NBA Player News

The tournament would involve Cup games through November, with eight teams advancing to December for single elimination matches. Charania notes that the games will be part of the NBA’s regular 82-game schedule with the two finalists each playing one extra game. This shouldn’t impact fantasy hoops too much since the tourney games are baked into the schedule, but this is something exciting for NBA fans to enjoy between opening night and February’s All-Star break.

After coming off the bench in Golden State’s first two preseason games, Jackson-Davis started on Sunday. The Warriors did not play Draymond Green, while Kevon Looney (eight points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one blocked shot) played 13 minutes off the bench. Jackson-Davis offers solid fantasy upside, but he’d be a much better option if Steve Kerr committed to starting him alongside Green.

Melton did not shoot the ball well on Sunday but was solid in other areas. The offseason signing dished out a team-best seven assists and recorded a blocked shot in his 23 minutes on the floor. Melton is a near-37% shooter from three for his career. And while the overall field-goal percentage is low (41%), Melton has been good enough to provide reliable fantasy value at various points in his career. If he can stay healthy, Melton can be a late-round asset in most leagues.

Podziemski made his second start in three preseason games on Sunday, as the Warriors gave Stephen Curry the night off. While the second-year guard shot the ball well before exiting with a nasal contusion, he was responsible for five turnovers. With Golden State adding De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield in free agency, Podziemski’s efficiency will be key regarding his ability to earn playing time. He’ll undoubtedly be in the rotation, but how much Podziemski plays is the question.

What should encourage fantasy managers about Cunningham’s play during the preseason is how well he’s handled the basketball. He’s accounted for six turnovers through three games, compared to 24 assists. For his career, Cunningham has averaged 3.5 turnovers per game. If he can keep that number at three or lower this season, that would boost the Pistons guard’s fantasy value, especially in 9-cat formats.

Duren suffered an apparent left leg injury during the second quarter of Friday’s win over Phoenix and did not return. However, he remained on the bench for the second half of that game, and Sunday’s appearance in the lineup shows that the injury was a tweak at worst. Backup Isaiah Stewart (five points, one steal) only played 13 minutes on Sunday, and Paul Reed (one rebound and three assists) logged five. As long as he stays healthy, the odds of Duren (29.1 minutes per game last season) playing 30 minutes per night in 2024-25 appear to be very good.

Ivey has played well during the preseason and may be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the head coaching change from Monty Williams to JB Bickerstaff. The third-year guard is firmly entrenched in the starting lineup next to Cade Cunningham and has played well enough to be worth a late-round pick in most drafts.

While Christian Braun (11 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one 3-pointer in 30 minutes) appears on track to lock down a place in the starting lineup, there’s room for Strawther to contribute consistently in the Nuggets rotation. He shot the ball well on Sunday, and the defensive stats were also solid. The key to Strawther potentially offering reliable value in deep leagues will be his defense; if he can hold his own on that end of the floor (especially with Peyton Watson sidelined), Julian will get consistent playing time.

Porter had a good night offensively, finishing the defeat as one of three Nuggets with 21 points. But, it’s fair to wonder if he’s destined to be a player who simply provides “safe” fantasy value: a solid floor but limited ceiling. MPJ didn’t offer much as a rebounder on Sunday, but the triples and steals will undoubtedly play. He’s worth selecting with a middle-round draft pick in category leagues, but there may not be much room for growth.

Jokic has seemingly developed a knack for falling just short of a triple-double, but he’s more likely to record one than not. The three-time MVP fell one assist shy of a preseason triple-double on Sunday, and the six turnovers aren’t worth losing any sleep over. Even with Denver having one less proven shooter in the rotation due to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s departure, Jokic will remain an elite player in fantasy basketball.

Tyus Jones (and Phoenix’s other starters) did not play on Sunday, so Morris moved into the starting lineup. Playing against the franchise that drafted him in 2017, Morris did what we’ve come to expect, putting up a solid stat line while taking care of the basketball (one turnover). His fantasy value during the regular season will depend on the health of Jones, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, but there will be times when Morris is worth streaming.