NBA Player News

Cunningham (rest) didn't play in Saturday's 114-108 preseason loss to the Wizards.

Cunningham wasn't announced in the starting lineup for this contest, with Daniss Jenkins taking his place, but the star guard didn't even step on the hardwood. This was likely a precautionary move to manage Cunningham's workload before the start of the regular season, so fantasy managers shouldn't worry too much about his absence. His next chance to play in the preseason will come Wednesday against the Timberwolves.

Acuff posted 25 points (8-15 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), four rebounds and eight assists across 27 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason loss to the Warriors.

Acuff scored a game-high 25 points and traded blows with fellow rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who scored 23 for the Warriors. This was a step in the right direction for Acuff, who posted 12 points on 4-for-15 shooting in Thursday's loss to the Lakers. He should continue to see ample playing time in the preseason ahead of the regular-season opener against the Clippers on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

Lendeborg produced 23 points (10-14 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block over 24 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over the Kings.

After a lackluster preseason debut, Lendeborg has caught fire over the past two, scoring efficiently while bringing a little bit of everything to the box score. He should start for the Warriors right away and makes for an intriguing late-round target on draft day.

Niang (rest) recorded 13 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and one rebound over 19 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over the Kings.

Niang skipped Wednesday's exhibition in Portland, but he was back in the mix Saturday and played well off the bench. Niang should be a rotation player for the Warriors this season, but his game doesn't really translate in fantasy leagues.

Payton (rest) contributed zero points (0-1 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one steal over 19 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over the Kings.

Payton did not travel for Wednesday's exhibition in Portland, but he returned to the floor for Saturday's preseason game. With the offseason addition of Brandon Williams, Payton could have a tough time consistently getting into the rotation this season.

Melton finished Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over the Kings with zero points (0-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal.

Melton was on the court for Saturday's exhibition game after not playing against Portland on Wednesday. It wasn't exactly a great showing from the veteran guard, who failed to score a point while finishing with a minus-13 point differential. Melton is expected to serve as the top rotational guard off the bench for the Warriors this season, operating behind starters Stephen Curry and Brandin Podziemski.

Conwell posted 22 points (7-18 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 6-7 FT), nine assists, five rebounds and two steals over 32 minutes during the Heat's 125-124 loss to the Timberwolves during Saturday's preseason game.

Conwell saw most of his playing time and production during the second half of Saturday's exhibition game while the starters rested. The rookie second-rounder has made a strong early impression during training camp, and if he can carry that momentum into preseason games, then he could force his way into a rotational role for the Heat for the 2026-27 season.

Kelley (calf) did not play during Saturday's 125-124 preseason loss to the Timberwolves.

Kelley inked a deal with the Heat on Thursday, but he has yet to suit up for Miami during the preseason. His next chance to play will come Wednesday against the Nets.

Hyland finished Saturday's 125-124 preseason win over the Heat with 23 points (6-9 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 6-6 FT), four rebounds, four assists and three steals over 21 minutes.

Hyland was moved into the Timberwolves' starting five due to the absences of both Anthony Edwards (rest) and LaMelo Ball (rest). Hyland answered the call by leading Minnesota in points, with most of his damage coming from beyond the arc. The sixth-year pro averaged 16.6 minutes per game while mostly operating in a bench role last season, but Hyland could see a bump in playing time given that Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) will be out for most, if not all, of the 2026-27 season.

Middleton did not leave the bench during Saturday's 114-108 preseason win over the Pistons.

Middleton has yet to play this preseason, but the 35-year-old veteran isn't dealing with an injury. His next chance to get out there will come Monday versus the Nets.