NBA Player News

Marković played last season with Mega Basket in Serbia, where the 6'11, 190-pound F/C averaged 14 points, 2.6 assists, 1.7 “stocks,” 2.8 triples and seven rebounds. He’s got handles, can shoot efficiently, play defense and create his own shot. He shined in international play at the EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers and the U18 FIBA European Championship. Marković has all of the skills needed to be a quality option at the next level, but his slender frame could hold him back at the next level. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reports Marković will be stashed overseas next season. He only needs to be considered in dynasty leagues for the moment.

Sexton has been sidelined throughout the preseason with a leg injury, but there is a chance he returns to take on Golden State. Considering he has been sidelined for a while, his role may be limited for his first game, but he will eventually play a significant reserve role for the Lakers. Bronny James may be part of the rotation if Sexton is out.

Bassey showed some juice during the preseason and may be part of the rotation as a depth big man when he’s healthy. If he’s not available for this game, Al Horford will likely take on a few extra minutes, with Draymond Green spending most of his time at center.

Youngblood won’t be a rotation piece for Portland when he is healthy, so his absence won’t open the door for anyone to step up.

Carlson will be unavailable for the season opener, but Portland has plenty of depth down low. He may not have seen the floor even if he was healthy.

Podz missed practice on Monday and will now be unavailable for the season opener. There are high expectations for the type of impact he’ll make this season, so they’ll certainly miss him. De’Anthony Melton will likely replace him in the starting unit.

Previous reports indicated Curry is expected to be available against Los Angeles, so his probable tag lines up perfectly. He should suit up in his usual starting spot and light it up in the season opener.

Potter is a depth center for Portland. If he’s unavailable, Yang Hansen will be the clear third center option behind Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III, though the latter two will split most of the center minutes.

Monk is managing a left ankle injury, but if he suits up, he should see plenty of time as the backup point guard. If he isn’t able to suit up, rookie Emanuel Sharp could end up taking on a larger role off the bench, though he won’t be worth streaming in.

Avdija looked good during the preseason, but there is a chance he is sidelined for Portland’s regular season opener. Portland’s thin on the wing, with Vít Krejčí next in line on the depth chart. It’s possible the Trail Blazers use three guards in the starting unit instead of starting Krejčí, which would likely mean Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and Jrue Holiday all start.

Green didn’t see the floor in the first half, and Detroit entered the break down 13 points. They trailed by 22 points in the third quarter, but Green was able to spark a comeback. He contributed 11 points in the third quarter and eight more in the fourth to help the Pistons start the season 1-0. He’s an excellent depth piece for them, but he likely won’t replicate this level of production often.