NBA Player News
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Alex Sarr C | WAS
Wizards' Alex Sarr: Dealing with calf soreness
Sarr won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Nets due to right calf soreness.
The severity of the injury remains unclear, but Sarr's next chance to suit up will come during Friday's preseason finale against the Knicks. The Wizards started Sarr at power forward and center in the preseason, but he's expected to open the campaign at power forward, with Jonas Valanciunas anchoring the paint.
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Zach Edey C | MEM
Grizzlies' Zach Edey: Not part of starting lineup
Edey won't start Monday's preseason game against the Pacers, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports.
Edey started the first three exhibitions and was solid. On Saturday, he posted 15 points (5-10 FG), eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 22 minutes during a win over the Bulls. It's unclear if Edey is getting a night off or a look as a reserve ahead of the regular season.
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Brandon Clarke C | MEM
Grizzlies' Brandon Clarke: Gets starting nod
Clarke will start Monday's game against the Pacers, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports.
Clarke will knock Zach Edey out of the starting lineup. The veteran Clarke missed most of last season due to a knee injury but was a key part of Memphis' frontcourt rotation during his first four years in the league.
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Onyeka Okongwu C | ATL
Hawks' Onyeka Okongwu: Unlikely to play Monday
Coach Quin Snyder said there's a "good chance" Okongwu (toe) doesn't play in Monday's preseason game against the 76ers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.
Okongwu is still working his way back from a non-surgical procedure he underwent in April to deal with inflammation in his left big toe. While he's unlikely to play Monday, Snyder added that he's hopeful Okongwu suits up before the preseason ends. He'll have two more chances to do so -- Wednesday in Miami and Thursday in Oklahoma City.
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Thon Maker C | HOU
Thon Maker: Waived by Houston
The Rockets waived Maker on Monday, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.
Maker is expected to report to the G League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers. He has played in 263 career NBA games but hasn't seen regular-season action since 2020-21.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Will be limited in regular season
Embiid (knee) is expected to have limitations during the 2024-25 campaign, including not playing both halves of back-to-back sets and wearing a knee brace, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.
Embiid has been ruled out for the entire preseason to focus on an individual treatment plan to prepare for the regular season. While he's expected to be ready for Opening Night against the Bucks on Oct. 23, fantasy managers should proceed with caution. Embiid has played more than 60 regular-season games only four times in his eight-year career and never made more than 68 appearances in a single season. The 76ers have 14 back-to-backs in 2024-25, so even if Embiid doesn't miss time for any other injuries, he'll fail to reach the 70-game threshold again. Plans can change, but given his current regimen, Embiid is a significant risk as a first-round fantasy selection.
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Jock Landale C | ATL
Rockets' Jock Landale: Ruled out for Tuesday
Landale (rest) will not play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Pelicans, Adam Spolane of Sports Radio 610 Houston reports.
According to coach Ime Udoka, this will be a planned rest day for both Tari Eason and Landale. Both players are expected to return to action Thursday against the Spurs. Landale is projected to be Houston's third-string center this season.
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Bol Bol C | PHO
Suns' Bol Bol: Sniffs double-double
Bol notched 14 points (5-10 FG, 4-6 3Pt), eight rebounds, an assist and a block across 28 minutes in Sunday's 118-114 preseason win over the Nuggets.
Bol hadn't seen the court much during the preseason, but he made his presence felt on both ends in this win. That said, Jusuf Nurkic is entrenched as the Suns' starting center for 2024-25, meaning Bol will have to compete for the backup role with Mason Plumlee. Bol's fantasy upside will be minimal once the regular season begins against the Clippers on Oct. 23.
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Jakob Poeltl C | TOR
Raptors' Jakob Poeltl: Records double-double Sunday
Poeltl finished with 14 points (6-10 FG, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds and two assists in Sunday's 115-111 preseason loss to the Celtics.
Poeltl made his presence felt on both ends of the court Sunday, and the big man seems ready for the start of the regular season against the Cavaliers on Oct. 23. Poeltl will open the campaign as Toronto's starting center. However, the veteran could be tied to rumors as the season progresses since the Raptors are fully committed to rebuilding.
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Neemias Queta C | BOS
Celtics' Neemias Queta: Double-doubles in win Sunday
Queta posted 12 points (3-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 15 rebounds, five assists and a block across 21 minutes in Sunday's 115-111 preseason win over the Raptors.
The Celtics rested the entire group that started Saturday's huge win over the 76ers, and Queta certainly took advantage of his opportunity. However, as good as he looked in this win, Queta isn't likely to have a prominent role in the rotation, and his best bet at seeing the court regularly would be to beat Xavier Tillman for the backup role behind Al Horford and Luke Kornet while Kristaps Porzingis (foot) remains sidelined.