NBA Player News

Jackson had 10 points (3-6 FG, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds, four assists, four blocks and three steals across 22 minutes during Friday's 127-101 loss to the Timberwolves.

Although the Clippers suffered a 26-point blowout loss, Jackson was all over the court Friday night and posted an impressive performance, with at least three tallies in each of the five major categories. Jackson has played more than 25 minutes just once this season despite being the starting center, but he's making the most of his opportunities early on. He's averaging 8.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 60 percent from the floor, giving him enough floor, both in production and role, to be a worthy waiver pickup, particularly in category-based formats.

Poeltl provided 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-2 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal across 23 minutes during Friday's 121-114 loss to the Magic.

Poeltl has endured a tough start to the season, but the veteran big man delivered his best outing by a wide margin Friday. Poeltl not only recorded his first double-double of the season, but also set new season highs in points, rebounds and assists. The previous benchmarks were really low, however, so the next step for the big man is to be more consistent on a game-to-game basis. His starting role doesn't seem to be in jeopardy, but he hasn't delivered a ton of fantasy value in the early stages of the campaign.

Carter finished with 20 points (6-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and two steals in 39 minutes during Friday's 121-114 win over the Raptors.

Carter has yet to record his first double-double of the season, and he ended just three boards shy of doing so Friday. He took a step forward offensively, though, as he hit the 20-point mark after scoring a combined 12 points (4-10 FG) in his previous two contests. Carter has reached the 20-point mark in three of his five appearances this season, and he should continue to benefit from an expanded offensive role due to the absences of Paolo Banchero (ankle) and Jalen Suggs (knee).

Jokic posted 18 points (8-13 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals in 37 minutes during Friday's 127-120 win over Phoenix.

Jokic didn't need to carry the scoring load Friday, but he still filled the box score effectively. The three-time MVP shot efficiently and picked up three steals while letting the red-hot Jamal Murray and Christian Braun take over. Denver won consecutive games for the first time this season, and Jokic's playmaking remains the engine of the offense.

Kessler finished Friday's 112-95 loss to the Warriors with 10 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists and five blocks across 31 minutes.

Kessler had one of his best defensive efforts of the season, posting a double-double with 13 rebounds and five blocks. The center was one of the few Lakers to finish with a positive plus-minus, and his rim protection remains a key piece of the starting lineup. He'll look to build on that Sunday against the Raptors.

Smith ended Friday's 125-111 loss to the Celtics with five points (2-8 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and two blocks over 27 minutes.

Smith was the only player who finished Friday's game with double-digit rebounds, although it was the second time in three games that he failed to score in double digits. The seventh-year center is averaging 12.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 blocks over 24.2 minutes per game to open the regular season. He'll continue to operate in a starting role for as long as Nic Claxton (hamstring) is out of action.

Queta contributed 13 points (3-5 FG, 7-10 FT), six rebounds, one block and one steal across 20 minutes during Friday's 125-111 win over Chicago.

The majority of Queta's points came from the charity stripe, and his seven made free throws were his most in a regular-season game since March 1 against the 76ers. He played one more minute than starting center Mitchell Robinson, although Queta got some extra run in the fourth quarter due to the Celtics' large lead. Queta was Boston's starting center in 2025-26, but the sixth-year pro has acclimated to his rotational role to allow Robinson to work more with the starters.

Sarr ended with three points (1-5 FG, 1-3 3Pt) and eight rebounds across 29 minutes during Friday's 95-79 victory over Charlotte.

Sarr saw his playing time elevate to 29 minutes, although that's where the positives end. He turned in his worst performance of the season, despite the increased playing time, a worrying sign for fantasy managers. While he does remain a clear must-hold player, expectations for Sarr should likely be tempered, assuming Washington can maintain a relatively injury-free roster.

Diabate contributed 10 points (5-11 FG), 12 rebounds, one assist and two steals in 31 minutes during Friday's 95-79 loss to the Wizards.

Diabate continued his strong start to the season, recording his second double-double in the past three games. He appears to be firmly locked in as the starting center, averaging 9.3 points. 9.8 rebounds and 2.6 combined steals and blocks in 29.6 minutes per game, through the first six games of the season. Although his ceiling is somewhat limited, he remains a clear must-roster player, particularly for those needing steals from the center position.

Steinbach ended Friday's 95-79 loss to Washington with zero points (0-1 FG) in two minutes.

Steinbach appeared for just the second time this season, albeit for two minutes during garbage time. Despite some fanfare leading into the season, it appears as though he is going to have to bide his time on the bench, at least for the foreseeable future. Given his current role, there is no reason to be rostering him outside of dynasty formats.