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Ausar Thompson Could See Expanded Playing Time
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Ausar Thompson is expected to play more than 26 minutes per game this season, according to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said an increased workload is "the expectation," though Detroit may manage those minutes differently because of everything Thompson is asked to do. The 23-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 26.0 minutes last season, leading the NBA in steals per game. That bigger workload already showed up in the playoffs, when Thompson played 30.5 minutes per game and averaged 7.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. If Detroit keeps him closer to that range, his defense should carry even more fantasy weight. The tradeoff is still at the line, where he shot just 57.1 percent last season.
Source: Hunter Patterson
Source: Hunter Patterson
More Recent News
Tacko Fall Diagnosed with Left Hip Strain
Philadelphia 76ers center Tacko Fall (hip) will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks after an MRI revealed a left hip strain, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. The 7-foot-6 big man left Wednesday's practice early, putting his push for a roster spot on a non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 deal on hold. Fall hasn't appeared in an NBA regular-season game since 2021-22, so his fantasy outlook remains limited. With Adem Bona (foot) also working his way back, Ariel Hukporti should get more backup-center reps behind Joel Embiid while Philadelphia waits for both injured bigs to return.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Tristan Vukcevic Sidelined by Left Hip Impingement
Washington Wizards center Tristan Vukcevic (hip) will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks after sustaining a left hip impingement, according to Greg Finberg, citing the Wizards. The 23-year-old had been a partial participant during the first two days of training camp, and the four-week timeline puts his availability for the opening stretch of the regular season in doubt. Vukcevic averaged 9.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13.7 minutes across 49 games last season. With Alexandre Sarr (foot) and Deandre Ayton ahead of him at center, and Anthony Davis also occupying frontcourt minutes, the injury makes an already crowded rotation even harder for Vukcevic to crack.
Source: Greg Finberg
Source: Greg Finberg
Jalen Duren Agrees to Five-Year, $200 Million Deal with Pistons
All-NBA center Jalen Duren has agreed to a five-year, $200 million fully guaranteed contract to return to the Detroit Pistons, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. The deal ends a prolonged restricted free agency standoff just before his $9.6 million qualifying offer expired. The 22-year-old broke out in 2025-26, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65.0 percent shooting across 70 starts. With Isaiah Stewart traded to Memphis in June, Duren should face little competition for center minutes, as John Collins projects as the main frontcourt alternative. That makes him a points, rebounds, and field-goal percentage anchor, even with just 0.8 blocks per game. The bigger question is whether Duren can sustain his scoring after it slipped to 10.2 points per game in the playoffs.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Dru Smith Out a Couple of Weeks with Calf Strain
Miami Heat guard Dru Smith (calf) will miss a couple of weeks with a strained right calf, according to Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel. The 28-year-old called the timing "terrible" and "very frustrating" after entering camp as the projected backup behind Davion Mitchell. Smith averaged 5.6 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.4 steals in 16.3 minutes across 70 games last season. Ryan Conwell, Tre Donaldson, and Pelle Larsson should get more ball-handling opportunities while he is sidelined. Smith's steals can help when he's on the floor, but his limited offensive role keeps his fantasy ceiling fairly modest.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Kyle Anderson Dealing With Knee Issue
According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca, Toronto Raptors forward Kyle Anderson (knee) was unavailable for Thursday's scrimmage due to a bruised right knee. The 33-year-old's injury appears minor, but it's unclear whether he will be able to suit up for Saturday's preseason opener against Miami. Anderson is battling for a frontcourt rotation spot after signing a one-year deal with the Raptors in July.
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Isaiah Stevens Inks Contract With Bulls
Free agent point guard Isaiah Stevens signed on with the Chicago Bulls on Thursday. In July, Sacramento waived the 25-year-old, but he is set to see another opportunity in the Windy City. Stevens has been unable to make his mark so far in his short NBA career, recording just six outings across two seasons. He will likely begin the 2026-27 campaign in the G League.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
Stephen Curry Expected to Start Warriors Preseason Opener
Danny Emerman of the SFStandard.com reports that Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry is expected to start Sunday's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. Curry recently signed a two-year, $116 million contract extension and was seen with the team's first unit during 5-on-5 work on Thursday. The star point guard averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 three-pointers in 30.9 minutes across 43 games last campaign, with injuries, including runner's knee, limiting his availability. Jimmy Butler III (knee) is expected to miss the start of 2026-27, so Curry will likely take on heavy minutes early on.
