NBA Player News

Poeltl produced 19 points (5-8 FG, 9-11 FT), nine rebounds, three assists and four blocks in 27 minutes during Friday's 115-107 win over the 76ers.

Poeltl had a disappointing effort in the season-opening loss to the Cavaliers on Wednesday. However, he bounced back admirably Friday and finished just one rebound shy of a double-double while also containing the impact of Andre Drummond on the glass. Poeltl is not expected to rack up double-doubles on a regular basis, but the big man's performances going forward should be closer to this outing rather than the dud he posted versus Cleveland.

Clingan notched four points (1-1 FG, 2-3 FT), six rebounds and four blocks in 14 minutes off the bench during Friday's 105-103 loss to the Pelicans.

While the rookie center didn't see much court time behind Deandre Ayton, Clingan made his presence felt at the defensive end. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 Draft has an impressive five blocks in 27 minutes through his first two NBA games, but if would likely take an Ayton injury or trade for Clingan to see enough action to be on the radar in most fantasy leagues.

Ayton amassed 10 points (5-14 FG, 0-1 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 33 minutes during Friday's 105-103 loss to the Pelicans.

The 26-year-old center has posted double-doubles in the first two games of the season, although he scored only 10 points in each. Ayton has averaged a double-double every year of his career, but he's never developed a three-point shot and rarely gets to the free-throw line, limiting his value both in the modern NBA and in most fantasy formats.

Theis contributed five points (1-4 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), six rebounds and four assists in 18 minutes during Friday's 105-103 win over Portland.

With Dejounte Murray (hand) on the shelf, the 32-year-old got the start at center for the Pelicans as Zion Williamson slid over to the four, although Theis didn't see anything close to a starter's workload. It's not yet clear whether that will be the Pels' starting alignment while Murray is sidelined or if coach Willie Green will mix and match reserves in the vacant spot depending on the matchup. Either way, it doesn't seem as though Theis will see a big increase in his court time.

Kessler totaled two points (1-1 FG), nine rebounds, two assists and one block in 20 minutes during Friday's 127-86 loss to the Warriors.

Kessler was the Jazz's leading rebounder Friday, though that was about all he did in a blowout loss. Kessler had just one shot attempt and won't likely see many field-goal tries while playing alongside Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton and Keyonte George. However, Kessler will provide plenty of value on the defensive end of the floor, highlighted by his 2.4 blocks per game across 23.3 minutes per contest over 64 regular-season outings (22 starts) during the 2023-24 campaign.

Collins contributed 14 points (4-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT), seven rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal over 24 minutes during Friday's 127-86 loss to Golden State.

No Jazz player who attempted at least six field-goal attempts shot better than 40 percent Friday, but Collins did manage to lead the Jazz in both points and assists during in the blowout loss. Collins has been a starter for most of his NBA career, but the 2017 first-round pick has been the first big man off the bench to start the 2024-25 regular season due to Walker Kessler serving as the starting center. Collins will look to earn a bigger role against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks on Monday.

Jackson-Davis totaled 12 points (6-6 FG), nine rebounds and two assists over 17 minutes during Friday's 127-86 victory over the Jazz.

Jackson-Davis was one rebound shy from registering his first double-double of the season Friday, and he has hit all 10 of his field-goal attempts through the first two games of the regular season. Jackson-Davis shouldn't see high-volume shooting while playing alongside Stephen Curry and Buddy Hield, but the 24-year-old should be able to log solid rebounding numbers as long as he continues to serve as the Warriors' starting center ahead of veteran Kevon Looney.

Sengun amassed 16 points (5-13 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 15 rebounds, two assists and one steal over 32 minutes during Friday's 128-108 win over the Grizzlies.

Sengun has logged a double-double in each of the first two games of the regular season, and he combined with Jabari Smith for 31 of Houston's 41 rebounds Friday. Sengun's ability to impact the game in various ways earned him a five-year, $185 million extension Monday, and early on, it appears that contract for the 2021 first-round pick could be a bargain for the Rockets. Sengun will be in for a tough challenge against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Saturday.

Edey closed with 13 points (6-10 FG, 1-3 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 23 minutes during Friday's 128-108 loss to the Rockets.

Edey was one rebound shy Friday from registering his first-career NBA double-double as he led the Grizzlies with nine boards, four of which came on the offensive side of the floor. The rookie center out of Purdue managed to put up 10 field-goal attempts, which is a good sign that he'll have his opportunities on offense alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. Edey and the Grizzlies will head back home to host Paolo Banchero and the Magic on Saturday.

Okongwu amassed seven points (3-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt), eight rebounds, three assists and one steal across 26 minutes during Friday's 125-120 victory over Charlotte.

Okongwu wasn't able to match his 28-point output from Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Nets, but the 2020 first-round pick still managed to play more minutes than starting center Clint Capela (22) on Friday. Okongwu ended up leading the Hawks in rebounding, with three of his boards coming on the offensive end of the floor. He should continue to be the first big man of Atlanta's bench, and if his strong play persists, he could join the starting five in place of Capela.