Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Jalen Green, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, is reportedly aiming for a return to the lineup by Opening Night. Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic confirmed that the Phoenix Suns are targeting this date for Green's anticipated comeback. The team is optimistic about his availability for the start of the regular season.
Aaron Gordon, who was previously listed for rest, has been cleared and will be available to play in Sunday's game against the Clippers. This update was reported by Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette, confirming the Denver Nuggets forward's readiness for the upcoming matchup after a period of rest.
Strahinja Jokić, the brother of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokić, pleaded guilty to charges on Friday related to punching a fan during a 2024 Nuggets playoff game. As a result, Strahinja Jokić will serve one year of probation. This legal development concerns Nikola Jokić's family member.
RJ Barrett has been ruled out and will not play in Friday's preseason game against the Celtics. His absence is attributed to rest, as reported by Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca for the Toronto Raptors. The team is managing his workload during the preseason schedule.
Jakob Poeltl will not participate in Friday's preseason game against the Celtics as he is resting due to a back issue. Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reported this update regarding the Toronto Raptors center's absence. The team is managing his condition during the preseason.
Scottie Barnes will miss Friday's preseason game against the Celtics due to a knee injury. Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reported this update, confirming the Toronto Raptors forward's absence from the upcoming matchup. The team is monitoring his knee condition during the preseason.
Immanuel Quickley has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Celtics, with his absence attributed to rest. This update was confirmed by Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca for the Toronto Raptors. The team is taking a cautious approach with his playing time during the preseason.
Brandon Ingram has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Celtics, with his absence attributed to rest. This information was reported by Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca, confirming the Toronto Raptors player will not participate. The team is managing his conditioning during the preseason.
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson was reportedly "untouchable" in August trade discussions with the Milwaukee Bucks regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. Brunson's status as an All-NBA player on a favorable contract, combined with his immense popularity and hero status among the New York fanbase, makes him a non-starter in any trade scenario. Even for a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber, trading Brunson would significantly anger the Knicks' loyal supporters. Although a financially clean trade option involving Brunson and Josh Hart for Antetokounmpo was identified, the Knicks firmly rejected the idea of parting with their star guard. His integral role and fan appeal solidify his position as a core, indispensable asset for the team.
Giannis Antetokounmpo's potential trade from the Milwaukee Bucks to the New York Knicks reportedly never gained traction in August, despite ongoing chatter. The Bucks would only consider trading Antetokounmpo, one of the league's top players, if he demands it, seeking a massive haul of first-round picks and promising young players—assets the Knicks currently lack. While a financially viable trade involving Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart was discussed, it was a non-starter for both teams. A mid-season trade for Antetokounmpo, who has a $54.1 million salary, is highly unlikely. His future becomes more uncertain if he declines the four-year, $260 million extension next offseason. If he does, teams like Houston, San Antonio, and Chicago, possessing the young talent and picks Milwaukee desires, would likely pursue him. The Knicks' best chance might be if Antetokounmpo forces his way to New York. The Bucks are currently focused on seeing how Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner perform together this season, with major trade action not expected until next offseason.
Jimmy Butler showcased a dominant performance during a Golden State Warriors scrimmage on Friday, drawing rave reviews from coach Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry, and Buddy Hield. Kerr noted his "incredible practice," while Curry emphasized Butler's ability to win, suggesting he elevates the team's ceiling. Hield described Butler as a "silent killer" who looked "really good and professional." This display served as a reminder of Butler's significant impact, echoing his past reputation for dominating scrimmages. Unlike last season where he was new and unfamiliar with defensive terminology, Butler is now fully integrated, having participated in a full training camp and arranged pre-camp workouts. Curry praised his "competitive will," attacking the rim and dictating pace on both ends. Butler is scheduled to practice Saturday in Los Angeles but will miss Sunday's preseason game against the Lakers due to a personal matter. His continued high-level play is crucial for the Warriors' aspirations beyond Curry.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Cason Wallace recently delivered one of the most improbable and spectacular shots witnessed, executing a desperate, behind-the-glass basket that beat the shot clock by mere fractions of a second. This incredible play, which left jaws on the floor, showcased Wallace's remarkable composure and ability to perform under extreme pressure. The dramatic nature of the shot highlights his clutch potential and adds a memorable moment to the Thunder's season, captivating fans with its sheer unlikeliness and precision.
