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Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Josh Hart did not suit up for the New York Knicks due to injury during their 122-120 preseason victory over the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden. Despite his absence, the Knicks utilized a significantly stronger lineup featuring their usual starting five to edge out the Raptors in a tightly contested matchup.
Brandin Podziemski spent the offseason studying film of Jalen Brunson's footwork and coverage manipulation to elevate his game. Coming off a career season averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists across 82 games, the Warriors guard recently signed a five-year, $110 million extension on Oct. 10. With Jimmy Butler out until around the All-Star break, Podziemski is primed to reprise a larger scoring burden for Golden State.
Philadelphia 76ers center Ariel Hukporti continues his recovery a week-and-a-half after tearing his Achilles in the team's preseason opener. The injury has left the Sixers searching the market for a viable replacement before regular-season rosters are finalized. Analysts have linked Philadelphia to potential backup options like Milwaukee's Jericho Sims and Dallas's Moussa Cissé as the team navigates financial flexibility under the first apron to address the frontcourt void.
Former Villanova standout Cam Whitmore is making a strong impression with the Denver Nuggets on a two-way contract. Averaging 10.3 points in under 16 minutes per contest across four preseason games, including a 17-point effort against the Clippers, Whitmore is vying for Denver's open 15th roster spot. After bouncing across multiple teams since being drafted 20th overall in 2023, his scoring ability and athleticism are giving the Nuggets plenty to consider as the regular season approaches.
Atlanta Hawks forward Asa Newell is poised for an increased role in his second NBA season. Working extensively over the summer on his footwork, defense, shooting, and dribbling, Newell aims to secure consistent minutes in the frontcourt. With Mouhamed Gueye rehabbing and Jonathan Kuminga on a new team, Newell hopes his 38.7% perimeter shooting and defensive improvements will earn him regular playing time behind Jalen Johnson under head coach Quin Snyder.
Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama is facing a murky outlook as he recovers from an undisclosed knee issue, raising questions about his readiness for the start of the 2026-27 season. Acquired from Memphis in a July trade, Aldama brings floor-spacing and scoring after averaging 14 points per game across 43 contests last year. However, his ongoing rehabilitation from March arthroscopic surgery leaves his exact return timeline and eventual role in head coach Dusty May's rotation uncertain.
Fred VanVleet was highlighted in recent fantasy basketball preseason takeaways and analysis articles, drawing attention from analysts evaluating player valuations, draft strategies, and expected production for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season.
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson stuffed the stat sheet in Thursday's 116-89 preseason win over the Thunder, recording 12 points on 6-for-13 shooting, five rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block across 22 minutes. Thompson was one of six Houston players to score in double digits. Penciled in as a starter for the regular-season opener against the Mavericks on Oct. 21, he continues to project as a valuable multi-category fantasy asset in most formats.
Houston Rockets veteran forward Kevin Durant returned to action in Thursday's 116-89 preseason win over the Thunder after sitting out the previous game. Durant recorded 11 points, shooting 4-for-10 from the field including 0-for-4 from beyond the arc, while adding one assist across 16 minutes. Despite a quiet outing, he remains a high-end fantasy scoring option and is fully cleared for the regular-season opener on Oct. 21 against the Mavericks alongside Alperen Sengun.
Oklahoma City Thunder star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded 17 points in Thursday's 116-89 preseason loss to the Rockets. He shot 5-for-12 from the field, 2-for-5 on three-pointers, and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line, chipping in one rebound, three assists, and a block across 26 minutes. While his scoring efficiency and playmaking impact were slightly subdued, Gilgeous-Alexander remains an elite fantasy option as the regular season approaches.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns dominated in a 122-120 preseason win over the Raptors, finishing just one assist shy of a triple-double with 13 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists in 28 minutes. Serving as the offensive hub, Towns shot 4-8 from the field and felt great returning to playoff-like form. Coach Mike Brown plans to use Towns as a facilitator for Tuesday's season opener against the Sixers, despite adjustments from defenders like Scottie Barnes.
Bruce Brown survived preseason cuts with the New York Knicks, but his roster spot remains uncertain due to second apron salary constraints. To keep the NBA champion veteran alongside James Wiseman, New York must trade a player on a standard contract without taking back salary before Monday afternoon. Head coach Mike Brown praised Brown's toughness, winning experience, and defensive versatility as a valuable addition to the squad.
James Wiseman has made it through preseason cuts with the New York Knicks and is considered a lock to make the final regular-season roster. Head coach Mike Brown praised the 25-year-old former No. 2 overall pick for his athleticism, length, and quickness, highlighting his potential as a rim-protecting and vertical threat. While the Knicks face second apron salary constraints, Wiseman has secured his foothold in New York's rotation.
New York Knicks forward Josh Hart was held out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Toronto Raptors due to right ankle soreness, with Mohamed Diawara starting in his place. Despite the late lineup change after initially being slated to return from rest, head coach Mike Brown expressed no concern regarding Hart's availability for Tuesday's regular-season opener against Philadelphia. All signs point to Hart suiting up as scheduled for the opening matchup.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams registered 18 points (7-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, and one block in 25 minutes during Thursday's 116-89 preseason loss to the Rockets. Williams delivered a strong shooting performance, hitting a pair of triples to lead the team in scoring. He has looked sharp in his final two outings and now shifts focus to the 2026-27 regular season opener against San Antonio.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes closed out the preseason on a high note Thursday, totaling 23 points (9-15 FG, 4-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, four assists, and four blocks in 28 minutes during a 122-120 loss to the Knicks. Barnes led the offensive charge and anchored the defense with a team-high four swats, proving ready for the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Chet Holmgren (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Rockets due to a bruised quad, causing him to miss the entire preseason. The team has not yet expressed concern regarding his availability for the regular-season opener Tuesday against San Antonio, though his status will require monitoring as tip-off approaches.
Ajay Mitchell (rest) is available and starting Thursday's preseason finale against Houston after missing two games. His return shifts Cason Wallace to the second unit. Mitchell joins a starting lineup featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Alex Caruso, Jalen Williams, and Isaiah Hartenstein as the Thunder wrap up their preseason schedule before the upcoming regular-season action.
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring trade options for Jarred Vanderbilt as Opening Night approaches and the team faces a severe roster crunch with 16 players. Vanderbilt, currently in the final year of a four-year, $48 million contract, is owed $12 million this season. The Lakers have struggled to find trade suitors for the veteran forward, leaving his future uncertain as Los Angeles attempts to navigate salary limits and roster construction.
Collin Sexton participated in Thursday's practice with his calf taped up but will sit out Friday's preseason finale against Denver due to a lower-leg injury. Head coach JJ Redick noted that Sexton is trending in the right direction for the regular-season opener. Considered day-to-day, the guard's recovery is being carefully managed by the Lakers as they prioritize health over preseason reps for their new tertiary ballhandler heading into the 82-game campaign.
