AutoDraft Pro
Get the app

Player news from trusted outlets

NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Josh Hart's Fantasy Value Declines Amidst Coaching Change and Roster Upgrades

AutoDraft Pro AI

Josh Hart is projected as a fantasy basketball bust for the 2025-26 season, despite being a breakout star last year with averages of 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. His high usage and 38 minutes per game under former coach Tom Thibodeau are unlikely to continue, as Mike Brown has replaced Thibodeau. The New York Knicks have also significantly bolstered their bench with Jordan Clarkson, Guerschon Yabusele, and Malcolm Brogdon, potentially reducing Hart's playing time. Furthermore, Hart could lose his starting position to Mitchell Robinson, who is returning from injury. This anticipated drastic decline in minutes makes Hart a difficult justification for his current ADP of 55.

LeBron James Facing Sciatica and Age Concerns, Expected to Miss Season Opener

AutoDraft Pro AI

LeBron James is identified as a significant fantasy basketball bust risk for the 2025-26 season, with an ADP of 22. News broke Thursday that James (sciatica) will miss the start of the regular season, marking a career first. Despite playing 70 games last season with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists, his upcoming 41st birthday in December raises concerns. The Lakers' improved roster, including Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Deandre Ayton, along with new additions Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, suggests a reduced workload for James. He is expected to prioritize health for a deep playoff run, leading to cautious injury management and potential rest days, making him a risky second or third-round fantasy pick.

Jimmy Butler Confirmed to Return for Tuesday's Preseason Game

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jimmy Butler is officially set to make his return to action, as he will participate in Tuesday's preseason game. The veteran forward is expected to play against the Trail Blazers, a development reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic. This marks his first appearance in the preseason, providing an opportunity to get back into game rhythm with the Golden State Warriors before the regular season begins.

Stephen Curry Cleared to Play in Tuesday's Preseason Matchup

AutoDraft Pro AI

Stephen Curry is slated to return to the court for Tuesday's preseason game against the Trail Blazers, according to a report from Anthony Slater of The Athletic. Despite an undisclosed issue, Curry has been cleared to play, indicating he is ready to ramp up his preparations for the upcoming season. His participation will be a key step for the Golden State Warriors as they look to integrate their star player back into game action.

Jarrett Allen Not Starting Cavaliers' Sunday Preseason Game Against Boston

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jarrett Allen will not be part of the starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers' preseason game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. This decision suggests the team is managing his workload during the exhibition period, likely as a rest day. Further analysis on this update is available via RotoWire.com.

Donovan Mitchell Sits Out Cavaliers' Preseason Opener Against Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Donovan Mitchell is not slated to start for the Cleveland Cavaliers in their preseason contest against the Boston Celtics on Sunday. This move indicates the team's cautious approach with their star guard during the exhibition schedule, likely for rest. More analysis on this development can be found on RotoWire.com.

Evan Mobley Expected to Rest, Misses Cavaliers' Preseason Start Against Celtics

AutoDraft Pro AI

Evan Mobley is not part of the starting lineup for the Cleveland Cavaliers' preseason game against the Boston Celtics on Sunday, signaling a likely rest day for the young forward. This decision aligns with a strategy to manage player conditioning ahead of the regular season. Additional insights are available through RotoWire.com.

Derrick White Set to Start Sunday's Preseason Game Against Cavaliers

AutoDraft Pro AI

Derrick White, who was previously listed with rest, is confirmed to be part of the Boston Celtics' first unit for Sunday's preseason game. He will be starting against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This update indicates his readiness and expected role as the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season, despite his prior rest designation.

Jaylen Brown Returns to Starting Lineup for Celtics' Preseason Matchup

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jaylen Brown, after a period of rest, is confirmed to be active and will be part of the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics' preseason game on Sunday. He is slated to play against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This signals his return to action and an expected prominent role as the team continues its preseason preparations.

Kings' Keegan Murray Sidelined 4-6 Weeks with Thumb Injury, Misses Season Start

AutoDraft Pro AI

Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray will miss the start of the season after suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb during Friday night's preseason loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The team announced Sunday that Murray will undergo surgery and be re-evaluated in four to six weeks. A full six-week recovery could see the 25-year-old return by November 24 for the team's 18th game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Murray, the No. 4 pick in 2022, averaged 12.4 points and 6.7 rebounds last season and has only missed 13 career games due to injury. He is entering the final year of his four-year, $36.3 million deal and is eligible for an extension this month, with restricted free agency looming next summer if no deal is reached. His absence is a significant blow as the Kings open their regular season on October 22 against the Phoenix Suns. Interim head coach Doug Christie experimented with rookie Maxime Raynaud, the No. 42 overall pick, as a potential replacement, noting the value of preseason reps for talented players like Raynaud, who averaged 20.2 points and 10.6 rebounds at Stanford.

