As expected, Towns and Brunson played limited minutes in the team's preseason opener in Abu Dhabi. However, Towns did make his presence felt, especially from the free-throw line, missing only one of his eight attempts. New York's two superstars will likely continue to play limited minutes throughout the preseason leading up to the season opener on Oct. 22 against the Cavaliers.
The veteran swingman is competing with several players for a starting job this preseason, including rookie VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes (personal). Philadelphia's rotation also remains unsettled due to the absence of Jared McCain (thumb), and it remains to be seen how head coach Nick Nurse will handle his first unit once he and Grimes are available. For the time being, Oubre has a case as a late-round flier in deeper fantasy leagues until the team is healthy.
With Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) sidelined, Maxey operated as the offensive focal point Thursday. If either Embiid or George end up being limited to start the season, Maxey would be in position to rack up even more counting stats. The 76ers effectively shut down the star guard late last year while he nursed a sprained right finger, but Maxey looks to be fully healthy for the preseason.
Brunson couldn't get it going in limited minutes on the floor in the team's preseason opener overseas. The superstar guard shot just 25 percent from the field and was unable to connect on any of his three-point attempts. Considering he only played limited minutes, this likely won't be a concern for New York moving forward.
Barlow started Philadelphia's preseason opener, something he's unlikely to do very often when Paul George (knee) is healthy for the 76ers. That said, Barlow could be a mainstay in the first unit during the preseason as the two-way player looks to make an impression ahead of the regular season. If George is cleared for Opening Night, however, Barlow would likely head over to the G League's Delaware Blue Coats.
Robinson was a monster on the boards during the team's preseason opener in Abu Dhabi, ripping down a game-high total by far in only 18 minutes on the floor. The veteran center had the most eye-popping performance during this matchup, which is a good sign for New York moving forward.
Rollins pushed through a left shoulder issue during the 2024-25 regular season. He said he's 100 percent now, however, but he noted that it took a full four months of recovery. Rollins is projected to be the third-string point guard behind Kevin Porter and Cole Anthony this season.
Giddey's ankle injury doesn't appear to be severe, as he still went through practice. The team's first preseason game will take place Oct. 7 against the Cavaliers in Cleveland. During his first season with the squad during the 2024-25 campaign, the 22-year-old guard played 70 regular-season games, averaging 14.6 points per game and career-high numbers in rebounds (8.1), assists (7.2) and steals (1.2) while shooting 46.5 percent from the field and a career-best 37.8 percent from deep.
Anthony was not dealing with any injuries at the start of training camp, and when coach Doc Rivers was asked what the guard was battling, he said he had "no idea." Rivers did describe Anthony's absence as a precautionary measure, but for now, he can be considered questionable for Monday's preseason game against Miami.
Williams left Wednesday's practice due to an ankle injury, but it must've been a pretty minor setback for the forward. Williams has his work cut out for him with Matas Buzelis pegged for a breakout season in Chicago.
Antetokounmpo is currently in Greece while battling COVID-19, forcing him to miss the start of training camp. Presumably, he's been cleared, with coach Doc Rivers saying he should be back with the team by Friday morning. As for his availability for Monday's preseason game against the Heat, there likely won't be any clarity until Friday.
Hart was on the floor in pain for quite some time before he was able to get up and hobble to the locker room. He picked up a technical foul and was ejected, so it's unclear if this injury would've prevented him from returning.
An MRI came back negative, and it sounds like this will be a day-to-day issue for the rookie. As for Saturday's preseason game against Orlando, it's unclear if Jakucionis will be able to give it a go.
Watford is considered day-to-day due to hamstring tightness, but the 76ers won't be taking any chances in their first taste of preseason action. Watford's next opportunity to play comes Saturday in a rematch versus the Knicks.
Broome took a seat after dropping a couple of double-doubles during his first Summer League action, but he'll be back in action during the preseason opener. The second-round pick out of Auburn is competing for a depth spot as a rookie, but he'll likely have to spend the majority of his time in the G League.
