NBA Player News

Green totaled 11 points (3-6 FG, 4-6 FT, 1-4 3Pt), two rebounds and one assist in 15 minutes during Monday's 109-107 preseason loss to the Pistons.

Green was one of three Suns players to score double digits, an encouraging sign given all the injury concerns he had last season. While this was obviously a very small sample size, Green looked energized on the offensive end, a positive sign for anyone considering him in drafts. As a result of basically missing the entire 2025-26 campaign, managers are showing caution when it comes to drafting him, typically targeting him well past pick 100. As a player who can routinely put up in excess of 20 points per game, Green makes for a highly valuable late-round target.

Maluach closed with six points (3-5 FG, 0-3 FT, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one block in 17 minutes during Monday's 109-107 preseason loss to Detroit.

Maluach came off the bench in the preseason opener, perhaps a sign of what's to come once the regular season gets underway. While he did log more minutes than Oso Ighodaro, Maluach's production left a lot to be desired, particularly on the offensive end. Of the two players, Maluach likely has more upside when considering him with a late-round pick. However, managers should temper their expectations, at least until we have a decent sample size of what he is capable of during competitive NBA basketball.

Acuff put up 19 points (8-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block across 27 minutes in Monday's 127-103 preseason loss to the Lakers.

Acuff had the hot hand early for Sacramento, scoring 17 of his 19 points in the first half. However, the Lakers did a better job defending him after halftime and held the rookie to just two points (0-of-4 FG, 2-of-2 FT). Still, Acuff flashed his upside in his preseason debut, which was nice to see after an up-and-down showing at Summer League.

Doncic tallied 21 points (5-12 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 8-9 FT), two rebounds, three assists and two steals over 16 minutes in Monday's 127-103 preseason win over the Kings.

Doncic looked fresh in his preseason debut, and despite being limited to one half of play, he still led his team in scoring. Doncic could be headed for a career year as the lead dog in L.A., making him an attractive top-5 target on draft day.

Ighodaro finished with three points (1-1 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal in 14 minutes during Monday's 109-107 preseason loss to Detroit.

Despite getting the starting nod over Khaman Maluach, Ighodaro did very little to push his case as the long-term starter. Luckily for him, Maluach also fell short of the mark during his time on the floor, highlighting what could end up being an ongoing issue for the Suns. If Ighodaro does manage to hold onto the starting role once the season proper comes around, he would be on the radar as a last-round flier, albeit when seeking rebounds and steals only.

Ball supplied 11 points (3-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, three assists and one steal across 17 minutes in Monday's 116-97 preseason win over the Bucks.

Ball drew the start alongside Anthony Edwards in the Timberwolves' backcourt in his first preseason appearance and turned in an efficient performance despite the limited playing time. Perhaps the most encouraging part of this outing is that he complemented Edwards well while committing just one turnover and dishing out three dimes. Ball's arrival gives Minnesota another high-level creator alongside Edwards, and his ability to facilitate while shooting from the perimeter should make him a key part of the offense in the regular season.

Kuminga contributed eight points (2-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and two rebounds across 14 minutes in Monday's 116-97 preseason win over the Bucks.

Kuminga started at power forward and scored Minnesota's first points of the game, finishing a drive off a feed from Ball. He didn't see much offensive volume after that but was efficient when called upon, making both of his attempts inside the arc and all four of his free throws while committing no turnovers. Kuminga's place in the starting five is particularly notable as Minnesota begins evaluating how its revamped frontcourt will fit together during the preseason, and it wouldn't be surprising if he opens the 2026-27 regular season in a starting role.

Gobert registered six points (3-4 FG) and seven rebounds across 17 minutes in Monday's 116-97 preseason win over the Bucks.

Gobert handled his customary starting role at center and did exactly what was expected during his limited preseason workload, converting three of four attempts around the basket and grabbing a team-high seven rebounds among Minnesota's starters. The veteran center didn't record a block, but his fantasy appeal has long been driven primarily by elite rebounding, field-goal percentage and rim protection. With Minnesota changing several pieces around him this offseason, Gobert remains the established anchor of the team's frontcourt. His playing time in the preseason might be limited, but that's only because he's set to open the regular season as a key piece in the frontcourt.

Rollins supplied 15 points (6-12 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block across 14 minutes in Monday's 116-97 preseason loss to the Timberwolves.

Rollins was Milwaukee's most productive scorer despite lasting only 14 minutes before fouling out, leading the Bucks with 15 points while shooting 50 percent from the field. The six fouls stand out, but Rollins' aggressive offensive performance was one of the brighter developments from Milwaukee's preseason opener. Fantasy managers would be wise not to overreact to just one game in preseason, and Rollins figures to have a sizable role once the regular season begins later this month.

Herro recorded 11 points (3-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), three rebounds and three assists across 19 minutes in Monday's 116-97 preseason loss to the Timberwolves.

Herro struggled from the field overall but did connect on two of four attempts from beyond the arc, including back-to-back threes during the opening quarter. The veteran guard also chipped in three rebounds and three assists, though his four turnovers were a team high. Herro should have plenty of opportunities to handle the ball and create offense for Milwaukee, so establishing chemistry with his new teammates will be one of the main storylines to monitor throughout the preseason. Even if Ryan Rollins or Kevin Porter start next to him in the backcourt once the regular season begins, Herro should handle a sizable role of the playmaking in a new-look Bucks team.