Fantasy News

Collins' 2025-26 season was cut short after he underwent surgery in February due to a sprained toe on his right foot. It's unclear if the current soft-tissue injury is related to the toe, but the big man's status will be worth monitoring ahead of Chicago's preseason opener against Phoenix on Wednesday, Oct. 7. If he's forced to miss time to start the regular season, Jalen Smith would have a much clearer path to playing time behind Nic Claxton.

According to Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com, Grimes also said that he takes pride in his defense and will be ready to guard the opposing team's best player on a nightly basis, which should help him secure a regular starting role. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler are all essentially locked in as starters to begin the season, though head coach JJ Redick will have training camp and the preseason to evaluate the final two spots. Grimes is coming off a productive 2025-26 season with Philadelphia, averaging 13.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals in 29.4 minutes per game across 75 regular-season outings (19 starts). He shot a career-low 33.4 percent from three-point range last season but is still a career 36.6 percent shooter from deep.

Corhen didn't hear his name called in this year's draft but will get the chance to compete for a spot on the Hawks' regular-season roster during training camp. The organization also holds his G League rights. Over 33 games at Pittsburgh in 2025-26, he averaged 13.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.0 steals in 33.8 minutes per showing.

Johnson is set to join Atlanta for training camp, though the Hawks could waive him at any time since they own his G League rights. Over 32 appearances for the G League's College Park Skyhawks last season, he averaged 14.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks across 30.6 minutes per tilt.

It's unclear what Johnson is dealing with, though the issue doesn't appear to be a long-term concern. Still, the 20-year-old's status will be worth monitoring ahead of Dallas' preseason opener against Houston on Friday, Oct. 9. The No. 9 overall pick in this year's draft, Johnson is fresh off winning a national championship at Michigan, where he averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals in 25.1 minutes per game in 40 outings.

Quinones is expected to compete for a spot on Miami's regular-season roster. The organization also owns his G League rights, so he'll likely join the Sioux Falls Skyforce if he's waived by Miami. Over 50 appearances for the G League's Osceola Magic in 2025-26, Quinones averaged 22.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 0.9 steals across 31.1 minutes per contest.

Dillingham was expected to serve as backcourt depth for Charlotte before being let go. It's unclear if the minor wrist surgery he underwent in the spring affected his standing with the club, but Dillingham was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and shouldn't take long to find another job in the league.

Scheierman made a career-high 20 starts in the regular season last year and appears positioned to compete for a meaningful role on the wing at training camp. The Celtics appear steadfast in their commitment to play Payton Pritchard as their sixth man off the bench, leaving Scheierman to compete with the likes of Hugo Gonzalez, Jordan Walsh and Sam Hauser for a starting job.

"I'd say he's taken the biggest leap of anyone I've seen this summer," Booker said of the second-year center. Maluach averaged just 8.9 minutes across 46 regular-season appearances as a rookie, but he followed that limited role with an impressive showing at Summer League. Booker's strong praise provides another encouraging sign that Maluach could be ready to take on a substantially larger role in Phoenix's frontcourt, which has a major void due to Mark Williams' offseason shoulder injury.

"I'm going to sign next year, if they want me," Jokic said, adding that his decision to hold off on an extension this summer was purely business. The three-time MVP passed on a four-year extension worth $278 million and can become eligible for a five-year deal worth approximately $360 million next summer. Jokic has repeatedly expressed his desire to spend the remainder of his career in Denver, so his decision to delay a new deal appears financially motivated rather than an indication that he's considering leaving the Nuggets.

Fox played through an ankle sprain for the Spurs during the NBA Finals, averaging only 12.8 points per game while shooting 34.4 percent from the field and 25.0 percent from deep across the five Finals contests. The emergence of Dylan Harper last postseason is a serious threat nipping at Fox's heels for more playing time at point guard, but it sounds like the Spurs are willing to deploy all three in the lineup at times to accommodate all their backcourt talent.

Huerter said the injury initially occurred during his time with Chicago before he aggravated it during Detroit's first-round playoff series against Orlando. He underwent a cleanup procedure after the Pistons' postseason run ended and has since returned to full health, putting him on track to participate in training camp without limitations.

