NBA Player News

Mann will miss a second straight game, which should allow Jalen Wilson to get another start. He contributed 19 points, five rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes as a starter on Sunday.

Williams is one of two Hornets ruled out for the preseason due to hamstring injuries; Kon Knueppel is the other. The 6-foot-6 forward suffered a right hamstring injury during an offseason on-court activity and will be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season. While Williams’ injury leaves the Hornets down an option in the frontcourt, it does not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Given how well Knueppel played as a rookie and the Hornets’ decision to move on from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Friday’s news gives his 2026-27 season a brutal start. At a minimum, the runner-up for Rookie of the Year will be sidelined for four weeks, and that’s just for him to be re-evaluated. According to the Hornets, Knueppel suffered the left hamstring injury during an offseason on-court activity. His absence boosts the early-season values of Brandon Miller and Coby White while also making Grayson Allen a more viable late-round option in drafts.

Signed to a two-way contract on August 7, Sharp is still working toward his official NBA debut. The 7-foot-5 center spent the last two training camps with the Mavericks on Exhibit 10 deals, playing for the franchise’s G League affiliate after being waived on both occasions. Waiving Sharp frees up a two-way contract slot for the Clippers, who now have two available.

Friday’s news was unsurprising, as it was reported in late July that the Grizzlies were working with Russell to find the veteran point guard a new home. He appeared in 26 games for the Mavericks last season before being sent to Washington in the Anthony Davis trade. Russell never reported to Washington and was then sent to Memphis as part of a six-team deal in early July. Russell is unlikely to find a situation that makes him fantasy-relevant this season.

The long-time Maverick will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot when the team opens training camp next week. Powell appeared in 63 games last season, starting 12, and averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. With Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II healthy, and the additions of Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson Jr., Powell faces tough odds to earn rotation minutes if he makes the Opening Night roster.

During Lakers media day, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said Kessler is “fully healthy and cleared” to resume all basketball activities. After undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last year, Kessler should enter training camp without restrictions and appears on track to be available for the start of the season. The 24-year-old center spent the first four years of his career with the Utah Jazz, and is expected to have a large role in Los Angeles.

Broome was dealt to the Clippers in July to help keep the 76ers under the aprons, and the only return LA had to part with was cash. That wasn’t enough for them to keep him around, as this move will get them under the roster limit. Broome will likely find a two-way contract on a different team ahead of the season.

Reese was productive last year for the Wizards after going undrafted, but he was traded to Denver, who waived him immediately after, in August to help facilitate that Peyton Watson trade. Reese will now get a chance in New Orleans, though he likely won’t see the minutes he saw late last season in Washington.

The important thing to note is that this isn’t because they’re still hurt, but rather because the Thunder want to bring them along slowly since both are returning from multiple injuries. While they are both exciting young prospects that could make an impact for OKC in the future, it is unlikely that either will play a significant role this season due to how much depth they have.

Not only will all three take on larger roles with Luguentz Dort now in Atlanta, but Presti is expecting genuine jumps in their production. All 3 players had strong stretches for OKC last season, and they’ll be relied on once again to help the Thunder get back on track after losing in the Western Conference Finals last season. Wallace seems like the most likely choice to start, but Mitchell and McCain will play big minutes off the bench.