NBA Player News

Wembanyama posted 20 points (8-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), five rebounds, two steals and one block in 19 minutes during Monday's 122-121 preseason loss to the Thunder.

Wembanyama was tested by Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams in a showcase of three very skilled young players. Wembanyama was constantly a threat leaking out in transition and looked in rhythm in the halfcourt. His sheer size compensates for some growing pains, and the 19-year-old's ability to impact the game is off the charts.

Sharpe (ankle) won't return to Monday's preseason game against the Lakers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Sharpe has been diagnosed with a left ankle sprain suffered during the first half of Monday's exhibition, so he'll be shut down for the rest of the night. His availability for the remainder of the preseason will be worth monitoring, as the Nets may shut him down to ensure he's healthy for the start of the 2023-24 campaign.

Sharpe is questionable to return to Monday's preseason game against the Lakers due to a left ankle injury.

The severity of Sharpe's injury is unclear at this time. Noah Clowney and Harry Giles could see additional opportunities the rest of the way if Sharpe is unable to return.

Vanderbilt won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Nets due to left heel soreness, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Head coach Darvin Ham mentioned that Vanderbilt's heel issue popped up at practice last week, and the team is holding him out Monday as a precaution. The Lakers will surely keep a close eye on Vanderbilt's injury moving forward to ensure he's healthy heading into the regular season.

Wembanyama will start Monday's preseason contest versus the Thunder, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Wembanyama will officially debut for his first non-Summer League NBA action. He'll start alongside Zach Collins, which could be indicative of the Spurs' starting frontcourt to begin this season.

Holmgren will start Monday's preseason opener against the Spurs, Rylan Stiles of FanSided.com reports.

Holmgren will start at center during his first non-Summer League NBA appearance. The 2022 No. 2 overall pick is slated to face off against the 2023 No. 1 overall pick, Victor Wembanyama, but neither youngster is expected to play more than 25 minutes.

Kornet is in the starting lineup for Monday's preseason contest versus the Knicks, Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Kornet slots into the starting five with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford both resting. Kornet posted four points and three rebounds over 13 minutes in Sunday's preseason win over the 76ers.

Horford (rest) is inactive for Monday's preseason contest against the Knicks, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

The Celtics enter the second night of a preseason back-to-back, so Horford will rest along with all of Boston's main contributors. It's likely that Horford will sit during back-to-backs throughout the regular season as well, potentially subtracting 14 games from his season-long value.

Porzingis won't play Monday against the Knicks due to rest purposes, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.

Porzingis made his Celtics debut Sunday during the preseason opener, posting 17 points in 25 minutes, but he'll take a seat for the second half of Boston's back-to-back. His next chance to suit up will come Wednesday against Philadelphia.

Bagley generated 25 points (10-14 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), seven rebounds and one assist in 22 minutes during Sunday's 130-126 preseason overtime loss to Phoenix.

Coach Monty Williams indicated last week that Bagley and James Wiseman are competing for "the backup big spot," and Bagley made a significant impact during Sunday's preseason opener. Despite coming off the bench, he led the team on the scoreboard with an efficient showing from the floor, and he tied with Wiseman for second on the team in rebounds. Bagley and Wiseman will likely continue to compete for the primary backup role as the regular season approaches, but Bagley had a much better performance Sunday.