After sitting out for Germany during FIBA World Cup action over the summer, Wagner appears to have a clean bill of health this fall. Ankle and calf injuries held Wagner to just 34 regular-season appearances last year, but the star forward was highly effective when healthy, averaging 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game.

"I didn't leave my family to lose in the second round; I know that," James said. The veteran forward also stressed that Philadelphia's new group won't click immediately, pointing to practices, film sessions and time together on bus and plane rides as opportunities to accelerate the chemistry-building process. James will be tasked with quickly finding his place alongside Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown as the 76ers attempt to turn their revamped roster into a contender.

Staying on the court has long been a major concern for Leonard, who didn't play in 2021-22 and hasn't made 70 regular-season appearances since 2016-17 with the Spurs. The focus for Toronto will be to keep the star forward healthy throughout the course of the year, which means Leonard could face sporadic absences. Although he carries plenty of risk in fantasy drafts because of that caveat, Leonard averaged a career-high 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.9 steals per game over 65 regular-season appearances for the Clippers last year.

Carter described Banchero as "very springy" and "very bouncy" after seeing him work out this summer, an encouraging assessment of his conditioning and athleticism heading into training camp. Banchero also said Monday that new head coach Sean Sweeney made an immediate effort to build a relationship with him after being hired, including traveling to Seattle to spend time with the 23-year-old during the offseason.

May said the Mavericks want Gafford to become more of a playmaking decision-maker on the perimeter and indicated that he'll be allowed to take rhythm threes as long as he earns those opportunities. Gafford has attempted just one three-pointer across his seven NBA regular seasons and has yet to make one, so any development of a perimeter shot would represent a significant change to his offensive profile. He averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.7 minutes across 55 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.

The 28-year-old expressed confidence that the work will translate this season, saying that becoming a more consistent perimeter threat would make him "unstoppable." Marshall averaged a career-high 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals across 74 regular-season appearances in 2025-26 despite shooting just 29.1 percent from three. A significant improvement from beyond the arc would add another dimension to his offensive game after Dallas signed him to a three-year extension in August.

Head coach Mitch Johnson is also looking for more growth in Wembanyama as a playmaker, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News. Any rise in ballhandling duties would be a welcome addition for the superstar big man, who's already a candidate to go first overall in fantasy drafts this fall as the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

Booker is looking forward to his 12th year with the Suns in 2026-27 and is set for another huge campaign as the team's top-scoring option. The star guard stands out as a safe investment in the early rounds of fantasy drafts, having played at least 64 games in each of the past eight seasons while averaging at least 25 points, five assists and nearly four rebounds plus one steal in all of the last four years.

After undergoing ankle surgery in the spring, Giddey will have no restrictions at camp this fall. The star guard is primed for another big season as the Bulls' go-to playmaker, fresh off recording a career-high 17.0 points, 9.1 assists and 8.3 rebounds per game for Chicago in 2025-26.

Hunter appeared in only two regular-season games for Sacramento following his midseason arrival before undergoing season-ending surgery in February to repair a retinal detachment in his left eye. His return to full health clears the way for Hunter to participate in camp and compete for a significant role on the wing in his first full season with the Kings.

While Beal has recovered from hip surgery that cost him nearly all of last year, he's now dealing with knee inflammation. His status is in doubt for the preseason opener Sunday against the Warriors, but the veteran swingman's regular-season status doesn't appear to be in danger for now.

LaVine underwent season-ending surgery in February to repair a torn tendon in his right fifth finger, an injury that limited him to 39 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. He averaged 19.2 points per game while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three, and his healthy status entering camp puts him on track to resume a prominent role in Sacramento's backcourt.

Murray was limited to 23 regular-season appearances in 2025-26 while battling several injuries, most notably issues with his left ankle. He underwent an arthroscopic procedure in May to remove loose bodies from the ankle, but his healthy status entering camp indicates the issue shouldn't limit him as Sacramento begins preparations for the regular season.

Niederhauser is progressing from March surgery but won't be able to suit up to begin the year. The Clippers are likely to take a cautious approach with the 2025 first-rounder. Isaiah Jackson should occupy the backup center spot behind Brook Lopez early in the campaign.

