NBA Player News

Bagley will come off the bench for Thursday's preseason game against the Thunder.

Jalen Duren is back in the starting lineup after recovering from his ankle injury, moving Bagley to his usual bench role. Bagley is competing with James Wiseman for a rotation spot in Detroit, and both players have responded with strong showings in the preseason.

Duren (ankle) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason contest against the Thunder.

Duren missed the previous preseason contest due to a mild ankle sprain, but he has recovered and is ready to get back into action. He is expected to operate as Detroit's starting center as long as he remains healthy during the regular season.

Drummond has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Timberwolves due to personal reasons, Will Gottlieb of AllCHGO.com reports.

Drummond appeared in the Bulls' first four preseason games but will be unavailable to close out the preseason. It's not yet clear whether his personal matter will impact his availability for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Thunder.

Zeller (back) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, Erin Summers of Bally Sports New Orleans reports.

Zeller hasn't suited up this preseason but appears to be progressing in his recovery from a back injury. His practice participation is a good sign of his availability for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Grizzlies.

Coach Darko Rajakovic said Thursday that he expects Achiuwa (groin) to play in Friday's preseason finale against Washington, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Achiuwa has been trending in the right direction in recent days and should get a chance to return to game action with the regular season less than a week away. It's possible he faces some restrictions Friday in order to preserve his health ahead of the regular season.

Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic expects Poeltl (illness) to play in Friday's preseason finale against the Wizards, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Poeltl is expected to return to the lineup Friday after missing the previous two games with an illness. The 27-year-old big man should start at center for Toronto once again this season.

Adebayo notched 14 points (6-15 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 16 minutes in Wednesday's 107-104 preseason loss to the Nets.

Adebayo didn't have his best shooting performance, but there's no question his numbers were excellent, especially considering how limited his playing time was. At this stage in the preseason, Adebayo is simply ramping up to be in shape for Opening Night, as his role as one of Miami's main two-way threats alongside Jimmy Butler is set in stone.

Sharpe notched 19 points (6-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocks across 21 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 107-104 preseason win over the Heat.

Sharpe was impressive off the bench, missing just one shot from the field and ending as one of the top scoring weapons despite coming off the bench. Sharpe has looked good in the preseason, and he is firmly entrenched in the role of backup center behind Nic Claxton.

Horford (rest) didn't travel with the Celtics ahead of Thursday's preseason finale against Charlotte, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reports.

Horford suited up for three of the first four preseason matchups this year but will have a chance to rest with just under a week remaining until the start of the regular season. He averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game during the preseason.

Wembanyama ended with 15 points (3-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 7-8 FT), six rebounds, an assist, a steal and two blocks across 21 minutes in Wednesday's 117-103 preseason win over the Rockets.

Wembanyama didn't have his best shooting performance, and thus, his scoring figures were not on the same level compared to what he posted in previous preseason contests. Regardless, he has shown he has the talent to contend for the Rookie of the Year award in 2023-24, and the Frenchman should have a prominent role on offense for San Antonio starting Opening Night.