George said at Media Day on Sept. 26 that he was getting better and better, but he's still ramping up after undergoing knee surgery back in July. He indicated that the next few weeks would be important for his early season availability, so it's hard to imagine that he'll be cleared for any preseason action at this point.
Edwards took a seat for the final Summer League games due to rest purposes, but he'll be back in action during the preseason opener. He's competing for a depth role at both forward spots after emerging as a solid rotation player for the injury-depleted 76ers last season.
This is no real surprise, as Embiid did not come into camp at 100 percent health. He did get in a full practice Saturday, but the center has not committed to a timetable yet. It remains to be seen if or when he'll step on the floor for preseason action.
Oubre picked up his player option this offseason, but his status with the 76ers remains in question after they drafted VJ Edgecombe this offseason. However, it's unclear when Paul George (knee) or Joel Embiid (knee) will suit up, so Oubre remains a valuable depth option on the wings.
The 76ers are pretty shorthanded Thursday, but it's interesting to see Barlow get the starting nod next to Adem Bona. Barlow is on a two-way contract with the 76ers, but he can play both the four and the five positions. Additionally, coach Nick Nurse singled him out as someone who is having a strong camp.
The 76ers do have some injuries, but they won't be wasting any time here. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Edgecombe will immediately jump into the starting lineup following a standout Summer League and a great start to training camp.
This means Dunn will be under contract for the 2026-27 season for $2.8 million. This was essentially a formality for the Suns after Dunn put together a strong rookie campaign in 2024-25. The defensive-minded wing will be in the mix for a possible starting job heading into preseason.
Reports of Robinson supplanting Josh Hart in the starting lineup during Mike Brown's first season as head coach were frequent this offseason, and it has come to fruition during the preseason opener. Hart has been dealing with a finger injury, but he's expected to play through it and operate as New York's sixth man in 2025-26.
OG Anunoby is out with a sprained wrist, but he's presumably day-to-day. Dadiet didn't receive many opportunities last season, as he appeared in 18 regular-season contests, averaging 6.2 minutes per game.
After starting all 77 of his regular-season appearances last season under head coach Tom Thibodeau, Hart will come off the bench during Mike Brown's first game in charge. Hart has been dealing with a finger injury, but he's expected to play through it.
This sounds like a minor injury for Anunoby, and the Knicks won't be taking any chances in the preseason. Anunoby's next chance to play comes Saturday against the 76ers.
The 28-year-old Guy previously announced his retirement from professional basketball last August. He began a coaching career in the college ranks, but after a one-year hiatus, he'll resume his career with his hometown team. According to Dopirak, the Pacers plan to eventually waive Guy, who will then remain in the organization and spend the upcoming season in the G League with the Noblesville Boom. A 2019 second-round pick, Guy last saw NBA action in 2021-22 with the Heat, appearing in 19 games and averaging 9.8 minutes per contest.
Washington sustained a minor head injury at the start of training camp, but he won't be required to miss time due to the injury. He's expected to return to the hardwood Friday and be a full go for the Mavericks' matchup with OKC on Monday.
It's not known why Exum has been inactive to start training camp, but it puts his availability for Monday's exhibition against Oklahoma City in doubt. Exum signed a veteran's minimum contract to remain with Dallas this offseason.
Williams will miss the Mavericks' preseason opener due to the injury, but he should be back in time for multiple tune-up contests. Williams appeared in 33 regular season games in 2024-25, averaging 8.3 points, 2.3 assists and 1.8 rebounds across 14.8 minutes. He's slated for a reserve point guard role in 2025-26.
Gafford rolled his ankle during the opening day of Dallas's training camp and will be sidelined for multiple weeks. The two-week mark lines up with the Mavericks' preseason finale against the Lakers on Oct. 15. If he's not healthy enough to face the Lakers, Gafford's next chance to play would be the team's regular-season opener Oct. 22 against the Spurs. While Gafford is sidelined, Dereck Lively could pick up a few more minutes, while Dwight Powell would likely see an increase in minutes off the bench.