The Clippers learned about the injury this summer, though it's unclear exactly how far along Ingram is in his recovery. The star forward's timeline for a return is unclear, clouding his fantasy outlook in the meantime. Darius Garland should take on all the usage he can handle in Ingram's stead, while Kris Dunn and Max Strus could have additional streaming appeal early in the year.

DiVincenzo underwent surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles in late April, but there's optimism he'll be able to contribute for the Timberwolves later this year. Although the door is open for the sharpshooter to make a late-season return, he's highly unlikely to be a factor in fantasy leagues in 2026-27.

The plan provides a strong indication that the Nuggets intend to keep their starting five intact while utilizing DeRozan as their primary offensive option off the bench. The 37-year-old has spent nearly his entire career as a starter, but his scoring and playmaking ability could give Denver a dependable offensive engine whenever Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are off the floor.

With Nelson still in recovery mode from the left ankle surgery he underwent this summer, his path back to game action remains delayed for the early part of the season. The rookie big man is on a two-way contract with the Magic, so his short-term absence mainly affects his developmental timeline rather than Orlando's regular rotation.

Isaac suffered a left knee sprain late in the 2025-26 regular season and missed Orlando's entire first-round playoff series against Detroit. The veteran forward said he spent the summer rehabbing his knee and isn't fully ready for camp, though he indicated that the expectation is for him to be fine. His activity level will be worth monitoring as the preseason approaches.

The veteran point guard averaged 16.3 points and 6.1 assists per game last year, his most since 2022-23 with the Bucks, but Holiday is likely to see fewer ballhandling responsibilities now that Ja Morant and Damian Lillard are manning the backcourt. Toumani Camara is the favorite to start at small forward for Portland, but Holiday is positioned for a very significant role off the bench and is worthy of a late-round fantasy pick. He should remain a major threat from deep after hitting a career-high 2.6 three-pointers per game in 2025-26.

"Just straight belief in Ja. Our view of Ja is still a very high-level player," Cronin said, adding that Portland was "very focused on talent" when acquiring the two-time All-Star. Morant averaged 19.5 points and 8.1 assists across 20 regular-season appearances for Memphis in 2025-26, and he's expected to take on a prominent role in Portland's backcourt this season. There's also been no mention of his elbow sprain from the end of last campaign, suggesting he's 100 percent for camp.

Larsson was a regular in the starting lineup last season, averaging 11.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 0.7 steals across 26.4 minutes per game in 70 regular-season appearances (54 starts). Although the Heat are projected to start Davion Mitchell, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, Larsson figures to handle sizable playing time whether he starts or not. The Heat gave up Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis and Jaime Jaquez as part of the trade for Antetokounmpo, leaving them with fewer ballhandlers ahead of the 2026-27 season. Antetokounmpo should have the ball in his hands often, and Mitchell is likely to see plenty of on-ball responsibilities. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see Larsson's role expand this season.

"Definitely. I feel very confident in myself," Robinson said when asked whether he could play more minutes consistently. "I've been working on my body this whole summer. Figuring things out." Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes across 60 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. The big man has struggled at the free-throw line in his career, but he put in extensive work this offseason to improve that area of his game, per Zack Cox of the Boston Herald. Heading into training camp, Mitchell is expected to battle Neemias Queta for the starting center role.

The third-year forward identified facilitating, efficient catch-and-shoot play, screening and the ability to defend all five positions as areas that could help him earn minutes. Salaun also made improving his physicality a priority during the offseason. After averaging 6.1 points and 4.7 rebounds across 62 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, he'll face increased competition for playing time in a deeper Hornets rotation this season.

Edgecombe established himself as a significant part of Philadelphia's rotation as a rookie, but improving his perimeter efficiency was an obvious area of focus heading into his second season. He shot 43.6 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from three across 79 regular-season appearances, and continued development as a shooter could make him an even more effective complement to the 76ers' other high-usage options. While Edgecombe's fantasy outlook is somewhat murkier entering 2026-27 after the 76ers added LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, James doesn't feel like his presence should take away from the youngster's development. "I don't understand why things would change for him," James said of Edgecombe's role.

