Mike Conley Moves to Bench to Start Season
Mike Conley will begin the new season coming off the bench. Dante DiVincenzo will be the starting floor general for Wednesday's matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers and beyond. Last season across 71 games, Conley averaged 8.2 points, 4.5 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 24.7 minutes per contest. Now in a reserve role, the 38-year-old's fantasy value is expected to keep trending downward.
Source: Chris Haynes
NBA reporter Chris Haynes reports that Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Source: Chris Haynes
Donte DiVincenzo Opening Season as a Starter
Donte DiVincenzo has been named to the starting five for the Minnesota Timberwolves to open the 2025-26 season on Wednesday. DiVincenzo replaces 38-year-old Mike Conley as the team's starting point guard. Conley will remain a crucial component for Minnesota, but will now come off the bench. Across 62 games last season, DiVincenzo averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 25.9 minutes per contest. With an increase in playing time, the 28-year-old's fantasy value should see a notable boost this season.
Source: Chris Haynes
According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, guard Source: Chris Haynes
Giannis Antetokounmpo Dowgraded to Probable on Wednesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been added to the injury report and is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup with the Washington Wizards due to lower back soreness. Fantasy managers shouldn't be overly concerned about the star forward's status, as he is still expected to take the floor this evening. The 30-year-old averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 34.2 minutes per contest across 67 outings. Heading into the new campaign, Antetokounmpo remains an elite fantasy option across all formats.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Source: NBA Injury Report
Karl-Anthony Towns Upgraded to Questionable For Season Opener
Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps) has been upgraded to questionable heading into Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His status for the team's season opener has now changed repeatedly, shifting from questionable to doubtful and back again. Fantasy managers have to hope that the 29-year-old isn't dealing with anything injury-wise that sidelines him throughout the season. If Towns is unable to suit up, he'll join Mitchell Robinson (ankle) on the sidelines, which would likely open the door for Guerschon Yabusele to start this evening. Yabusele agreed to a two-year, $11.7 million contract with the Knicks in July and could make an immediate impact in the frontcourt if given extended minutes.
Source: Shams Charania
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, New York Knicks center/forward Source: Shams Charania
Jalen Suggs Good to Go on Wednesday Night
Jalen Suggs (knee) will play in Wednesday's matchup with the Miami Heat, according to head coach Jamahl Mosley. There was some doubt about his availability for the opener after he underwent knee surgery back in March. However, the 24-year-old will be out there when the Magic begin the 2025 campaign. Suggs averaged 16.2 points, 4.0 boards, and 1.5 steals last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 35 appearances. With that said, Suggs is worthy of a place in any fantasy lineup, although he may see fewer than the 28.6 minutes he averaged last season. Still, his presence will presumably mean fewer minutes for Tyus Jones, who would have been the favorite to enter the starting lineup.
Source: Jason Beede
Orlando Magic guard Source: Jason Beede
Karl-Anthony Towns Now Doubtful for the Opener
Karl-Anthony Towns (quadriceps) is now listed as doubtful heading into Wednesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was deemed questionable as of Tuesday evening. Unfortunately, it appears KAT is heading in the wrong direction, putting his availability for the opener in doubt. At this point, fantasy managers are certainly hoping Towns isn't dealing with anything that will keep him out beyond Wednesday's contest, specifically, for upcoming matchups versus the Celtics and Heat. However, Mitchell Robinson (ankle) has already been ruled out, meaning Guerschon Yabusele will presumably roll with the first five. Yabusele, who signed a two-year, $11.7 million contact with the Knicks in July, averaged 11.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in 43 starts with the Sixers throughout the 2024 campaign, giving him plenty of upside for those in need of a streaming option.