Jovic has seen his role grow with the Heat each season since being selected with the 27th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. The 22-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists across 25.1 minutes per game during the 2024-25 regular season. He returned from a hand injury for the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs and scored in double figures in two of four games against the Cavaliers. Entering his fourth NBA season, Jovic figures to be a key bench contributor for Miami, serving as the third big behind Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware.
Ryan spent the Las Vegas Summer League with the Bucks after playing for the G League's Oklahoma City Blue during the 2024-25 campaign. He played 37 games for the Blue, averaging 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 41.8 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three-point range. He'll likely suit up for the Wisconsin Herd for the 2025-26 season.
A report shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft indicated Richmond signed a two-way contract with the Wizards, but conflicting reports surfaced in the weeks afterward. Sharife Cooper, Jamir Watkins and Tristan Vukcevic are on two-way deals, meaning Richmond likely inked an Exhibit 10 deal instead. Regardless, Richmond isn't part of the training camp roster and will likely begin this season in the G League.
Omoruyi signed a deal with the Magic on June 26. After not making the team's training-camp roster, he'll likely end up suiting up for the G League's Raptors 905 to start the 2025-26 campaign.
Key inked an Exhibit 10 contract with Toronto this Summer, but he won't make the cut for training camp. Key will likely start the 2025-26 season with the Raptors' G League affiliate.
Schumacher inked a training-camp deal with the Suns on Sept. 4. He'll likely end up suiting up for the G League's Valley Suns to start the 2025-26 campaign.
Sandfort inked an Exhibit 10 contract with the Thunder after going unselected in the 2025 NBA Draft. While he won't be part of the team's training camp roster, Sandfort will likely see action with OKC's G League affiliate.
Wheeler signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Magic on Sept. 5. After not making the team's training-camp roster, he'll likely end up suiting up for the G League's Osceola Magic for the 2025-26 campaign.
Bogdanovic went through a shooting workout with James Harden after Wednesday's practice, which is another encouraging sign for his preseason availability. The 33-year-old suffered a partially ruptured hamstring tendon while playing for the Serbian national team at EuroBasket this summer. Even if cleared, expect the Clippers to ease Bogdanovic into action during the preseason.
With LeBron James (glute) on the mend, LaRavia has seemingly taken his place, playing with the starters during scrimmages in practice. This could indicate he'll be a starter to get the preseason underway on Friday against the Suns. Unless James' injury lingers into the regular season, LaRavia will likely come off the bench to start the 2025-26 campaign.
Due to Williams' extensive injury history, Phoenix is treading lightly with their new center. The team will continue to evaluate Williams to prepare him for the 2025-26 campaign, making his status for the remainder of the preseason uncertain.
Although Shumate appears to have landed a training camp deal with New Orleans, all three of the Pelicans' two-way roster spots are filled. That likely means the team is preparing to eventually shift the undrafted rookie to the G League's Birmingham Squadron. Shumate averaged 3.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 0.5 steals in 17.4 minutes per game over four Las Vegas Summer League appearances.
Gueye hasn't played a game on the NBA level since the 2023-24 campaign, when he made 11 regular-season appearances for the Raptors. He'll have another chance to make an impression during training camp but will likely end up playing for the G League's Windy City Bulls.
The undrafted rookie agreed to an Exhibit 10 contract with the Heat following the NBA Draft back in June, and his absence from the Heat's camp group sets the stage for Settle to join the G League's Sioux Falls Skyforce ahead of the new year. Last season as a senior at Temple, he averaged 12.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game over 31 contests.
The Nets signed Muoka to a training camp contract in mid-September, and his absence from the camp squad likely means he's being sent over to the G League's Long Island Nets. The 24-year-old big man most recently averaged 4.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 14.1 minutes per game over five Las Vegas Summer League contests for the Bulls.
