NBA Player News

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.

Sabonis notched nine points (4-11 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, seven assists and two blocks across 30 minutes in Sunday's 108-85 preseason loss to the Trail Blazers.

Sabonis was a double-double machine in the 2023-24 season and led the league in that category. Even though he might experience a regression in his numbers after the Kings added DeMar DeRozan to the mix in the offseason, Sabonis' status as a double-double threat every time he steps on the hardwood shouldn't change. Even if this performance wasn't his best from an efficiency perspective, Sabonis still ended one point, two rebounds and three assists away from a triple-double, which speaks volumes about his versatility on the offensive end of the court.

Clingan notched 10 points (5-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 10 rebounds, a steal and two blocks across 18 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 108-85 preseason win over the Kings.

Deandre Ayton will open the regular season as Portland's starting center, but Clingan has made his presence felt on both ends of the court throughout the preseason. That means the rookie could see decent minutes once the regular season begins, and he could very well win the backup role over Robert Williams (hamstring) even after the latter is deemed available to return to the hardwood. The Blazers open their regular season against the Warriors on Oct. 23.

Jokic posted 21 points (9-16 FG, 3-5 FT, 0-5 3Pt), 14 rebounds, nine assists and a steal in 29 minutes during Sunday's 118-114 preseason loss to the Suns.

Jokic put together an impressive performance Sunday, posting game highs in rebounds, assists and points. Although it was a solid night for the three-time MVP, he coughed up six turnovers and missed all five of his three-point shot attempts.

Jordan did not play during Sunday's preseason game against the Suns.

Jordan got a second consecutive game off, which isn't surprising as the team continues to monitor the play of Dario Saric and Zeke Nnaji, who are competing for the backup center role. Jordan will have another opportunity to suit up against the Thunder on Tuesday.

Bol will start Sunday's preseason game against the Nuggets, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Bol has struggled to produce during preseason action, but he will get an opportunity at a heavier workload Sunday with all of the Suns' starters resting. It remains unlikely he sees a substantial role come the regular season.

Sims (ankle) will return to play during Sunday's preseason game against the Timberwolves.

Sims suffered an ankle sprain Wednesday against the Wizards but will be able to play in Sunday's contest. Sims will likely see a limited role backing up Karl-Anthony Towns.

Queta will start Sunday's preseason game against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Queta will enter the starting lineup due to the Celtics benching their starters for the second half of a back-to-back set. The 25-year-old appeared in 28 games during the 2023-24 season and posted averages of 5.5 points and 4.4 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game.

Coach Joe Mazzulla said Kornet (rest) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Raptors, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) unavailable and Al Horford resting, Kornet has been Boston's starting center during the preseason, but he'll get a night off Sunday. Xavier Tillman, Neemias Queta and Dmytro Skapintsev are all candidates for increased roles in Kornet's absence.

Gobert (undisclosed) is available and starting in Sunday's preseason matchup against the Knicks.

Gobert was able to suit up for the Timberwolves' preseason opener on Oct. 4, though he has yet to play since. The 32-year-old will give it a go Sunday, though it is unclear if he will be limited ahead of Opening Night.