Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson will not be playing in Monday's preseason contest against the Miami Heat. Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reported that Johnson would be in street clothes, indicating he is inactive for the game. This update confirms his absence from the court for the upcoming preseason outing, with no specific reason provided beyond being sidelined.
Dyson Daniels of the Atlanta Hawks will not be participating in Monday's preseason game against the Miami Heat. Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site confirmed that Daniels is resting for the contest. This decision aligns with teams managing player minutes and health during the preseason schedule, allowing key players to conserve energy.
Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young will not be suiting up for Monday's preseason game against the Miami Heat. Young's absence is due to rest, as reported by Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site. The team is opting to give their key player a break during the preseason schedule, likely to manage his workload before the regular season begins.
Despite being listed with rest, Andrew Wiggins is available and will be suiting up for Monday's preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks. The Miami Heat forward's availability confirms he is cleared to play in the contest. This update indicates Wiggins is ready to participate in the preseason action, suggesting his rest status was a precautionary measure.
The Utah Jazz are implementing a strategic approach to ensure immediate success for their top-five draft pick, Ace Bailey. The team is focusing on utilizing Bailey in situations where he catches the ball on the move, rather than burdening him with extensive self-creation responsibilities. This method aims to optimize his offensive contributions and facilitate a smoother transition into the NBA.
Celtics newcomer Josh Minott has made a strong impression during the preseason, earning praise from NBC Sports Boston analyst Brian Scalabrine. Minott, who signed a two-year, $5 million contract this offseason, is seen as a capable depth piece for the 2025-26 campaign. The 6-foot-8, 205-pound forward received his first Tommy Award for a 16-point performance in Sunday's win against the Cavaliers. Scalabrine highlighted his hard-playing style, ability to shoot from the corner, and infectious energy. Minott is averaging 12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds, shooting over 50 percent from the field, with five steals and two blocks in three preseason games. Coach Joe Mazzulla emphasizes his defensive versatility and rebounding, with Minott stating he's focused on being a disruptor. While regular season minutes might differ from preseason, Minott could carve out an impactful role for the Boston Celtics.
Alex Antetokounmpo has signed a two-way contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, making NBA history as he joins brothers Giannis and Thanasis on the same roster—the first time three siblings have played for one team. The youngest Antetokounmpo brother, Alex, previously played two seasons with the Wisconsin Herd (2022-2024), averaging 5.8 points and 3 rebounds in 50 games, and also had stints with the Raptors 905 and in European leagues like Greece, Montenegro, and Lithuania, where he averaged 1.2 points and 1.1 rebounds with PAOK last season. This signing is widely perceived as a strategic move to ensure the happiness of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who averaged 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds last season and has been the subject of trade rumors. Giannis has affirmed his commitment to Milwaukee, and having his brothers nearby is expected to contribute to his satisfaction as he enters his 13th NBA season. Alex is anticipated to spend time with the Wisconsin Herd this year, while Thanasis recently returned on a one-year, $2.9 million deal after an Achilles injury.
Tre Jones did not participate in Monday's practice session, as reported by K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network. The reason for his absence was specified as a foot injury. This update indicates Jones is dealing with a physical ailment that prevented him from joining his Chicago Bulls teammates on the court for the practice. Further analysis on his status is available via RotoWire.com.
Walker Kessler has been officially ruled out for Monday's game against the Mavericks, according to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. The reason for his absence is a shoulder injury. This confirms that Kessler will not be available to play for the Utah Jazz in the upcoming matchup. Additional analysis regarding this update can be found on RotoWire.com.
Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan has indicated that Coby White is not expected to play during the preseason. While White is dealing with a calf injury, Donovan anticipates him being fully ready to return by Opening Night. This update, reported by K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, suggests the Bulls are taking a cautious approach with White's recovery to ensure his availability for the start of the regular season. More analysis on this situation is available at RotoWire.com.
Lauri Markkanen is set to play in Monday's preseason game against the Mavericks, as reported by Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune. Despite dealing with a wrist injury, Markkanen has been cleared to participate. This news confirms his availability for the Utah Jazz's upcoming preseason contest. Further analysis on this development can be found by visiting RotoWire.com.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, is anticipated to make his preseason debut on Monday. He is expected to play against the Indiana Pacers, marking a significant step in his return to action. This update was reported by Dan Weiss of FanDuel Sports Network Southwest, with additional analysis available through RotoWire.com.
Desmond Bane's transition to the Orlando Magic is considered one of the most natural fits of the offseason, with 17% of NBA GMs deeming it highly impactful and voting it the best under-the-radar acquisition. The Magic, needing shooting and additional shot creation alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, gain a significant asset in Bane, a career 41% three-point shooter who also maintains strong defense. This strategic signing signals Orlando's readiness to contend and take a substantial step forward in the Eastern Conference, addressing key roster deficiencies immediately.
