Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Isaac Okoro will not play in Thursday's exhibition game against the Timberwolves. The reason for his absence is knee soreness, as reported by Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. This injury will keep him off the court for the preseason contest, and his status for future games will likely be monitored. The team will be cautious with his recovery ahead of the regular season.
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith will not participate in Thursday's exhibition game against the Atlanta Hawks, as he is being rested. Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network reported the decision to keep Smith on the sidelines for the preseason finale.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is scheduled to sit out Thursday's preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks. The decision for Sengun to rest was reported by Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, indicating the team's approach to managing player readiness ahead of the regular season.
Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg's Rookie Debut Patch Autographed card is generating significant buzz, with speculation it could surpass the $1.1 million record set by Paul Skenes' MLB card. Fanatics is introducing Rookie Debut Patches for the upcoming NBA season, and Flagg's card is already highly coveted. Factors boosting its potential value include the NBA's massive international appeal, particularly in Asia, and the strong market for modern NBA cards, which have seen sales up to $12.9 million in 2025. The NBA season begins October 21, with Flagg's debut game on October 22. If Flagg performs as expected, his card could become the most expensive Rookie Debut Patch card ever, driven by a robust international market and high-end private collectors.
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson will be held out of Thursday's preseason finale against the Atlanta Hawks. The decision for Thompson to not suit up is attributed to rest, as reported by Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, indicating the team's cautious approach before the regular season commences.
Kevin Durant will be resting and will not play in Thursday's preseason finale for the Houston Rockets against the Atlanta Hawks. This decision was reported by Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network, indicating the team's strategy to ensure player readiness by managing minutes during the exhibition schedule.
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey has undergone right knee surgery, which will delay his anticipated return to action. Following the procedure, Ivey is now expected to miss the next four weeks, impacting his availability as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels will not participate in Thursday's preseason finale against the Rockets. Daniels is being held out for rest purposes, as reported by Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network. This decision allows Daniels to recover before the regular season begins, ensuring he is fresh and ready for the upcoming campaign.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson is slated to miss Thursday's preseason finale against the Rockets. The decision to hold Johnson out is for rest purposes, according to Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network. This move is likely a precautionary measure to ensure Johnson is fresh and fully prepared for the start of the regular season.
The San Antonio Spurs have officially exercised their third-year team option for Stephon Castle, securing his contract through the 2026-27 season. This move, reported by Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com, demonstrates the Spurs' commitment to the young player as he continues his development with the franchise. The decision solidifies Castle's future with the team for the foreseeable future.
Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George is reportedly not expected to play in the upcoming season opener as he continues his recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery. While he will miss the initial game, reports suggest his return to action is not far off, indicating a positive outlook for his availability early in the season. The team is managing his recovery carefully to ensure a full return.
Deandre Ayton, identified in this report as a player for the Los Angeles Lakers, is officially set to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Sacramento Kings. Ayton had previously been held out of action for rest purposes, but Jovan Buha of The Athletic has now confirmed his availability for the game. His return to the court for the final preseason contest indicates that he is in good health and ready for action as the team makes its final preparations for the highly anticipated regular season.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves is confirmed and ready to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Sacramento Kings. Reaves had previously been sidelined, primarily for rest, but Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that he is now cleared and prepared to take the court. His participation in the final preseason game suggests he is in excellent form and fully prepared for the start of the regular season, providing a boost to the team's lineup.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan will be sidelined for the team's season opener against Dallas on Wednesday. The absence is due to a sprained left wrist. Sochan's status for subsequent games was not immediately detailed, but he will not be available for the initial game of the 2025-26 season.
Moses Moody is considered doubtful for the Golden State Warriors' opening night game, having been sidelined by a calf strain since starting the first two preseason games. Coach Steve Kerr stated Moody did not practice Thursday and will miss the preseason finale, hoping he can return to the floor by Sunday or Monday. His expected absence is a significant blow to the Warriors' guard/wing rotation, especially with De’Anthony Melton also out until November. This leaves the team without an ideal defender for Luka Dončić on opening night, forcing Kerr to consider various lineup adjustments.
Utah Jazz player Ace Bailey will not participate in Thursday's preseason finale against Portland. The absence is attributed to a knee injury, as reported by Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. This means Bailey will miss the final tune-up game before the regular season begins, with his status for the regular season opener yet to be detailed.
Xavier Tillman, entering his sixth NBA season with the Boston Celtics, continues to demonstrate an "ultimate professional" mindset, according to head coach Joe Mazzulla. Tillman, a former second-round pick, revealed his dedication to "night labs" – extra shooting, stretching, treatment, and massages – to maximize his potential. He emphasizes not being content and constantly pushing for progression, viewing preparation as more consistent than game outcomes. Tillman ended the preseason with a flourish, including a last-second shot to beat the Raptors, solidifying his role in Boston and showcasing his commitment to continuous improvement.
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler has been cleared to return to action and is available for Thursday's preseason finale against the Portland Trail Blazers. Kessler had been dealing with a shoulder issue, but his availability confirms he is ready to play. This update was reported by Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, with further analysis available via RotoWire.com. His return is a positive sign for the Jazz as they conclude their preseason schedule.
Phoenix Suns player Mark Williams is expected to be fully ready for the start of the regular season, according to a report from John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM. While the specific nature of his previous issue remains undisclosed, the positive update indicates that Williams is on track to participate in the team's Opening Night game for the 2025-26 NBA campaign. This news provides a favorable outlook for the Suns, ensuring their roster is as complete as anticipated for the season's commencement.
Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton recently joined Kevin O’Connor on his show to discuss and predict the next big trends in the NBA. During their conversation, Haliburton and O'Connor explored various strategic shifts, including the potential resurgence of double-big lineups, the increased incorporation of full-court presses by teams, and factors contributing to the decline in pick-and-roll usage across the league. Haliburton's insights offer a player's perspective on the evolving tactical landscape of professional basketball ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
