Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Peyton Watson has overcome a hamstring issue and will start in Thursday's preseason opener against the Boston Celtics. Watson is currently projected to begin the regular season in a starting role and gets his first look in the main unit alongside Donovan Mitchell, Jaylon Tyson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen as Cleveland tests its starting group during the exhibition.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden will miss Thursday's preseason opener against the Boston Celtics due to right ankle soreness. With the veteran star sidelined, rookie Jaylon Tyson will enter the starting lineup alongside Donovan Mitchell, Peyton Watson, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Cleveland will monitor Harden's ankle condition before determining his availability for upcoming exhibition games.
Atlanta Hawks forward Luguentz Dort will sit out Thursday's preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs due to a right knee contusion. This marks the second consecutive exhibition game missed by Dort as he recovers from the minor knee injury. His next opportunity to make his preseason debut will come Saturday against the Indiana Pacers as Atlanta prioritizes his health ahead of the regular season.
Knicks guard Tyler Kolek was twice mistaken for an overly enthusiastic fan and briefly detained by police officers during New York's June 18 championship parade, according to his girlfriend, Lexi Sousa. Viral footage from the event showed officers intervening before bystanders clarified that Kolek was a member of the title-winning squad. Kolek, who averaged 4.4 points and 2.7 assists last season, prepares for the Knicks' upcoming season opener against the 76ers.
New Orleans Pelicans point guard Dejounte Murray has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Miami Heat due to a right toe contusion. Head coach Jamahl Mosley emphasized that sitting the veteran guard is purely a precautionary measure. Murray will now target Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Dallas Mavericks for his next potential appearance as New Orleans manages his workload.
Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr has been ruled out of Thursday's preseason matchup against the New York Knicks as he continues recovering from offseason foot surgery. Head coach Brian Keefe noted that Sarr is closing in on a return to action, with his next opportunity to make his preseason debut coming Saturday against the Detroit Pistons as Washington carefully manages his rehabilitation timeline.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins has overcome an illness that sidelined him for practice time earlier this week and is available for Thursday's preseason game against New Orleans. The veteran's availability for the start of the regular season was never in question despite the missed time. His return allows Miami to evaluate its primary rotation as the team builds conditioning ahead of the regular season.
Oklahoma City Thunder star and two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has officially expanded his off-court business portfolio by becoming a shareholder in Spanish LaLiga football club Atlético Madrid. The Spanish side formally announced the news on Thursday, marking a significant venture into international soccer ownership for the veteran guard as he continues to build his personal brand and business investment presence off the hardwood.
Al Horford is expected to suit up for Saturday's preseason matchup against the Sacramento Kings after sitting out Wednesday's exhibition game against Portland for rest purposes. The veteran big man is slated to see action early in the contest before Golden State shifts its rotation to younger players in the second half. Horford enters his first action of the week fresh following the planned night off.
Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro is currently leading the team's starting center battle over Khaman Maluach during the preseason while Mark Williams remains sidelined. Through two preseason games, Ighodaro has started both contests while shooting 71.4% from the field and 25% from the free-throw line (1-for-4). He has accumulated seven total rebounds (three offensive), four assists, and two steals with a +12 net rating, leveraging his facilitation and cerebral play in coach Jordan Ott's starting lineup.
Ja Morant made his debut in a starting backcourt alongside Damian Lillard during the Portland Trail Blazers' preseason win. Morant finished the night with eight points on 3-of-8 shooting, five assists, and showcased early chemistry by saving a ball from going out of bounds to set up Lillard for a layup. Both guards worked both on and off the ball as Portland incorporated an offense that also featured Deni Avdija and a new bench role for Scoot Henderson.
Damian Lillard returned to the court for the first time since April 27, 2025, following a torn left Achilles. Playing 19 minutes in his preseason return, Lillard scored 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-8 from 3-point range, while adding two steals to help the Portland Trail Blazers clinch their first preseason win. Lillard stated that stepping back on the court felt like being back home where he belongs, debuting in a starting backcourt alongside new teammate Ja Morant.
Through two preseason games, Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero has shot 4-of-5 inside the arc and dished out four assists in a win over Sacramento. Head coach JJ Redick noted significant improvement in Thiero's patience and decision-making on drives, avoiding reckless plays by playing off two feet in traffic. Thiero attributes his growth to sustained health and consistent reps in practice, aiming to secure regular rotation minutes ahead of Thursday's game.
Ziaire Williams contributed 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting, hitting all three of his attempts from deep, and added a steal in the Los Angeles Lakers' 127-103 preseason victory against the Sacramento Kings. Earning a starting role, Williams applied fierce full-court pressure that helped force 27 turnovers. His energetic start drew praise from Luka Dončić, highlighting his critical role as an athletic, defensive-minded wing for the Lakers' rotation this season.
Matisse Thybulle made a strong impression in the Los Angeles Lakers' 127-103 preseason win over the Sacramento Kings, earning a starting nod and recording two takeaways. Thybulle also went 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. His disruptive full-court defensive pressure drew high praise from teammate Luka Dončić and head coach JJ Redick. To maximize his playing time and boost the Lakers' defense this season, Thybulle must maintain consistency from 3-point range and stay healthy.
Kyrie Irving is slated to return for the Dallas Mavericks' preseason game in China after a 19-month layoff due to a torn ACL and a subsequent calf strain. The calf injury in December 2025 reportedly caused a significant setback, delaying his return by eight weeks. Irving is eager to play again, despite the Mavericks' roster changes including new coach Dusty May and cornerstone Cooper Flagg.
Darryn Peterson is a strong Rookie of the Year candidate, with his explosive athleticism and quick learning curve impressing observers. While concerns exist about his role on the Utah Jazz, his fit with Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen, coupled with the team's playoff aspirations, could give him an edge. He is expected to earn a spot in the closing lineup.
Cameron Boozer is widely predicted to win Rookie of the Year, with many analysts citing his 'pro-ready' game and immediate path to high usage with the Memphis Grizzlies. He is seen as having fewer usage blockers than AJ Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson, positioning him to fill the stat sheet from day one and potentially be more efficient than other top rookies.
Rookie Labaron Philon is embracing the challenge of transitioning to the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers, a team bolstered by acquisitions like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Drafted 22nd overall, Philon averaged 22.0 points in his sophomore season at Alabama. He's eager to learn from veterans and fellow young player VJ Edgecombe, focusing on his communication and ability to run the offense. Philon's preseason debut showed promise in his handles and willingness to lead, with coach Nick Nurse noting his communicative nature. He's adapting to new challenges and ready to prove himself.
Michael Porter will not play in Thursday's preseason game against Philadelphia due to left wrist soreness, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The absence follows a strong performance in Tuesday's preseason win over Charlotte, where he scored 16 points. The Nets have not yet indicated if the wrist issue will affect his availability beyond Thursday's exhibition contest. Porter's next opportunity to take the court will be in Brooklyn's upcoming scheduled games.
