NBA Player News

Dillingham usually isn’t a large part of the rotation, but he played a larger role in this game with Mike Conley sidelined. Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo should play a few extra minutes with Dillingham out for the rest of this game.

With Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler out, the lineup for Wednesday’s preseason opener will be drastically different. Bailey, the fifth overall pick in June’s draft, will get the starting nod, as will offseason addition Nurkić. George, Mykhailiuk and Hendricks are the holdovers from last year’s squad, with the latter returning after suffering a horrific leg fracture five games into the 2024-25 campaign. Outside of Markkanen and Kessler, there’s a lot to be decided by Jazz head coach Will Hardy regarding how his rotation will look when the regular season begins.

Durant, who did not play in Monday’s win over the Hawks, will make his Rockets preseason debut Wednesday night, bumping Tari Eason to the bench. Of course, the future Hall of Fame forward will be the focus of many, but his credentials are well-known by now. Sheppard remains the most essential Rocket to watch this preseason, as he looks to lock down a starting role with Fred VanVleet (knee) sidelined.

Wells and Aldama are the only holdovers from the five who started Monday’s loss to the Pistons. Ty Jerome, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jock Landale are out, with Small, Coward and Lovering filling the voids. Coward, the 11th overall pick in June’s draft, is the player to watch. He didn’t shoot the ball well on Monday, but that was his first game action since December due to a torn rotator cuff suffered during his final season at Washington State. Coward will be in the mix for rotation minutes this season and has value in dynasty leagues.

Wednesday’s game is the preseason opener for the Celtics, so fantasy managers should not read too much into the team’s starting lineup. White and Brown are the expected starters and should see their fantasy ceilings rise due to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and the departure of multiple rotation players. As for Hauser, Boucher and Tillman, they’ll be in the mix for rotation minutes throughout the season, but none is guaranteed to be a starter on Opening Night.

Tyler Herro won’t be available to begin the season as he recovers from offseason left foot/ankle surgery, making the Heat’s preseason games critical for finding a fifth starter. Smith, whose last two seasons have ended prematurely due to knee and Achilles injuries, will get his turn in the chair after coming off the bench in Miami’s first two preseason games. Jaime Jaquez Jr., who started Monday’s loss to Milwaukee, will come off the bench. In addition to Smith and Jaquez, fantasy managers should track Davion Mitchell, who may be the safest option of the three due to his defensive ability.

Vassell, who did not play in Sunday’s preseason opener against Guangdong, is available and will start against the Heat. His insertion into the starting lineup is the lone change for San Antonio, with Lindy Waters III being bumped to the bench. With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper unavailable, look for Vassell to spend ample time on the ball as a playmaker, with Wemby also getting his chances to fill that role.

Knox, the ninth overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, is still looking to lock down a consistent home for himself in the league. He finished last season with the Warriors, making 14 appearances for the team after spending time in the G League. By signing Knox to an Exhibit 10 contract, the Bulls hold his G League rights. If waived, Knox would receive a bonus of $85,300 if he were to spend 60 days with the Bulls’ G League affiliate.

Watford, who agreed to a two-year deal with the 76ers this summer, has yet to practice due to a left hamstring injury. According to PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck, imaging of the hamstring revealed no structural damage and the forward is working toward a return to the court within the next week. While Watford does not project to be an impactful fantasy option, his ability to serve as a secondary playmaker at the four could benefit the 76ers’ bench unit once he’s cleared to play.

When everyone’s healthy, Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George will be locked in as starters. That leaves two spots, which will likely be occupied by Edgecombe, Grimes or Kelly Oubre. Regardless, all three will play significant roles this season, though the starters will see a nice boost in production and opportunity.

Embiid appears to be on track to play in the regular season opener, even if he hasn’t participated in the preseason yet. Paul George was able to do some individual work, and the plan is to integrate him into team work in the coming days, per Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer. There’s still not much clarity on either’s status, but things appear to be on track.