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Fred VanVleet Cleared of Minutes Restriction for Season Opener
Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (knee) will not face a minutes restriction as the season opens, head coach Ime Udoka told Lachard Binkley of SI.com. Houston will remain cautious with back-to-backs, which could create extra opportunities for Reed Sheppard and Marcus Smart. VanVleet missed all of 2025-26 after tearing his right ACL but returned with 17 points, five triples, and seven assists in 24 preseason minutes against Dallas. His shot volume could dip alongside Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson, but his threes, assists, and steals should keep him fantasy-relevant with a full workload.
Source: Lachard Binkley
Source: Lachard Binkley
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Oso Ighodaro Agrees to Three-Year, $29 Million Extension with Suns
Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (hip) agreed to a three-year, $29 million extension through 2030-31, his agent Erika Ruiz told ESPN's Shams Charania. Phoenix is also exercising his $2.5 million team option for 2027-28, with the extension beginning in 2028-29. Ighodaro averaged 6.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 22.1 minutes while shooting 65.3% across all 82 games last season. With Mark Williams (shoulder) without a timetable after labrum surgery, Ighodaro appears to have the edge over Khaman Maluach for the opening-night job. His four playoff starts, when he averaged 7.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 32.2 minutes, showed useful fantasy upside with added playing time.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Cason Wallace Agrees to Five-Year, $139 Million Extension with Thunder
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace agreed to a five-year, $139 million rookie-scale extension, keeping him out of restricted free agency next summer. The 22-year-old earned All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2025-26 while averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 26.6 minutes across 77 games. He also led the NBA in total steals and deflections. With Luguentz Dort now in Atlanta, Wallace is expected to start alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His offensive usage should remain modest, making steals his clearest fantasy strength. Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain provide backcourt depth, but Wallace's defense and expanded starting role should give him a steady minutes floor.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Kon Knueppel's Status for Opener Remains Uncertain
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Kon Knueppel (hamstring) still has no return timeline ahead of Wednesday's opener at Brooklyn, head coach Charles Lee said Sunday, per WCNC's Nick Carboni. Knueppel has been doing more in practice and taking more contact after a left hamstring strain sidelined him for the entire preseason. The 21-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists as a rookie while leading the NBA with 273 three-pointers. With LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges traded away this offseason, Knueppel should have room for more usage and creation work once healthy.
Source: Nick Carboni
Source: Nick Carboni
Coby White Still Without Return Timeline
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (calf) still has no return timeline ahead of Wednesday's opener at Brooklyn, head coach Charles Lee said Sunday, per WCNC's Nick Carboni. Lee said White has increased his workload and added more contact in practice after a left calf strain cost him the entire preseason. The 26-year-old also had his Charlotte debut delayed last season by a left calf injury and averaged 17.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 50 games. If White remains sidelined, Dennis Schroder is expected to handle more of the backcourt workload, with rookie Christian Anderson also in the mix for additional minutes.
Source: Nick Carboni
Source: Nick Carboni
AJ Dybantsa Considered Day-to-Day with Ankle Sprain
Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (ankle) is considered day-to-day after spraining his left ankle in Friday's preseason finale against New Orleans, head coach Brian Keefe said Sunday, per The Athletic's Josh Robbins. The No. 1 overall pick exited in the second quarter after scoring 12 points in 15 minutes, and Keefe would not commit to him playing Wednesday against Milwaukee. Dybantsa averaged 12.0 points over four preseason games. If he sits, Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George could absorb more wing minutes and touches alongside Trae Young.
