San Antonio

Spurs

Per usual, the NBA will have its brightest stars playing on Christmas Day. The NBA Finals rematch will start the day at 12 p.m. ET and will be followed by Heat-Celtics, 76ers-Lakers, Thunder-Timberwolves and Nuggets-Warriors. Aside from the team and player rivalries that will add to the drama, this will also be LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles after spending the last eight seasons as a Laker.

The most important note here is the start time. Typically, there are two night games on opening night, but this game will tip off at 3 p.m. ET. Managers will have to set their lineups earlier than usual. There are still two night games, with the defending-champion Knicks hosting the new-look 76ers, which will be followed by a Western Conference Finals rematch, with the Spurs hosting the Thunder. All three games will be broadcasted on NBC and Peacock. Other nationally-televised games for the first week have been revealed as well, and the full schedule will be released this week.

The 54th overall pick in the 2025 draft, Peter spent his rookie season with the Pacers before being waived in July. Injuries to other players led to him playing 38 NBA games last season, and the 6-foot-4 guard averaged 4.5 points in 12.9 minutes per game. San Antonio has already filled all three of its two-way contract slots, likely meaning that Peter will ultimately join the franchise’s G League affiliate. Exhibit 10 players who are waived in training camp receive a bonus if they spend 60 days with the NBA franchise’s G League affiliate.

Not selected in the 2024 draft, Miller appeared in 11 NBA games over two seasons with the Bulls before being traded to the Cavaliers as part of a three-team deal in February. Cleveland would waive him on February 20, with the Spurs signing him to a two-way contract three days later. Miller’s departure from San Antonio was matched by the team signing David Jones Garcia to another two-way deal. Rookies Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Maliq Brown occupy the other two-way contract slots.

Jones Garcia will be on a two-way contract for the third consecutive season, spending his rookie campaign with the Jazz before moving to San Antonio ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. He appeared in 11 NBA games last season, averaging 6.2 minutes per appearance. Given the Spurs’ perimeter depth, Jones Garcia’s NBA opportunities are likely to be limited when the team is healthy.

McLaughlin appeared in 44 games for the Spurs last season, averaging 6.4 minutes per appearance. With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper on the roster, the veteran point guard is likely to take on a similar role next season. McLaughlin is not someone who should be selected in fantasy drafts.

As was the case in Thursday’s Vegas Summer League opener against the Hawks, Gillespie did a little bit of everything for the Spurs on Saturday. Given the Spurs’ existing perimeter depth, he’ll need to be a “jack of all trades” player to contribute early on. Already signed to a two-way contract, Gillespie is likely to spend the majority of his rookie season in the G League, but he may be worth holding onto in deeper dynasty leagues.

After struggling in his first appearance of the summer, Bryant was much better in the Spurs’ 70-49 victory. In addition to shooting 70 percent from the field, he made both of his three-point attempts and recorded three “stocks.” With the Spurs adding Tobias Harris to the mix via free agency, Bryant is likely to take on a limited offensive role again next season. However, he can provide value as an “energy guy” and defender, and those characteristics were on display against the Knicks.

Wembanyama qualified for a five-year max extension worth 30 percent of the Spurs’ salary cap, but his decision to go with a max that takes up 25 percent of the cap gives the team a little more flexibility. The 7-foot-4 phenom helped lead San Antonio to the NBA Finals this season, and at 22, Wemby still hasn’t reached his full potential. Friday’s news will remove any potential financial drama, and the Spurs can now focus on taking care of Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper in the coming years. Fantasy-wise, Wembanyama is right there with Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the most valuable players regardless of league format.

The Spurs added Gillespie with the 42nd pick in the draft last month, and while he may not be a rotation piece in year one, he has had a strong showing this summer. He has been effective as a scorer, facilitator and defender, which is encouraging to see out of an older rookie that is supposed to be more ready for NBA action. He’ll likely spend most of his first season in the G League, but if injuries force the Spurs to call him up, he’ll be ready to contribute.