NBA Player News

While Richardson was solid in his summer debut on Thursday, he was even more productive on Sunday. In addition to shooting well from the field and the foul line, he was one of the few Magic players capable of handling Toronto’s defensive pressure. Richardson only committed one of Orlando’s 29 turnovers on the day while also showing the ability to help facilitate offensively. Due to his perimeter shooting ability, Richardson should receive early opportunities to prove he can contribute. Being able to take on more on-ball responsibilities will only increase his chances.

Ball has been managing a wrist injury in his non-shooting arm, but it hasn’t forced him to miss any games. He played through it on Wednesday and scored 34 points, so he should be fine for this game.

Okoro is set to miss his seventh consecutive game with a back injury. With Ayo Dosunmu also out, expect the Bulls to lean on Coby White. Julian Phillips could also see additional minutes off the bench, but isn’t worth streaming.

This will be a fourth straight absence for Smith, which means the runway is clear for Zach Collins (wrist) to fill the backup center minutes in his season debut. Lachlan Olbrich will be the third option with Smith unavailable.

Collins is set to make his season debut after dealing with a wrist injury up to this point in the season. The 28-year-old could immediately step into the backup center job behind Nikola Vučević, but isn’t worth rostering in most fantasy leagues.

Jones will miss a second straight game, and with Ayo Dosunmu also sidelined, Chicago will be thin at guard. Coby White will be available on a minutes restriction, which means Dalen Terry and Jevon Carter should see a bump in minutes.

Şengün was downgraded from questionable to out ahead of Friday’s matchup with the Suns. The Rockets will instead start veteran center Steven Adams in place of Şengün as they look to secure a second win over Phoenix this season. Clint Capela should move to second on the depth chart at the center position for Friday’s game, which should allow more minutes than usual to find production.

With Alperen Şengün sidelined due to an illness, Adams will start in his place. Rockets coach Ime Udoka said that Adams will sit on Saturday against the Mavericks, so if Şengün remains out, Clint Capela could be in line for his first start of the season.

Dosunmu played 36 minutes while replacing Coby White in the starting lineup Wednesday, but he’ll sit out with White returning to the starting lineup against the Pacers on Friday. Dosunmu was ruled out with a sprained right thumb, while White was cleared after he was initially listed as questionable with a calf injury.

White will be back after a three-game absence, but he will be limited to around 24 minutes. It wouldn’t be surprising if he came off the bench, though with Ayo Dosunmu and Tre Jones both out, he could end up starting. Dalen Terry and Jevon Carter should play increased roles.