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Santi Aldama Doubtful For Wednesday's Matchup With Rockets
According to Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com, Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May said forward Santi Aldama (knee) was limited in practice and is unlikely to play in the team's regular-season opener against Houston. However, May noted that Aldama is "getting very close" to returning. The 25-year-old missed all four preseason games while recovering from an arthroscopic right knee procedure on March 17 and an orthobiologic injection. Aldama averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers last season. Given his extended absence, he could face a minutes restriction when he returns to action.
Source: Grant Afseth
Source: Grant Afseth
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Adem Bona Iffy for Tuesday's Opener
Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona (foot) is questionable for Tuesday's season opener against the New York Knicks, according to Adam Aaronson. Bona missed the entire preseason after spraining his foot with Türkiye during FIBA World Cup qualifying. With Ariel Hukporti (Achilles) out for the season and Dominick Barlow (back) sidelined for at least two weeks, Bona is in line to serve as Joel Embiid's traditional backup when healthy. He averaged 4.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 17.4 minutes last season, with rim protection providing his clearest fantasy appeal. If Bona sits, Jabari Walker and LeBron James could absorb small-ball center minutes, while Dean Wade (ankle) is also questionable. Bona's value should climb whenever Embiid misses time.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Anfernee Simons Questionable for Sixers Debut
Philadelphia 76ers guard Anfernee Simons (hamstring) is questionable for Tuesday's season opener against the New York Knicks, according to PhillyVoice's Adam Aaronson. The 27-year-old missed the entire preseason with a right hamstring issue but logged a full practice Sunday. Simons remained noncommittal about his availability, telling reporters, "I can't confirm or deny that." He averaged 14.3 points, 2.4 assists, and 2.7 threes in 24.9 minutes across 55 games last season. Coach Nick Nurse has indicated Simons is the preferred reserve guard when healthy, while Labaron Philon Jr. would enter the rotation if he sits.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Dominick Barlow Sidelined at Least Two Weeks
According to PHLY Sports' Derek Bodner, Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Dominick Barlow (back) has a lumbar spine bone stress response and will be reevaluated in two weeks. The 23-year-old missed the entire preseason and will sit out Tuesday's opener against the Knicks, with at least seven games scheduled before the two-week mark. Barlow started 59 of 71 games last season, averaging 7.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 23.8 minutes. His path back to that workload was already less certain following the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Dean Wade (ankle) and Adem Bona (foot) could see more frontcourt opportunities once healthy.
Source: Derek Bodner
Source: Derek Bodner
Walter Clayton Jr. Waived by Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies waived guard Walter Clayton Jr. on Monday to finalize their opening night roster, confirming an earlier report from ESPN's Shams Charania. The 2025 No. 18 pick averaged 7.8 points and 4.0 assists across 69 rookie games, including 9.7 points and 5.7 assists in 24 appearances with Memphis, but shot 38.4 percent from the field and 30.7 percent from three. Two-way guard Javon Small gets a little more breathing room, though Memphis remains crowded at guard. Sacramento is one team to watch after Marc Stein and Jake Fischer previously linked the Kings to Clayton, especially with Ben Simmons (Achilles) expected to miss the season. Still, Clayton would need to carve out steady minutes before working his way back onto the fantasy radar.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Brandon Miller Secures Five-Year, $209 Million Extension with Hornets
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Brandon Miller (shoulder) has signed a five-year, $209 million rookie-scale extension, first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal begins in 2027-28 and comes in at $1 million above Amen Thompson's extension with Houston. Miller led Charlotte with 20.2 points per game last season while adding 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 3.1 three-pointers across 65 appearances. With LaMelo Ball now in Minnesota, Miller has a clear path to a larger offensive role. He returned for preseason action following May shoulder surgery, and increased usage could push the 23-year-old toward career-best fantasy production if he stays healthy.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Nic Claxton Out Another Two Weeks
Chicago Bulls center Nic Claxton (hamstring) will miss Wednesday's season opener in Toronto after head coach Tiago Splitter said he will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks, according to Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson. Splitter noted that Claxton is progressing and the timeline remains an estimate. The 27-year-old averaged 11.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, a career-high 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks with Brooklyn last season. Jalen Smith started at center for most of the preseason and carries added fantasy appeal while Claxton is sidelined. Zach Collins (toe) practiced Monday and could also absorb center minutes if cleared for the opener.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Bam Adebayo Practices Again Monday
Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (groin) participated in Monday's practice, Miami Herald reporter Anthony Chiang said. Adebayo has been dealing with a right groin injury but has now practiced two days in a row, an encouraging sign ahead of Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Fantasy managers should have a clearer picture of the 29-year-old's availability when Miami releases its injury report Tuesday night.
