NBA Player News

Bagley won’t have a chance on Monday to follow his 26-point, nine-rebound showing against the Trail Blazers. Instead, Dwight Powell and Tyler Smith could log heavy minutes in the frontcourt for the Mavs when facing the Wolves. Neither player should be considered in fantasy leagues for streaming purposes.

Nesmith, who missed the Pacers’ third preseason game with a hamstring injury, returned to practice on Thursday. He wasn’t available for Friday’s preseason finale against the Bucks, but his ability to practice bodes well for his availability for the regular-season opener on October 21. If Nesmith can’t play, Kelly Oubre Jr. would replace him in the starting lineup.

This is obviously a blow to the Nuggets who were using Strawther during the pre-season. He will be re-evaluated in six weeks which will take us to the beginning of December. While he would’ve been a bench piece, it will hurt some of their bench shooting. Cam Johnson and Christian Braun might get a few more minutes due to the lack of wing depth on this team. Look for Spencer Jones is now the only other established wing off the bench. Pay attention to Trevon Brazile in deeper leagues who might be in line to get a few minutes in certain lineups.

Richardson played seven minutes in the first half of Friday’s preseason finale before being shut down with a sore lower back. Orlando has a few days before its regular-season opener; hopefully, that’s enough time for the second-year guard to return to full strength. With Anthony Black still recovering from a sprained ankle, Richardson may get to play a few more minutes early in the season.

Penda missed time earlier in training camp due to a hamstring injury, so Friday’s issue is concerning. Orlando doesn’t open its regular season until October 21, but hamstring injuries can be tricky. Penda missing time wouldn’t affect redraft leagues, as he’s projected to be on the back end of the Magic rotation.

Christie was waived by the Clippers earlier this week, but the organization decided to bring him back on a two-way contract after he cleared waivers. A second-round pick by Los Angeles in 2024, Christie still has work to do to carve out a more significant role with the team. Despite the roster gymnastics, it’s clear that the Clippers still value Christie, who is known for his defensive prowess.

Jeff McDonald also reported that coach Mitch Johnson intends to use this starting lineup on Tuesday against the Thunder. The Spurs will use their three guard lineup with Champagnie and Harris coming off the bench. We’ll see if the starting lineup sticks that way beyond this upcoming Tuesday, but you can feel good to draft Vassell to stream him in on opening night.

Despite reports during training camp that the Hornets hoped to keep Connaughton around for his locker-room influence, the team has reportedly decided to move on. The veteran guard appeared in 42 games last season, averaging just over seven minutes per appearance. Connaughton’s exit won’t affect fantasy basketball because he was unlikely to log consistent rotation minutes in Charlotte.

Dickinson signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Pelicans earlier this week. If he sticks with the organization’s G league affiliate the Laketown Squadron for 60 days as expected, he’ll receive a bonus. While Dickinson was waived one day after he was signed, not much has materially changed with his outlook for this season.

Brooklyn head coach Jodi Fernandez noted that Brown Jr.'s minutes will have to rise above 24 before he’ll be in consideration to start, and it’s yet unknown when that might happen. Fantasy managers who drafted Brown Jr. will need to be patient as he ramps back up from an ankle injury suffered in the offseason.

Gilgeous-Alexander was -24 in 26 minutes in the 116-89 loss to the Rockets. Still, he was able to score 17 points on 12 attempts and made all five of his free throws. The reigning two-time NBA MVP typically comes off the board third overall in fantasy drafts this year.