Source: Shams Charania
New York Knicks center/forward Source: Shams Charania
Grant Williams Sidelined for Start of Season
Grant Williams (knee) has been ruled out for the team's season opener on Wednesday against the Brooklyn Nets. Williams is still recovering from knee surgery, and there isn't a specific date set for his return. However, considering it's been 11 months since Williams injured his right knee, his comeback could be close. Josh Green (shoulder) also won't be available for the start of the season, which may give rookie Kon Knueppel a large workload right off the bat. The injuries could also open up additional minutes for Tidjane Salaun and Tre Mann.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Charlotte Hornets forward Source: NBA Injury Report
Dante Exum Unavailable Wednesday
Dante Exum (knee) won't suit up for Wednesday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. This isn't surprising, as Exum has been dealing with a right knee problem throughout the preseason. Health issues also sidelined him for nearly the entire 2024-25 campaign, as Exum participated in only 20 games. He averaged 8.7 points and 2.8 assists. Brandon Williams and Max Christie are expected to handle the backup guard minutes in Wednesday's game. Although Williams has a higher fantasy ceiling, there may not be enough minutes available for either player to make a significant impact.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Dallas Mavericks guard Source: NBA Injury Report
Robert Williams III Ruled Out for Wednesday
Robert Williams III (conditioning) won't play in Wednesday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Williams III practiced fully on Monday but needs to improve his conditioning before being ready for action. With Deandre Ayton now in L.A., Williams III has a chance to make a bigger impact with the Trail Blazers. But he needs to be available for his team, and that's always been an issue with Williams III. On Wednesday night, Yang Hansen and Duop Reath will serve as backups for starting center Donovan Clingan.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Portland Trail Blazers center Source: NBA Injury Report
Kelly Olynyk Not Ready for Spurs Debut Wednesday
Kelly Olynyk (heel) will not be in the lineup for Wednesday's season-opening contest against the Dallas Mavericks. The veteran big man continues to work his way back from his April heel surgery. San Antonio also won't have the services of Jeremy Sochan (wrist) on Tuesday night, which could push Luke Kornet into a prominent role. The injury situation may also help Keldon Johnson pick up additional work. Olynyk's next chance to make his Spurs debut will be on Friday against his former team, the New Orleans Pelicans. However, it's unclear how far along he is in his rehab.
Source: NBA Injury Report
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Source: NBA Injury Report
Ace Bailey Questionable for Season Opener
Ace Bailey (illness) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers. Bailey missed the end of the preseason because of a knee issue and is now dealing with an illness, which may delay his NBA debut. If he can't play against the Clippers, Utah will need Brice Sensabaugh to step up. Additionally, players like Cody Williams and Svi Mykhailiuk may see increased playing time. Sensabaugh picked up a lot of momentum at the end of 2024-25, averaging 14.1 points with red-hot 47.5 percent three-point shooting after the All-Star break.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Utah Jazz forward Source: NBA Injury Report
Isaiah Collier to Be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Isaiah Collier (hamstring) won't be in action for at least one week at the start of the season. He's dealing with a hamstring issue, and the team announced that Collier will be re-evaluated in one week. Collier's absence will improve the fantasy prospects of Keyonte George, who was bumped to the bench last season. It's now likely that he will rejoin the starting unit. Rookie Walter Clayton Jr. may also benefit, along with veteran Svi Mykhailiuk, who impressed in last week's preseason finale with 15 points and four assists.
Source: Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz guard Source: Utah Jazz
Gabe Vincent Starting on Tuesday Night
Gabe Vincent will start in Tuesday's opener versus the Golden State Warriors. LeBron James (back) is out, so head coach JJ Redick will roll with Vincent, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Deandre Ayton to kick off the 2025 campaign. Of course, that is always subject to change moving ahead, and it likely will. For now, the 29-year-old will get some work with the first-five. Vincent wasn't consistently showcased in Redick's rotation last season, although he at least averaged 8.5 points, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in 11 starts. Unfortunately, that type of production from Vincent won't do much for season-long fantasy managers. However, there is a value opportunity there for DFS participants.
Source: Jovan Buha
According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, Los Angeles Lakers guard Source: Jovan Buha
Caris LeVert Listed Probable for Season Opener
Caris LeVert (knee) is listed as probable for Tuesday's game against the Chicago Bulls. LeVert has been dealing with right-knee soreness, but he is in good enough health to likely play in the season opener. The 31-year-old veteran will play his first official regular-season game for Detroit after joining via free agency in the offseason. LeVert will have a chance to contribute offensively after the Pistons lost Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroder, and Tim Hardaway Jr. from last season's backcourt. He averaged 12.1 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game last season, splitting his time between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks. The Pistons expect to have LeVert and fellow veteran Duncan Robinson split minutes at the shooting guard position.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Detroit Pistons guard Source: NBA Injury Report
Jimmy Butler III Officially Good to Go Versus the Lakers
Jimmy Butler III (ankle) will play on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran was listed on the injury report due to a sprained left ankle. While he carried a probable designation, suggesting he would play all along, fantasy managers are happy to see the official update. Butler began last season with the Miami Heat before being traded to the Dubs ahead of the deadline. He played well in his 55 appearances, averaging 17.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. His percentages from deep have decreased over the years. However, the 36-year-old is still a must-start in any fantasy format. With Butler available, Al Horford and Buddy Hield will likely see fewer minutes.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Golden State Warriors forward
Source: NBA Injury Report