NBA Player News

Embiid (knee) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Magic, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Embiid has been spotted going through five-on-five drills, but the big man has yet to suit up during preseason action. His last chance for game action before the regular season begins will be Friday, Oct. 17, against the Timberwolves. It's also unclear when Paul George (knee), Jared McCain (thumb) and Quentin Grimes (personal) will be ready for game action, but VJ Edgecombe (hip) is considered day-to-day.

Collins logged 15 points (6-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and one steal across 17 minutes of Thursday's 142-95 preseason win over the Guangzhou Loong-Lions.

Collins came off the bench Thursday behind Derrick Jones, but the Clippers are still experimenting with lineups. In fact, head coach Tyronn Lue said Collins will get a chance in the starting lineup Sunday against Denver. If Thursday was any indication, Collins looks rejuvenated to be playing with a contender after a messy season in Utah.

Zubac produced 15 points (7-8 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal across 16 minutes of Thursday's 142-95 preseason win over the Guangzhou Loong-Lions.

Zubac has been the talk of the town since Media Day in Los Angeles. Clippers general manager Lawrence Frank raved about Zubac possibly becoming an All-Star, as the team expects him to build on the success he had during the 2024-25 regular season when he produced averages of 16.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals. With Brook Lopez comfortably behind him, Zubac could be poised to make another positive step in 2025-26.

Williams (undisclosed) did not play in Friday's preseason game against the Nets, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Along with Jalen Green (hamstring), Williams watched this game in street clothes. The Suns are treading lightly with Williams, given his injury history, and he's now missed both preseason games so far. With how cautious the team is being, this could certainly be viewed as a red flag for fantasy purposes. Williams' next chance to play comes Sunday in a rematch against the Nets.

Towns logged 10 points (2-11 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block across 26 minutes of Thursday's 100-95 preseason win over Minnesota.

Towns had another tough night shooting the ball, which has been a theme in the preseason. Through three exhibitions, he's shooting 26.3 percent from the field with averages of 9.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals in 20.0 minutes per contest. His usage rate of 22.3 percent is also much lower than it was during the 2024-25 regular season (27.3 percent), but fantasy managers should be cautious about overreacting in the preseason.

Turner closed with four points (1-1 FG, 2-4 FT) and one block in 16 minutes during Thursday's preseason win over the Pistons.

Turner was largely an observer Thursday, barely bothering the statisticians despite playing 16 minutes. There are bound to be some adjustments for Turner following his offseason move from Indiana. The hope is that he will serve as a one-for-one replacement for Brook Lopez, providing Milwaukee with a floor-spacing rim-protector while allowing Giannis Antetokounmpo to go to work inside.

Carlson (calf) didn't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Hornets.

Carlson has now missed back-to-back preseason matchups while tending to a right calf issue. His next chance to take the court will come Saturday against the Pacers.

Collins will come off the bench for Thursday's preseason game against the Guangzhou Loong Lions, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

The Clippers haven't revealed much about what Collins' role will look like heading into the 2025-26 regular season, so this is one of the team's first indications of what to expect. However, head coach Tyronn Lue stated before Thursday's exhibition that Collins would enter the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup, per independent NBA writer Justin Russo, so he's sure to get his opportunities to prove he belongs with the first unit as the preseason unfolds.

Collins is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Cavaliers.

Collins will get a chance to join the starting five with Nikola Vucevic (rest) sitting out of Thursday's exhibition. Collins turned in a strong showing in his preseason debut Tuesday, also against Cleveland, totaling 16 points in 14 minutes of action.

Duren (hamstring) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Bucks, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports.

Duren can continue to be considered day-to-day while dealing with hamstring tightness. Isaiah Stewart will draw the start at center in Thursday's exhibition. Duren's next chance to see preseason action will arrive Tuesday in Cleveland.