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Walker Kessler Returns to Full Practice on Sunday
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (finger) went through a full practice Sunday after being limited by a jammed left pinkie, according to ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Kessler called the restrictions precautionary and said he's ready to play, though the Lakers haven't committed to his preseason debut Tuesday against Golden State. The 25-year-old played only five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn left shoulder labrum, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. Once cleared, Kessler should handle most of the center minutes, with Sandro Mamukelashvili shifting between both frontcourt spots.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
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Maxime Raynaud to be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) suffered a right patellar subluxation and will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The 23-year-old is expected to miss the start of the regular season, with Sacramento opening Oct. 21 against the Clippers. Raynaud earned All-Rookie Second Team honors after averaging 12.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 57.1% shooting last season. His absence leaves more backup center minutes available for Precious Achiuwa and Dylan Cardwell behind Domantas Sabonis.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Yaxel Lendeborg Posts 23-Point Double-Double Against Kings
Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg stuffed the stat sheet in Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over Sacramento, finishing with 23 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 24 minutes. He shot 10-for-14 from the field and had 20 points by halftime. The 24-year-old has followed a quiet preseason debut with two strong performances, and coach Steve Kerr has already said the rookie is going to play plenty this season. With his rebounding, passing, and defensive production, Lendeborg is quickly building a strong case for meaningful fantasy value right away.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Oso Ighodaro Fills the Stat Sheet in Win Over Spurs
Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro recorded eight points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks in 21 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the San Antonio Spurs. He shot 4-for-7 from the field after moving to the bench following starts in Phoenix's first two exhibitions. Khaman Maluach got the start Saturday and grabbed 15 rebounds, keeping the battle for the starting center job wide open while Mark Williams (shoulder) is sidelined. Ighodaro's scoring ceiling is limited, but his passing and defensive stats could make him useful if he earns enough minutes.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Khaman Maluach Posts Double-Double in First Preseason Start
Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach recorded 10 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the San Antonio Spurs. The second-year big shot 4-for-9 from the field and led all players on the glass in his first preseason start. Maluach had come off the bench behind Oso Ighodaro in Phoenix's first two games, but this performance gives him a stronger case for the starting job while Mark Williams (shoulder) is sidelined. Another good showing Wednesday would keep the pressure on Ighodaro, and Maluach's rebounding and shot-blocking give him the higher fantasy ceiling if he wins the role.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Dylan Harper Stays Hot in Second Preseason Start
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper led the team in scoring for the second straight preseason game, finishing with 15 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in Saturday's 102-98 loss to Phoenix. He shot 6-for-9 from the field and is now 11-for-16 through two starts. De'Aaron Fox (hip) sat out again, so San Antonio still hasn't unveiled its planned three-guard look with Harper and Stephon Castle. Harper averaged 11.8 points in 22.6 minutes as a rookie, mostly off the bench. A bigger role looks likely, though sharing the ball with Fox and Castle could keep his usage in check.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Maxime Raynaud Exits in a Wheelchair with Right Knee Injury
Sacramento Kings center Maxime Raynaud (knee) was wheeled off the floor after injuring his right knee in Saturday's 111-106 preseason loss to Golden State. The 23-year-old appeared to collide knee-to-knee with Stephen Curry while setting a screen, and head coach Doug Christie declined to speculate on the severity before medical testing. Raynaud later left the arena on crutches and was headed for an MRI. He averaged 12.5 points and 7.5 rebounds across 74 games as a rookie. If he misses time, Dylan Cardwell and Precious Achiuwa could pick up more frontcourt minutes behind Domantas Sabonis.
Source: Sean Cunningham
Source: Sean Cunningham
Brandin Podziemski Agrees to $110 Million Extension with Warriors
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski has agreed to a five-year, $110 million rookie-scale extension, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The deal includes a mutual option for 2031-32 and a trade kicker. The 23-year-old earned the payday after averaging career highs of 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals while playing all 82 games last season. With Jimmy Butler III (knee) and Moses Moody (knee) still sidelined, Podziemski is expected to open the year next to Stephen Curry. That starting role gives him a good chance to build on last season's numbers.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Cameron Boozer Efficient in Preseason Win Over Bulls
Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer finished with 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists in Friday's 104-100 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls. The No. 3 overall pick went 3-for-5 from the field and 4-for-4 at the line while missing his only three-point attempt. Boozer didn't need many shots in his latest matchup with fellow rookie Caleb Wilson, but he still found ways to contribute. Through three exhibitions, he's shooting 12-for-21 from the field with 37 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. The efficiency has been a good early sign as Memphis works him into a larger role.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Ty Jerome Drills Four Triples in Preseason Win Over Bulls
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome scored 16 points in 14 minutes during Friday's 104-100 preseason win over the Chicago Bulls. He shot 5-for-8 from the field and 4-for-6 from three while adding four assists and one rebound. Jerome has now put up 45 points and 13 assists through three preseason games. The 29-year-old averaged 19.7 points and 5.7 assists in just 22.6 minutes last season but was limited to 15 appearances by injuries. With Ja Morant gone, Jerome has a real opening to grab the starting point guard job. He's already shown he can produce when he's on the floor. The bigger concern is whether he can stay healthy long enough to hold onto the role.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Norman Powell Goes 10-for-12 at the Line in Preseason Loss to Memphis
