NBA Player News

Clingan scored 14 points (7-12 FG, 0-1 3Pt) while adding 20 rebounds, four assists and four blocks over 24 minutes in Friday's 124-86 preseason win over the Jazz.

In Portland's final preseason game, Clingan simply dominated the glass, pulling down nearly twice as many boards as Utah's Walker Kessler and John Collins combined. The seventh overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft will be stuck in a bench role to begin the season behind Deandre Ayton, but Clingan's rebounding and rejections might still provide fantasy utility right out of the gates.

Allen recorded 25 points (11-16 FG, 3-3 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists and two steals across 32 minutes in Friday's 139-137 preseason loss to the Bulls.

Allen led the Cavaliers in points and rebounds in this one, and the star center is ready for the start of the regular season against the Raptors on Wednesday. Allen might not be the first scoring option in a Cleveland offense led by Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, but there's no doubt that Allen should be one of the most productive big men in fantasy due to his impressive two-way ability. He racked up 44 double-doubles across 77 regular-season appearances in 2023-24.

Vucevic finished with 18 points (8-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block across 27 minutes in Friday's 139-137 preseason win over the Cavaliers.

Vucevic seems ready for the regular-season opener against the Pelicans on Wednesday. The big man figures to play a prominent role on offense for the Bulls and should be the team's second-best option on offense behind Zach LaVine.

Carter compiled 10 points (5-8 FG, 0-3 3PT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 21 minutes during Friday's preseason loss to the 76ers.

Carter returned to action after suffering an ankle sprain earlier in the preseason, moving straight into the starting lineup. A perennial underperformer, Carter will be looking to establish himself as a noteworthy center this season. He will have Moritz Wagner and Goga Bitadze clipping at his heels, both of whom have proven they can serve as viable starting options. As he is penciled in as the starter, Carter is worth considering as a late-round pick in drafts.

Drummond finished with 12 points (6-9 FG, 0-1 FT), 20 rebounds, three steals and one assist in 26 minutes during Friday's preseason loss to the Magic.

Drummond was a beast on the boards, pulling down 20 rebounds despite the loss. With Joel Embiid set to miss at least 15 games this season, if not more, Drummond is firming up as a viable late-round target as a backup center. If you are willing to take a chance on Embiid in the first round, Drummond makes sense as an insurance policy late in drafts.

Ware tallied 16 points (7-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals over 28 minutes in Friday's 114-109 preseason win over the Grizzlies.

Ware saw extended playing time off the bench Friday as Bam Adebayo (rest) and the other prominent Heat players sat for the preseason finale. Ware led the Heat with seven rebounds, and he was responsible for both of Miami's blocked shots. Ware will likely begin the 2024-25 regular season as the primary backup at center, but his willingness to shoot from three means he could share the floor with Adebayo.

Hayes is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Warriors, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Lakers are resting their projected Opening Night starters and several key reserves, so Hayes will try to impress the coaching staff to secure a roster spot as a frontcourt option.

Boucher will not return to Friday's preseason matchup with the Nets due to a right knee contusion, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The severity of Boucher's injury is not known at this time. He accumulated 10 points (3-8 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-2 FT), one rebound, one assist and one steal before exiting. When healthy, he is expected to provide frontcourt depth for the Raptors this season.

Davis (rest) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Warriors, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

The Lakers will rest all of their starters and a few players who figure to contribute to the rotation, meaning head coach JJ Redick will play several young guys with the start of the regular season right around the corner. Davis should be healthy and ready to go for the regular-season opener against the Timberwolves on Oct. 22.

Clingan is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Jazz, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Clingan will get the start at center since Deandre Ayton (rest) will get the night off. Clingan is expected to open the 2024-25 regular season as the backup center behind Ayton, though he could see his role increase as the season progresses.