NBA Player News

Jokic (rest) will be available for Thursday's preseason game against the Timberwolves, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Jokic didn't play in Tuesday's game against the Thunder, but the star big man will feature in Denver's preseason finale. With all the starters available, Jokic is highly likely to be part of the starting unit alongside Jamal Murray, Michael Porter, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.

Gafford will start in Thursday's preseason game against the Bucks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Dallas' head coach, Jason Kidd, has been tweaking the lineup constantly in the preseason, and that will be the case again Thursday, with Gafford set to take over at center. Gafford is battling Dereck Lively for the starting role.

Kleber (ankle) won't play in Thursday's preseason game versus the Bucks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Kleber has yet to suit up this preseason while dealing with a sprained ankle. His next chance to suit up will be Dallas' regular-season opener against San Antonio on Oct. 24.

Jackson is out for Thursday's preseason game versus the Hornets due to a groin injury, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Jackson will miss Indiana's preseason finale while dealing with a groin injury. His status for the Pacers' regular-season opener against the Pistons on Oct. 23 is uncertain.

Adebayo won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Grizzlies for rest purposes, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Adebayo will sit out Miami's preseason finale alongside most of the team's starters. However, the star big man should be able to suit up for the Heat's regular-season opener against Orlando on Oct. 23.

Wembanyama will sit out Thursday's preseason game versus the Rockets, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Wembanyama hasn't suffered any injury but will be held out Thursday for rest purposes. Zach Collins will likely start at center in his absence. Wembanyama should be available for San Antonio's regular-season opener against Dallas on Oct. 24.

The Thunder announced Thursday that Hartenstein suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand and will be re-evaluated in 5-to-6 weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Hartenstein suffered the injury during the second half of Tuesday's preseason game versus the Nuggets. After averaging 25.3 minutes per game over 75 appearances for the Knicks in 2023-24, the 26-year-old signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder this summer and was expected to be the Oklahoma City's starting center in a frontcourt featuring Chet Holmgren at power forward. However, with Hartenstein likely out until at least early December, Holmgren should slide over to the center position, and Alex Caruso could enter the starting five.

Ayton had 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt), eight rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block across 18 minutes in Wednesday's 111-100 preseason win over Ratiopharm Ulm.

Ayton was the only starter who didn't reach the 20-minute plateau in this one, but that's understandable since his role as the Trail Blazers' starting center is all but locked in. The big man should be one of Portland's top weapons on both ends of the court once the regular season begins against the Warriors on Oct. 23.

Drummond finished with seven points (3-6 FG, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, a steal and a block across 13 minutes in Wednesday's 117-95 preseason win over the Nets.

Drummond continues to start in place of Joel Embiid (knee), who won't see action until the start of the regular season against the Bucks on Oct. 23. Drummond is a solid option in most fantasy formats even if he plays off the bench, as Embiid is likely to be rested on a regular basis, and Drummond can also deliver strong stat lines in limited minutes.

Reed supplied six points (3-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt), nine rebounds, two assists and two steals over 18 minutes in Wednesday's 108-92 preseason win over the Cavaliers.

Reed managed to lead both teams in rebounding Wednesday as the Pistons' reserves saw extended playing time in the preseason finale. After being let go by the 76ers in early July, Reed was claimed off waivers by the Pistons to add some depth to the front court. However, he will likely begin the 2024-25 regular season as the third-string center behind starter Jalen Duren and backup Isaiah Stewart.