Source: Danny Emerman
Source: Danny Emerman
Jamal Shead Agrees to 3-Year Extension With Raptors
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, guard Jamal Shead has agreed to a three-year, $24 million contract extension wth the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. The Raptors will retain their backup point guard through the 2029-30 campaign. The 24-year-old averaged 6.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.7 rebounds over 22.6 minutes per contest in 82 games last season. Shead's fantasy value will likely remain low in 2026-27, with Immanuel Quickley ingrained as the starter.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Miles McBride Wants to Stay in New York
New York Knicks guard Miles McBride is entering the final season of his contract with an uncertain long-term future, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. The 26-year-old, who will earn $3.96 million this season, said he would love to finish his career in New York, but the Knicks' desire to remain below the second apron could complicate a new deal. McBride averaged a career-high 12.0 points in 26.3 minutes across 41 games last season while shooting 41.3 percent from three. A trade remains possible if New York decides it cannot afford his next contract, and a move could give McBride a larger fantasy role depending on where he lands.
Source: James L. Edwards III
Source: James L. Edwards III
Ryan Nembhard Agrees to Two-Way Deal with Nuggets
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Ryan Nembhard has agreed to a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets. Denver is expected to waive KJ Simpson to open the spot. The 23-year-old went undrafted out of Gonzaga before averaging 6.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 19.5 minutes across 60 games with Dallas as a rookie, including 27 starts. He capped the season with a franchise-record 23 assists in a regulation game against Chicago. Nembhard will sit behind Jamal Murray and Tyus Jones for point guard minutes, while his two-way deal limits him to 50 active NBA games. His passing ability makes him an interesting depth option if Denver needs another ball handler.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Noah Penda Limited by Hamstring Tweak to Start Camp
Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda (hamstring) is being brought along carefully after tweaking his hamstring, according to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. Head coach Sean Sweeney said Orlando doesn't want Penda doing too much during two-a-day practices early in camp. The 21-year-old averaged 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 12.8 minutes across 59 games as a rookie before posting 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game in Summer League. Penda is trying to earn a larger role in a crowded Orlando forward rotation, so getting back to full work ahead of the Oct. 7 preseason opener would give him more time to make his case.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Oso Ighodaro Competing for Starting Center Job
Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro isn't assuming the starting job is his while Mark Williams (shoulder) is sidelined. Ighodaro told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic that he has been competing with Khaman Maluach for the past two months and believes the role still has to be earned. The 24-year-old averaged 8.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.9 steals in 27.4 minutes across 22 games without Williams last season. That production gives Ighodaro a useful fantasy path if he wins significant minutes, though his 45.3 percent free-throw shooting remains a clear drawback.
Source: Duane Rankin
Source: Duane Rankin
Morez Johnson Jr. Limited by Lower-Leg Soreness in Camp
Dallas Mavericks forward Morez Johnson Jr. (lower leg) is being eased through training camp because of soreness, according to Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports. Head coach Dusty May said Dallas is managing the rookie's workload and that Johnson participated in every other live session during Wednesday's practice. The No. 9 pick averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks on 62.3 percent shooting for Michigan last season before posting 18.5 points, 2.5 steals, and 3.0 blocks across two Summer League games. With Santi Aldama (knee) and Dereck Lively II (foot) also limited, Johnson has an opportunity to push for rotation minutes once he is fully participating.
Source: Ron Harrod Jr.
Source: Ron Harrod Jr.
