NBA Player News

Nurkic is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Lakers.

Not only will Nurkic be available, but he'll also be in the starting lineup alongside what figures to be the regular first unit for Phoenix once the regular season begins. He'll play alongside Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Tyus Jones. Nurkic averaged 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game across 76 regular-season contests in 2023-24.

Robinson (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason game against the Clippers, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

Robinson is still on the mend from a knee injury and will miss his team's final exhibition. The Kings haven't provided much of an update on his status moving forward, so he'll be considered questionable for the regular-season opener Oct. 24 against Minnesota.

Nurkic (finger) will be available for Thursday's preseason finale against the Lakers, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.

This is unsurprising, as all signs pointed to Nurkic being available for this contest. This will be the big man's preseason debut after he dealt with a minor finger injury to begin training camp. Nurkic figures to open the 2024-25 season as the Suns' starting center, but his nightly duties may be different under new head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Zeller (rest) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Thunder, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Zeller will be held out of another preseason game to ensure he's fresh for the start of the regular season. Onyeka Okongwu and Mouhamed Gueye should see plenty of action at center, as Zeller, Clint Capela (ankle), Larry Nance (rest) and Dominick Barlow (undisclosed) are all ruled out.

Capela (ankle) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Thunder, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Capela was pulled from Wednesday's exhibition against the Heat with ankle soreness, and the team won't take any chances of making the injury worse by playing him Thursday in a meaningless preseason game. With Capela, Larry Nance (rest), Cody Zeller (undisclosed) and Dominick Barlow (undisclosed) all out, Onyeka Okongwu should see plenty of action.

Okongwu (toe) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Thunder, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Okongwu will move past a toe injury, make his preseason debut and start at center due to Clint Capela (ankle) being sidelined. Capela's injury is reportedly minor but may impact his status for Wednesday's regular-season opener against Brooklyn. Whenever Capela misses time, Okongwu will likely be the primary beneficiary.

Reid (shoulder) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Nuggets.

Reid will miss his team's preseason finale due to a shoulder impingement. His availability for Tuesday's regular-season opener against the Lakers is in jeopardy at this point, but the issue was initially reported as minor.

Gobert isn't playing in Thursday's preseason game against the Nuggets due to rest purposes.

Gobert and the rest of Minnesota's starters will get the second half of a back-to-back off. Luka Garza is starting at center in Gobert's absence.

Lively isn't starting Thursday's preseason game against Milwaukee.

Lively is set to come off the bench in this one as the Mavs elect to deploy Daniel Gafford at center. Lively should still see plenty of chances despite the role change.

Robbins is starting Thursday's preseason game against the Mavericks.

Robbins will get a look at the starting center spot as Milwaukee will rest a handful of the regular starters, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard.