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Ja Morant Could Come Off the Bench for the Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant could come off the bench this season, according to team reporter Casey Holdahl, who noted that the Blazers' decision not to let him wear No. 12 went over without much fuss. Head coach Micah Nori told The Athletic that starting Morant alongside Damian Lillard doesn't make sense, and the two-time All-Star said on media day that starting or not is "the same thing" to him. Jrue Holiday would be the likeliest starter in that scenario. A bench role wouldn't necessarily sink Morant's fantasy value. He played only 28.5 minutes per game in Memphis last season, and leading the second unit would keep the ball in his hands away from Lillard. Efficiency is the bigger concern after he shot 41.0 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three across 20 games in 2025-26.
Source: Casey Holdahl
Source: Casey Holdahl
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Ty Jerome Emerging as Grizzlies' Top Point Guard Option
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome is making a strong case for the starting point guard job, according to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal. The 29-year-old has drawn plenty of praise throughout camp, with teammates highlighting his ability to create offense in difficult situations. Jerome was limited to 15 games last season by calf and ankle injuries but made the most of them, averaging 19.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 22.6 minutes while shooting 42.0 percent from three. Scotty Pippen Jr. remains firmly in the competition, but a starting role would give Jerome an intriguing fantasy opportunity if last year's per-minute production carries over.
Source: Damichael Cole
Source: Damichael Cole
Mikel Brown Jr. Not Yet Cleared for Contact
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle) still has no timetable to return, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The sixth overall pick rolled his left ankle before training camp and has returned to the court in a limited capacity, but he had not been cleared for contact as of Thursday. "I feel like I have no choice but to be patient," Brown said. The 20-year-old averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals at Louisville despite missing 14 games with a lower-back injury. If Brown misses Tuesday's preseason opener in Charlotte, Egor Demin and Keon Ellis should get more backcourt reps while Brooklyn waits for its rookie guard to get fully healthy.
Source: Brian Lewis
Source: Brian Lewis
Jordan Hawkins Waived by Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies and guard/forward Jordan Hawkins have mutually agreed to part ways, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Hawkins will become a free agent once he clears waivers, only three weeks after Memphis acquired him from New Orleans in a four-player trade. The 24-year-old averaged 5.1 points and 0.9 threes in 13.6 minutes across 51 games last season while shooting 36.6 percent from the field. There wasn't an obvious path to minutes in Memphis with Ty Jerome and Cam Spencer already in the backcourt mix. Hawkins did finish the season well, scoring at least 20 points in his final two April games. For fantasy, there's not much to do with him until he lands somewhere that can give him regular minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Day'Ron Sharpe Ready for Increased Workload This Season
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe is preparing for a larger workload in 2026-27. With center Nic Claxton traded to the Chicago Bulls this offseason, Sharpe is expected to start this season and is ready for the challenge. "Even if it's double the minutes, I'll learn to pace myself during the game, take the right opportunities [to avoid] getting in foul trouble, and save myself for later in the game. But I'm just going to play hard until the wheels fall off. That's all I can do." In 67 games last season, Sharpe averaged 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just 18 minutes per game. With a solid workload expected for the sixth-year center, Sharpe is an exciting late-round flyer in fantasy drafts this season.
Source: Brian Lewis - New York Post
Source: Brian Lewis - New York Post
Yaxel Lendeborg Starting in Sunday's Preseason Opener
Golden State Warriors rookie power forward Yaxel Lendeborg is expected to start the team's preseason opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. Head coach Steve Kerr said Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Lendeborg, Draymond Green, and Al Horford will start in Hawaii. The 2026 11th overall pick is expected to have a large role this season as forward Jimmy Butler (knee) continues to recover from a torn ACL sustained late last season. In three seasons with Michigan, Lendeborg averaged 15.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, helping the team win the 2026 National Championship. While it's unclear whether he will start the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, starting on Sunday is a positive sign for his fantasy value this season.
Source: Anthony Slater - ESPN
Source: Anthony Slater - ESPN
Bam Adebayo Expected to Play in Saturday's Preseason Opener
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (back) is expected to play in the team's opening preseason game on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors. Adebayo dealt with a mild back issue late in the 2025-26 season, but practiced at full capacity on Thursday and is ready to suit up in Quebec City. In his ninth season, Adebayo averaged 20.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in just over 32 minutes per game. With star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo now in Miami, Adebayo is likely to see a reduced offensive role. While fantasy managers should have no concerns about Adebayo's health entering the season, his scoring and overall production could decline from his 2025-26 levels.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Kawhi Leonard Unlikely to Play in Preseason Opener
Toronto Raptors small forward Kawhi Leonard has not yet participated in contact drills and is unlikely to play in Toronto's preseason opener Saturday against the Miami Heat. After head coach Drako Rajakovic said Thursday that Leonard could play in the team's opening preseason game in Quebec City, Leonard will likely sit out. Rajakovic also said the team has a load management plan in place for the veteran forward. "We gotta be super smart. We're not going to take any short-term plan. We're going to have the big picture in mind." The two-time NBA Champion was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Raptors this offseason, despite Leonard averaging career highs in points per game (27.9) and finishing seventh in the MVP race. As the 35-year-old begins his 15th season, fantasy managers should anticipate a reduced workload in 2026-27.
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Source: Josh Lewenberg
Giannis Antetokounmpo to Play in Saturday's Preseason Game
Miami Heat superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is expected to make his preseason debut on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors. Antetokounmpo dealt with nagging knee issues during the 2025-26 season but has been a full go throughout Miami's training camp and is set to play in the Heat's opening preseason action. Antetokounmpo was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Heat in early July after frustrations grew between the organization and him. In his career, Antetokounmpo has averaged 24.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in just under 33 minutes per game. With Bam Adebayo as the only legitimate offensive threat on this Miami roster, Antetokounmpo is set to be one of the top players in the NBA from a fantasy perspective.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Yves Missi Challenged to Contend for Defensive Player of the Year
New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi received an ambitious challenge from head coach Jamahl Mosley, who said he wants the 22-year-old to push himself toward Defensive Player of the Year consideration. Mosley also said Missi has the talent to "anchor us in so many ways." Missi averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes last season, but his production climbed to 7.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks across 14 starts. He averaged 26.8 minutes as a rookie, so earning a larger role again would make his shot-blocking especially interesting for fantasy managers.
Source: Jim Eichenhofer
Source: Jim Eichenhofer
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
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
