NBA Player News

Ware tallied 16 points (7-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, two blocks and two steals over 28 minutes in Friday's 114-109 preseason win over the Grizzlies.

Ware saw extended playing time off the bench Friday as Bam Adebayo (rest) and the other prominent Heat players sat for the preseason finale. Ware led the Heat with seven rebounds, and he was responsible for both of Miami's blocked shots. Ware will likely begin the 2024-25 regular season as the primary backup at center, but his willingness to shoot from three means he could share the floor with Adebayo.

Hayes is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Warriors, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Lakers are resting their projected Opening Night starters and several key reserves, so Hayes will try to impress the coaching staff to secure a roster spot as a frontcourt option.

Boucher will not return to Friday's preseason matchup with the Nets due to a right knee contusion, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

The severity of Boucher's injury is not known at this time. He accumulated 10 points (3-8 FG, 2-4 3PT, 2-2 FT), one rebound, one assist and one steal before exiting. When healthy, he is expected to provide frontcourt depth for the Raptors this season.

Davis (rest) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Warriors, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

The Lakers will rest all of their starters and a few players who figure to contribute to the rotation, meaning head coach JJ Redick will play several young guys with the start of the regular season right around the corner. Davis should be healthy and ready to go for the regular-season opener against the Timberwolves on Oct. 22.

Clingan is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Jazz, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Clingan will get the start at center since Deandre Ayton (rest) will get the night off. Clingan is expected to open the 2024-25 regular season as the backup center behind Ayton, though he could see his role increase as the season progresses.

Ayton (rest) won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Jazz, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

The Blazers will give Ayton some much-needed rest with the start of the regular season only a few days away. Rookie sensation Donovan Clingan will get the nod at center and will pair with Jerami Grant in the frontcourt.

Ayton (rest) won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Jazz, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

The Blazers will give Ayton some much-needed rest with the start of the regular season only in a few days. Rookie sensation Donovan Clingan will get the nod at center and will pair with Jerami Grant in the frontcourt.

Clarke will play a reserve role in Friday's preseason finale versus the Heat.

Clarke will come off the bench in favor of rookie Zach Edey. The latter is expected to start once the regular season tips off. As a result, Clarke, who returned late last season after recovering from an Achilles injury, figures to be the top depth center option.

Bryant is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies.

The Heat are resting most of their regulars in the preseason finale since the start of the regular season is right around the corner. Bam Adebayo (rest) is among the players who won't feature in this one, so Bryant will start at center over rookie Kel'el Ware.

Edey will start at center in the Grizzlies' preseason finale against the Heat.

Edey has been the primary starting center during the exhibition season, though Brandon Clarke got the starting nod in Memphis' previous game. The rookie from Purdue has looked like a steal throughout the preseason and projects to start at center once the regular season tips off. He finished with 23 points (10-15 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and one steal across 19 minutes in Monday's 120-116 preseason win over the Pacers.