Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr, who has been dealing with a calf injury, stated on Saturday that he is expecting to play in Sunday's preseason game. The promising young player's return to action will be against the Toronto Raptors, as reported by Josh Robbins of The Athletic. This update suggests Sarr is nearing full health and ready to contribute as the Wizards continue their preseason schedule.
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy lauded Brandin Podziemski's "ambition" to become a franchise cornerstone once Steph Curry retires. Podziemski, entering his third NBA season after being selected No. 19 overall in the 2023 draft, expressed his desire to earn the trust of the current stars, emphasizing that it goes beyond just on-court skill. While Dunleavy appreciated Podziemski's belief in himself and nightly performance, he refrained from making a hard commitment, stating the future is hard to predict and the current focus is on building the best team for this season's championship pursuit. Podziemski earned All-Rookie honors in his first year and followed up with a solid sophomore season, averaging 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in 64 appearances. His long-term role will be sorted out when the time comes.
As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, discussions are intensifying around Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. The team is reportedly operating on a 'two-timeline plan,' a strategy that raises significant questions about the immediate future and long-term prospects for Embiid and the franchise. This preview delves into whether there is substantial hope for Embiid to achieve championship success with the Sixers under this unique organizational approach, analyzing the implications for the star center's career trajectory within Philadelphia's evolving roster strategy.
Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy acknowledged that avoiding outside noise regarding Jonathan Kuminga's contract situation will be challenging throughout the season. Dunleavy, speaking on 95.7 The Game, addressed the aftermath of Kuminga's 92-day standoff, which concluded with a two-year, $46.8 million contract including a team option. Despite the offseason drama, Kuminga, 23, has returned to training camp focused on helping the Warriors win, with all parties downplaying any lingering bad blood. Dunleavy expressed surprise if the contract issues carried into the season, noting Kuminga is not 'that type of guy' and has shown no lingering issues in camp. While his role in Steve Kerr's offense is still being sorted, Kuminga's presence is expected to be positive for Golden State, even as external distractions are deemed 'impossible' to completely avoid.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Dylan Harper made his preseason debut on Friday, playing for 18 minutes. During his time on the court, Harper scored nine points and notched two assists, showcasing his initial performance with the team. This outing marks his first official appearance as a Spurs player, providing an early look at his contributions.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray exited Friday's exhibition game early after sustaining a left thumb injury and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. As reported by Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com, Murray's departure from the game due to the injury immediately puts his status for upcoming team activities in question. The specifics regarding the severity of the left thumb injury and a potential timeline for his return are currently unknown, leaving the Kings and their fans awaiting further updates on the young player's condition.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey showcased an explosive scoring display during Friday's preseason loss to the Magic, tallying an impressive 17 points in just 12 minutes of play. Maxey was highly efficient from the field, converting 7-of-14 shot attempts, including a strong 3-of-6 from beyond the arc for three triples. In addition to his scoring, he also contributed two assists. This impactful performance, despite the limited playing time, highlights Maxey's offensive capabilities and efficiency as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Chris Boucher showcased a strong all-around performance during Friday's preseason loss to the Raptors, recording 19 points on efficient shooting (7-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT). In his 23 minutes on the court, Boucher also contributed significantly across other categories, adding nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, alongside two turnovers. This comprehensive stat line highlights his versatile impact for the Boston Celtics early in the preseason.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, at 27 years old, is projected as the third-best fantasy basketball player by 2030, following a dominant 2024-25 season where he won NBA Most Valuable Player and NBA Finals MVP honors, leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first championship. The 11th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to remain one of the most valuable assets in fantasy basketball for years to come. He also headlines Rotoworld’s Preseason Top 200, underscoring his current elite status.
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is poised to begin his highly anticipated third professional NBA season. As he enters this pivotal year, significant discussion and expectations surround whether this will be the season he fully asserts his dominance and 'takes over the league.' Fans and analysts are closely watching, with current 2025 NBA odds already available to provide insight into what to expect from Wembanyama's performance and impact in the upcoming season.
Cooper Flagg, an 18-year-old incoming rookie for the Dallas Mavericks, is already projected as the second-best fantasy basketball player by 2030, despite not yet playing an official NBA game. He made a notable preseason debut on October 7, 2025, contributing 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in just 14 minutes. Flagg, who won't turn 19 until just before Christmas, is considered to possess all the skills a franchise could want in a cornerstone, a void the Mavericks are looking to fill after trading Luka Dončić. He is expected to be a high-impact player for years to come.
Sam Hauser will not be in the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics' preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. This update was reported by Jay King of The Athletic. Fans can visit RotoWire.com for further analysis on this development regarding Hauser's role in the upcoming game, indicating a change from his usual positioning.
Derrick White will not be part of the starting lineup for the Boston Celtics in their preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. This news was reported by Jay King of The Athletic. Additional analysis and insights regarding White's role and the team's lineup changes for this specific preseason contest can be found by visiting RotoWire.com.
Jaylen Brown has been officially ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Toronto Raptors, with the reason cited as rest. This information comes from Jay King of The Athletic. For more detailed analysis and updates regarding Brown's status and the Celtics' roster decisions, particularly concerning player availability for rest, RotoWire.com is a recommended source.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is set to start for the Toronto Raptors in their preseason game against the Boston Celtics on Friday. This marks his entry into the first five for the matchup, indicating a significant role in the team's initial lineup. Further analysis and details concerning Mamukelashvili's starting role and its implications can be accessed by visiting RotoWire.com.
Gradey Dick will be joining the starting lineup for the Toronto Raptors in their preseason game against the Boston Celtics on Friday. This move places him with the first unit for the upcoming contest, highlighting his inclusion in the initial five players. For more in-depth analysis and updates on Dick's new role and performance, fans are encouraged to visit RotoWire.com.
Josh Minott is slated to start in Friday's preseason game for the Boston Celtics against the Toronto Raptors, joining the first unit. This development indicates his inclusion in the initial lineup for the contest, offering him an opportunity to showcase his skills from the outset. Additional analysis and insights into Minott's starting role can be found by visiting RotoWire.com.
Payton Pritchard is confirmed to be starting for the Boston Celtics in their preseason game against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. He will be part of the initial lineup for the contest, taking on a key role from the tip-off. For more detailed analysis and updates regarding Pritchard's starting role and his performance, fans can visit RotoWire.com.
Two-time NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, currently unsigned, and the Sacramento Kings reportedly share a "strong mutual interest." The Kings are seeking a reserve point guard, having ranked 29th in bench points and assists last season, a role Westbrook could fill. The 37-year-old guard has existing relationships within the Kings organization, including former teammates Domantas Sabonis and Dennis Schröder, as well as LA ties with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. He also knows assistant GM B.J. Armstrong and respects GM Scott Perry and head coach Doug Christie. Westbrook demonstrated his continued value last season as a vital part of the Denver Nuggets' rotation, averaging 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists in 75 appearances, shooting 44.9% from the floor and 32.3% from deep. While Schröder is expected to start at point guard, Westbrook's addition could significantly bolster Sacramento's backcourt depth as the team prepares to open its season on October 22 against the Phoenix Suns.
LeBron James began experiencing a nerve issue, specifically sciatica, after an on-court workout that occurred before the start of training camp. This development was reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, providing insight into the origin of the Los Angeles Lakers star's condition. The nerve issue cropped up in the summer, impacting his preparations for the upcoming season.
