NBA Player News

Adams (knee/calf) has been downgraded to out Wednesday versus Charlotte.

Head coach Ime Udoka labeled Adams a game-time decision earlier Wednesday, but the veteran center will ultimately have to wait at least one more contest before making his Rockets debut. His absence is being attributed to right knee injury recovery as well as a left calf strain. When available, Adams projects to serve as the top backup to starting center Alperen Sengun, but those duties could fall to Jock Landale on Wednesday.

Capela is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's season opener versus Brooklyn, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Capela tended to an ankle sprain throughout preseason, but his workload is not expected to be limited Wednesday. Onyeka Okongwu has done little to prove he is deserving of usurping Capela in the Hawks' starting lineup, although the bigs could function in a timeshare if development is prioritized in Atlanta.

Lopez will start Wednesday's regular-season opener against the 76ers.

As expected, Lopez will return to the starting lineup after resting during the preseason finale. The talented big man averaged 2.4 blocks and 1.9 made three-pointers per game across 79 regular-season appearances last year.

Robbins won't start Wednesday's regular-season opener against the 76ers.

Robbins received a starting nod to end the preseason, but the 25-year-old is unlikely to log relevant minutes at the NBA level in 2024-25. Damian Lillard, Gary Trent, Taurean Prince, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez represent Milwaukee's starting unit Wednesday.

Okongwu is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's season opener versus Brooklyn, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Okongwu is set to reprise his backup role behind Clint Capela. Capela was freshly cleared from Wednesday's injury report after overcoming ankle soreness, and he is not expected to have a limited workload.

Adebayo is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's season opener versus Orlando.

Adebayo is joined by Terry Rozier, Tyler Herro, Jimmy Butler and Nikola Jovic to comprise the first unit for Miami on Opening Night. Adebayo averaged 18.8 points and 9.3 rebounds across four contests versus Orlando last season.

Bryant won't start Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Magic.

With most of the Heat's regulars resting during the preseason finale, Bryant drew a spot start. However, aside from Josh Richardson (shoulder), the Heat are healthy heading into the regular season, so Bryant isn't guaranteed playing time on Opening Night.

Adams (knee/calf) is a game-time decision for Wednesday's season opener versus Charlotte, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.

Adams is dealing with a left calf strain in addition to managing right knee soreness. Jock Landale and Jabari Smith will absorb additional backup center minutes behind Alperen Sengun if Adams is unable to play.

Claxton (hamstring) is cleared for Wednesday's contest versus Atlanta but will come off the bench with limited minutes, per coach Jordi Fernandez, John Hollinger of The Athletic reports.

Claxton will be ramped into game action slowly. However, Brooklyn has limited options behind him with Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) amid a multi-week absence. Noah Clowney could see an uptick in minutes while Ben Simmons could also log playing time at center.

Jackson (groin) is out Wednesday against Detroit, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Jackson will be sidelined to start the season due to a groin injury that has been unspecified in severity. James Wiseman will see an early-season opportunity to carve out more back-up big minutes, while Jackson's next opportunity to take the court comes Friday versus the Knicks.