NBA Player News

Williams (knee) won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Suns, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Williams saw action in only one preseason contest and will now set his sights on getting healthy for the start of the 2023-24 campaign. He's in line to open the year as the team's backup center behind Deandre Ayton (rest).

Ayton (rest/undisclosed) is inactive for Monday's preseason game against the Suns, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Ayton will sit Portland's preseason finale, which wouldn't be very notable except that he passes the opportunity for a revenge game against the Suns. Ayton did not play in Saturday's preseason contest against Utah as well, but the 25-year-old should be fully healthy come the beginning of the regular season.

Nurkic won't play in Monday's preseason game against Portland, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nurkic put together a strong showing (17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 21 minutes) in his team's last preseason matchup Thursday, and the Suns will now give Drew Eubanks a look at center. Bol Bol and Chimezie Metu could also see extended minutes with Nurkic getting the night off.

Eubanks will start Monday's preseason game against the Trail Blazers, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Eubanks will get a look with the first unit Monday after missing time with an ankle sprain. Jusuf Nurkic retreats to the bench as a result.

Favors signed a training camp contract with Chicago on Monday, Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reports.

Favors returns to the NBA after signing but not logging any playing time with the Hawks in February. The 32-year-old will likely begin 2023-24 with the Bulls' G League affiliate.

Bassey is not in the starting lineup for Monday's preseason contest against Houston.

Bassey will reprise a bench role while Zach Collins rejoins the starting unit. Bassey has averaged 6.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in 19.6 minutes per game across two preseason appearances.

Collins (rest) is starting Monday's preseason game against Houston, Lachard Binkley of TheDreamShake.com reports.

Collins will return to the starting five after getting a chance to rest during Friday's exhibition. Charles Bassey returns to a bench role as a result.

Theis won't start Monday's preseason game against the Hawks.

Theis will shift back to a bench role with Myles Turner available. The veteran Theis is competing with Jalen Smith and Isaiah Jackson for backup minutes behind Turner.

Turner is in the starting lineup for Monday's preseason game against Atlanta, Scott Agness of FieldhouseFiles.com reports.

Indiana will roll out its official regular-season starters for Monday's preseason lineup. Turner will be flanked by Tyrese Haliburton, Bruce Brown, Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin.

Capela (undisclosed) won't play in Monday's preseason game against Indiana, Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

Capela will miss a second straight exhibition due to an undisclosed reason, though it's presumably just for rest purposes. The veteran's next chance to suit up will come during Friday's preseason finale against the 76ers.