NBA Player News

Carter logged 13 points (5-7 FG, 3-4 3Pt), four rebounds and two assists in 15 minutes during Wednesday's 122-118 preseason win over the Grizzlies.

Carter was Orlando's full-time starting center last season, averaging 11.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, but his outlook is complicated by Nikola Vucevic's return to Orlando. His starting role isn't currently in jeopardy, but the situation is worth monitoring.

Huff amassed 16 points (6-11 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in 17 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 preseason win over the Timberwolves.

With starting center Ivica Zubac playing just 18 minutes, Huff made the most of his opportunities, putting up solid contributions across the board. Although Huff was somewhat of a fantasy darling last season, this season could tell a completely different story. While he could very well be the primary backup behind Zubac, it would appear as though Indiana is going to run with a lot of small-ball lineups, inserting either Pascal Siakam or Obi Toppin into the center position.

Cain posted 15 points (6-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt), two rebounds and an assist across 22 minutes in Wednesday's 122-118 preseason win over the Grizzlies.

Cain made a strong first impression with a great total off the bench. After spending most of last season on a two-way deal before converting to a standard contract in March, he's using the preseason to earn a spot in the regular rotation.

Walker totaled seen points (3-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-1 FT), 10 assists and five rebounds in 28 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 preseason win over Minnesota.

Despite coming off the bench, Walker logged a team-high 28 minutes, handing out 10 assists in the process. Injuries to other players last season allowed Walker to step into a sizeable role, particularly down the stretch. While he is almost certainly going to play a somewhat muted role when compared to his late-season heroics, Walker has likely done enough to at least earn himself a consistent spot in the rotation.

Haliburton finished with seven points (3-8 FG, 1-3 3Pt), six rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 16 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 preseason win over the Timberwolves.

Haliburton returned to the court after last playing in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. He appeared fully healthy, showing no signs of hesitation on either end of the floor. Indiana as a whole looked much more cohesive with Haliburton at the helm, an encouraging sign for anyone considering Haliburton with their first or second-round pick. While there could be some minor limitations to begin the season, all signs point to him being fully active and ready to attack the season head-on.

Hyland closed with 10 points (3-7 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one assist, one steal and one block in 11 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 preseason loss to the Pacers.

Hyland was used sparingly off the bench, although he did make the most of his time on the floor, ending as one of five Minnesota players to score double digits. Despite a proven ability to score the basketball, it would appear as though Hyland could struggle to carve out a meaningful role this season. At best, he should be on the streaming radar if and when those ahead of him in the rotation are struck down with injury or illness.

Beringer amassed two points (1-3 FG), eight rebounds and one block in 19 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 preseason loss to Indiana.

Beringer was the first big off the bench once again, a role that he will presumably retain beyond the preseason. Although his production to this point has been modest, he should at least be on the radar as a speculative last-round pick for anyone needing boards and blocks. Should Rudy Gobert suffer an injury at any point during the season, Beringer could be a popular addition across all formats.

Kuminga finished with two points (1-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt), three assists, one rebound and one steal in 19 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 preseason loss to the Pacers.

Kuminga got the starting nod for the second straight game, another indication that he is likely to hold onto that spot when the season proper begins. Although he attempted the second-most shots behind Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels, Kuminga's fantasy flaws were on full display, managing to connect on just one shot from nine attempts. Assuming he is given the green light to start on opening night, Kuminga is worth a look late in drafts, remembering that if and when his shot isn't falling, he has very little to fall back on in terms of peripheral production.

Bridges exited Wednesday's 124-117 preseason loss to the Bulls with a right ankle injury and did not return, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Bridges got tangled up fighting for a loose ball and tweaked his ankle, and while he initially tried to play through it, he retreated to the locker room a few possessions later. According to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, head coach Jordan Ott said after the game that he believes Bridges is "fine" and thinks there's a chance he could play in Saturday's exhibition against the Spurs.

Lillard finished with 15 points (5-11 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, one assist and two steals over 19 minutes in Wednesday's 123-118 preseason win over the Warriors.

This was Lillard's first game back on the court since tearing his Achilles on March 18, 2025, and he didn't skip a beat, scoring in a variety of ways and burying multiple triples. He didn't hesitate to get his shot up and looked comfortable sharing the backcourt with new addition Ja Morant. It was an encouraging first step for Lillard, who will look to build on his strong return Tuesday in Sacramento.