NBA Player News

Gobert isn't playing in Thursday's preseason game against the Nuggets due to rest purposes.

Gobert and the rest of Minnesota's starters will get the second half of a back-to-back off. Luka Garza is starting at center in Gobert's absence.

Lively isn't starting Thursday's preseason game against Milwaukee.

Lively is set to come off the bench in this one as the Mavs elect to deploy Daniel Gafford at center. Lively should still see plenty of chances despite the role change.

Robbins is starting Thursday's preseason game against the Mavericks.

Robbins will get a look at the starting center spot as Milwaukee will rest a handful of the regular starters, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard.

Lopez (rest) is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Mavericks.

The Bucks have decided to rest most of their key contributors for this preseason finale, so Lopez isn't expected to see action. However, he should be fully available for the regular-season opener against the 76ers next Wednesday.

Collins is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Rockets, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Collins will get the nod at center with Victor Wembanyama out for rest purposes. It will be a solid chance for Collins to get some minutes before the start of the regular season against the Mavericks on Oct. 24, as he's expected to open the campaign in a bench role as Wembanyama's primary backup at center.

Jokic (rest) will be available for Thursday's preseason game against the Timberwolves, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

Jokic didn't play in Tuesday's game against the Thunder, but the star big man will feature in Denver's preseason finale. With all the starters available, Jokic is highly likely to be part of the starting unit alongside Jamal Murray, Michael Porter, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun.

Gafford will start in Thursday's preseason game against the Bucks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Dallas' head coach, Jason Kidd, has been tweaking the lineup constantly in the preseason, and that will be the case again Thursday, with Gafford set to take over at center. Gafford is battling Dereck Lively for the starting role.

Kleber (ankle) won't play in Thursday's preseason game versus the Bucks, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Kleber has yet to suit up this preseason while dealing with a sprained ankle. His next chance to suit up will be Dallas' regular-season opener against San Antonio on Oct. 24.

Jackson is out for Thursday's preseason game versus the Hornets due to a groin injury, Tony East of SI.com reports.

Jackson will miss Indiana's preseason finale while dealing with a groin injury. His status for the Pacers' regular-season opener against the Pistons on Oct. 23 is uncertain.

Adebayo won't play in Friday's preseason finale against the Grizzlies for rest purposes, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Adebayo will sit out Miami's preseason finale alongside most of the team's starters. However, the star big man should be able to suit up for the Heat's regular-season opener against Orlando on Oct. 23.