Chicago Bulls guard/forward Norman Powell scored 17 points in 19 minutes during Friday's 104-100 preseason loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. He shot 3-for-6 from the field and 1-for-2 from three while adding three rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Most of his damage came at the line, where he went 10-for-12. The 33-year-old has now scored 31 points in roughly 33 preseason minutes after putting up 14 against Phoenix. On a young Bulls roster featuring Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis, Powell's ability to draw fouls gives him another path to steady scoring even when his outside shot isn't falling.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Caleb Wilson Pours in 21 Points in Preseason Loss to Grizzlies
Chicago Bulls forward Caleb Wilson scored 21 points in Friday's 104-100 preseason loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, adding four rebounds and one steal in 32 minutes. The No. 4 overall pick bounced back from an 0-for-4 night from three in his debut by hitting 5-for-11 from deep, though he went just 2-for-6 at the line. Wilson has now scored 36 points through two exhibitions. The 32 minutes were nice to see, but Chicago was shorthanded, and Wilson got an extra run late, so don't expect that workload every night. Still, the scoring and high three-point volume give him a real chance to carve out useful fantasy value early.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Pelicans Waive Christian Koloko
The New Orleans Pelicans have waived center Christian Koloko, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. The 26-year-old joined New Orleans on a one-year, non-guaranteed deal in July while competing for a final roster spot. Koloko averaged 2.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13.2 minutes across 27 games with the Lakers, Grizzlies, and Hawks last season. His departure doesn't carry much fantasy impact on its own, but it removes another body from a crowded frontcourt. Yves Missi, Derik Queen, and Karlo Matkovic remain the main young bigs to watch as coach Jamahl Mosley sorts out his rotation.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Kawhi Leonard Out Saturday Against Clippers
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Kawhi Leonard will not play Saturday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers in Vancouver as he continues to ramp up his activity. The 35-year-old went through his first full practice Monday after being limited early in camp. Leonard averaged 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.9 steals across 65 games last season. His next chance to make his preseason debut comes Tuesday against the Knicks. Leonard's production remains elite when available, but Toronto's cautious approach makes workload management the main fantasy concern entering the season.
Source: Tomer Azarly
Source: Tomer Azarly
Matas Buzelis Exits Friday's Preseason Contest Early
K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports that Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) exited Friday's preseason contest against the Memphis Grizzlies in the second quarter and was ruled out for the rest of the game with a right ankle injury. Buzelis finished with six points and one block in 12 minutes. If the injury doesn't sideline him for long, the 21-year-old could play a significant role in Chicago's offense this season. He averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last campaign, making him an intriguing fantasy option heading into 2026-27.
Source: K.C. Johnson
Source: K.C. Johnson
Isaiah Stewart Sidelined at Least Two Weeks
The Memphis Grizzlies announced Friday that forward/center Isaiah Stewart (ankle) suffered a left ankle sprain during the team's preseason opener and is likely to miss Opening Night. Stewart was acquired from Detroit during the offseason after averaging 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks last season while finishing seventh in Sixth Man of the Year voting. With the 25-year-old sidelined, Zach Edey and Quinten Post could see increased minutes in Memphis' frontcourt, potentially boosting their fantasy value early in the regular season.
Source: Grizzlies PR
Source: Grizzlies PR
Max Christie Logs Solid Outing in Preseason Loss Friday
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Max Christie grabbed 14 points, two rebounds, two assists and one steal across 24 minutes in Friday's 135-117 preseason loss to the Houston Rockets. The 23-year-old will likely be the team's primary ball-handler at times, as Kyrie Irving and Marcus Sasser also serve in the Mavs' backcourt. Christie's playmaking ability and three-point shooting could make him a strong streaming candidate throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Steven Adams Plays 14 Minutes in Return on Friday
Houston Rockets center Steven Adams collected two points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal across 14 minutes in Friday's 135-117 preseason victory over Dallas. Adams returned to the lineup on Friday after undergoing ankle surgery in January. The 33-year-old veteran big man will likely back up starting center Alperen Sengun once the regular season starts. Heading into his 13th campaign, Adams isn't a fantasy-relevant piece unless Sengun gets injured.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Fred VanVleet Turns in Impressive Preseason Debut
Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet posted 17 points (5-for-12 on field goals, 5-for-12 from three, 2-for-3 on free throws), seven assists, two rebounds, and two steals in 24 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over Dallas. Friday's contest marked VanVleet's first appearance since suffering a torn ACL more than a year ago. The 32-year-old looked productive in his return, but Houston could manage his minutes early in the regular season as he works his way back from the serious injury. A limited workload could affect his fantasy value to begin the campaign.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Austin Reaves Dishes Eight Assists in Preseason Debut
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Austin Reaves posted a team-high eight assists in Thursday's 114-110 preseason win over the Sacramento Kings, adding eight points, five rebounds, and one steal in 25 minutes. Reaves made his preseason debut after missing two games with an ankle issue, shooting 2-for-7 from the field and 0-for-3 from three, but going 4-for-4 at the line. Luka Doncic handled the scoring with 23 points, while Reaves leaned into a playmaking role. After averaging 23.3 points and 5.5 assists last season, he should remain heavily involved as a scorer and facilitator now that LeBron James is no longer in Los Angeles.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Tyrese Maxey Scores 14 Points in Preseason Debut
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey scored 14 points in Thursday's 114-108 preseason loss to the Brooklyn Nets, adding two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 19 minutes. He shot 5-for-8 from the field and 2-for-4 from three, with 10 of his points coming in the first quarter. Maxey spent more time working off the ball with LeBron James handling some of the playmaking duties. After averaging 28.3 points and 6.6 assists last season, Maxey may give up some creation responsibilities, but the tradeoff could be more catch-and-shoot looks and easier scoring chances.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
