NBA Player News

Theis posted 13 points (6-7 FG, 1-1 3Pt), two rebounds, an assist and two steals across 21 minutes in Monday's 106-104 preseason win over the Magic.

There are several positives to extract out of Theis' first start with New Orleans, as he co-led the team in minutes played while being just one of two starters who scored in double digits. However, and perhaps even more importantly, he outplayed rookie Yves Missi in both production and time on the court, with Missi logging 16 minutes off the bench and putting up five points, five rebounds, two steals and a block. It's only one game in preseason, but it seems Theis has a leg up in the race to open the regular season as New Orleans' starting center.

Coach Gregg Popovich said Monday that he is, "sure" that Wembanyama will play in Wednesday's preseason matchup against the Magic, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports.

Wembanyama sat out the Spurs' preseason opener against the Thunder; however, Popovich expects him to make his preseason debut Wednesday, according to Garcia. The 20-year-old is coming off a phenomenal rookie season, during which he averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks and 1.2 steals across 29.7 minutes per game in 71 regular-season outings.

Carter (ankle) agreed to a three-year, $59 million contract extension with the Magic on Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Carter is expected to play a sizable role this season in Orlando's frontcourt, and this deal confirms the confidence the team has in the 25-year-old. The Duke product is looking to bounce this season after a down 2023-24 campaign, during which he averaged 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.2 made threes in 55 regular-season appearances.

Collins is not in the starting five for Monday's preseason matchup against the Rockets, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

For the second consecutive preseason game, Walker Kessler will get the start over Collins. The 27-year-old Collins is coming off a back injury that sidelined him to end the 2023-24 campaign, but he is expected to reprise his starting role during the regular season.

Kessler is in the starting lineup for Monday's preseason game against the Rockets, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Kessler drew the start in Utah's preseason opener against the New Zealand Breakers on Friday, and the 23-year-old will do so again Monday. He'll join Keyonte George, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen and Taylor Hendricks in the Jazz's starting five, with John Collins presumably coming off the bench.

Landale won't suit up for Monday's preseason game against the Jazz, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Feigen notes that Landale hasn't picked up any sort of injury, and he's simply getting the night off due to this being an exhibition. He'll have a chance to make his preseason debut Wednesday against the Thunder.

Drummond is starting Monday's preseason game against the NBL Breakers, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Joel Embiid is being held out for rest purposes Monday, so it'll be Drummond who gets the call at center in the preseason opener. The 31-year-old is in line to open the 2024-25 campaign as Embiid's backup, but he could find himself in the starting lineup on occasion as the team aims to keep Embiid fresh.

Head coach Greg Popovich said Monday that Bassey (knee) has participated in 5-on-5 drills during training camp, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Bassey is in the final stages of his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee that he sustained in December. He was limited during training camp, but the 23-year-old appears to be progressing nicely through his rehab program. He won't suit up Monday against the Thunder, but Bassey could see some playing time during the preseason, with his next opportunity being Wednesday against the Magic.

Head coach Greg Popovich told reporters Monday that Collins (rest) has progressed to playing 5-on-5, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Collins underwent surgery in April to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder. He has been cleared for basketball activities, but he won't play in Monday's preseason opener against the Thunder. Collins is expected to play at some point during the preseason, and his next opportunity to do so will be against the Magic on Wednesday.

Hartenstein won't start Monday's preseason game against the Spurs, Rylan Stiles of FanSided.com reports.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort are resting Monday, while Hartenstein and Alex Caruso have been omitted from the starting lineup. Chet Holmgren is joined by Ousmane Dieng in the frontcourt. It's unclear how many minutes Hartenstein will play versus San Antonio.