NBA Player News

Valanciunas is not in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Valanciunas had started the previous two preseason games alongside Alex Sarr in the frontcourt, but the rookie will start at center in this game, so Valanciunas will head to the bench, and it's uncertain if he'll see the court at all. Kyshawn George will start in Valanciunas' place.

Gobert (undisclosed) will be a game-time decision for Friday's preseason game against the 76ers, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.

It's unclear if the Timberwolves want to rest Gobert or if the Frenchman is dealing with an injury, but a decision on his status will be made closer to the 7 p.m. ET tip-off. If he doesn't start, then Naz Reid, Luka Garza and even Leonard Miller would be in line for bigger roles in the frontcourt.

Williams (hamstring) was a limited participant during Friday's practice, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Williams is dealing with a grade 1 left hamstring strain that he sustained during training camp and will be reevaluated before the start of the regular season. The 26-year-old and the club are aiming for a return to game action by Opening Night, and Williams' ability to run during practice bodes well for his status. However, even when healthy, Williams' playing time will likely be monitored given his injury-plagued past.

Coach Jordi Fernandez said Friday that the Nets are aiming to have Claxton (hamstring) back by Opening Night, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Hamstring soreness has kept Claxton from appearing in the preseason thus far. The 25-year-old has been slightly limited throughout training camp, but the club expects he will be fully ready for Opening Night. Claxton's return to game action during the preseason is unlikely, but his next opportunity to play will come Monday versus the Wizards.

Huff produced 15 points (5-10 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, five assists and a steal across 23 minutes in Thursday's 119-94 loss to the Hornets.

Huff is trying to stay out of the G League, and despite a crowded depth chart above him, Thursday's diverse line goes a long way toward his goal. He's now with his fourth team in his fourth season, and the Virginia product demonstrates special skills as a shooter and defender when given the opportunity, but only time will tell if he can impress enough to log some games with the big club.

Davis totaled 11 points (5-14 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, three blocked shots, an assist and a steal across 25 minutes in Thursday's 107-102 win over the Bucks.

Although Davis' shot was a bit off in the win, he provided solid results on defense with eight grabs off the glass and three blocked shots. Davis was expected to see limited minutes in the preseason, but he's obviously feeling healthy enough to put in some work in early October.

Turner finished with 12 points (5-10 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds, two assists and a block across 16 minutes in Thursday's 129-117 preseason win over the Cavaliers.

Turner made his preseason debut after missing Tuesday's game against the Hawks due to a knee problem. Indiana will try to be cautious in case the knee bothers Turner again, but if that's not the case, he's penciled in as the starting center for Opening Night against the Pistons on Oct. 23.

Allen notched 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-2 FT), six rebounds and four assists across 15 minutes in Thursday's 129-117 preseason loss to the Pacers.

Allen was the only regular starter who saw the court for Cleveland in this preseason contest, as the coaching staff decided to rest Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley while Max Strus (hip) was ruled out. Allen is firmly entrenched as the Cavaliers' starting center and will remain a double-double threat whenever he steps on the floor.

Kessler finished with nine points (4-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt), 15 rebounds, an assist, a steal and two blocks across 24 minutes in Thursday's 107-102 preseason win over the Mavericks.

Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George (knee) and even John Collins delivered solid offensive performances, but Kessler made his presence felt defensively and on the glass, two areas in which he already stands out. It's unclear if Kessler will open the 2024-25 regular season as the Jazz's starting center, but either way, he should still play a consistent role.

Gafford is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Jazz, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

The Mavericks are tweaking the majority of their starting lineup for this contest, and Gafford will be part of the second unit. Dereck Lively will start under center.