Seth Curry, 35, recently joined the Golden State Warriors on an Exhibit 9 contract, marking the first time he's shared a training camp with his brother Steph since entering the league in 2013. During the Warriors' annual open practice, the brothers playfully swapped jerseys, with Seth donning No. 30 and Steph wearing No. 31, a lighthearted moment highlighting their chemistry. Seth, who has worn No. 30 for most of his career (including stints with the Nets, Mavericks, and Hornets), attempted to buy the number from Steph but was unsuccessful. He previously wore No. 31 with the 76ers and numbers 30, 31, and 10 earlier in his career. Due to NBA second-apron restrictions, Golden State will need to waive Curry before finalizing its roster, but the team can re-sign him as early as November 11 to remain under the tax threshold. He begins a new chapter with the Warriors, wearing a familiar number, though not his brother's iconic No. 30.
With LeBron James sidelined due to sciatica, the Los Angeles Lakers' offensive burden significantly shifts to Luka Dončić, who is already generating early MVP buzz. Dončić, who reportedly lost weight over the summer, showcased improved defensive engagement and stamina during EuroBasket. Known for his ability to produce big numbers and orchestrate the offense, the Lakers are relying on him to shoulder increased responsibility during James' absence. A strong start for the team, potentially securing a top-six spot without James, would substantially bolster Dončić's MVP candidacy, an award he has yet to win. The team will also need to manage potential play overlap with Austin Reaves, possibly through staggered lineups.
Joel Embiid will not play in the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason game on Friday against the Orlando Magic. The star center is dealing with a knee injury, as reported by Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. This absence is a precautionary measure, keeping Embiid off the court as the team continues its preparations for the upcoming season. The 76ers are likely managing his workload carefully, ensuring he is fully healthy for the regular season. Fans can find more in-depth analysis on this update at RotoWire.com.
Quentin Grimes will be unavailable for the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason matchup against the Orlando Magic on Friday. His absence is attributed to personal reasons, according to Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com. This will keep Grimes off the court as the team continues its preseason preparations, preventing him from getting valuable game minutes. The team has not provided further details regarding the nature of his personal absence. Additional analysis regarding this update can be found on RotoWire.com.
Paul George is slated to miss the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason game on Friday against the Orlando Magic. The veteran forward is dealing with a knee injury, as confirmed by Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. This precautionary measure will keep George sidelined as the team navigates its preseason schedule, prioritizing his health for the regular season. His absence means the 76ers will be without another key player for this exhibition contest. More detailed analysis on this development is available at RotoWire.com.
VJ Edgecombe will not be participating in the Philadelphia 76ers' preseason game on Friday when they face the Orlando Magic. Edgecombe is nursing a hip injury, according to a report from Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. This absence will prevent him from gaining valuable preseason experience with the team, limiting his opportunity to showcase his skills before the regular season. The 76ers will monitor his recovery closely. Further analysis on this update can be found on RotoWire.com.
San Antonio Spurs rookie Stephon Castle is confirmed to miss Friday's preseason game against the Utah Jazz, as reported by Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News. Castle is dealing with a knee injury that will keep him off the court for the upcoming matchup. This marks another absence for the promising young player during the preseason, impacting his opportunity to gain valuable game experience with the Spurs as he continues to recover.
Buddy Hield found himself on the receiving end of a hilarious prank from teammates Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler during the Golden State Warriors' preseason open practice. Video showed Curry and Butler orchestrating a moment where a young fan threw Hield's practice jersey back at him. Hield, known for being a good sport despite often being the butt of jokes, took the trolling in stride. This event further highlights the "fun Butler-Hield 'rivalry'" that has developed since Butler joined the Warriors last season, a dynamic often playing out in postgame press conferences and soon to be celebrated with a bobblehead giveaway this season.
