NBA Player News

Vassell had the hot hand for the Spurs on Wednesday, as he led the team in three-pointers. Yet, he only scored three points in the second half when New York outscored San Antonio 58-30 to complete a 29-point comeback win. Regardless, he finished as one of the team’s best scorers and also made contributions as a passer. Still, Vassell and the Spurs will need to have short memories and get back on track in Game 5 on Saturday. Otherwise, their season could end.

Tyrese Haliburton’s performance was incredible, but Zubac’s numbers shouldn’t be overlooked. If this game was an indicator, he should be in for a monster season with Haliburton feeding him the ball. This stat line came in just 18 minutes, making it even more impressive. His sixth-round ADP could end up being a bargain, and he will be vital to the Pacers’ chances of making more noise in the playoffs.

This wasn’t Haliburton’s first game of the preseason, but the last time he played in a game that counted, it was in Game 7 of the NBA Finals in Oklahoma City. Back in the same place he tore his Achilles, Haliburton was able to get off to a hot start, just like he did in Game 7. He scored all 24 of his points in the first half before sitting the entirety of the second half. He appears ready to return to being a fantasy superstar and should be one of the best picks in the second round.

Walter’s continued development will be vital for the Raptors this season. They have a ton of versatile talent, but his shooting and perimeter defense will complete a lot of unique lineups. He played well in this game after struggling in other preseason outings, which was encouraging to see. He may not be worthy of more than a late-round dart throw, but he could have value as a streamer at times this season.

Even as a reserve, there shouldn’t be much doubt about the type of impact CMB can make for the Raptors and for fantasy managers this season. He was incredible in just 16 minutes in this one, and his shooting from beyond the arc was encouraging. He has all the makings of a fantasy superstar and should play a significant role as the primary reserve this season while seeing time at both power forward and center.

If there was any concern about how Barnes would fit alongside Kawhi Leonard, he was able to quiet it with his performance in this game. Though it came against the Knicks’ backups, both players produced at a high level. Barnes has been a true fantasy star for most of his career and should continue to stuff the stat sheet despite Kawhi’s arrival. Managers should draft him early in the second round with confidence.

Graves had been dealing with a groin injury but was able to suit up for this one. His three-point volume across 15 minutes was encouraging, but he wasn’t productive in the box score. Still, he was able to suit up for his first preseason game. His role off the bench may be limited this season, but he’s an analytical darling that projects to be a fantasy star one day.

Leonard only played 17 minutes in the first game of his second stint as a Raptor, but his impact was immediate and clear. Sure, it came against the Knicks’ bench, but it was still encouraging to see the entire team play as well as they did. Leonard should be ready to play his normal role in the season opener against the Bulls on Wednesday, and he’ll still have one more chance to play this preseason, either in New York on Thursday or in Detroit on Friday.

Nickel didn’t see the floor much in New York’s first two preseason games, but with the starters resting, he played a significant role in this one. He didn’t shoot the ball well from deep despite being a strong shooting prospect, but he was still able to score in double figures. Nickel likely won’t see the floor much this season, and there is no reason for managers to have him rostered outside of deep dynasty leagues.

The Knicks rested their starters for their final preseason outing, which gave Wiseman the opportunity to start. He made the most of his opportunity, though it didn’t do much to help the Knicks on the scoreboard. Still, Wiseman signed a training camp deal, so he’s still fighting for a full-time roster spot. Performances like this will help make his case, though even if he does make the roster, or ends up signing elsewhere, it is unlikely he plays a significant role.

It has been quite the preseason for da Silva, who has averaged 18 points and four triples per game thus far. He was at his best last season when Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were sidelined, and he will be prepared to step up if either player misses time. It’s good to see him play well, but he likely won’t get this much of an opportunity when the team is healthy. Anthony Black, who hasn’t played during the preseason, will likely be the team’s sixth man when he is healthy, but da Silva should still play a significant role.