NBA Player News

Poeltl recorded eight points (4-7 FG), seven rebounds, two assists and three blocks in 20 minutes of Wednesday's 110-108 preseason loss to the Celtics.

A back injury and an illness delayed Poeltl's first appearance of the preseason, but he seemed to be in mid-season form Wednesday. Fresh off a massive extension, Poeltl is the unquestioned starting center and will be looking to build on his career-best campaign from 2024-25.

Landale produced 12 points (4-6 FG, 4-5 FT), three rebounds and one block in 22 minutes of Wednesday's 145-116 preseason loss to the Hornets.

Landale drew the start at center again alongside Jaren Jackson. Santi Aldama is likely to play more minutes than Landale, but the latter may start on Opening Night if the Grizzlies want Aldama to be the primary weapon for the second unit. Landale has averaged 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks through three exhibitions and could be on the deep-league fantasy radar while Zach Edey (ankle) is out.

Hayes finished with 12 points (5-8 FG, 2-4 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, a steal and a blocked shot across 25 minutes in Wednesday's 121-91 preseason loss to the Mavericks.

Deandre Ayton (rest) will begin the season as the Lakers' starting center, and Hayes will be locked in a battle with Jarred Vanderbilt for backup minutes. Based on recent history, Hayes should have the upper hand considering his usage last season, but Hayes' utility will be limited to the five. Vanderbilt has been used as a four in the past, so his profile offers a bit more flexibility.

Davis finished with 18 points (7-15 FG, 4-7 FT, 0-3 3Pt), nine rebounds, two assists and a blocked shot across 32 minutes in Wednesday's 121-94 preseason win over the Lakers.

Davis racked up a good number against his former team, and the big man's minutes ramped up to the kind of usage he'll see in the regular season. The increase is likely a conditioning move for the Mavericks, who need Davis to be at full strength right away when the regular season commences next week.

Lopez logged 16 points (6-8 FG, 4-5 3Pt), four rebounds, a steal and a blocked shot across 18 minutes in Wednesday's 109-91 preseason win over the Kings.

Lopez should be the big man coming out with the second unit, and Ivica Zubac is unlikely to yield many first-unit minutes to his teammates. Since Lopez has a serviceable midrange game and can stretch the floor with apt perimeter shooting, it's possible that he could share the court with Zubac on occasion when John Collins takes a seat.

Collins compiled 24 points (7-8 FG, 8-10 FT, 2-2 3Pt) and six rebounds over 18 minutes in Wednesday's 109-91 preseason win over the Kings.

Collins inflicted swift damage in limited minutes and mixed it up enough to make several appearances at the charity stripe. Although we can't make definitive predictions in the preseason, it appears that Collins has the inside track to receive the lion's share of minutes at the four, and his addition should reap significant benefits for the Clippers. With Collins in the lineup, Kawhi Leonard can fully embrace the playmaker role and put less of an emphasis on playing defense off the glass.

Sabonis has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's preseason game against the Clippers due to a right hamstring injury, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports. He generated 15 points (7-14 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists and one steal across 24 minutes before exiting.

Sabonis departs the contest in the second half of a blowout, and while injury specifics are unknown, it's a concerning occurrence for the Kings, who'll be without Keegan Murray (thumb) to start the season. Sabonis will have an opportunity to return to the hardwood Friday against the Lakers before Sacramento kicks off the regular season Oct. 22 at Phoenix. While Sabonis is sidelined, look for Drew Eubanks and Dario Saric to see more action.

Hayes is part of the starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason game against the Mavericks, NBA reporter Jovan Buha reports.

The Lakers are resting their entire starting five from their previous preseason contest, opening up a spot for Hayes in the first unit. Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt make up the rest of the lineup.

Ayton (rest) won't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Mavericks, NBA reporter Jovan Buha reports.

Ayton will rest Thursday, joining several other Lakers regulars on the sidelines for the team's penultimate preseason game. The big man is coming off a strong showing Tuesday, when he posted 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and one assist across 26 minutes. The Arizona product will have one final opportunity to see preseason action Friday against the Kings.

Collins is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's preseason game against the Kings, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

There's a chance that Collins will sit out this preseason matchup for rest purposes. If that turns out to be the case, the next opportunity for him to suit up will be Friday against the Warriors, which will be the Clippers' preseason finale.