Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
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.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein sat out Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks due to ongoing ankle soreness. This marks the second consecutive exhibition game missed by Hartenstein after he also missed the team's preseason opener. The big man's next opportunity to make his preseason debut for Oklahoma City comes on Monday when the Thunder face the Atlanta Hawks.
Ariel Hukporti is officially out for the season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon. The injury leaves the Philadelphia 76ers with severe depth issues behind star center Joel Embiid. Due to being hard-capped at the first apron, Philadelphia lacks immediate financial flexibility to sign a veteran to a standard contract without waiving roster members or making a trade. The team holds an open two-way contract slot that could be used on an Exhibit 10 target.
Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren is expected to play at some point during the preseason, according to Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Following a prolonged contract negotiation standoff, the Pistons are carefully monitoring Duren's workload and ramping up his activity in training camp. His next opportunity to make his exhibition debut is scheduled for Saturday in Washington.
Los Angeles Lakers Exhibit 10 signee Cole Swider is working hard on his body and defensive versatility after stints with Miami, Detroit, Toronto, and EuroLeague's Anadolu Efes. Known as an elite shooter in college and the G League, Swider aims to improve his 32.9% career NBA deep mark. He recently scored nine points with three triples in 12 minutes against Golden State, hoping to cement his roster spot as the Lakers prepare to face the Sacramento Kings.
Entering his second full campaign with the Los Angeles Lakers and his first without LeBron James, Luka Dončić has taken his leadership to another level, according to teammate Jaden Hardy. Dončić is focusing on team-wide communication and connection. The Lakers' roster has been restructured to fit his style with additions like Walker Kessler and re-signing Austin Reaves, placing larger leadership responsibilities on Dončić as he enters his prime years with high expectations.
After reuniting with Luka Dončić on the Los Angeles Lakers following an offseason trade, Jaden Hardy noted that Dončić has elevated his leadership entering his second full campaign with the team. Hardy emphasized that Dončić is focused on communication, team connection, and helping players improve. With a roster built around him following LeBron James' departure, Dončić is taking on enhanced leadership responsibilities alongside Austin Reaves as the Lakers prepare for a strong season.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg rested during Wednesday's preseason game against Portland following an impressive 17-point, 9-rebound performance on 7-of-11 shooting against the Lakers. The 24-year-old 11th overall pick noted that rebounding in the NBA feels easier than in college, calling opponents "lazy" on the boards. Coach Steve Kerr wants the summer league champion to maintain an aggressive, score-first mindset off the bench.
Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins is currently battling an illness, leaving his status in question for Thursday's preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Wiggins was limited at practice on Wednesday and sat out Tuesday's scrimmage, according to reports from Ira Winderman and Eric Nehm. Despite the current setback, team indications suggest that Wiggins is not in any jeopardy of missing upcoming regular-season action for the Heat.
Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick has praised Quentin Grimes for his strong commitment to defense and all-around play during training camp and preseason. Grimes scored 16 points against Sacramento and 12 against Golden State, cementing his role as an entrenched starter alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves while offering valuable off-ball scoring and perimeter defense.
Klay Thompson expressed high enthusiasm for Miami Heat culture, highlighting the organization's intense hunger to return to the finals and the exceptional early-morning conditioning commitment shown by young players. Thompson noted that the vibrant energy inspires him to elevate his own everyday professional habits and give everything to the team as preparation continues for the upcoming campaign in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has fully embraced Miami Heat culture during training camp, praising the team's relentless intensity, communication, and youthful hunger. Transitioning from a veteran-rest-focused environment in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo expressed excitement over rigorous team meetings featuring Navy SEALs and conditioning drills, believing Miami's daily work ethic better aligns with his own mindset as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Philadelphia 76ers big man Adem Bona is making positive progress in his recovery, returning to on-court work as the team approaches the two-week mark of training camp announcements. Bona has been ruled out for the upcoming preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. The Sixers are currently managing frontcourt depth issues while awaiting his full return alongside fellow sidelined teammates.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow is still sidelined from practice due to a back issue, coach Nick Nurse confirmed. Barlow has already been ruled out for the team's upcoming preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets. While the Sixers manage multiple frontcourt injuries, coach Nurse is evaluating various backup center options behind Joel Embiid to help fill the void during training camp.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Anfernee Simons is dealing with a right hamstring injury and will miss upcoming preseason games against the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics. Simons was a partial participant in practice with hamstring tightness. He previously missed the opener against the New York Knicks. Fortunately, this issue is unrelated to the hand injury that plagued him last season, with a possible debut on October 16.
Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis is unlikely to receive a maximum contract extension, according to reports from The Athletic. While Davis holds a $62.8 million player option for the 2027-28 season and desires a max deal, the Wizards are hesitant due to his age, injury history, and the team's ongoing developmental stage and salary cap flexibility goals as they evaluate their medium-term roster building.
