NBA Player News

These two starters missing time could have major implications. Elfrid Payton is a playmaking machine with 10 or more assists in three straight games and Keion Brooks has an even better chance at notching another start with Kelly Olynyk already ruled out.

Moody is working his way back from a ruptured left patellar tendon that ended his 2025-26 season in late March. While he is progressing in his recovery, the Warriors have no concrete timeline for Moody’s return. According to NBC Sports Bay Area, they hope Moody can play sometime in January or February. Moody’s absence creates more opportunities for Gui Santos and Yaxel Lendeborg, with the former starting 26 of his final 29 appearances last season.

Butler said during Warriors media day that his testing numbers are “off the charts” and he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn right ACL. However, the Warriors are exercising caution with the veteran wing’s recovery, as he has not been cleared to go full speed or participate in contact drills. While Butler won’t be available to help fantasy managers immediately, he’s worth stashing with a late-round pick in standard leagues. His and Moses Moody’s (knee) absences likely free up additional minutes for lottery pick Yaxel Lendeborg, who the Warriors will need to contribute immediately, whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Kleiman said Edey could be ready for the start of the regular season. After having season-ending ankle surgery in March, Edey is right where he needs to be in his rehab, according to Kleiman. It doesn’t sound like the 24-year-old center will miss too much time, making Edey a worthwhile selection in the fifth-round of fantasy drafts.

Giddey, who underwent right ankle surgery in May, was cleared to play 5-on-5 in early September. He’ll be able to practice without any restrictions when the Bulls open training camp on Tuesday. When available, Giddey offered excellent fantasy value last season, especially in assists. With Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson and Nic Claxton among the newcomers, Giddey could crack double digits in that category after averaging a career-best 9.1 assists per game last season.

Two days after acquiring him from the Bulls, the Hornets have waived Dillingham. The eighth overall pick in the 2024 draft, the 6-foot-3 guard couldn’t carve out a role in Minnesota before being traded to Chicago in February. Given the number of point guards on Charlotte’s roster, Dillingham faced long odds to make the team’s Opening Night roster.

Because of a hamstring strain suffered in early April, Dončić did not play at all during the postseason. He’s good to go now, with the Lakers’ cornerstone saying during Media Day that he will not be restricted when the team opens training camp. That’s great news for the Lakers and fantasy managers, as Dončić should be an early first-round pick in all drafts. However, given his importance to a team moving on without LeBron James, Dončić may be given a light workload during the preseason.

DiVincenzo suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during the first round of last season’s playoffs. Timberwolves GM Matt Lloyd refused to provide a concrete timeline when asked about the guard’s recovery in early September. Still, DiVincenzo made it clear on Monday that he expects to play at some point this season. While we certainly hope that’s the case, fantasy managers have no reason to stash him in an IL slot. Just be alert for the day when DiVincenzo is cleared to resume on-court activities. In the meantime, his absence boosts Ayo Dosunmu’s fantasy value, as he should be the first guard off the bench.

Acquired from the Pelicans in early September, Peavy recently sprained his ankle. According to Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman, it will be “a while” before the team gets to see the 2025 second-round pick on the court. Peavy’s absence won’t affect fantasy basketball, but it does mean one less wing competing for rotation minutes when camp opens.

Avdija’s back has been an issue at times over the past two seasons, even causing him to miss Israel’s FIBA World Cup qualifiers this summer. The good news is that he’s on track to be fully available when the regular season begins. Avdija did not say whether there would be any restrictions when the Trail Blazers open training camp on Tuesday, but fantasy managers should feel comfortable selecting him in drafts. The concern is the number of playmakers on the roster, with Damian Lillard (Achilles) healthy and Ja Morant now in the fold after being acquired from the Grizzlies. With those two available, Avdija’s fantasy ceiling likely drops.

While Porter was a surprisingly valuable player for fantasy managers last season, he played only 38 games before being shut down in late March. The good news is that Porter will go into training camp at full strength. However, with Milwaukee adding multiple guards to their roster, including Tyler Herro and lottery pick Brayden Burries, KPJ’s fantasy ceiling likely took a hit. He should be drafted, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo no longer in the fold, but managers will need to keep their expectations for Porter in check.