Source: Josh Robbins
Source: Josh Robbins
Franz Wagner Takes Part in Light Work Sunday
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (shoulder) was able to do some "light work" during Sunday's practice, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. Head coach Sean Sweeney said the team will continue evaluating Wagner's right shoulder after he exited Friday's preseason finale against Miami. His status for Wednesday's opener against Atlanta remains unclear. If Wagner can't go, Tristan da Silva is one of the more likely options for extra minutes after making 34 starts last season. Anthony Black (ankle) also practiced Sunday and could see more perimeter work if he's cleared.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Stephen Curry Tweaks Right Ankle at Open Scrimmage
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (ankle) left Sunday's open scrimmage early after tweaking his right ankle, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater. His status for Wednesday's opener against the Lakers is still up in the air, though a team source said the injury is "not serious," and coach Steve Kerr later said Curry was fine. That's encouraging after the 38-year-old missed more than two months last season with a right knee issue. If Curry sits Wednesday, Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton should see more ball-handling opportunities.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Ben Simmons Out for the Season with Torn Achilles
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons (Achilles) will miss the 2026-27 season after an MRI confirmed a torn right Achilles tendon, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Simmons suffered the injury during a live drill at Sunday's practice and will undergo surgery. The 30-year-old was preparing to return after sitting out all of last season and averaged 10.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in two preseason appearances. Darius Acuff Jr. should take on more playmaking responsibility with Simmons out, while De'Andre Hunter, Precious Achiuwa, and Nique Clifford could all be in the mix for the open starting spot. Sacramento hasn't tipped its hand yet, so that battle is worth watching heading into Wednesday.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Tacko Fall Lands Two-Way Deal with Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers have converted center Tacko Fall's Exhibit 10 deal into a two-way contract, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Fall missed the entire preseason with a left hip strain and hasn't appeared in an NBA game since 2021-22 with Cleveland. Philadelphia could use the extra size with Ariel Hukporti (Achilles) out for the season and Adem Bona (foot) and Dominick Barlow (back) working back from injuries. Bona remains the more interesting fantasy name after averaging 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks last season. Fall has played only 37 career NBA games and is more likely to serve as emergency depth.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Chet Holmgren Uncertain for Season Opener
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (quadriceps) remains uncertain for Tuesday's season opener at San Antonio after missing all five preseason games with a quad contusion. Head coach Mark Daigneault said everyone participated in Saturday's practice in some capacity but did not reveal how much work Holmgren got in. The 24-year-old averaged 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks across 69 games last season. There hasn't been any indication of a lengthy absence, but fantasy managers should check Monday's injury report before setting lineups. Isaiah Hartenstein would get the biggest bump if Holmgren sits, while Aday Mara could also pick up extra minutes.
Source: Clemente Almanza
Source: Clemente Almanza
Trail Blazers Waive Jeremy Sochan
The Portland Trail Blazers have waived forward/center Jeremy Sochan after he spent the preseason competing for a roster spot. The 23-year-old signed a one-year, non-guaranteed deal in August and averaged 6.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists across four exhibition games. Sochan saw his role shrink last season, averaging just 3.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 44 games with the Spurs and Knicks before barely playing during New York's title run. Portland now has an extra roster spot, but Sochan wasn't going to take many minutes away from Deni Avdija or Toumani Camara. His outside shot is still a concern, so he'll need to find the right situation before there's much fantasy appeal.
