Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Kawhi Leonard made an electric debut for the Toronto Raptors, scoring 21 points with five rebounds and two steals in just 17 minutes during a 148-98 preseason rout of the Knicks. Leonard played only the first half under a minutes restriction but shot 4-for-8 from deep. Traded to Toronto after his Clippers scandal concluded and having signed a two-year extension, Leonard showed he is fully ready to excel back where he won a Finals MVP.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant came off the bench for the first time this preseason during Tuesday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Morant shifted to the second unit as Portland rolled out a starting lineup featuring Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan. The strategic adjustment allowed the coaching staff to evaluate different lineup combinations and rotation depths.
Kristaps Porziņģis arrived at Chase Center on Tuesday to meet with Warriors athletic trainer Rick Celebrini and GM Mike Dunleavy Jr., marking his first appearance at the facility since training camp began. The All-Star center, signed to a two-year, $40 million extension after being acquired from Atlanta in February, missed Golden State's Hawaii trip and remains out indefinitely with an undisclosed issue. While there is consistent contact, no return timeline has been provided.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday shifted to the second unit for Tuesday's preseason game against the Sacramento Kings. After earning a starting nod in Monday's blowout victory over the London Lions, Holiday came off the bench during the second leg of Portland's back-to-back set. The Trail Blazers opted to start Damian Lillard, Scoot Henderson, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan in the backcourt and frontcourt instead.
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green discussed his viral sideline advice to Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. about avoiding ball-dominant habits and analyzed Brandin Podziemski's $110 million extension on his podcast. On the court, Green was ruled out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Lakers due to rest, with his final preseason opportunity approaching Friday against Portland. Charles Bassey will start in Green's absence as the Warriors manage their veteran big man.
Cleveland Cavaliers veteran guard Donovan Mitchell posted 15 points, a game-high eight assists, and two rebounds across 25 minutes in a 132-116 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic. Although Mitchell struggled from beyond the arc by shooting 1-for-5, he anchored the Cleveland offense with efficient playmaking and committed just two turnovers. He is expected to remain the central offensive focal point for the Cavaliers heading into the regular season.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero delivered a stellar bounce-back performance, recording 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 28 minutes during a 132-116 preseason victory over Cleveland. Banchero shot an efficient 10-for-13 from the field and 2-for-3 from deep, rebounding strongly after struggling with a 1-for-10 shooting night against the Cavaliers just days prior to lead all players in scoring and rebounding.
Sacramento Kings rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. received sideline advice from Warriors veteran Draymond Green regarding ball-dominant possessions during a preseason game, building on their shared Detroit AAU connection. Meanwhile, Acuff was sidelined for rest during the Kings' preseason matchup against Portland, with his final opportunity to play coming Friday against San Antonio. Acuff looks to build on his early rookie campaign momentum once he returns to the floor.
Sacramento Kings star Domantas Sabonis was unavailable for Tuesday's preseason matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers due to an undisclosed issue. Sabonis joined several other Sacramento regulars on the sidelines as the team rested key players. With Sabonis and teammate Maxime Raynaud both sidelined, the Kings were forced to lean heavily on alternate frontcourt options. Sabonis' next chance to suit up arrives Friday against the San Antonio Spurs.
Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine was held out of Tuesday's preseason contest against the Portland Trail Blazers due to rest. LaVine is one of eight Kings players who were given the night off as the team manages its veteran roster. His next opportunity to take the court will come Friday when Sacramento wraps up its preseason schedule against the San Antonio Spurs. LaVine remains a key piece for the Kings heading into the new season.
Collin Sexton has been officially ruled out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Warriors due to a lower-leg injury. Sexton remains listed as day-to-day as he continues his recovery. His final opportunity to suit up and get on the floor during the preseason will come on Friday when the Lakers face off against the Denver Nuggets.
Andrew Nembhard will not play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Thunder and is not listed in the starting lineup. Ben Sheppard and Kelly Oubre will start in his place. While it is unclear if Nembhard is dealing with an undisclosed issue or merely receiving a rest day in Indiana's penultimate preseason matchup, he is expected to open the regular season as the starting shooting guard. His final chance to play before the regular season is Friday against Milwaukee.
Khaman Maluach is showcasing his potential in the battle for the Phoenix Suns' starting center position. In his lone preseason start, Maluach made the most of his opportunity by recording 10 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. While teammate Oso Ighodaro offers offensive connection and perimeter defense, Maluach provides a more productive defensive presence, strong rebounding ability, greater size, and the potential to space the floor.
Oso Ighodaro is heavily involved in the battle for the Phoenix Suns' starting center position during the preseason. Through three games, Ighodaro has started twice, combining for 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. He gets the nod for his perimeter defense and rim running, serving as a key offensive connector for head coach Jordan Ott's squad as they evaluate their options ahead of the regular season campaign.
Mikel Brown, the No. 6 pick in the 2026 Draft, is set to make his long-awaited NBA debut Thursday night in Miami for the Brooklyn Nets' final preseason game. Brown, who is just six weeks older than teammate Nolan Traore, will enter an unsettled opening-night depth chart and add further competition for minutes alongside Traore, Demin, and Keon Ellis as the Nets finalize their rotation for the upcoming regular-season campaign.
Entering his second year as the NBA's youngest player at 20, Brooklyn Nets point guard Nolan Traore is showing rising confidence and productivity. After offseason knee surgery, height and muscle gains, Traore is averaging 13 points across three preseason games while shooting 65% overall and 57.1% from deep. Head coach Jordi Fernández praised his aggressiveness, though Traore faces fierce competition for minutes with the return of Mikel Brown Jr.
Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle) is set to play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Pacers, marking his 2026 preseason debut after dealing with an ankle injury. The big man is coming off an injury-plagued 2025-26 season in which he appeared in 47 regular-season games, making 46 starts and averaging 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.8 combined steals-plus-blocks in 24.2 minutes per contest for the Oklahoma City Thunder as he prepares for regular action.
Jalen Williams (rest) is available for Tuesday's preseason game against Indiana after sitting out Monday's loss to the Hawks. With the star forward returning to action in the second half of this back-to-back set, teammates Otega Oweh, Brooks Barnhizer, and Zhaire Smith are expected to see a reduction in their playing time. Williams looks to shake off the rest and contribute heavily as the Thunder continue their preseason preparations.
Orlando Magic veteran swingman Desmond Bane is available for Tuesday's preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers after sitting out Sunday's loss to Cleveland for rest. Bane's return for Orlando's penultimate exhibition contest will likely send Tristan da Silva back to the second unit as the team builds momentum toward the regular season.
Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black has been ruled out for Tuesday's preseason game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to a sprained right ankle. Black has yet to make an appearance this preseason and remains on the inactive list. His final opportunity to return to action ahead of the regular season will come Friday when the Magic face off against the Miami Heat.
