NBA Player News

Wembanyama will sit out Thursday's preseason game versus the Rockets, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

Wembanyama hasn't suffered any injury but will be held out Thursday for rest purposes. Zach Collins will likely start at center in his absence. Wembanyama should be available for San Antonio's regular-season opener against Dallas on Oct. 24.

The Thunder announced Thursday that Hartenstein suffered a non-displaced fracture in his left hand and will be re-evaluated in 5-to-6 weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Hartenstein suffered the injury during the second half of Tuesday's preseason game versus the Nuggets. After averaging 25.3 minutes per game over 75 appearances for the Knicks in 2023-24, the 26-year-old signed a three-year, $87 million contract with the Thunder this summer and was expected to be the Oklahoma City's starting center in a frontcourt featuring Chet Holmgren at power forward. However, with Hartenstein likely out until at least early December, Holmgren should slide over to the center position, and Alex Caruso could enter the starting five.

Ayton had 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt), eight rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block across 18 minutes in Wednesday's 111-100 preseason win over Ratiopharm Ulm.

Ayton was the only starter who didn't reach the 20-minute plateau in this one, but that's understandable since his role as the Trail Blazers' starting center is all but locked in. The big man should be one of Portland's top weapons on both ends of the court once the regular season begins against the Warriors on Oct. 23.

Drummond finished with seven points (3-6 FG, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, a steal and a block across 13 minutes in Wednesday's 117-95 preseason win over the Nets.

Drummond continues to start in place of Joel Embiid (knee), who won't see action until the start of the regular season against the Bucks on Oct. 23. Drummond is a solid option in most fantasy formats even if he plays off the bench, as Embiid is likely to be rested on a regular basis, and Drummond can also deliver strong stat lines in limited minutes.

Reed supplied six points (3-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt), nine rebounds, two assists and two steals over 18 minutes in Wednesday's 108-92 preseason win over the Cavaliers.

Reed managed to lead both teams in rebounding Wednesday as the Pistons' reserves saw extended playing time in the preseason finale. After being let go by the 76ers in early July, Reed was claimed off waivers by the Pistons to add some depth to the front court. However, he will likely begin the 2024-25 regular season as the third-string center behind starter Jalen Duren and backup Isaiah Stewart.

Allen supplied 19 points (7-9 FG, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal across 27 minutes in Wednesday's 108-92 preseason loss to the Pistons.

Allen led both teams in scoring Wednesday and was second behind Paul Reed (nine) in rebounding. Allen averaged a career-high 16.5 points per game last year across 77 regular-season contests, and he reached a three-year, $91 million extension with the Cavs to keep the core of Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Allen intact. The Cavaliers' final preseason game is against the Bulls on Friday, though Allen and the rest of the starters could get some rest ahead of the regular-season opener against the Raptors on Oct. 23.

Capela will not return to Wednesday's preseason game against the Heat due to right ankle soreness, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network

Capela will finish the contest with three points (1-2 FG, 1-2 FT) and three rebounds across seven minutes. The Hawks' final preseason game comes Thursday, and it wouldn't be surprising to see the Hawks give Capela the night off.

Zeller has been ruled out for Wednesday's preseason game against the Heat, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Zeller will sit out the first end of Atlanta's back-to-back set for rest purposes. He's one of seven Hawks players to be deemed inactive for the contest.

Okongwu (toe) won't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Heat, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Okongwu hasn't appeared in a preseason game as he continues to rehab from a toe procedure he underwent back in April. His last chance to take the floor before the regular season comes Thursday against Oklahoma City.

Claxton (hamstring) has been ruled out for Wednesday's preseason game against the 76ers, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Coach Jordi Fernandez had previously said he'd like Claxton to play in at least one preseason game, and the big man's final chance will come Friday versus Toronto. Claxton's hamstring has been reported as minor, but it'd still be encouraging to see him get at least some work in before Brooklyn opens the regular season against the Hawks on Oct. 23.