Bridges will have a chance to prove his worth while on the team's training-camp roster and throughout the preseason. He'll likely end up with the G League's Maine Celtics for the 2025-26 campaign.
The Hawks signed Murray to a training camp contract in September, and his next steps will likely involve heading over to the G League's College Park Skyhawks. Over 33 G League regular-season appearances last year, the guard averaged 9.8 points, 5.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game.
Hood-Schifino had his qualifying offer with the team declined July 4. He then joined the Las Vegas Summer League squad with the assumption he'd be on the training-camp roster or land in the G League with the Delaware Blue Coats. It appears he'll be taking the G League route, spending his time during the 2025-26 campaign trying to prove his worth to earn a call-up.
The Hawks signed Johnson to an Exhibit 10 contract in September, and he'll likely report to the G League's College Park Skyhawks next. Last year, the forward averaged 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game over 33 G League regular-season appearances.
Kleber played in only one game for the Lakers after being traded by the Mavericks in the Luka Doncic deal. That debut was Game 5 of the first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves, which turned out to be the last game of the 2024-25 campaign for Los Angeles. Suffering a quadriceps injury this early isn't a great sign for Kleber, who maintained he was fully healthy during the team's Media Day earlier this week. It remains to be seen how severe this injury is and whether it'll impact his status for the preseason.
Melton is doing individual work at training camp, but he's set to miss at least the first handful of games to begin the regular season. Until the veteran guard is fully recovered from his ACL surgery, Brandin Podziemski and Buddy Hield should see more minutes in the backcourt. It's possible that Melton's absence will extend into November.
Vincent missed practice Tuesday because of a knee injury, but he appears to have swiftly moved past the issue. The veteran guard should be ready for the start of the preseason Friday against the Warriors. With Marcus Smart (Achilles) limited at training camp, Vincent should operate as the top backup point guard in the interim.
James is dealing with a nerve irritation in his glute, which has led the Lakers to adopt a cautious approach with the 40-year-old superstar. It seems as though the four-time NBA champion is progressing in the right direction during training camp, but his status for the preseason remains uncertain, as his target date to play is the season opener against the Warriors on Oct. 21.
Grimes and the 76ers brass have been going back and forth during contract negotiations, which didn't appear to be heading in the right direction. However, now he's back in the fold and has a no-trade clause. He'll become an unrestricted free agent next summer. His participation in the preseason remains uncertain, as it was reported that he wouldn't travel with the team overseas to Dubai before this deal was finalized. After being traded to Philadelphia by the Mavericks, Grimes played in 28 regular-season games, averaging 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc.
With the Wizards looking to fill out their roster for training camp, Gak will have a chance to claim a two-way roster spot this fall. The 23-year-old big man most recently appeared in the Las Vegas Summer League with Washington, averaging 4.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 16.8 minutes per game across three outings.
Tillman dealt with left knee issues throughout the 2024-25 campaign, resulting in playing in only 33 regular-season games. If he's able to stay healthy this season, there's a chance he could be in line for more minutes off the bench, sharing time with Sam Hauser, Chris Boucher, Luka Garza and Neemias Queta in the frontcourt.
Detroit's backcourt of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey should handle the bulk of the playmaking duties this year, though it sounds like the Pistons want to utilize Thompson more frequently with the ball in his hands. Thomson holds plenty of nine-category fantasy upside in 2025-26, but he'll likely need to improve his free-throw shooting in order to become a more complete asset in those formats. Over 26 regular-season outings following last season's All-Star break, the 2023 first-rounder averaged 11.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.0 blocks per game but shot just 69.8 percent from the charity stripe.
The severity of the issue is unknown, and Williams can be deemed day-to-day until the Bulls provide some more clarity. It remains to be seen if the 24-year-old's status is in jeopardy for Tuesday's preseason opener against the Cavaliers. If Williams' setback carries into the preseason, Isaac Okoro and Kevin Huerter could see an uptick in playing time off the bench.
