NBA Player News

With Miles Bridges sidelined, Diabate got the start at center in this game, with Grant Williams sliding over to power forward. However, Diabate was still able to play 32 minutes and set a new career-high with 16 rebounds. Diabate has been able to provide rebounds and defensive numbers at times this season, but his inconsistent minutes have made him difficult to rely on. If Diabate gets another start in their next game, he will have some streaming upside.

After spending his first two seasons with the Celtics, Peterson is reportedly headed to Charlotte. The player and his new head coach are familiar with each other, as Hornets coach Charles Lee was a Celtics assistant during the 2023-24 season. While the change of scenery may result in more opportunities for Peterson, he is not a player to target in fantasy drafts.

After missing Phoenix’s first two summer league games with a sore right knee, Fleming was available to make his debut on Monday. The second-round pick out of Saint Joseph’s was a Suns target, as evidenced by the team’s moves to draft him. Fleming had a quiet night, but he’s a frontcourt player who has range beyond the three-point line and can defend multiple positions. Due to the Suns’ defensive struggles last season, Fleming may be able to earn consistent playing time as a rookie.

Dunn was back in the Suns’ lineup after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Hawks. Unfortunately for Phoenix, his return did not impact the “bottom line,” as the Suns were routed for a second straight night. Dunn was the lone player to have a good night offensively and was also solid defensively. While the Suns will likely head into training camp with a surplus of wings, Dunn’s defensive ability will get him onto the court. How much he plays will likely depend on the progress he’s able to make as a scorer.

While Carter wasn’t as explosive offensively as on Saturday, the second-year guard still produced an efficient stat line. Not only did he shoot over 50 percent from the field, but Carter also provided value as a playmaker and defender. Being consistent in those two categories will significantly impact how much he plays next season. Dennis Schröder was signed to be the starting point guard, but the Kings need depth behind him. Carter has the potential to help fill that void, especially if he can carry over his play in Sacramento’s last two games into training camp.

Clifford and the Kings pulled away during the second quarter of Monday’s rout, as they outscored Phoenix by a 27-11 margin. And the rookie wing’s versatility will be an asset for Sacramento, especially when considering the words of general manager Scott Perry. During an in-game interview, he said the Kings envision Clifford being able to fill in at all three perimeter positions. If that’s how things play out, Clifford’s fantasy value will be enhanced, even with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine in the rotation.

After missing time with a sprained right ankle, Tonje made his summer league debut on Monday. And the efficient scoring that made him one of the best wings in college basketball last season was on display, with the second-round pick shooting over 50 percent from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Utah has a lot of questions to answer regarding its young wings, which may result in Tonje receiving immediate opportunities to prove himself once training camp begins. He isn’t a must-draft player, but dynasty league managers should keep an eye on the former Wisconsin standout, especially as Cody Williams continues to struggle.

Collier’s shooting struggles continued on Monday, as he shot 5-of-17 from the field in the two-point lead. The good news is that he dished out 12 assists, and setting up others was a strength of his last season. While Kyle Filipowski has looked like a player who should be shut down, Collier and Cody Williams (10/4/4/3/2 with one three-pointer) appear to need more game reps based on their play in Las Vegas. Utah plays again on Wednesday, and it will be interesting to see which experienced players do, or don’t, play.

Given how well Filipowski has played in Utah’s three games in Las Vegas, Monday’s overtime defeat may be the last time he plays until the start of the 2025-26 season. The second-year forward/center was outstanding against the Spurs, producing another efficient offensive effort while also grabbing 11 rebounds. Filipowski’s emphatic dunk with 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime tied the game at 91, but a Riley Minix turnaround as time expired gave San Antonio the win.

Based on his play in Salt Lake City and now Las Vegas, Jones-Garcia has seemed intent on taking someone’s job this summer. He’s a free agent, and the Spurs have yet to allocate any of their three two-way contracts. Given Jones-Garcia’s productivity, a two-way contract may be selling him short, whether it’s with the Spurs or another team.

Harper struggled with inefficient play on Monday, shooting well below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers. However, his layup with 4.1 seconds remaining in regulation forced overtime, with a Riley Minix turnaround at the buzzer giving San Antonio the win. More important than Harper’s stats was the increase in playing time, as he logged 25 minutes after playing 17 on Saturday. That’s a sign the groin injury that sidelined him for the start of summer league has not been an issue.