NBA Player News

Thornton recorded 13 points (4-6 FG, 3-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two assists and one block in nine minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over the Mavericks.

Despite playing single-digit minutes, the rookie was one of seven Rockets to score in double figures during their high-scoring preseason opener in China. Thornton will have to string together multiple performances like this if he's going to crack the Opening Night rotation, as he's currently behind Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic on the backcourt depth chart.

Sheppard produced 16 points (6-10 FG, 4-7 3Pt), one rebound, one assist and one steal in 19 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over the Mavericks.

Sheppard has shown flashes of his upside during his first two years in Houston, but he hasn't been able to put everything together, and things aren't going to get easier in terms of playing time. Fred VanVleet is healthy after missing all of last season with an ACL tear. The Rockets also signed Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic this offseason, plus they drafted Bruce Thornton. Sheppard should still have a role, but it's unclear if it'll be enough minutes to be fantasy relevant.

Eason posted 20 points (6-10 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 6-7 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and two steals in 24 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over the Mavericks.

Eason led all scorers with 20 points and finished one rebound shy of Alperen Sengun for the game high in boards. The 2022 No. 17 overall pick signed a five-year extension this offseason after averaging 10.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks in 23.6 minutes across 221 regular-season appearances. With Houston's frontcourt nearly identical to last season, Eason is expected to serve as the primary backup behind Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith in 2026-27.

Middleton (rest) is trending in the right direction for Saturday's preseason game against Detroit, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic.

Middleton is being eased into action to begin the year. His status remains up in the air for Saturday's exhibition.

Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said Friday that Sarr (foot) is trending in a positive direction regarding his availability, though his status for Saturday's preseason game remains uncertain, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Keefe indicated that a decision on Sarr's availability will be made Saturday, suggesting the big man could be nearing a return to game action. Even if Sarr is cleared to play, Washington could manage his workload during the preseason.

Mogbo finished with 12 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists and two steals in 22 minutes during Thursday's 114-110 preseason loss to the Lakers.

Mogbo delivered an encouraging all-around performance, shooting efficiently from the field while contributing on the glass and defensively. The versatile forward also collected two offensive rebounds and committed two turnovers. His ability to contribute across multiple categories could help him earn additional opportunities in Sacramento's frontcourt, though his regular-season fantasy value will depend on securing consistent minutes.

Sharp recorded 11 points (3-9 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 2-5 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 21 minutes during Thursday's 114-110 preseason loss to the Lakers.

Sharp provided Sacramento with perimeter scoring off the bench, accounting for all three of his field goals from beyond the arc. Although he struggled at the free-throw line, the rookie guard demonstrated his willingness to shoot from distance and avoided committing a turnover. Sharp will look to build on the performance as he competes for a spot in Sacramento's regular-season backcourt rotation.

Karaban finished with seven points (2-3 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 20 minutes during Thursday's 114-110 preseason loss to the Lakers.

Karaban made the most of his limited scoring opportunities, converting both attempts from beyond the arc while contributing in several other categories. The rookie forward also committed two turnovers but demonstrated the perimeter shooting ability that could help him compete for a reserve role in Sacramento. His regular-season fantasy appeal remains limited until he establishes consistent playing time.

Reed recorded two points (0-2 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and one assist in 17 minutes during Thursday's 123-116 preseason loss to Atlanta.

Reed struggled to generate offense but made his presence felt on the glass, collecting two offensive rebounds while avoiding turnovers. The rookie center received an extended opportunity in the second half, although his path to regular-season minutes remains difficult with Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet ahead of him in San Antonio's frontcourt rotation.

Bryant finished with 11 points (3-8 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), five rebounds, one steal and one block in 23 minutes during Thursday's 123-116 preseason loss to Atlanta.

Bryant showed encouraging offensive development, knocking down two three-pointers while contributing on the glass and defensively. The second-year forward committed four turnovers but appeared more comfortable making decisions with the ball compared to his rookie campaign. Bryant will look to build on the performance as he competes for a larger role in San Antonio's forward rotation.