Aaron Nesmith drops 19 points in preseason debut

Stewart’s preseason debut with the Grizzlies lasted just two minutes when he sprained his left ankle in Monday’s game against the Pistons. He has since been diagnosed with a moderate sprain and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Based on the timeline, Stewart will miss the regular-season opener on October 21, but could return shortly after. His absence won’t significantly affect fantasy basketball, especially since Zach Edey is healthy.

The Kings were without Domantas Sabonis for Thursday’s game, so Raynaud started. An All-Rookie selection last season, the 7-foot-1 center made 56 starts for the then-injured Sabonis. Raynaud finished the defeat with a double-double, and he had 18 such games last season. With Sabonis back, Raynaud is at best a late-round option in 12-team drafts. However, it wouldn’t be surprising if his role expanded at some point, especially if the Kings moved Sabonis.

After attempting just two shots in the Kings’ first meeting with the Lakers this preseason, Achiuwa was far more active on Thursday. Only Darius Acuff Jr. among the Kings’ starters took more shots, and Achiuwa shot well over 50 percent from the field. His viability as a fantasy option this season depends in part on Keegan Murray’s health, as he hasn’t played in either of Sacramento’s first two preseason games. While a healthy Murray would likely push De’Andre Hunter to the bench, his presence in the lineup could also mean fewer shots for Achiuwa.

Outside of a solid finish to the first half, Acuff struggled mightily on Thursday. The rookie point guard missed his first nine field-goal attempts, and he finished with more turnovers (three) than assists (one). Reading too much into two preseason appearances would be foolish, but those who roster Acuff will need to exercise patience.

Thiero has started the Lakers’ last two preseason games, and his combination of athleticism and defensive versatility could keep him in that role once the regular season begins. He didn’t offer much as a scorer against the Kings, but the second-year forward recorded four “stocks” in his 21 minutes. Thiero isn’t a must-draft player, but his role is worth watching.

After scoring 15 points as a spot starter in Tuesday’s loss to the Warriors, Mamukelashvili returned to a reserve role on Thursday. He was excellent, shooting 70 percent from the field and putting up a complete stat line. While coming off the bench limits Mamukelashvili’s fantasy ceiling, his floor should be relatively safe because the Lakers need bench scoring. He’s worth considering in the late rounds of 12-team drafts.

Reaves was in the Lakers’ lineup on Thursday after missing the first two preseason games with a minor ankle injury. While he didn’t shoot well, the Lakers’ guard led the team with eight assists. LeBron James’ departure puts more responsibility on Reaves’ shoulders, raising his fantasy ceiling. At this point in the preseason, Reaves has a second-round ADP, and that’s unlikely to change before the regular season begins.

Dončić picked up a technical foul during the third quarter of Thursday’s exhibition, but this is a good time for that to happen since they don’t carry over into the regular season. Dončić led the Lakers in points and shot attempts, and that will once again be the norm when the regular season begins. Currently boasting a top-5 ADP, Luka’s fantasy ceiling rises slightly in turnover-punt builds.

Vassell’s ADP is outside the top-100, and that’s unlikely to change before the start of the regular season. In the past, he has delivered excellent fantasy value. However, San Antonio’s rotation is now far stronger than it was earlier in Vassell’s career, which lowers his fantasy ceiling. At best, he’s worth grabbing outside the first 100 picks in 12-team formats.

Wembanyama had a relatively quiet night in his first preseason action, but it will change nothing about his fantasy outlook. He should go no lower than second in drafts, regardless of league format, and you can make a strong case for Wemby at 1.1.