NBA Player News

Ware posted a 20-point (7-15 FG, 6-6 FT), 14-rebound double-double during Friday's 141-125 preseason loss to the Grizzlies, adding one steal, one block and one turnover across 30 minutes.

Ware has been lighting it up for Miami throughout the preseason, posting averages of 17.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal per game in just 22.4 minutes a night. He looks poised to open the season as a full-time starter in Miami, and the Heat will need his offense with Tyler Herro (ankle) set to begin the year sidelined.

Embiid registered 14 points (5-10 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals over 19 minutes during Friday's 126-110 preseason win over Minnesota.

Embiid was cleared to make his preseason debut Friday after finishing up rehab on his left knee. He didn't disappoint, as he managed to contribute across the board, falling just two assists shy of a double-double. Embiid nearly reached the 20-minute threshold in Philly's final matchup of the preseason, so while the team has yet to comment on whether he'll be limited to begin the regular season, it's a positive sign that he was able to go this long in his first taste of game action since Feb. 22.

Adebayo provided 23 points (9-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, one block and two turnovers in 26 minutes during Friday's 141-125 preseason loss to the Grizzlies.

Adebayo had been dealing with a minor knee issue, but the fact that he got out there for Friday's meaningless game confirms there aren't any long-term concerns. Adebayo appears set for Opening Night and will again be a reliable source of points, boards and assists as one of the key cogs of the Heat's attack.

Hukporti (illness) posted five points (2-2 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds and two assists across 22 minutes in Friday's 113-108 preseason win over the Hornets.

Hukporti returned to action after missing Monday's loss to the Wizards due to illness. The second-year big man led the second unit in rebounds during the win. The 23-year-old averaged just 8.7 minutes per game in 25 regular-season appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, though he could see more playing time behind Mitchell Robinson (rest) this season.

Eubanks is starting Friday's preseason game against the Lakers, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

The Kings are tweaking their lineup for their preseason finale and will have Drew Eubanks starting at center over Dario Saric. Eubanks is vying for a role as a depth piece in the frontcourt.

Hayes won't start in Friday's preseason game against the Kings, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

With Deandre Ayton (rest) returning to action, Hayes will come off the bench in the Lakers' preseason finale. The big man is likely to compete for minutes with Maxi Kleber behind Ayton in the regular season.

Ayton is in the starting lineup for Friday's preseason game against the Kings, Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports.

Ayton is back from a rest day, which will result in Jaxson Hayes returning to the second unit. Joining Ayton in the starting five for Friday's preseason finale will be Gabe Vincent, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.

Lopez (rest) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Warriors, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Along with Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Nicolas Batum and Chris Paul, Lopez will sit out the Clippers' preseason finale. The veteran center is expected to be ready to go for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Jazz.

Poeltl won't return to Friday's preseason game against the Nets due to stiffness in his lower back, Kayla Grey of TSN reports.

Poeltl logged 24 minutes in Friday's contest, posting 10 points (5-15 FG), 10 rebounds, two steals, two blocks and one assist. The big man's next opportunity to suit up will come in Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Hawks.

The Magic plan to sign Castleton to a two-way deal, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Castleton will occupy Orlando's final two-way slot and will provide emergency depth for the team in the 2025-26 campaign. The 25-year-old big man appeared in 26 regular-season games (four starts) between the Grizzlies, 76ers and Raptors in 2024-25, averaging 4.7 points and 4.7 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per contest.