NBA Player News

Gafford will miss a second straight game after sustaining a shoulder injury on Sunday, and Marvin Bagley should get the start in his absence. Moussa Cisse could provide some useful minutes off the bench.

Despite not having much success with his shot, Embiid was still able to make a monster impact in this game. He recorded a double-double, was effective as a playmaker, and still contribute some defensive stats. There are plenty of questions about how Embiid will hold up this season, but when he’s on the floor, he’s still one of the most dynamic players in the league. He should be much better as a scorer moving forward as well.

Even with all the roster changes, this is still going to be Maxey’s team. While spoiling the Knicks’ ring night, he was assertive on both ends of the floor and truly stuffed the stat sheet. Having more playmaking and scoring threats around him will only make things easier on him, and it’s clear he’s not going to have to sacrifice much volume. Those who took Maxey at the end of the first round in fantasy drafts may end up reaping some major rewards.

Brown’s first game as a Sixer highlighted both the good and bad of what he could provide this season. The volume that he had in Boston, especially last season, simply wasn’t there, but he was more efficient than he has been throughout his career. Perhaps more defensive contributions, like we saw in this game, could be another bonus due to less responsibility on offense. The sample size is too small to draw any real conclusions other than Brown was productive in his debut.

Year 24 for LeBron started off well. He wasn’t explosive as a scorer, but he isn’t expected to be for this team. Facilitating and staying fresh for the playoffs will be LeBron’s priority. Still, he was involved on offense, and if he made a few more shots, he shot enough that he would’ve been over 20 points. LeBron should once again be a productive fantasy player this season and could end up paying off at his early fourth-round ADP.

Beal will likely be asked to play a significant scoring role for the Clippers this season, but he won’t be able to provide that for at least one game. Gradey Dick and Kobe Sanders will likely take on extra minutes with Beal sidelined.

Kennard exited early from Wednesday’s preseason game, and that same injury may prevent him from suiting up for the season opener a week later. Jordan Goodwin will likely be tasked with taking on a larger bench role if Kennard is unavailable.

Howard’s status for the season opener is up in the air, though it’s unclear where he fits in the Mavs’ rotation. On a two-way contract, it’s unlikely he sees the floor much regardless of his status.

The rookie’s debut will have to wait a little longer. With Carr and Adou Thiero (knee) unavailable, Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams will be the primary wings available off the bench.

Knee issues continue to plague Thiero despite making some starts during the preseason. He won’t be available for the season opener, which should mean more minutes for Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle on the wing.

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.