NBA Player News

No team has ever won a best-of-7 series after losing the first three games, but the Rockets are halfway to making history. After shooting 4-of-15 from the field in Game 4, Smith was better in Game 5. The 6-foot-10 forward led the Rockets in scoring on Wednesday, shooting 4-of-9 from beyond the arc, and his stat line lacked only a steal. The series returns to Houston for Game 6 on Friday, and the Rockets should feel confident about their chances of forcing a Game 7.

Jackson was whistled for five fouls during the first half, but his defensive aggression was likely influenced by the expectation that he’d be done at halftime. Jackson recorded a complete stat line in his 18 minutes, and he should be a highly valuable frontcourt player in category leagues this season. The key will be to stay healthy, as injuries limited Jackson to 48 games in 2025-26.

Peterson was the lone Jazz starter to see any action after halftime, logging nine minutes in the third quarter. The Jazz inserted Isaiah Collier (11 points, three rebounds, six assists, five steals, and one three-pointer) to start the second half, suggesting they currently view Peterson solely as a two-guard. His taking that role when he’s on the floor with Keyonte George isn’t a surprise, but Peterson may not get many point guard minutes when Utah’s PG1 sits.

Anunoby was one of three Knicks starters to finish Monday’s exhibition in double figures, joining Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Despite providing top-50 value each of the last two seasons, OG’s current ADP still sits in the high-60s. With that in mind, he could return excellent fantasy value in 2026-27, especially if he’s more aggressive in looking for his own shot.

Monday’s game was the first of two in as many nights for the Knicks, who visit the Raptors on Tuesday. Even if Brunson and the other starters are available, they may not play much in New York’s final road game this preseason. Unsurprisingly, Brunson was the most productive starter against the Timberwolves, and he’ll lead the way offensively on many nights during the regular season.

The partnership between Edwards and LaMelo Ball (10 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one block and one three-pointer) has looked good in the preseason. The Timberwolves clearly prioritized getting a playmaker to share the court with Ant-Man, and Ball fits the mold. There will likely be some growing pains once the results count, but this should be another big year for Edwards. He has a first-round ADP in 12-team leagues, and that’s fair.

With Julius Randle and Naz Reid out of the picture in Minnesota, McDaniels should have more room to operate as a scorer. He was very effective against the Knicks, shooting nearly 67 percent from the field overall and going 4-of-5 from deep. With an ADP in the nineties, McDaniels could be a steal in fantasy basketball this season.

Jonathan Kuminga was unavailable for Monday’s exhibition, so Williams took the starting lineup spot. He didn’t provide much offensively, but the Timberwolves didn’t need him to. Williams spent a considerable amount of time guarding Jalen Brunson, and proving that he can contribute defensively may be the former Jazz forward’s path to rotation minutes.

Coulibaly will be one of the first players off the bench for the Wizards once the regular season begins. He wasn’t a reliable fantasy option in his first three seasons, and the reserve role limits his ceiling in 2026-27. However, Coulibaly may benefit from a full season with Trae Young because he can get out in transition and finish. He should be rostered in dynasty leagues, but fantasy managers don’t need to select Coulibaly in most redraft leagues.

Fantasy-wise, George has been Washington’s most valuable young wing over the last two seasons. That shouldn’t change in 2026-27, as he’s expected to start alongside Trae Young and AJ Dybantsa on the perimeter. George shot the ball well on Monday night, and playing alongside a playmaker like Young should raise his fantasy ceiling in 2026-27.

After undergoing right foot surgery in June, Sarr made his first appearance of the preseason on Monday. He looked a bit rusty on offense, but the third-year center still grabbed nine rebounds. Anthony Davis did not play, so Sarr shared the frontcourt with Deandre Ayton. Once the regular season begins, expectations are that AD and Sarr will start.