October 10, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (hip) is dealing with a sore hip, which held him out of practice on Thursday. Beat reporter Kyle Neubeck states that the rookie will not play on Friday, and he's considered day-to-day. Edgecombe is expected to practice next week and even participated in shootaround on Friday morning. This issue seems to be more precautionary than anything else, but his return to practice would still be something to monitor. Edgecombe was the third-overall pick in this year's draft and displayed some insanely athletic plays during the two preseason games against the New York Knicks. With
Jared McCain (thumb),
Paul George (knee), and
Joel Embiid (knee) all on the mend, Edgecombe could see a sizeable chunk of minutes to start the season.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Kyle Neubeck
October 10, 2025
Indiana Pacers guard
T.J. McConnell (hamstring) originally tweaked his hamstring during the preseason game on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He played only eight minutes and exited in the second quarter. Now, according to beat reporter Tony East, head coach Rick Carlisle is saying that the veteran point guard is going to be out "at least a month." This brings the team's backcourt depth into question after
Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) is already expected to miss the season, and
Ben Sheppard (undisclosed) remains out, while they decided to cut
Delon Wright.
Cameron Payne did sign a camp deal with the team, but McConnell will be in line for an uptick in minutes whenever he returns. The 33-year-old averaged 9.1 points, 4.4 assists, 2.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.4 turnovers across 17.9 minutes per game last year.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Tony East
October 10, 2025
Indiana Pacers guard
Ben Sheppard (undisclosed) already missed the team's preseason opener, and he's headed for a couple more absences. Beat reporter Tony East reports that head coach Rick Carlisle said Sheppard is "unlikely" to play in either one of the team's next two games. Their game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 17 is "more plausible." Sheppard has seen increased playing time each season since being drafted in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. With
Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) out for the season, and a handful of other injuries to start the preseason, their guard depth is going to be very important. Last year, Sheppard averaged 5.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 threes across 19.5 minutes per game, but could see a bump in playing time when he returns.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Tony East
October 10, 2025
San Antonio Spurs guard
Dylan Harper (thumb) has officially been cleared for his preseason debut on Friday against the Utah Jazz. According to Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News, Harper is "in line" to receive some minutes for his first exhibition game ahead of the new season. The second-overall pick underwent thumb surgery about a month ago to address a torn ligament in his left thumb, and was hopeful at the time that he would be ready for the season opener. Barring any setbacks, it looks like the Rutgers product should be ready to go. In his lone year at Rutgers, Harper averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting .484 from the floor and .333 from deep.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: Jeff McDonald
October 9, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe (hip) was unable to practice with the team on Thursday due to left-hip soreness. The No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft has an extremely high ceiling and should be poised for a big role for the Sixers this year, if he can stay healthy. The Sixers have had awful injury issues the last few years, so Edgecombe's missing practice hopefully doesn't continue that trend. He has looked very strong when healthy, and he'll be a great sleeper in all formats if he's able to be healthy when the Sixers start the season on October 22 against the Celtics in Boston.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Kyle Neubeck
October 9, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies guard
Jaylen Wells flashed some upside and a high ceiling in a few games during his rookie year, including a 30-point outburst in his first game of 2025. Overall, he only averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 25.9 minutes per game while starting 74 of his 79 games and serving mostly as a defensive specialist. However, he is expected to take on a much more involved role in the offense in his second year in the NBA, after the team traded
Desmond Bane to Orlando. On Wednesday against the Celtics, Wells had a team-high 21 points in the Grizzlies' second exhibition game this preseason, and he only needed nine shots from the field. Grizzlies Coach Tuomas Iisalo said Wells will be asked to be a secondary playmaker in the offense, and so far, Wells seems to be doing a good job with his expanded role. While there may be some bumps along the road, an expanded role could set Wells up for a breakout season in Memphis.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Damichael Cole
October 9, 2025
Brooklyn Nets forward
Drake Powell (knee) appears to be in line for his Nets' preseason debut on Friday against the Suns. The Nets listed only
Egor Demin (foot) and
Haywood Highsmith (knee) as out for the exhibition game, leaving Powell potentially available. The No. 22 overall pick in the NBA Draft last June, Powell was traded from the Hawks to the Nets on Draft night. Powell profiles to be a potential "three-and-D" option on the wing for the Nets after showing off his pure athleticism and strong three-point shooting at North Carolina last year. He has the raw tools to be an elite defender and solid shooter, but his role is uncertain since he has yet to take the court for Brooklyn due to knee tendonopathy. Fantasy managers will want to pay close attention to Powell's debut and role coming into the season, especially if you're playing in a dynasty format.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Brian Lewis
October 9, 2025
Brooklyn Nets guard
Egor Demin (foot) will not be available for Friday's exhibition game against the Suns. Demin is dealing with a plantar fascia tear and has not been cleared for contact in practice. The No. 8 overall pick in the NBA Draft last year could be lined up for a big role with the Nets when he's healthy, but it isn't clear when he'll be ready to take the court. Earlier this week, General Manager Sean Marks said that the expectation is that Demin will be ready to go by opening night. For now,
Ben Saraf and
Nolan Traore should get more opportunities in the preseason. Saraf started the Nets' first exhibition game and will likely get the nod again on Friday
--Zach ThompsonSource: Brian Lewis
October 9, 2025
Minnesota Timberwolves forward
Joe Ingles (groin) has been diagnosed with a left groin strain and will be re-evaluated in one week. Ingles re-signed with the Wolves as a veteran depth option again this season, agreeing to a one-year, $3.6 million contract with the Timberwolves. He doesn't usually play significant rotation minutes during the season, but his absence for the next week could open up more playing time for other players battling for roster spots and playing time.
