NBA Player News

Towns’ name was not on the initial injury report for Monday’s game, which is good news after he took a hard fall during the third quarter of Sunday’s win over Brooklyn. He’ll take on his usual duties as the starting center, with Jericho Sims as the primary backup.

Jackson appeared in just five games for the Pacers last year before suffering a torn right Achilles tendon that ended his season. The 23-year-old big man has never averaged even 20 minutes per game in a season, but suddenly has a clear path to being the Pacers’ starting center this year with Myles Turner in Milwaukee. A former first-round pick in 2021, Jackson has a golden opportunity ahead of him and the Pacers have locked in their starting center for $21 million over the next three years.

Selected by the Heat with the 43rd pick in the 2024 draft, Djurišić’s draft rights were included in a three-team deal between Miami, Atlanta and Houston. The 21-year-old center saw all of his game time in the G League last season, appearing in 32 games for Atlanta’s affiliate. Djurišić’s contract includes a $1.27 million guarantee for the 2025-26 season, and he’ll look to provide additional depth behind Kristaps Porzingis and Onyeka Okongwu.

Signed to a two-way contract on Wednesday, Barlow started his unofficial 76ers debut on Thursday. He only played 14 minutes against the Spurs but had a solid night shooting the basketball, and the rebounding production was also good. When healthy, the 76ers will have a frontcourt rotation that Barlow may have difficulty cracking. There isn’t a need to plan for selecting him in fantasy drafts, even if Joel Embiid is not cleared in time for training camp.

Between Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, Edwards has played in four games this summer. Unfortunately, he’s only put together one solid offensive performance. The second-year wing shot 2-of-5 from beyond the arc on Thursday and did not offer much value elsewhere. If Philadelphia’s top wings are healthy, Edwards’ role will likely be limited next season. However, with his play late last season, the 76ers likely hoped for a more dominant Edwards this summer.

On a forgettable night for the 76ers, who lost by a 111-70 final score, Bona was solid as a rebounder and shot-blocker in his 17 minutes on the court. These games in Las Vegas are unlikely to change things for the second-year player once training camp begins, as he’ll compete with Andre Drummond and Johni Broome for backup center minutes. And whoever wins that competition will only have fantasy relevance if the 76ers are without starter Joel Embiid.

Bryant struggled with his shot on Thursday, but that did not keep the rookie from providing value in other ways. The first-round pick recorded four “stocks,” and his on-court communication on both ends of the floor should not be overlooked. The hope is that fellow first-round pick Dylan Harper can play on Saturday after missing time with a groin injury. If he can go, San Antonio will have their first glimpse of Harper and Bryant on the court together.

Well, if there’s a good place to be when you catch the “hot hand,” Las Vegas is it. Jones-Garcia shot 75 percent from the field on Thursday, continuing to play well after earning All-California Classic team honors at the beginning of the week. And revenge may have been on Jones-Garcia’s mind for Thursday’s 111-70 victory, as he began his professional career with the 76ers on a two-way deal before being waived in January 2024. Jones-Garcia’s play this summer may be enough to earn him another two-way opportunity if he can continue on this path.

Having struggled with injuries throughout his professional career, Liddell is playing with the Nuggets in hopes of earning another opportunity. He played well on Thursday, as his dunk with just over five seconds remaining gave Denver a two-point lead. Unfortunately for Liddell, he ended up on the wrong end of the game’s final shot, with Jamaree Bouyea hitting a three over the forward’s outstretched hand as time expired. Liddell is not a fantasy target regardless of league size, but his goal is to grab a team’s attention and earn a contract.

Having suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during his summer league debut last year, Holmes played in an organized game for the first time in 363 days on Thursday. He played well, shooting 66.7 percent from the field overall and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Holmes is another player impacted by Denver acquiring Jonas Valančiūnas from the Kings, as opportunities on the back end of the rotation may be limited. However, the rookie forward is a versatile player who can be used at the four or the five, depending on the matchup. Holmes is worth watching, especially for those competing in dynasty leagues.

While Tyson did not have his best night shooting the basketball, he did finish the one-point defeat with a double-double. After appearing in 18 games as a rookie, the 2023 second-round pick made 51 appearances for the Nuggets last season. Denver’s addition of Jonas Valančiūnas strengthens their frontcourt rotation, likely making it more challenging for Tyson to offer statistical value after playing sparingly in his first two seasons.