Damian Lillard Expects to Start for Portland This Season
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard said he expects to start alongside point guard Ja Morant this season. Speaking at his media availability on Tuesday, Lillard said, "As far as I know, Ja will start, I will start, and Deni will start ... that's as far as I know." Lillard signed with the Blazers during the 2025 offseason while recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered with the Milwaukee Bucks during that postseason. In his last season, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in over 36 minutes per game. With him back and healthy, he joins a crowded backcourt that includes Morant, Scoot Henderson, Jrue Holiday, and Shaedon Sharpe. Lillard will likely see minutes restrictions as he enters his 14th season.
Source: Jason Quick
Source: Jason Quick
Gui Santos in the Mix to Be in Starting Lineup This Season
Golden State Warriors small forward Gui Santos is in the mix for a starting spot this season. Head coach Steve Kerr said there will be "an open competition" for the three other starting spots alongside point guard Stephen Curry and power forward Draymond Green. With Jimmy Butler (knee) recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in January, Santos has a real chance to start early in the season. In 68 games last season, Santos averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just over 20 minutes per game. After Butler tore his ACL, the fourth-year forward averaged more than 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. While he finished strong, adding rookie Yaxel Lendeborg could make it tougher for Santos to produce at the same level he did late in the 2025-26 season.
Source: Luca Evans
Source: Luca Evans
Joel Embiid to Have Workload Managed this Season
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will have his workload carefully managed as he enters his 11th NBA season. Head coach Nick Nurse said the team had extensive conversations about managing Embiid's and 41-year-old LeBron James' workloads this season, including how they will handle back-to-back nights. Over the last three seasons, Embiid has played 96 of 246 available games, missing time due to knee, ankle, and other injuries. He remains as productive as any center in the league, averaging 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists in under 32 minutes per game last season. However, with the additions of Jaylen Brown and James, Embiid's per-game production may not match what it was in years past. Along with his health concerns and the possible workload restriction, Embiid is a risky option for the 2026-27 season.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Anthony Black Dealing with Minor Ankle Sprain
Orlando Magic point guard Anthony Black (ankle) is considered day-to-day after a minor ankle sprain sustained during voluntary workouts this offseason. Head coach Sean Sweeney said Black is "Day-to-day, and they're just being smart about it." In his third season with the Magic, Black has averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in just under 30 minutes per game. With injuries to Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs last season, Black took on a larger role and had a career season. Now that both are healthy as we enter the 2026-27 season, Black will likely return to the bench and shouldn't be drafted any higher than a late-round pick in fantasy drafts.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
LeBron James to Have Workload Managed This Season
Philadelphia 76ers small forward LeBron James will have his workload carefully managed as he enters his 24th career season. Head coach Nick Nurse said the team had extensive conversations about managing both James' and Embiid's workloads this season, including how they will handle back-to-back nights. In 2025-26, James played 60 games, averaging over 33 minutes per night, and will turn 42 in late December. He remains as productive as he has been throughout his career, averaging 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists while operating as the third option behind guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. In a crowded situation with Philadelphia and a possible workload restriction in 2026-27, James doesn't have the same upside he did in recent seasons.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Larry Nance Jr. Limited at Start of Pacers Camp
Indiana Pacers forward/center Larry Nance Jr. (hamstring) is limited to 5-on-0 work at the start of training camp, according to Tony East of Forbes. Head coach Rick Carlisle said the 33-year-old suffered the injury a little over two weeks ago and expressed optimism that Nance could be a full participant within another week or two. Nance averaged 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 12.8 minutes across 35 games with Cleveland last season. With Ivica Zubac and Jay Huff already in the center rotation, Nance may have to settle for a smaller reserve role once healthy, keeping his fantasy appeal fairly limited.
Source: Tony East
Source: Tony East
Matas Buzelis Plans to Attack the Rim More in Year 3
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis expects more offensive freedom under new head coach Tiago Splitter and wants to attack the rim more this season, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. The 21-year-old said he focused on adding strength after feeling he settled for too many three-pointers last year. Buzelis averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 34.9 percent from three and 58.3 percent on two-point attempts. More drives and midrange work could help him get to the line more often while improving his shot selection. With Josh Giddey and rookie Caleb Wilson also needing touches, Buzelis finding better scoring opportunities could be key to another step forward.
Source: Joel Lorenzi
Source: Joel Lorenzi
