NBA Player News

He hinted that they might not get as much in return for him as they’d hoped (first-round pick), but that it sounds like he won’t be with the Cavs for much longer. If he goes to a team starved for a starting point guard (Lakers), he could have some real fantasy value down the stretch.

Cenac struggling with his shot in his unofficial Celtics debut was unsurprising, as he’s still a work in progress offensively. Still, the first-round pick out of Houston played with a high motor and posted solid numbers in rebounds and blocks. Given Boston’s expected rotation, Cenac will face tough odds to lock down minutes once the regular season begins. However, he is a player you have to roster in dynasty leagues.

Watson made his unofficial Cavaliers debut on Thursday, stepping into the starting lineup. He’ll keep that role once the games count, making him a much better fantasy option than he was coming off the bench in Denver. Watson isn’t a player you need to select in the first 100 picks of standard-league drafts, but managers should have him on their radar shortly after.

With frontcourt sidekick Evan Mobley’s emergence, Allen’s fantasy ceiling has been lower in recent years. However, his floor remains relatively safe, especially with point guard James Harden in the fold for the entire season. Allen logged 17 minutes in Thursday’s preseason opener, so there isn’t much to be taken from his final stat line.

One year after winning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors, Mobley’s production slipped somewhat in 2025-26. However, he remained a valuable frontcourt option for fantasy managers in any league format. Mobley said before training camp that he’s approaching this season with a “chip on his shoulder,” motivated by the conversations that followed the Cavaliers’ playoff elimination. If he lives up to those words, fantasy managers who draft Mobley will happily reap the rewards.

With James Harden in street clothes, the Cavaliers inserted Tyson into the starting lineup for Thursday’s preseason opener. He shot well, with the final line missing only defensive stats. While he’ll come off the bench once the games truly count, Tyson should get the minutes needed to build on a solid 2025-26 campaign. He isn’t a must-draft player in standard leagues, but the third-year wing will be worth a look in deeper formats.

Cleveland had four of its five projected starters available for Thursday’s exhibition opener, with James Harden held out. Mitchell and the other starters logged 17 minutes against the Celtics, which limited their individual stat lines. Mitchell has first-round potential in 12-team leagues, especially since he will start the season with Harden as his backcourt sidekick.

None of Boston’s projected starters were available for Thursday’s preseason opener, giving Scheierman more opportunities. The third-year guard, who appeared in 77 games last season, shot 4-of-7 from beyond the arc and was one of four Celtics starters to score in double figures. While not someone worth taking in most drafts, Scheierman may have value as a streamer at various points this season, especially if Paul George’s availability remains an issue.

The Celtics did not play Jayson Tatum or Paul George on Thursday, and their absences opened spots in the starting lineup for González and Jordan Walsh (16 points, two rebounds, one assist, one block, and two three-pointers in 26 minutes). As a rookie, González had his moments of fantasy relevance, and head coach Joe Mazzulla has shown a willingness to give young players opportunities to contribute. That said, fantasy managers in redraft leagues are better served adding González to their post-draft watchlists than using a pick on him.

Garza didn’t have the most accurate night shooting the basketball, but matching up with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen isn’t easy. With most of the Celtics’ expected key contributors getting the night off, Garza took on a marquee role against the Cavaliers and finished with a double-double and three blocks. Neemias Queta and Mitchell Robinson will occupy the first two spots in the Celtics’ rotation at center, so drafting Garza won’t offer much upside in most leagues. However, given Robinson’s injury history, Garza could be a streaming option on some nights.

While Johnson is getting the night off to rest, Dort’s unofficial Hawks debut has been delayed due to a left knee contusion. Acquired from the Thunder during the offseason, Dort is expected to provide defense and physicality on the wing. He wasn’t a reliable fantasy option in Oklahoma City, and that’s unlikely to change in Atlanta.