Source: Anthony Chiang
Source: Anthony Chiang
Kevin Porter Jr. Waived by Milwaukee on Monday
ESPN's Shams Charania reports the Milwaukee Bucks waived guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Monday. The 26-year-old was productive when healthy last season, averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals across 38 appearances. He also shot a career-best 46.5 percent from the field but just 32.2 percent from three-point range. With Milwaukee opting to move forward with Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins in the backcourt, Porter will look for a fresh start elsewhere. His fantasy value will depend on his next destination, but he could provide significant upside if he lands a substantial role.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Chet Holmgren Set to Suit Up Tuesday
Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports that Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren (quadriceps) is available for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the San Antonio Spurs. Holmgren missed all five preseason games due to a quad contusion. The 24-year-old averaged 17.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks across 69 games last season. If Holmgren has any setbacks, Isaiah Hartenstein will see extra minutes.
Source: Justin Martinez
Source: Justin Martinez
Jaden McDaniels Agrees to One-Year $40 Million Extension With Minnesota
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels agreed to a one-year, $40 million contract extension on Monday. The 26-year-old is now under contract with Minnesota through the 2029-30 season and is set to earn $124 million over the remaining four years of his deal. With Julius Randle no longer in the picture, McDaniels could see an increased offensive role in 2026-27, potentially boosting his fantasy value. He averaged a career-high 14.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.0 blocks per game across 73 outings last season.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Lakers Waive Dalton Knecht on Monday
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Los Angeles Lakers waived guard/forward Dalton Knecht on Monday. Knecht missed Monday's practice due to an illness. The 25-year-old will now seek a fresh start with another team after struggling to establish a consistent role as a Laker. A change of scenery could boost his fantasy value after he averaged just 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes per game across 54 games last season.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Santi Aldama Remains Without Return Timetable
Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama (knee) remains without a return timetable, with head coach Dusty May telling Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News that he still doesn't know whether Aldama will play Wednesday against Houston. The 25-year-old missed all four preseason games while recovering from a March 17 arthroscopic procedure and orthobiologic injection, though May said he practiced well Sunday. Aldama averaged 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 threes last season. Even if cleared for the opener, his lengthy layoff makes an immediate full workload uncertain.
Source: Mike Curtis
Source: Mike Curtis
Anthony Black Back at Practice Ahead of Opener
Orlando Magic guard/forward Anthony Black (ankle) participated in practice Sunday, with head coach Sean Sweeney telling Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel that he looked good and was moving well. Black missed the entire preseason after spraining his ankle during voluntary workouts and remains uncertain for Wednesday's opener against Atlanta. The 22-year-old averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals across 64 games last season. If Black is cleared and Franz Wagner (shoulder) misses time, he could immediately handle a larger offensive role.
Source: Jason Beede
Source: Jason Beede
Steven Adams Opens Season Without Minutes Limit
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (ankle) won't face a minutes restriction to open the season, head coach Ime Udoka told Lachard Binkley of SI.com, though Houston will remain cautious with back-to-backs. That's progress from late September, when Udoka didn't expect Adams to play both ends early in the season. The 33-year-old underwent season-ending ankle surgery in January before returning for 14 preseason minutes against Dallas. Adams averaged 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in 22.8 minutes last season and enters 2026-27 as Alperen Sengun's primary backup. His rebounding remains useful in limited minutes, while Clint Capela could see extra work whenever Adams rests.
Source: Lachard Binkley
Source: Lachard Binkley
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
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
