NBA Player News

Barnes, who won a championship with the Warriors before the team upgraded to Kevin Durant to win more championships, hit the game-winning three-pointer as time expired against his former team Wednesday. That had to feel good for Barnes personally. The 32-year-old power forward continues to put up solid scoring games down the stretch of this season, though it’s impossible to count on Barnes having this role next year when the Spurs return to full strength.

The second overall pick in June’s draft, Harper underwent left thumb surgery in early September. It was initially reported that the Spurs were aiming for the rookie guard to be healthy in time for the October 22 regular season opener, but he’s beaten that projection by just under two weeks. With De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) unlikely to be ready for the start of the regular season, Harper may be able to hit the ground running from a fantasy standpoint. He will be under a minutes restriction on Friday.

With Egor Dëmin unavailable due to a plantar fascia tear, Traoré and fellow rookie Ben Saraf have made up the point guard rotation for the Nets’ first two preseason games. After Safar received the starting nod in Brooklyn’s opener, Traoré was part of the first unit on Friday. Both provided limited production, with Saraf (9/1/0/1) logging 19 minutes and Traoré 17. While there remains hope that Dëmin will be healthy by opening night, Traoré or Saraf could be Brooklyn’s starting point guard on October 22 against Charlotte.

There’s no sugarcoating the fact that the 2024-25 season was a disappointment for Claxton, who started slowly and finished with decreased averages in points, rebounds and blocked shots. With this being the second year of the four-year deal he signed in the summer of 2024, maybe some of the pressure will be off of Claxton, especially with it being understood that the Nets are rebuilding. He remains a superior option for managers willing to punt on free-throw percentage, but the rebounds and blocked shots need to improve after they dipped last season.

Porter has scored 13 points in both of Brooklyn’s preseason games, but he’s been a prominent figure within Jordi Fernandez’s offense. His role will remain prominent due to Brooklyn’s lack of proven scorers, with the most significant concern being that MPJ’s playing time could decrease during the latter stages of the regular season. Porter’s new role in his new home makes him worth the risk for fantasy managers, especially those competing in points leagues.

With Thomas deciding in early September to sign his one-year qualifying offer, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent next summer. While the Nets guard’s scoring ability has rarely been questioned, his ability to make things happen for his teammates has been up for debate. Making strides in that regard would go a long way toward ensuring Thomas gets the lucrative payday he desires. With the Nets embarking on a rebuild, should fantasy managers be concerned about a potential shutdown later in the season? That’s certainly something to consider, but Thomas’ opportunity will raise his ceiling, at least until the trade deadline.

During Friday’s game, it was reported that the Suns hope to have Jalen Green (hamstring) back on the court in time for the regular season opener on October 22, so Allen’s role takes on added importance. He’s started both of Phoenix’s preseason games, tallying 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the field (4-of-10 from three). While his fantasy value in 2024-25 did not approach its 2023-24 levels, when Allen was a top-60 player in nine-cat, he’s capable of being a solid late-round option. Especially if there are lingering concerns regarding Green’s hamstring in the days before the regular season begins.

While the Suns reportedly hope to have Mark Williams (foot) available in time for the October 22 season opener, that isn’t guaranteed. Ighodaro, who appeared in 61 games as a rookie, has started the first two preseason games, which may be a harbinger of what’s to come if Williams cannot play. The second-year forward/center played 22 minutes on Friday and recorded a complete line that included four “stocks.” Nick Richards (9/4/0/1/2) and Khaman Maluach (10/5/2) played 11 and 20 minutes off the bench, respectively. Maluach offers the highest upside of the three, but Ighodaro is also worth taking a late flier on due to the uncertainty surrounding Williams.

After attempting five shots in his first action as a member of the Suns, Brooks’ shot volume was far more robust on Friday. He was the lone starter to hit double figures in attempts, leading all players with 18 shots on the day. Efficiency has rarely been a strength for Brooks, which has made him no better than a late-round option in fantasy, and even that would be generous. However, with Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined, Brooks may be worth taking a flier on, especially if JG can’t get back in time for the October 22 opener against Sacramento.

The Suns needed overtime to beat the Nets in the first of two meetings the team will have in Macao, and Booker’s day ended during the third quarter. While he did not record any rebounds, the points, assists, and percentages are of greater importance to fantasy managers. Booker, the focus of double-teams at various points on Friday, only committed three turnovers while shooting 50 percent from the field. Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant are no longer in the picture, which means even more will be asked of Booker, especially if Jalen Green (hamstring) is not fully cleared in time for the October 22 opener against Sacramento.

Williams has not been available for either of Phoenix’s preseason games, as the Suns have taken a measured approach to his ramp-up for the regular season. The former Hornets center only appeared in 44 games last season, the most he’s played in any of his three NBA seasons. Phoenix’s medical staff hopes Williams will be ready when they open the regular season on October 22. Oso Ighodaro has started the first two preseason games, with Nick Richards and lottery pick Khaman Maluach coming off the bench. Maluach offers the highest upside, but Ighodaro may be on track to start if Williams cannot return in time for the start of the season.