NBA Player News

Okongwu produced 28 points (11-12 FG, 6-6 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and three blocks across 28 minutes during Wednesday's 120-116 victory over Brooklyn.

Okongwu came off the bench but outplayed Clint Capela, closing the game as the Hawks held off a tenacious Brooklyn team. Although fantasy managers would love to see Okongwu running with the starters, it appears as though he is going to remain the backup, at least for the time being. With that said, there is a decent chance he ends up playing starters' minutes, which should be more than enough for him to be a real difference-maker across all fantasy formats.

Ayton had 10 points (5-12 FG, 0-2 3Pt), 11 rebounds, two assists and two steals over 31 minutes during Wednesday's 139-104 loss to the Warriors.

Ayton wasn't able to replicate his former success with the Suns last season, but he's playing with an inferior roster and has to make the best of a bad situation. If the team can stay healthy, the Trail Blazers' fortunes will be a little brighter, and better stat lines for Ayton would follow. Centers are always in high demand in fantasy leagues, so Ayton will still be a valuable target to consider despite his less-than-ideal circumstances.

Zubac totaled 21 points (8-13 FG, 5-8 FT), nine rebounds and three assists over 34 minutes before fouling out of Wednesday's 116-113 overtime loss to the Suns.

Zubac was one rebound short of a double-double in the opener, and he's beginning the season without any serious competition at the five. Kai Jones was signed to a two-way contract but is bound to spend a lot of time with the flagship due to a lack of big men on the roster. Zubac will probably average a larger load than he is accustomed to this season. The ninth-year vet has always had someone to platoon with, so the team needs to manage his minutes carefully to avoid injury and fatigue.

Sengun produced 25 points (10-22 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 18 rebounds, five assists, one block and four steals across 34 minutes during Wednesday's 110-105 loss to the Hornets.

Just two days after inking a five-year, $185 million extension with the Rockets, Sengun showed exactly why he's considered a cornerstone of Houston's roster. The 22-year-old logged at least 18 rebounds for the fourth time in his career and notched his fifth game with at least four steals. The center connected on two of his three attempts from long distance, which may have been an area of emphasis over the offseason after shooting 29.7 percent from range in 2023-24.

Claxton was ejected after being assessed a Flagrant 2 foul in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's game versus Atlanta, John Hollinger of The Athletic reports.

Claxton was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul in an attempt to block Dyson Daniels' transition layup as a result of swiping the third-year guard across the neck while he was airborne. Claxton and Daniels escalated the conflict and exited the court area, so it's possible that a fine or further punishment is coming for Claxton.

Clingan will come off the bench Wednesday versus Golden State, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Clingan and DeAndre Ayton platooning center minutes will be a storyline to monitor throughout Portland's season. Robert Williams is still on the mend from a Grade 1 hamstring strain suffered during training camp, generating a slight bump in available minutes in the frontcourt.

Ayton is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's season opener versus Golden State, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Ayton gets the starting nod over rookie Donovan Clingan, and it'll be interesting to monitor each player's initial workload. Ayton is joined by Deni Avdija and Jerami Grant in Portland's starting frontcourt to begin the season.

The Mavericks exercised Lively's third-year rookie option for 2025-26, the team announced Wednesday.

After starting in 42 of 55 regular-season appearances as a rookie, it's no surprise Dallas opted to keep Lively around for another season on a rookie deal. The 20-year-old averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game during the 2023-24 regular season and figures to share center duties with Daniel Gafford this season.

Robinson (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's season opener versus Minnesota.

Robinson is recovering from a sprained MCL in his left knee. Even when healthy, the third-year center isn't guaranteed to take on a regular spot in head coach Mike Brown's rotation.

Wiseman has been ruled out for the remainder of Wednesday's game against the Pistons due to a left calf injury, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Wiseman limped off the floor after suffering what seemed to be a non-contact injury and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the contest with a calf injury. The Pacers are already thin in the frontcourt with Isaiah Jackson (groin) inactive for Wednesday's tilt. With Wiseman out, Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker and James Johnson could see more action. Per Tony East of SI.com, Wiseman will undergo an MRI on Thursday in New York. Indiana will play the Knicks on Friday.