NBA Player News

Injured during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ Game 2 victory, Anunoby did not play in Friday’s win that gave New York a 3-0 series lead. Miles McBride moved into the starting lineup, and Anunoby’s absence also meant more opportunities for Landry Shamet, who scored 15 points off the bench. Look for those two to continue in those roles for Game 4 if Anunoby remains out.

While Turner didn’t offer much offensively, he blocked five shots before fouling out. Last season, the Bucks’ center had six games with at least five blocks. The issue, whether in fantasy value or “real” value, was Turner’s lackluster rebounding. He’s never been elite there, but the Bucks (and fantasy managers) need more than two rebounds from him in 24 minutes.

Leading four Bucks in double figures with 18 points, Herro has taken on more playmaking responsibilities this preseason. However, that hasn’t led to a significant increase in assist production. Through two games, Herro has recorded five assists, so fantasy managers may not want to expect too much of a jump in that category once the regular season begins. That said, he should be Milwaukee’s first scoring option, so there’s little need to worry about Herro’s assists.

After scoring 13 points in his Hornets’ preseason debut against the Nets, Reid was a little more effective on Sunday. He shot 50 percent from the field, but the overall stat line was a bit lean. In Charlotte, Reid should have more room to flourish offensively. However, increased usage doesn’t guarantee increased production. His current ADP sits in the middle rounds of 12-team leagues, a fair spot for Reid.

Miller was on the court on Sunday after sitting out Charlotte’s preseason opener. He led the Hornets in scoring, and he’ll be expected to do that nightly once the regular season begins. Kon Knueppel (hamstring) is not expected to be available when the season opens on October 21, which may raise Miller’s fantasy ceiling. However, to live up to those hopes, he’ll need to be more efficient.

With Kon Knueppel (hamstring) ruled out for the entire preseason and likely unavailable at the start of the regular season, the Hornets have a hole in their starting lineup. Could McNeeley be in the conversation? After an underwhelming rookie season marked by an ankle injury and limited minutes, the former UConn wing has started both of Charlotte’s preseason games. McNeeley led the team with five assists and shot 3-of-8 from deep. He isn’t a must-draft player, but keep an eye on Charlotte’s rotation in their remaining preseason games.

Banchero had a challenging night in Cleveland, as he missed all seven of his two-point attempts. Matching up with Evan Mobley and, at times, Jarrett Allen, can be a problem, especially around the basket. Banchero’s bigger fantasy concern is turnovers, as he’s averaged at least three per game each of the last three seasons.

Orlando did not play Jalen Suggs or Anthony Black on Sunday, so Richardson started. After a rookie season averaging just 10.9 minutes per game, Richardson’s outlook in redraft leagues isn’t particularly good, especially with Suggs and Black healthy. However, he’s still worth rostering in dynasty leagues.

The Magic gave Desmond Bane the night off, so da Silva got the nod to start in Cleveland. He played well, led the Magic in scoring, and shot 4-of-11 from beyond the arc. If Orlando can move the ball the way new head coach Sean Sweeney wants them to offensively, da Silva is one player who stands to benefit. For now, he’s only worth late-round consideration (at best) in drafts. However, as was the case last season, there may be times when he’s worth streaming.

Mobley didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, going 3-of-10 from the field, but there’s little to worry about regarding his readiness for the regular season. His current ADP puts the Cavaliers forward/center in the middle of the third round in 12-team formats, and that’s a fair spot. The hope is that Mobley and the other Cavaliers will benefit from having James Harden run the point from Day 1 rather than joining the team mid-season.

After six seasons in Europe, Hezonja is back in the NBA, and his build is different from his first stint. The Cavaliers’ forward weighs 260 pounds, more than 40 pounds heavier than his previous NBA weight. Against the Magic, Hezonja did a little bit of everything and added value on both ends of the floor. He’ll get rotation minutes, but Hezonja isn’t a must-draft player in most fantasy leagues.