Source: Portland Trail Blazers
Source: Portland Trail Blazers
Bruce Brown Waived by Knicks
The New York Knicks have waived guard Bruce Brown, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, clearing the way for James Wiseman to make the regular-season roster. New York was only $3.2 million below its self-imposed second-apron hard cap, making it difficult to keep both players. Brown appeared in all 82 games for Denver last season, averaging 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 24.4 minutes. The 30-year-old has been useful when given steady minutes, but he'll need to clear waivers and find another rotation role before carrying much fantasy appeal.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Devin Carter Lands Two-Way Deal with Celtics
The Boston Celtics are converting guard Devin Carter's Exhibit 10 contract into a two-way deal, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Carter made an impression in his only preseason appearance, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals against Cleveland before an illness kept him out of the final three games. The former No. 13 pick averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 18.4 minutes across 38 games for Sacramento last season. With Derrick White and Payton Pritchard ahead of him, Carter will need injuries or a strong G-League run to carve out much fantasy value.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Jazz Claim Tony Bradley Off Waivers
The Utah Jazz have claimed center Tony Bradley off waivers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. Bradley returns to the franchise where he spent his first three NBA seasons after averaging 5.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in limited preseason work with New York. The 28-year-old joins Utah on a non-guaranteed deal and adds depth while Jusuf Nurkic (foot) and Kyle Filipowski (back) are sidelined. Jaxson Hayes should see more center minutes early, with Jaren Jackson Jr. also capable of sliding to the five. Bradley owns career averages of 4.3 points and 3.8 rebounds and remains off the fantasy radar unless injuries push him into the rotation.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
James Wiseman Secures Knicks' Final Roster Spot
James Wiseman is set to make the New York Knicks' regular-season roster as a reserve center, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The former No. 2 pick averaged 8.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 11.5 minutes during the preseason while shooting 13-for-16 from the field, including an 18-point, 10-rebound spot start against Toronto. Wiseman has played only five NBA games over the past two seasons after tearing his left Achilles in October 2024. With Mitchell Robinson now in Boston, Wiseman is behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond in the center rotation. There probably won't be much fantasy value here unless one of them misses time.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jase Richardson Considered Day-to-Day with Back Soreness
Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (back) is day-to-day with low back soreness, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. Richardson left Friday's preseason finale against Miami after seven scoreless minutes, finishing with two rebounds and two assists. The second-year guard started Orlando's first two exhibitions while Jalen Suggs was sidelined, including a 12-point, four-assist outing against Cleveland. Richardson averaged just 4.4 points in 10.9 minutes as a rookie and returned to the bench once Suggs was cleared. Unless the injury opens a bigger role, Richardson remains a limited fantasy option.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Franz Wagner Dealing with Right-Shoulder Soreness
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (shoulder) remains under evaluation after leaving Friday's preseason finale against Miami with right shoulder soreness, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. Wagner appeared bothered by the shoulder after a three-point attempt in the third quarter and finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and six assists in 19 minutes. The 25-year-old averaged 20.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in only 34 games last season, so another injury is worth monitoring. If Wagner can't play Wednesday against Atlanta, Tristan da Silva should be in line for more minutes with Noah Penda (hamstring) also sidelined.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Noah Penda Expected to Miss Significant Time with Hamstring Injury
Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda (hamstring) is expected to miss significant time after partially tearing his right hamstring in Friday's preseason finale against Miami, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede. The 21-year-old left late in the first quarter after just two minutes, finishing with one steal. The tear is reportedly a separate injury from the hamstring issue that slowed him earlier in camp. Penda averaged 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 12.8 minutes as a rookie. Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain could see more wing minutes while Penda is out, especially if Franz Wagner (shoulder) also misses time.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Isaiah Jackson Named Clippers' Starting Center for Week 1
Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Jackson will open the season as the team's starting center, according to The Athletic's Law Murray. Head coach Tyronn Lue named Jackson the Week 1 starter, with Brook Lopez moving into the backup role. The 24-year-old averaged 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 15.9 minutes across 17 games with the Clippers last season while shooting 76.4% from the field. Lue likes the speed Jackson brings at center, and a jump in minutes could make him useful for rebounds, blocks, and efficient scoring starting Wednesday against Sacramento.
Source: Law Murray
Source: Law Murray
Jamal Murray Leads Nuggets with 21 Points in Preseason Finale
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray scored a game-high 21 points in Friday's 121-106 preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers, adding three rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 31 minutes. He shot 8-for-15 from the field and scored 10 points in the first quarter, though he missed all three of his attempts from deep. That isn't much of a concern after Murray shot 43.5% from three last season while averaging career highs of 25.4 points and 7.1 assists. DeMar DeRozan should handle plenty of second-unit offense, leaving Murray firmly in place as Denver's No. 2 option behind Nikola Jokic.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