Peavy was traded from New Orleans to Memphis on Sept. 8 after averaging 4.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per game during his rookie season with the Pelicans. The 25-year-old forward faces plenty of competition for playing time on the rebuilding Grizzlies, and it's unclear if he'll be able to suit up during the preseason, which does not bode well for his chances of carving out a meaningful role early in the season.

Physicality was already an area in which Kalkbrenner made noticeable strides during his rookie campaign, particularly absorbing contact defensively and setting screens. The 7-foot-1 center averaged 7.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 21.4 minutes across 69 regular-season appearances last campaign, and further improvement in that area could help him earn additional playing time in Charlotte's frontcourt. His competition is much fiercer this season due to the additions of Hannes Steinbach, Naz Reid and Royce O'Neale.

The No. 11 overall pick in this year's draft, Lendeborg is fresh off winning a national championship with Michigan, where he averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals in 30.2 minutes per tilt across 40 games. He also earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors. The forward will be 24 years old when the season begins, and he'll seemingly step into a significant role right away for a Golden State team trying to win another title in the twilight of Stephen Curry's career.

James said he narrowed his free-agent choices to five teams before ultimately choosing Philadelphia. The 41-year-old described his relationship with Maxey as "really, really great" and said their extensive conversations were a "main deciding factor" in his decision. James previously revealed that Maxey was among the first players to contact him after he informed the Lakers he wouldn't return, with the two sharing a close relationship that extends beyond basketball. The additions of James and Jaylen Brown should reduce Maxey's responsibilities as Philadelphia's primary ballhandler, potentially allowing him to generate more catch-and-shoot opportunities. Maxey converted 41.7 percent of his 3.4 catch-and-shoot three-point attempts per game during the 2025-26 regular season compared to just 33.5 percent on 5.2 pull-up attempts, so a change in shot profile could lead to improved efficiency from beyond the arc.

Edey still hasn't been ruled out for the preseason, so there's a chance he will see some run ahead of the regular-season opener. The big man underwent surgeries on his left elbow and ankle in March, though he's trending in the right direction ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. The Purdue product appeared in only 11 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.1 assists and 0.6 steals in 25.8 minutes per contest.

Clowney started 60 of his 66 regular-season appearances last campaign, averaging 12.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 27.0 minutes per game. Randle's arrival is expected to push the 22-year-old into a reserve role and reduce his shot volume, making Clowney's ability to contribute defensively and on the glass increasingly important to securing consistent minutes in Brooklyn's frontcourt.

Lovering won't get the chance to compete for a spot on Memphis' regular-season roster during training camp, and he's now expected to report to the club's G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. In 30 appearances with the Hustle last season, the big man averaged 7.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.7 steals in 26.8 minutes per tilt.

Hausen signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Memphis on Friday before being waived the next day. However, the organization owns his G League rights, so he's expected to report to the Memphis Hustle.

Preston was signed to an Exhibit 10 deal on Sept. 26, but the Clippers were simply looking to secure his G League rights. Look for him to suit up for the San Diego Clippers this season.

Sallis signed an Exhibit 10 pact with Los Angeles before being waived the same day. He's now expected to report to the G League's San Diego Clippers. In 36 G League appearances between San Diego and the Delaware Blue Coats last season, the 23-year-old averaged 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 0.9 steals across 29.1 minutes per game.

Pringle signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Brooklyn in August. However, he's now expected to report to the club's G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, after being waived.

Hart is eligible for an extension but remains under contract for 2026-27 with a team option for 2027-28, so his comments don't create any immediate uncertainty regarding his status with New York. However, the lack of progress suggests the two sides may enter the season without reaching a new long-term agreement. Hart opened last year as a reserve before assuming a full-time starting role in late November, and he's locked into the first unit to open this season in the wake of Mitchell Robinson's exit.

Embiid enters training camp following an encouraging offseason after appearing in just 38 regular-season games in 2025-26. The 32-year-old center has dealt with persistent durability concerns in recent years, but Philadelphia has consistently expressed optimism about his health this summer, and James' comments provide another positive indication regarding Embiid's preparation for the upcoming campaign.

