NBA Player News

Holmgren closed Thursday's 102-87 win over the Nuggets with 25 points (11-18 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and two steals in 36 minutes.

Holmgren is coming off an excellent rookie season, and he could have run away with the Rookie of the Year award if Victor Wembanyama wasn't in the mix. The Gonzaga product should see a substantial increase in minutes this season due to the lack of competition on the roster. Isaiah Hartenstein (hand) will be out at least another month, giving Holmgren max minutes at the five.

Gafford will start in Thursday's regular-season opener against the Spurs, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

As expected, Dereck Lively will come off the bench behind Gafford. The 26-year-old is coming off a career-best year, during which he spent time with both the Wizards and Mavericks. Gafford averaged 11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.0 combined steals plus blocks across 24.5 minutes per game in 74 regular-season outings in the 2023-24 campaign.

Lively will come off the bench in Thursday's regular-season opener against the Spurs, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

As expected, Daniel Gafford will get the start over Lively. However, the 20-year-old will play a significant role off the bench and could be a candidate to enter the starting five later on, especially if injury concerns arise. Lively had a solid rookie campaign, during which he averaged 8.8 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.4 blocks across 23.5 minutes per game in 55 regular-season outings.

Koloko won't play Friday against the Suns as the Lakers work him back to playing condition, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Koloko missed Opening Night due to a long-term blood clotting issue, though the club is optimistic he will return to game action soon. The 24-year-old is not expected to play a significant role with the club, but he could step up as the Lakers' third-string center if Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) misses additional time.

Lopez is probable for Friday's game against the Bulls due to a right quadriceps contusion.

Lopez probably suffered the contusion in the season-opening win over the 76ers on Wednesday, where he recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six blocks across 36 minutes. The probable tag suggests he's very likely to play and handle his regular workload as Milwaukee's starting center, though.

Adams won't play in Friday's matchup against the Grizzlies due to a left calf strain and a lingering right knee injury, Ben DuBose of USA Today reports.

Adams will miss his second consecutive game to open the regular season. The big man is expected to eventually serve as the primary backup center behind Alperen Sengun, and Jock Landale will likely pick up extra minutes until Adams can return to game action. His next chance to suit up will come Saturday against the Spurs.

Valanciunas is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Celtics.

The veteran big man will come off the bench in the Wizards' season opener, as the coaching staff has decided to go with Alex Sarr and Kyle Kuzma in the frontcourt. Still, Valanciunas should see considerable minutes off the bench against an experienced Boston team.

Jackson (groin) is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks.

Jackson is dealing with a lingering right groin strain he sustained during training camp. The 22-year-old is expected to carry a significant role off the bench behind Myles Turner with James Wiseman out for the season due to a torn Achilles.

Zeller (personal) won't play in Friday's game versus Charlotte.

Zeller will miss his second straight game Friday while being away from the team. The veteran big man's next chance to return to action is Sunday's contest against the Thunder.

Williams (foot) is out for Friday's game versus the Hawks.

Williams will miss his second straight contest to begin the regular season Friday while recovering from a strained tendon in his left foot. Nick Richards should receive another start in his absence. Williams' next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with Miami.