Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Top prospect Cooper Flagg went early in the fantasy crew's final roto league mock draft as anticipation builds for the start of the 2026-27 NBA season. Flagg, associated with the Dallas Mavericks in draft preparations alongside established veterans like Derrick White, is drawing high interest from fantasy managers looking to secure impactful rookie production and high-upside value.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White was selected early as the fantasy crew gathered for its final roto league mock draft just before the tip-off of the 2026-27 NBA season. White figures to be a prominent contributor for fantasy managers following strong prior campaigns, joining top prospects like Cooper Flasg off the board early in preparations for the upcoming competitive fantasy basketball season.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg went viral after recounting his surprise when coaches initially told him he would be guarding Lakers star Luka Doncic during the preseason. Although Doncic was ultimately given the night off, Lendeborg instead matched up against center Walker Kessler, scoring 17 points in 26 minutes. The 6-foot-9 rookie has averaged 19 points over his previous three exhibitions, proving his adaptability as the Warriors test his defensive versatility.
Boston Celtics big man Neemias Queta is working to expand his offensive repertoire by incorporating three-point shooting into his game during the preseason. Having attempted just 11 total threes over his first five seasons, Queta has fired up four shots from deep through two preseason appearances. Head coach Joe Mazzulla is open to empowering Queta to take occasional long-range shots as a floor-spacing weapon, provided it complements his primary strengths around the basket.
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith will miss Friday's preseason finale against Milwaukee due to a hamstring injury. Nesmith sat out Tuesday's exhibition against Oklahoma City but described himself as feeling 'pretty good.' The 27-year-old forward finishes the preseason entirely on the sidelines, leaving his exact availability for Indiana's regular-season opener uncertain. Kelly Oubre and Ben Sheppard stand to gain wing opportunities if the absence lingers.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is starring in the Lakers preseason, averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 20 minutes per game while shooting 58.8% from deep. Austin Reaves and coach JJ Redick praised his point-forward skills, passing, and shooting gravity. His versatile offensive arsenal and playmaking are expected to elevate the Lakers' elite offense as a floor-spacer and ball-handler.
LeBron James enters his first season with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year contract, bolstering a star-studded roster that includes Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. Ranked third in preseason power rankings with championship aspirations, James showed steady efficiency in early action. Age concerns and health management remain talking points as he navigates his milestone campaign, alongside viral non-denials regarding resurfaced off-court rumors.
After missing most of last season with a torn labrum, Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler says the recovery has made him hungrier to win every game. Following a stellar preseason debut where he tallied 11 points, nine rebounds, and one block against Golden State, Kessler is eager to contribute in a win-now environment alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. He looks to build on that momentum as the Lakers prepare for their preseason finale ahead of the regular season.
The New York Knicks are waiving Drew Eubanks after the center suffered a torn pectoral muscle that will sideline him for an extended period. Eubanks posted eight points and two rebounds in 15 minutes during a preseason loss to the Raptors before sustaining the injury. His absence impacts center depth alongside the departures of Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, opening up a roster battle won impressively by James Wiseman during the preseason run.
Washington Wizards star Anthony Davis enters the season as a prime trade candidate as the franchise weighs long-term financial commitments alongside young cornerstone AJ Dybantsa. While Davis remains a consummate professional, teams like the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have surfaced as potential suitors possessing significant draft capital and trade flexibility. A slow start for Washington could spark massive trade deadline activity for the veteran big.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford is drawing major trade interest as the team evaluates its long-term frontcourt alongside Dereck Lively and Morez Johnson Jr. Entering his third full season under Coach Dusty May, Gafford has expanded his offensive skillset by showcasing a smooth spot-up three-pointer in the preseason. With solid established value around the league, Gafford shapes up as an obvious trade candidate if Dallas seeks to convert veteran depth into draft capital.
As the Phoenix Suns enter the 2026-27 season, attention turns to Devin Booker's quest to return to elite superstar form. Booker experienced a dip in effective field goal percentage and finishing efficiency at the rim over the previous two seasons. With his salary climbing significantly, a bounce-back year from Booker alongside internal development from young players like Khaman Maluach will be vital for the Suns to secure a strong playoff position in a competitive Western Conference.
Nikola Jokić leads the Denver Nuggets into the 2026-27 season following another MVP-caliber campaign. Despite offseason roster questions and historical drop-off numbers when Jokić is off the floor, the star center pairs with an elite core including Jamal Murray. A healthy roster gives Denver a high floor and a clear pathway toward competing for the Western Conference's top seed and an NBA title.
LaMelo Ball enters the 2026-27 NBA season with the Minnesota Timberwolves following a blockbuster offseason trade from the Charlotte Hornets. Ball joins forces with Anthony Edwards, offering massive offensive upside and the potential for an elite backcourt pairing. While his playmaking raises Minnesota's ceiling, analysts note that his erratic decision-making and past injury history also introduce considerable volatility and lower the team's floor as the new campaign approaches.
Maxime Raynaud is dealing with a right patellar subluxation and is expected to miss at least the first five to six games of the regular season for the Sacramento Kings. Raynaud, who appeared in 74 games last year, will start the campaign on the sidelines alongside Dylan Cardwell, leaving the Kings heavily reliant on Domantas Sabonis to anchor the frontcourt until reserve centers return to action.
Giannis Antetokounmpo joins the Miami Heat in a blockbuster offseason move, instantly transforming Erik Spoelstra's tactical schemes and elevating championship expectations. Paired with Bam Adebayo and a revamped supporting cast, Antetokounmpo brings elite paint presence and playmaking. Analysts project him as an MVP-caliber anchor capable of pushing the Heat toward a top seed in the Eastern Conference.
AJ Dybantsa was selected No. 1 overall by the Washington Wizards, bringing elite size, scoring, and passing upside to a promising young core. Following a strong preseason debut with 11 points and 4 steals, Dybantsa joins veterans like Trae Young and Anthony Davis. While balancing veteran minutes with rookie development, Dybantsa enters the season as a primary focal point for the Wizards and a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.
Tyrese Haliburton returns to action for the Indiana Pacers ahead of the 2026-27 season following his devastating Achilles injury. The Pacers have added new pieces like Ivica Zubac to complement Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, raising expectations for a potential top-4 seed. Haliburton's ability to command multiple defenders remains vital as Indiana looks to bounce back and navigate a challenging Eastern Conference.
Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2026-27 season looking to build on last year's Eastern Conference finals run. After playing limited regular-season minutes together last year alongside James Harden, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen, a full campaign offers a chance to solidify championship-level chemistry. Mitchell anchors a Cleveland squad projected among the top contenders in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Caleb Wilson arrives as the No. 4 overall pick for the Chicago Bulls, bringing elite athleticism and scoring upside after an impressive Summer League showing. Preseason analysis highlights his potential to initiate offense and run in transition alongside Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. While questions remain regarding his half-court shooting efficiency, Wilson carries significant intrigue and a clear path toward heavy minutes in his rookie campaign.