Terrence Shannon Jr.,
Jaylen Clark, and
Leonard Miller are a few of the other forwards who could get more time without Ingles available.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jon Krawczynski
October 9, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (back) will miss the start of the NBA regular season while dealing with sciatica, which is pain that originates in the spine and radiates down the back of his right leg. The 40-year-old James has been unable to participate in training camp due to what Lakers coach JJ Redick described as nerve irritation in his glute. It's unclear if this is the same issue or a different problem trying to slow down the 21-time All-Star. James played 70 regular-season games last year, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. He helped the Lakers to the playoffs, where they lost to the Timberwolves in five games in the first round. With James on the sidelines to start the season,
Austin Reaves' fantasy value gets a boost.
Luka Doncic will also carry more of the load for the Lakers, but he's already a top option in all formats, so LeBron's absence doesn't impact his fantasy value as much as Reaves', but it should boost his usage. James' recovery and season debut will be a key storyline to watch early in the year since the Lakers are so reliant on the veteran in every facet of the game.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Dave McMenamin
October 9, 2025
Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward
Matisse Thybulle (knee) was sidelined for the team's preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night due to right knee soreness. After playing in only 15 games last season due to ankle and knee issues, Thybulle can't seem to shake off injuries. When healthy, he has been an outstanding defender, averaging 1.6 steals for his career and earning two NBA All-Defensive Second Team selections. The Blazers have a light preseason schedule with only four games, so Thybulle must recover quickly if he wants to shake off some rust before the start of the regular season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Portland Trail Blazers PR
October 9, 2025
Golden State Warriors guard
Seth Curry missed a second straight preseason game on Wednesday against the Portland Trail Blazers. According to Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr told reporters that Curry "is still ramping up" after the offseason. The Curry brothers are finally together on the same team, but it seems it will take some time before we see them sharing the floor. Adding Curry provides another three-point threat for the Warriors, but he probably won't see much action during the regular season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Dalton Johnson
October 9, 2025
Orlando Magic point guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) participated in individual non-contact drills during Wednesday's practice, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports. This suggests Suggs still hasn't been cleared for contact with two weeks remaining until opening night against the Miami Heat. Suggs has been aiming for opening night as his return date, but even if he is ready for the first game of the season, the team might limit his workload.
Tyus Jones is the leading contender to start at point guard instead of Suggs if he isn't able to recover in time for Oct. 22.
--Taavi PailkSource: Jason Beede
October 9, 2025
San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (knee) remained sidelined for Wednesday's preseason action against the Miami Heat. The 2025 NBA Rookie of the Year banged his knee in practice on Monday and sat out a second consecutive preseason matchup. Early reports indicated that Castle isn't facing a serious issue, so the Spurs might just be cautious with him, as there's no need to rush him into action during preseason. While Castle enjoyed a good rookie campaign, he may struggle to take the next step in 2025-26 with
Dylan Harper (thumb) in town. Harper figures to play a big role in the Spurs backcourt once he has recovered from thumb surgery.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 9, 2025
Toronto Raptors forward
Scottie Barnes (knee) is battling left knee tendinopathy, TSN's Josh Lewenberg reports. Due to the issue, Barnes was unavailable for Wednesday's preseason contest against the Sacramento Kings. It's possible his left knee already bothered him during the team's preseason opener against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, as Barnes failed to make a field goal with six attempts and finished with one point in 19 minutes. Barnes is an exciting talent, and it's sad to see him struggling with injuries. Over the last two campaigns, he has played in only 125 regular-season games. Fortunately, his latest health issue doesn't seem serious, giving Barnes a chance to be healthy for the start of the campaign
--Taavi PailkSource: Josh Lewenberg
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