NBA Player News

The Grizzlies are extremely light on bodies for Friday’s game, and they’re rolling out another new starting lineup. Mashack and Okani are the only holdovers from Wednesday’s loss to the Nuggets, with Williamson, Whitehead and Bal moving from the bench to the starting five.

Playing in front of the Orlando crowd in a Magic uniform for the first time since the 2020-21 season, Vučević came off the bench and played 23 minutes on Friday. Wendell Carter Jr. (two points, one rebound, and two assists in 15 minutes) picked up four fouls in the first half, which helped, and it was another reminder that using a late-round pick on Vučević would be wise. He’ll have a lower fantasy ceiling than if he were a starter, but Vooch’s playing time shouldn’t be an issue in his return to Orlando.

Caleb Love hit his head on the ground and went to the locker room. He likely isn’t going to be a factor for fantasy managers in most formats.

AJ Dybantsa rolled his ankle and went straight to the locker room near the end of the second quarter. Tre Johnson has replaced AJ to enter the third quarter.

Wagner started the third quarter of Friday’s preseason finale but exited with a sore right shoulder. He stayed on the bench with his teammates, so the injury likely won’t sideline him for Orlando’s regular-season opener on October 21. If he does miss time, Tristan da Silva is the likely replacement in the starting lineup.

Sexton, whom the Lakers signed to a two-year, $19 million contract in July, has not played in the preseason due to a lower right leg injury. The good news is that the veteran guard is recovering well. Still, there is no word on his availability for the Lakers’ regular-season opener on October 21 against the Warriors. While Sexton could be worth grabbing off the waiver wire at some point, there’s no need to consider him in drafts.

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 and Cam Whitmore 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.