Porzingis will miss the start of training camp due to an unknown issue, and his status for the beginning of the regular season is murky. If the veteran big man is forced to miss time at the start of the campaign, Al Horford and Charles Bassey would be candidates for increased playing time.

Butler tore the ACL in his right knee in January before undergoing surgery in early February. The star forward still does not have a clear timetable for a return to game action, though it's encouraging to see his progression thus far. The 37-year-old appeared in 38 games during the 2025-26 regular season, averaging 20.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.4 steals across 31.1 minutes per contest.

Moody suffered the injury March 23 and underwent season-ending surgery four days later. The 24-year-old had been targeting September to resume running and on-court work, so his latest progress appears to keep his rehabilitation on track, though he remains without a firm timetable for his return to game action.

After trading away LaMelo Ball, the Hornets signed White to a three-year, $74 million deal this offseason. The veteran guard was traded from Chicago to Charlotte last February and provided a spark off the bench for the Hornets in 2025-26, though he's now expected to step into a starting role. In 21 regular-season games with Charlotte last season, he averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists across 19.3 minutes per game.

Traore underwent a procedure on his right knee in June after dealing with soreness during the 2025-26 campaign, causing him to miss Summer League. The second-year guard appears to have completed his recovery on schedule and should enter camp with mild restrictions as he competes for a role in Brooklyn's crowded backcourt.

The team "doesn't expect him to miss considerable time," though Brown's status will be worth monitoring heading into the Nets' preseason opener against the Hornets on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The rookie guard was selected with the sixth overall pick this summer and is expected to take on a sizable role early in his career. Over 21 appearances (19 starts) at Louisville in 2025-26, he averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 41.0 percent from the field in 29.2 minutes per game.

Rajakovic added that Murray-Boyles could play alongside Jakob Poeltl at times, giving Toronto the option of using a bigger frontcourt. The second-year forward's ability to handle minutes at multiple positions could help him carve out a significant role in the Raptors' rotation, and he's likely to generate some buzz in fantasy drafts this year. There was also no mention of Murray-Boyles' sprained finger from Summer League action, suggesting he's 100 percent.

Knueppel's status for Opening Night remains uncertain as he continues to work his way back from his left hamstring injury. Peterson's comments suggest the Hornets aren't ready to rule out the second-year wing, though his availability will likely become clearer as training camp progresses. He has already been ruled out for the entire preseason.

The star point guard sustained a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and missed the entire 2025-26 campaign, though he has been fully cleared to participate in training camp and should be available for the start of the regular season. Carlisle added that Haliburton has gotten stronger, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the Pacers manage his workload to start the campaign, especially during back-to-back sets.

Miller's availability for training camp is an encouraging sign after his injury issues last season. Peterson expects the forward to be "ready to roll" for Opening Night, which would be a significant boost for a Charlotte squad that could be without Kon Knueppel (hamstring) to begin the season.

The Pistons have reportedly offered Duren a fully guaranteed five-year, $200 million deal in restricted free agency, but the two sides remain at a stalemate. Duren is coming off a breakout 2025-26 regular season in which he earned his first All-Star and All-NBA selections while averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65.0 percent shooting. The 22-year-old big man has until Thursday's deadline to accept the extension or his $9.6 million qualifying offer, unless Detroit extends the deadline.

Ross was waived ahead of training camp after initially signing an Exhibit 10 deal with the team this offseason. The Marquette product is coming off a strong senior season in which he averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.3 steals across 32 games. He will likely play for the Lakers' G League affiliate during the upcoming season.

Johnson was waived by the Lakers after joining the organization following an undrafted Summer League stint with the Heat. Los Angeles retains his G League rights, making Johnson a candidate to continue his development with the South Bay Lakers.

Swider joined the Lakers for the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League and could compete for a spot on the team's regular-season roster in training camp. However, the team can waive him at any time now that they have his G League rights.

Wesley spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Trail Blazers, where he struggled to carve out a significant role, averaging 4.8 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 rebounds in a career-low 11.6 minutes across 31 regular-season appearances. Wesley figures to compete for a reserve role and provide backcourt depth for Los Angeles in 2026-27.