NBA Player News

Gafford totaled two points (0-1 FG, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal across 22 minutes during Wednesday's 128-110 loss to the Rockets.

Gafford didn't offer much on the offensive end in Dallas' season-opening loss. However, the big man recorded a game-high mark in blocks while chipping in a steal. He figures to operate as Dallas' starting center for now, though the eventual returns of Santi Aldama (knee) and Dereck Lively (foot) will likely eat into Gafford's playing time.

Adams (calf) is questionable to play in Friday's game against the Spurs.

Adams didn't play in Wednesday's season-opening victory over the Mavericks with the same calf issue, and he's in jeopardy of missing a second consecutive contest to begin the 2026-27 campaign. If he's unable to suit up, Clint Capela is likely to earn the backup minutes at center behind Alperen Sengun.

Aldama (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers.

Aldama has been progressing in his recovery from the right knee surgery he underwent in March. He was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice but will miss a second straight game to begin the regular season. The big man's next opportunity to suit up will come Saturday against San Antonio.

Zubac ended Wednesday's 123-120 victory over the Pelicans with 16 points (7-12 FG, 2-4 FT), 15 rebounds and two blocks across 34 minutes.

Zubac went toe-to-toe with New Orleans' Yves Missi down low, with both big men posting big double-doubles in the season opener. Now healthy following an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, Zubac should be a strong source of swats and boards to go with a high field-goal percentage going forward.

Lively (foot) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the Pacers.

Lively underwent right foot surgery last December and remains without a clear timetable to return. The big man can be considered week-to-week until the Mavericks offer an update on his status. In the meantime, Moussa Cisse and Morez Johnson are candidates for increased minutes.

Collins (quadriceps) is probable for Friday's game against the Bucks.

Collins is likely to play through a right quadriceps strain Friday. The veteran center had a minutes cap of 16 minutes in the season opener Wednesday in Toronto, and he'll likely carry a similar restriction.

Sengun totaled 23 points (9-15 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds and five assists in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 128-110 victory over the Mavericks.

Sengun turned in an efficient shooting performance in Wednesday's season-opening win, finishing as Houston's third-leading scorer. The big man also tied for the team lead in rebounds and was second on the Rockets in assists. He grabbed at his lower back after drawing a charge and briefly headed toward the locker room in the third quarter, though he returned to the court shortly thereafter. Still, his status will be worth monitoring ahead of Friday's game versus San Antonio.

Gobert registered five points (0-2 FG, 5-8 FT), 15 rebounds and one assist in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 131-106 win over the Heat.

Gobert attempted only two shots on a night when Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball combined for 66 points on 46 attempts. However, Gobert led all players in rebounds and posted a game-best plus-29 in his 33 minutes. Offense has never been Gobert's strong suit, but as the defensive anchor for Minnesota, he'll contribute heavily to boards and, on most nights, blocks and steals.

Ayton accumulated 11 points (5-6 FG, 1-2 FT), four rebounds and two blocks over 15 minutes during Wednesday's 128-116 win over Milwaukee.

Ayton was solid in his debut for Washington as the backup center behind Alex Sarr, who finished with six points, nine rebounds and two assists in the season-opening victory. Ayton tied Bilal Coulibaly (11/2/1/2/4) for the team lead in blocks and did not commit any personal fouls or turnovers. Ayton should typically see 15-18 minutes a night as the first big off the bench.

Kalkbrenner ended with four points (2-3 FG), five rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 14 minutes during Wednesday's 110-103 victory over Brooklyn.

Kalkbrenner lost the starting center job midway through last year, and his reserve position is carrying into the new campaign. The second-year big man is likely to struggle for fantasy viability as long as Moussa Diabate is dominating the center minutes.