.

McDermott agreed to a partially guaranteed deal with the Kings on Wednesday and suited up for the team for the first time a day later. While it was a disappointing game to close out a winless preseason, it was encouraging to see McDermott pour in some buckets. He isn’t going to be much of a factor in fantasy basketball this season, but he is a solid depth piece for a team that is trying to make a return to the playoffs.

Sacramento was certainly slow out of the gate early on in this game, but Sabonis did everything he could to carry his team back, even if it was only a preseason game. It didn’t end up being enough as the Kings finished the preseason without getting a win. However, this wasn’t his first big performance during this year’s exhibition games. Sabonis should continue to be an elite producer in fantasy hoops once again this season.

The Lakers have to be thrilled with their rookie’s performance. He scored 20 of their 22 points to help his team complete the comeback and win in overtime. In fantasy, he was even able to add in two steals and two blocks. The starters were pulled since it was a preseason game, which allowed Knecht to close things out. He’ll likely play a reserve role during his rookie season, which won’t allow him to have many performances like this one. However, this was incredibly encouraging and has to have dynasty managers excited.

Nurk suited up for the first time this preseason after missing their first few games due to a finger injury. Mason Plumlee had been starting in his place, but in this game, Phoenix was able to roll out its new starting lineup with Tyus Jones at point guard. Mike Budenholzer didn’t play Nurk much, but all five starters were able to score in double figures. Nurkic should be a solid choice in the middle rounds of drafts once again as the unquestioned starting center for the Suns.

Booker did most of his work in the first half of this preseason game and entered the break with 20 points. He struggled in their first two preseason games, but he was much better in this one after sitting out their last two. Booker should be drafted in the second round in every draft this cycle, and while he may take a slight hit in assists with Tyus Jones on the team, he should continue to be dominant regardless of scoring format.

AD got off to a hot start in this game and knocked down four 3-pointers in the first quarter. He didn’t end up adding any more triples after that, but he dominated in other ways as he looked to be in midseason form already. Davis is locked in as a top ten pick in fantasy leagues this season, and this level of production showed why. He has been locked in during the preseason, so managers should expect him to get off to a strong start this season.

Reaves didn’t see much time on the floor in the second half of this game, but he was still able to get off to a hot start. He will once again fill in as the team’s third option behind their two superstars, though with LeBron James getting a rest night in this one, Reaves took on more responsibility. James is expected to remain sidelined for the Lakers’ final preseason game, but since it is the second night of a preseason back-to-back, there will likely be multiple players that are normally a big part of the team’s rotation that sit out.

Minnesota rested the majority of their rotation players in this game, which allowed some of the young guys to step up. Garza took full advantage of the opportunity and dominated against a Denver squad that played its starters for the majority of the game. Garza may still be worth stashing, but he hasn’t been much of a factor in fantasy hoops through his first few years in the league. Still, this type of production was fun to see.