Kevin Durant's move to the Houston Rockets is heralded as the biggest player acquisition of the offseason, with 73% of NBA GMs predicting his significant impact. Houston's halfcourt offense, which struggled last season, will greatly benefit from Durant, one of the game's best pure shooters and scorers. Last season in Phoenix, he averaged 26.6 points, 43% from three, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. With point guard Fred VanVleet out due to a torn ACL, Durant is expected to take on much more shot creation than initially anticipated, despite the Rockets generally performing better with him off-ball. His presence is seen as a crucial solution for the team's offensive needs.
LeBron James, at 40 years old and turning 41 in December, enters the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers facing significant questions about his health and future. Currently sidelined by sciatica on his right side, which will cost him the start of the season, concerns are mounting about his ability to perform as a max-salaried co-star alongside Luka Dončić. His defensive capabilities have declined, and his ball-dominant offensive style overlaps with Dončić's. The duo's playoff run last season ended in a first-round loss, highlighting defensive deficiencies the team has yet to address. With his contract expiring this season and his agent issuing a cryptic statement about evaluating his career's best path, the Lakers may soon have to choose between James's immediate needs and building around Dončić's prime. A best-case sees him healthy for the playoffs, but a worst-case involves him wanting out, complicated by his age and substantial salary.
Luka Dončić, a 26-year-old and one of the NBA's most decorated young players, signed a three-year, $160.8 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason, entering his prime in seemingly the best shape of his life. Despite his offensive prowess, his defensive shortcomings and skill set overlap with LeBron James raise questions about their championship viability. The duo lost in five games to the Timberwolves in last season's playoffs, and the Lakers have yet to build a two-way roster around Dončić as the Mavericks did for him and Kyrie Irving. The team faces a critical decision on whether to reconfigure around Dončić or risk losing his prime years, especially given James's age and contract status. A best-case scenario sees "Skinny Luka" as an MVP frontrunner, while a worst-case still positions him as a strong foundation for the future.
Cade Cunningham, the 24-year-old cornerstone guard for the Detroit Pistons, is poised to build on a breakout season where he earned his first All-Star and All-NBA selections. Last year, he finished seventh in scoring, fourth in assists, and fifth in triple-doubles, leading the Pistons to their best season in a decade. However, Cunningham, one of the NBA's most ball-dominant players, needs to improve his interior finishing (57% at the rim) and reduce his league-high 4.4 turnovers per game to elevate his offensive impact to elite levels. His performance, alongside the integration of new veterans and the continued growth of young talents like Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren, will be crucial for Detroit's pursuit of a top-10 offense. Cunningham expressed the team's focus on "the next step" towards a championship. A best-case scenario sees him as an All-NBA mainstay leading the Pistons to 50 wins, while his health remains a critical factor for the team's overall success.
Los Angeles Lakers rookie forward Dalton Knecht became the target of Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green's fiery competitiveness during a Sunday preseason game. After Knecht seemingly trash-talked Green, the veteran fired back, referencing Knecht's bizarre trade deadline experience from the previous season. Green's comments alluded to Knecht's brief departure from the Lakers to the Charlotte Hornets as part of a trade package for Mark Williams, which included Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap, and a 2031 first-round pick. The deal ultimately collapsed when Williams failed his physical, sending Knecht back to the Lakers before he even unpacked. Knecht had previously described this whirlwind experience as feeling "like a movie."
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green showcased his characteristic fiery competitiveness during a Sunday preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. After rookie forward Dalton Knecht seemingly trash-talked him, Green quickly retorted, referencing Knecht's unusual trade experience from the previous season. Green was heard saying, "He talking s—t like he ain’t get traded and sent back. F—k wrong with him," and "Don’t talk sh*t to me, you got traded and got traded back.” This jab alluded to Knecht's brief stint as a Charlotte Hornet before a collapsed deal sent him back to the Lakers, an event Knecht described as "like a movie." Green's actions demonstrated his consistent regular-season energy, even in a preseason game.
Brandin Podziemski delivered an outstanding performance for the Golden State Warriors in their preseason loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the offense in the absence of Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III. Starting at point guard, Podziemski aced his audition, earning praise from coach Steve Kerr for his aggressive, confident play and good feel for the game. He recorded team highs with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting (3-of-7 from deep) and 8 assists, along with 5 rebounds and a team-best plus-6 plus/minus in 26 minutes. Podziemski was instrumental in the Warriors' strong third quarter, scoring 14 points and adding 3 assists. His development is crucial for the team's season start, especially with De’Anthony Melton rehabbing and Moses Moody sidelined. Kerr stated Podziemski will play a "huge" role, and his low turnover rate (2 in the game) suggests he could be difficult to keep out of the rotation, potentially even earning a starting spot due to his comprehensive offensive skills.
