NBA Player News

Sarr compiled 12 points (5-14 FG, 2-6 3PT), nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 117-94 preseason loss to the Knicks.

Sarr put together another impressive performance, albeit with some inefficient shooting. Across two preseason contests, he has been the standout player for Washington despite two heavy losses. Sarr should be viewed as a viable late-round fantasy target given his presumed role as the starting power forward.

Coach Tyronn Lue said Thursday that Bamba (knee) is hopeful to be ready for the Clippers' regular-season opener against Phoenix on Oct. 23, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Bamba appears unlikely to suit up this preseason while dealing with a knee injury. While Bamba is hoping to be available once the regular season rolls around, Kai Jones will serve as the team's backup center in his absence.

Embiid (rest) didn't make the trip for Friday's preseason contest against the Timberwolves, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Embiid doesn't appear to have suffered any injury but will miss his second straight preseason contest Friday. His next chance to suit up is Saturday's preseason matchup with Boston.

Sabonis recorded 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds and four assists across 17 minutes in Wednesday's 112-112 loss to Golden Stare.

Sabonis was well on his way to a characteristic double-double before taking a seat. Although Nikola Jokic received all the accolades, Sabonis bested him in a few key metrics last season. He led the league in double-doubles (77) and triple-doubles (26), beating out Jokic in both categories. He'll demand a bit more attention and respect after a dynamic 2023-24 campaign.

Holmgren ended with 10 points (2-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-8 FT), six rebounds and three assists across 17 minutes in Wednesday's 122-113 preseason loss to the Rockets.

Holmgren had a rough shooting performance in this preseason contest, but he still made his presence felt on the glass and as a playmaker. The second-year big man is set to open the season in a starting role, though his position and partner in the frontcourt are still undetermined. Holmgren will aim to improve in his sophomore year after averaging 16.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 blocks per game as a rookie across 82 regular-season appearances in 2023-24.

Hartenstein posted six points (2-3 FG, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block across 15 minutes off the bench in Wednesday's 122-113 preseason loss to the Rockets.

Hartenstein came off the bench after the Thunder decided to go with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, but the former Knicks big man made his presence felt even though his scoring numbers weren't eye-popping. It's unclear if Hartenstein will open the season in a starting role, but a frontcourt with him and Holmgren would be an imposing duo, particularly on the defensive end.

Sengun recorded 17 points (3-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 11-12 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and two steals across 22 minutes in Wednesday's 122-113 preseason win over the Thunder.

Sengun led the Rockets in scoring, and he found a way to make an impact on the boards and defensively as well while ending just one rebound shy of a double-double. Even though it's only the preseason, Sengun is showing he's ready to start the campaign and pick things up where he left them in 2023-24. The big man is expected to play a massive role for the Rockets on both ends of the court, and his ability to fill the stat sheet across several categories should make him one of the most sought-after big men across all fantasy formats.

Bitadze posted eight points (4-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt), 11 rebounds and three blocks across 22 minutes in Wednesday's 107-97 preseason loss to the Spurs.

Bitadze got the start at center with Wendell Carter (ankle) sidelined, and while he's not expected to do much on the offensive end, Bitadze found a way to make his presence felt, especially considering he had the daunting task of guarding Victor Wembanyama. Bitadze certainly earned some points toward being the starter at center if Carter can't recover in time for the regular-season opener against the Heat on Oct. 23.

Wembanyama notched 11 points (4-15 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and three blocks across 23 minutes in Wednesday's 107-97 preseason win over the Magic.

Wembanyama had a woeful shooting performance, but that's to be expected since this was his first taste of game action since the Olympics. However, even considering his shooting woes, he still delivered an impressive stat line. Wembanyama will be the Spurs' go-to player on both ends of the court this season after running away with the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year award in the previous campaign.

Sims exited Wednesday's 117-94 preseason win over the Wizards after sustaining a sprained ankle, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

Sims' night was over right after it started, as he suffered the injury in his second minute of play. The center didn't record any counting stats. The severity of the sprain is unclear, but his next chance to play will come Sunday against the Timberwolves.