NBA Player News

Kessler missed Saturday's practice due to left shoulder soreness, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Kessler missed the last five games of the 2024-25 campaign due to a concussion, and he now finds himself dealing with a shoulder issue ahead of the preseason. Kessler and the Jazz have been unable to agree on an extension, which seemed to be a sore spot for Kessler during the team's media day. The disconnect could be due to cap-management reasons -- potentially delaying an extension until next summer -- but that remains to be seen. Kessler remains uncertain to play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Rockets.

Hansen (rest) is participating in team scrimmages ahead of Wednesday's preseason game against the Warriors, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Hansen missed time during Summer League for rest purposes, but he appears to be healthy heading into preseason action. The 16th overall pick in the 2025 Draft has flashed potential early, but he faces plenty of competition in the frontcourt for a substantial role.

Jackson-Davis (thumb) is available for Sunday's preseason game against the Lakers, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Jackson-Davis is dealing with a thumb injury, but he will be able to play through it Sunday. Jackson-Davis should see an expanded role in the second half, as Draymond Green and Al Horford are expected to only play the first half.

Plumlee won't start Sunday's preseason game against the Thunder, James Plowright of CLTure.org reports.

Plumlee was absent from practice this week due to an excused absence, but he didn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's preseason game against the Thunder and isn't on the inactive list. While he may suit up, it's unclear if Plumlee will actually see any minutes during the preseason opener. Moussa Diabate is starting at center Sunday.

Hartenstein (rest) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Hornets, Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic reports.

Hartenstein will join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest), Chet Holmgren (rest), Luguentz Dort (rest), Cason Wallace (rest), Alex Caruso (rest) and Ajay Mitchell (ankle) on the sideline for the front end of the club's back-to-back set. The big man's next opportunity to play will come Monday against Dallas.

Holmgren (rest) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Hornets, Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic reports.

Along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (rest), Luguentz Dort (rest), Isaiah Hartenstein (rest), Cason Wallace (rest), Alex Caruso (rest) and Ajay Mitchell (ankle), Holmgren will sit out the front end of Oklahoma City's back-to-back set as the club evaluates the rest of its roster. Holmgren's next opportunity to suit up will come Monday against Dallas.

Plumlee has remained absent from practice this week due to an excused absence, though he doesn't have an injury designation ahead of Sunday's preseason game against the Thunder, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Plumlee was also excused from Monday's media day and may miss the Hornets' preseason opener. The 35-year-old big man signed a veteran's minimum deal with the club this offseason after averaging 4.5 points and 6.1 rebounds across 17.6 minutes per game in 74 regular-season appearances (21 starts) with the Suns last season.

Wiseman (Achilles) is participating in scrimmages ahead of the Pacers' preseason opener against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, Tony East of WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis reports.

After tearing his left Achilles in the 2024-25 regular-season opener, Wiseman appears to be on track to return during the preseason. The 24-year-old center has an opportunity to carve out a meaningful role for the Pacers in the 2025-26 campaign, competing for playing time with Isaiah Jackson (Achilles), Jay Huff and Tony Bradley.

Beringer accumulated 14 points (6-8 FG, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and one block across 23 minutes in Saturday's 126-116 preseason win over the Nuggets.

Beringer finished as the Timberwolves' third-leading scorer and was one of five Minnesota players to reach double figures. The No. 17 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft will likely have a hard time carving out a steady role in Minnesota's rotation behind Rudy Gobert and Naz Reid, though he could slightly strengthen his case if he continues to impress in the preseason.

Carter contributed 10 points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds and two blocks across 13 minutes in Saturday's 126-118 preseason win over the Heat.

Carter was one of six Magic players to score double-digit points and one of three to record multiple blocks. The 26-year-old center is coming off a down season in which his usage rate dropped to a career-low 16.1 percent, and that trend may continue with Desmond Bane now in the mix. Carter averaged 9.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists across 25.9 minutes per game in a career-high 68 regular-season appearances (51 starts) in the 2024-25 campaign.