Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Ty Jerome scored 17 points (7-14 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) with four assists, one rebound, and zero turnovers in 19 minutes during Wednesday's 122-118 preseason loss to the Magic. Jerome operated as Memphis' starting point guard for the second straight preseason contest, delivering efficient scoring and strong playmaking. He appears primed for a potential breakout campaign as he continues to lead the Grizzlies' frontcourt distribution.
Washington Wizards forward Jamir Watkins has been ruled out ahead of the team's preseason opener on the road against the New York Knicks. Watkins joins Tristan Vukcevic on the injury report for Thursday night's matchup at Madison Square Garden. The Wizards will look to assess their roster rotations and new additions like AJ Dybantsa in limited minutes as they begin their exhibition schedule against the defending champions.
Washington Wizards center Tristan Vukcevic is ruled out for the team's preseason opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Alongside teammate Jamir Watkins, Vukcevic will miss the matchup as the Wizards begin their preparations against the defending NBA champions. Head coach and staff will evaluate rotation options in limited minutes during Thursday night's road contest.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith scored 19 points on 7-for-9 shooting over 16 minutes in a 123-112 preseason victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nesmith led his team in scoring and made four of six three-point attempts, showcasing his reliable shooting stroke from deep while logging limited minutes in the opening exhibition.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball recorded 14 points, seven assists, and four rebounds in 20 minutes during a 123-112 preseason loss to Indiana. Ball shot 5-for-9 from the field including four triples, turning in an efficient performance for his second consecutive preseason outing in double figures while leading his team in assists.
Golden State Warriors guard Brandon Williams capitalized on a starting role in Wednesday's 123-118 preseason loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, posting 17 points, four rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes. Playing alongside Will Richard, Malevy Leons, Dalen Terry, and Charles Bassey while nine Warriors rested, Williams shot 7-of-11 from the field and scored 15 first-half points. His +1 plus/minus was the team's only positive mark among starters as he demonstrated impressive speed and playmaking.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday will not start Wednesday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, Jason Quick reports. Although a career-long starter, Holiday is not guaranteed a starting role to begin the 2026-27 campaign. The Blazers instead opted for Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan in their opening exhibition unit.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant will start in Wednesday's preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors, Jason Quick of The Athletic reports. Morant makes his Portland debut in a backcourt pairing alongside Damian Lillard, joined in the first unit by Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and Donovan Clingan as the team kicks off its exhibition schedule.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby became the subject of a viral moment during a 'First We Feast' game featuring actors Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett. Johnson admitted she did not know who Anunoby was and questioned if he was a real person. Hathaway, an avid Knicks fan who received a signed jersey from Anunoby, vigorously defended the forward by recalling his game-winning tip-in basket against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 4 of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Alex Caruso is slated to start and make his preseason debut for the Oklahoma City Thunder in Wednesday's exhibition against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 32-year-old veteran sat out Tuesday's preseason opener for rest and maintenance purposes. Caruso is expected to be operating on a minute restriction during Wednesday night's game as the Thunder ease him back into live game action ahead of the regular season.
Kyle Kuzma will move to a reserve role for the Milwaukee Bucks' preseason game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday as the team tests out a double-big starting lineup. The veteran forward struggled in Monday's preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves, logging 20 minutes and recording just one point on 0-for-6 shooting from the field, along with five rebounds and one assist in the loss.
Orlando Magic forward Noah Penda will not participate in Wednesday's preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies due to a hamstring injury. Penda has been working his way back to full health and managed to participate in Sunday's team practice, but he remains unfit for game competition. His next chance to make an appearance during the exhibition schedule will come on Sunday when Orlando faces Cleveland.
Anthony Black has been ruled out of the Orlando Magic's preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday as he continues to recover from a sprained right ankle. Although Black was able to participate in practice on Sunday, he is still ramping up physical activity and is not yet cleared for game action. His next opportunity to play in the preseason will be on Sunday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jase Richardson is set to start for the Orlando Magic in Wednesday's preseason contest against the Memphis Grizzlies. Richardson enters the starting lineup due to injuries to guards Jalen Suggs, who is dealing with an illness, and Anthony Black, who is sidelined by an ankle injury. Richardson joins Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Wendell Carter in the first unit for Orlando's exhibition matchup.
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson enters his fourth season on a new five-year, $208 million contract following a year where he set career highs in points, assists, and free-throw shooting. Known for his elite athleticism and defensive prowess after earning All-Defensive honors in his second season, Thompson is now working with shot specialist Chip Engelland to develop a consistent jump shot and expand his offensive game beyond the paint.
Oklahoma City Thunder swingman Cason Wallace suited up for Wednesday's preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks after sitting out the team's opener for rest. Wallace is competing for an expanded role on the wing heading into the 2026-27 season following the offseason departure of key defender Luguentz Dort, making these exhibition minutes crucial for his progression in the rotation.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suited up for Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks after sitting out for rest previously. With frontcourt teammates Chet Holmgren (quadriceps) and Isaiah Hartenstein (ankle) sidelined, Gilgeous-Alexander joined the rest of Oklahoma City's projected starting unit to gain valuable exhibition reps ahead of the 2026-27 regular season.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams returned to the floor for Wednesday's preseason game against the Milwaukee Bucks after being rested in the team's exhibition opener. Williams, who was limited to just 33 regular-season appearances during the 2025-26 campaign while battling wrist and hamstring issues, is fully healthy and ready for a full workload heading into the upcoming season.
Memphis Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey returned to action on limited minutes during Wednesday's preseason contest against the Orlando Magic. Edey made a swift recovery after undergoing off-season elbow and ankle surgeries, clearing his original return timetable targeting Opening Night. His early return to health provides a positive outlook for the Grizzlies' frontcourt depth as the 2026-27 season approaches.
Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James forcefully refuted an unverified report by broadcaster Mike Breen claiming James called out teammate Joel Embiid for being late to practice. Breen subsequently issued a public apology after James disputed the narrative on Instagram as "lies." Meanwhile, James is preparing for his preseason debut on a $3.87M league-minimum contract, with Coach Nick Nurse dismissing any perceived drama surrounding the superstar duo.
