NBA Player News

The fantasy impact is almost zero, as Smith appeared in just seven games this season. However, because the injury happened before the start of Sixers training camp, they will not be eligible to replace him on the roster for Orlando.

Haliburton looked understandably rusty from a shooting standpoint, going just 1-of-3 from three-point range, in his first game action since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against Oklahoma City. It’s probably going to take him some time to return to form after missing all of last season. This was his first live action in a game setting in nearly 500 days. Still, he showcased his usual top-notch passing and looked just fine from a physical standpoint while changing direction and driving to the basket on a couple occasions. The 26-year-old remains one of the most dynamic playmakers in the game and should be a first-round selection in all fantasy drafts this fall.

After going 1-for-7 from long range in his preseason debut against the Bucks earlier this week, Edwards rebounded to knock down 4-of-5 from three-point range, while also getting to the charity stripe for six free throw attempts as he put on a show with 19 first-half points. One of the most electrifying talents in the entire league, Edwards remains the straw that stirs the drink in Minnesota, even as things are going to look a bit different with sharpshooting playmaker LaMelo Ball taking over at point guard. He’ll be a first-round pick in all fantasy drafts this fall.

Ball has scored in double figures in back-to-back exhibition contests despite limited minutes as Minnesota continues to ramp-up in advance of their season opener. The polarizing 25-year-old playmaker was able to connect with new running mate Anthony Edwards on a couple occasions, including a nifty drive to the basket that resulted in a kickout three-pointer. He’s one of the more unique all-around contributors in the fantasy landscape and there are probably going to be nights where the Timberwolves look unstoppable on the offensive end of the floor. He’s a borderline second-round pick in most fantasy drafts this fall.

Nesmith shot nearly 78 percent from the floor, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, as the Pacers looked like a completely different operation with franchise icon Tyrese Haliburton finally back after missing all of last season with an Achilles injury. The 26-year-old wing was limited to just 45 games due to injury last year, but averaged a career-high 13.8 points per-game. That number should rise with Haliburton back running the offense and setting him up for additional open looks.

Ament, the 13th overall pick in this past summer’s draft, has come off the bench in each of Milwaukee’s first two exhibitions. Unfortunately, he logged only 10 minutes on Wednesday after suffering a sprained left ankle late in the second quarter. Ament stayed in the game, attempted his free throws, and finished the half, but the team ruled him out at the break. His value in redraft leagues this season appears limited because of the veterans ahead of him, but Ament should be rostered in all dynasty leagues.

Bridges injured his right ankle during the first half of Wednesday’s game, ending his night after logging eight minutes. The veteran forward, whose arrival in Phoenix pushed Collin Gillespie out of the starting lineup, finished with three points, one rebound and one assist. However, Rasheer Fleming started the third quarter instead of Gillespie. Bridges’ injury did not appear serious, and the Suns won’t play their first regular-season game until October 21.

Nurkić, who was on track to be Utah’s starting center, suffered a partial plantar plate tear in the second toe on his right foot. As a result, he’ll miss four weeks before being re-evaluated. Nurkić’s absence opens a spot in the starting lineup. While Utah could slide Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. down a position, the latter is a better power forward than a center. Ace Bailey and Jaxson Hayes are two potential replacements in the starting five, with the latter being the choice if Jazz head coach Will Hardy prefers to leave Jackson at the four.

Entering his 13th year in the NBA, the Nets will be Randle’s fifth team. Playing alongside Michael Porter Jr. for the first time, Randle helped lead the Nets to a 124-90 victory over the Hornets. He had 13 points, three assists and two threes in 18 minutes. Randle is coming off the board in the fifth round of fantasy drafts.

Playing alongside Julius Randle for the first time, Porter was excellent as he led the Nets with 16 points and four threes in 17 minutes in the 124-90 victory over the Hornets. Randle had 13 points, two threes and three assists in 18 minutes. Porter is coming off the board in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Davis currently holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, but would become eligible for a max extension if he declines. Davis made the All-Star team as recently as 2024-25, but has appeared in only 71 total games over the last two seasons. Robbins and Aldridge cite Davis’ age (33) and injury history as well as the Wizards still being in the development stage with a young core of players as reasons Washington won’t prioritize a max extension for Davis. He comes off the board in the third round of fantasy drafts.