NBA Player News

Kornet scored six points (3-5 FG) while adding 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal across 22 minutes in Friday's 107-103 preseason win over the Nuggets.

The big man was tied for the team lead in the plus/minus department with plus-12, and he made his presence felt on both ends of the court, particularly as a rebounding threat and a passing option in the post. Al Horford will open the season as the starting center while Kristaps Porzingis (foot) works on his recovery, but don't rule out Kornet emerging as a realistic option for the backup role ahead of other options such as Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta.

Jokic posted 14 points (5-7 FG, 4-5 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and two steals across 17 minutes in Friday's 107-103 preseason loss to the Celtics.

Head coach Mike Malone had already declared Jokic would have a reduced workload during Friday's preseason opener against the Celtics earlier in the week, so it wasn't surprising to see him log just 17 minutes. That said, it was more than enough to fill the stat sheet, and Jokic should remain one of the most productive players in the NBA, both in real life and fantasy, once the regular season begins later this month.

Horford (coach's decision) didn't play in Friday's 107-103 preseason win over the Nuggets.

Horford was expected to come off the bench, but he didn't step on the floor, and this could be a sign of the Celtics being extra careful with the veteran. Luke Kornet got the start at center and Xavier Tillman saw minutes off the bench as well, but Horford should be the starter once the regular season begins.

Robinson is being evaluated for a left knee injury and will be out of action until a diagnosis is confirmed, Sean Cunningham of Fox 40 Sacramento reports.

Robinson took a hit during Thursday's practice and will not return to action until the club evaluates his injury. The 24-year-old will have the opportunity to compete for minutes with Alex Len and Trey Lyles behind Domantas Sabonis, though it is currenty unclear whether he will be back for Opening Night.

The Trail Blazers announced Friday that Williams experienced a grade 1 left hamstring strain during training camp and he is expected to miss two weeks.

After an injury-plagued 2023-24 campaign that saw Williams make just six appearances, he is already off to a rough start in 204-25. While Williams could return in time for Portland's regular-season opener against Golden State on Oct. 23, hamstring injuries can often linger.

Jackson was limited in Friday's practice due to an undisclosed injury, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Jackson's status for Tuesday's preseason opener against the Hawks is now in question. When healthy, Jackson is expected to serve as Indiana's backup center to Myles Turner.

Sharpe is being evaluated for a hamstring injury Friday, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Sharpe has fully recovered from a right wrist effusion from last year but now appears to be dealing with a new hamstring injury. His status for Tuesday's preseason opener against the Clippers is in question.

Coach Jordi Fernandez said Friday that Claxton will miss Tuesday's preseason opener against the Clippers due to hamstring soreness, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Claxton will sit for the preseason opener, and he could be a limited participant throughout the preseason after missing Thursday's scrimmage during practice. The 25-year-old will likely be good to go for the regular season, but the Nets will see what it has for depth at the five with Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) and Noah Clowney before the start of the year.

Horford will come off the bench for Friday's preseason opener against Denver, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Luke Kornet will get the start for the first preseason matchup, and Horford is expected to receive minutes off the bench. With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) expected to miss at least the first month of the season, preseason will likely show who replaces him in the starting lineup to begin the year -- though Horford is still the favorite to step into the starting five.

Kornet is in the starting five for Friday's preseason opener against the Nuggets.

With Kristaps Porzingis (foot) out, Kornet will get the starting nod in Boston's preseason opener. Until Porzingis can return, Kornet will likely compete with Al Horford for the starting center job.