NBA Player News

While Sasser’s right hip contusion has him back on the injury report, the probable tag suggests that he’ll be available. Cade Cunningham (lung) being out has freed up additional minutes for Sasser, but it has not done much for his fantasy value.

Nurkić, who was on track to be Utah’s starting center, suffered a partial plantar plate tear in the second toe on his right foot. As a result, he’ll miss four weeks before being re-evaluated. Nurkić’s absence opens a spot in the starting lineup. While Utah could slide Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. down a position, the latter is a better power forward than a center. Ace Bailey and Jaxson Hayes are two potential replacements in the starting five, with the latter being the choice if Jazz head coach Will Hardy prefers to leave Jackson at the four.

Entering his 13th year in the NBA, the Nets will be Randle’s fifth team. Playing alongside Michael Porter Jr. for the first time, Randle helped lead the Nets to a 124-90 victory over the Hornets. He had 13 points, three assists and two threes in 18 minutes. Randle is coming off the board in the fifth round of fantasy drafts.

Playing alongside Julius Randle for the first time, Porter was excellent as he led the Nets with 16 points and four threes in 17 minutes in the 124-90 victory over the Hornets. Randle had 13 points, two threes and three assists in 18 minutes. Porter is coming off the board in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Davis currently holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season, but would become eligible for a max extension if he declines. Davis made the All-Star team as recently as 2024-25, but has appeared in only 71 total games over the last two seasons. Robbins and Aldridge cite Davis’ age (33) and injury history as well as the Wizards still being in the development stage with a young core of players as reasons Washington won’t prioritize a max extension for Davis. He comes off the board in the third round of fantasy drafts.

Hukporti signed with the 76ers at the start of free agency after spending the first two years of his career with the Knicks. He was expected to provide more center depth behind Joel Embiid, but he won’t be available for this season. Adem Bona (foot) is currently out as well, but he should be the primary backup center behind Embiid, though the 76ers will likely have to make a move to bring in another big.

Broome was waived by the Clippers in September after being traded by the 76ers in July. He’ll have a chance to earn a roster spot, though the current Bucks roster is too deep for Broome to carve out a significant role this season. Subsequently, Milwaukee waived John Butler Jr.

Collins has been sidelined since undergoing season-ending toe surgery in February. With Nic Claxton dealing with a hamstring injury, Collins could occupy some of the center minutes to start the season, likely behind Jalen Smith. However, “close” isn’t a clear enough timeline for fantasy managers to take action on a potential backup center.

With starter Zach LaVine (nine points and one rebound) playing 15 minutes, Clifford was one of the reserves who logged extended minutes in Monday’s preseason opener. The second-year guard capitalized on the opportunity, leading all scorers with 23 points and grabbing nine rebounds. With DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook no longer in the fold, Clifford is one of the Kings who will have more opportunities to produce. Keep an eye on him during the preseason, as he may be worth a late-round flier.

Hunter, whose 2025-26 season ended in February due to an eye injury that required surgery, was in the starting lineup on Monday. The Kings did not have Keegan Murray, so fantasy managers should not read too much into that. What they should read into when evaluating Hunter is that he did not have an official shot from the field, with his points coming via a three-shot foul. And there was no rebounding or defensive production to speak of. Hunter has rarely offered reliable fantasy value as a pro, making him challenging to trust in drafts.

After a positive showing at Summer League, Carr got his preseason off to an excellent start on Monday. The first-round pick shot over 50 percent from the field and was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line in his 23 minutes. Carr may not be a must-have player in standard redraft leagues, but he should be a popular target in dynasty startups. He has the all-around skill set, size and acumen to be an impact wing at the NBA level.