NBA Player News

Head coach Taylor Jenkins said that they’re anticipating the injury being a strain, which means that they will likely turn to Santi Aldama to run with the starters during training camp. If this is an injury that lingers over the next three weeks, Aldama could start the season as part of the starting lineup. This is a situation worth keeping an eye on.

Knecht certainly isn’t shy about getting up shots, which is unsurprising given his marquee role in Tennessee’s offense last season. The first-round pick put up 16 shots on Thursday, and while the accuracy wasn’t there, the Lakers had to be pleased with the aggression shown. At this point, Knecht is a better option for dynasty leagues than redrafts. However, there may be times when he has streaming value.

The Lakers are taking a measured approach with James during the preseason, understandable given the future Hall of Fame forward’s age. LeBron will be 40 in December, placing a glass ceiling on his value in fantasy drafts, with most waiting until the third round to select him. But, as was the case last season, James remains capable of exceeding that expectation.

Hachimura has looked good during the preseason, with the offensive production increasing in each of the Lakers’ first three games. With Lakers coach JJ Redick revealing his starting lineup, which includes Hachimura, before training camp began, the 2019 first-round pick is worth a look as a late-round pick in most fantasy leagues.

With Austin Reaves sitting out Thursday’s game due to a sore ankle, Christie was moved into the starting lineup. The final stat line was modest, but he made both 3-point attempts. Playing alongside playmakers like LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell, Christie will need to be effective as a catch-and-shoot option. He isn’t worth drafting in most leagues, but there may be times when Christie has value as a streamer.

Lillard tweaked his right ankle on a drive to the basket during the first quarter of Thursday’s game. The good news is that he did return, ultimately playing 19 minutes, but the last thing the Bucks need is another injury scare. Gary Trent Jr. was back in the lineup after injuring his elbow on Sunday, but the team remains without Khris Middleton (ankles). Lillard’s ADP has dropped some after a 2023-24 season that wasn’t as good as many expected, which could make him a fantasy steal this season.

Based on his performance against the Lakers, the “People’s Champ” looks ready for the regular season. Portis did not miss from beyond the arc, making all five of his attempts and leading the Bucks in scoring. Even though they don’t play the same position, Khris Middleton’s status as he recovers from two offseason ankle surgeries will boost Portis’ fantasy value in the short term. He can provide top-100 value, whether Middleton is available or not.

Making his first appearance of the preseason, Antetokounmpo did the usual in his 20 minutes on the floor. He only attempted one free throw, and that’s the category Giannis has struggled with in seasons past. Not so much getting to the line, but converting once there. A first-round lock in fantasy drafts, selecting Giannis usually sends managers down the road of punting free-throw percentage.

Opportunity knocked for Thunder players like Flagler, who don’t play consistent rotation minutes, as the starting lineup sat out Oklahoma City’s second game in as many nights. Flagler, on a two-way contract, made half his 10 3-point attempts and led six Thunder players in double figures. Oklahoma City’s youth and depth make it difficult for those who shined on Thursday to impact fantasy basketball once the games count.