Andrew Wiggins to Rest, Sits Out Sunday's Preseason Game for Miami Heat

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins will not participate in Sunday's preseason game against the Orlando Magic. The decision was made for rest purposes, as reported by Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. This update indicates Wiggins is being managed carefully during the preseason schedule.

Bam Adebayo Sits Out Miami Heat's Preseason Matchup Against Orlando

AutoDraft Pro AI

Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo is being rested and will not play in Sunday's preseason game against the Orlando Magic. Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel confirmed Adebayo's absence, indicating the team is managing his workload during the exhibition schedule.

Joel Embiid Returns to Live Action, Showcases Smooth Play in Sixers Scrimmage

AutoDraft Pro AI

Joel Embiid participated in the Sixers' annual Blue-White scrimmage on October 12, 2025, marking his first live action in front of a crowd since February 22. Returning from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, Embiid moved smoothly, scored plenty, shot the ball well, orchestrated the offense, and ran effectively in both directions, according to Coach Nick Nurse, who called it a "good progression day." His health remains central to Sixers projections. Embiid also featured in an experimental frontcourt alongside Adem Bona, with Nurse exploring their dynamic together, utilizing Embiid's historical strengths in jump shooting and offensive skills. Bona noted the pairing brings significant size and presence to the paint.

Desmond Bane Sidelined for Sunday's Preseason Game Against Heat

AutoDraft Pro AI

Desmond Bane will not participate in Sunday's preseason game against the Miami Heat, as he is being held out for rest. This update was reported by Cody Taylor of USA Today, confirming the Orlando Magic's decision to manage his workload. Additional analysis regarding Bane's status is available on RotoWire.com.

Paolo Banchero to Sit Out Sunday's Preseason Matchup Against Miami

AutoDraft Pro AI

Paolo Banchero is scheduled to miss Sunday's preseason game against the Miami Heat, with the team listing rest as the reason for his absence. Cody Taylor of USA Today provided this report, detailing the Orlando Magic's approach to their player's preseason availability. Further analysis on this development can be found on RotoWire.com.

Walker Kessler Fully Participates in Sunday's Practice After Shoulder Issue

AutoDraft Pro AI

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler was a full participant at Sunday's practice, according to KSL Sports. This positive development indicates that Kessler, who had been managing a shoulder issue, is progressing well in his recovery. His ability to fully engage in practice sessions is an encouraging sign for the Jazz, suggesting he is nearing full health and readiness as the team continues its preparations for the upcoming season. This return to full participation is crucial for the team's defensive anchor and overall team strategy.

Lauri Markkanen Returns to Full Practice Following Wrist Recovery

AutoDraft Pro AI

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen was a full participant at Sunday's practice, as reported by KSL Sports. Markkanen had been dealing with a wrist injury, but his full engagement in practice sessions signals significant progress in his recovery. This is an encouraging development for the Jazz, as their star forward's return to full health is vital for their team's offensive capabilities and overall performance heading into the new season. His full participation suggests he is on track to be ready for the start of the campaign.

Alex Sarr Cleared from Calf Injury, Set to Start Wizards' Preseason Opener

AutoDraft Pro AI

Alex Sarr, who had been dealing with a calf issue, is confirmed to be in the starting lineup for the Washington Wizards' preseason opener on Sunday. He will face the Toronto Raptors in his first action of the preseason. This update indicates Sarr is healthy and ready to contribute from the start of the exhibition schedule, having recovered from his calf ailment.

Jakob Poeltl Remains Sidelined for Raptors' Preseason Opener Due to Back and Illness

AutoDraft Pro AI

Jakob Poeltl will not participate in the Toronto Raptors' preseason game on Sunday against the Washington Wizards. The center is currently dealing with both a back issue and an illness, keeping him off the court. This update, reported by Vivek Jacob of the Raptors' official site, confirms his continued absence as the team begins its exhibition schedule, impacting his availability for the opener.

Brandon Ingram to Rest, Miss Raptors' Preseason Opener Against Wizards

AutoDraft Pro AI

Brandon Ingram is scheduled to sit out Sunday's preseason game for the Toronto Raptors against the Washington Wizards. The decision to rest Ingram was reported by Raptors reporter Vivek Jacob, indicating the team is managing his workload early in the exhibition schedule. This absence is for rest purposes and not due to injury, allowing him to get another game off before the regular season begins.