NBA Player News

James could see more playing time to begin the season if Kon Knueppel (hamstring) isn't ready for Opening Night.

If Knueppel is out for the start of the season, the Hornets have James, Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale as the most likely candidates to enter the first unit. James was more of a defensive stopper for Charlotte in his rookie campaign, having averaged just 5.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 29.0 minutes per contest across 19 games as a starter in 2025-26.

Adams has been fully cleared after undergoing left ankle surgery in January, head coach Ime Udoka said Tuesday, according to Varun Shankar of the Houston Chronicle.

The veteran center had previously been limited prior to training camp, but Udoka expects him to play during Houston's preseason trip to Macao. Adams may still be limited during back-to-back sets early in the regular season as the Rockets manage his workload following the procedure.

Allen could open the season as a starter if Kon Knueppel (hamstring) isn't ready for Opening Night.

Knueppel has already been ruled out for the preseason, and his absence could extend into the regular season. Allen would likely see a sizable boost in streaming appeal if Knueppel isn't available for the start of the season, having averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals per contest in 27 games as a starter for the Suns in 2025-26.

Lipsey has been added to Iowa State's roster for the 2026-27 season after receiving a temporary restraining order in the Daley v. NCAA case, the program announced Monday.

The veteran guard averaged 13.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game during the 2025-26 regular season and went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft before appearing with the Pacers in Summer League. Lipsey's return gives the Cyclones an experienced option at point guard, though his eligibility situation remains subject to further legal developments surrounding the NCAA's new eligibility rules.

Antetokounmpo (knee) was a full go at training camp Tuesday, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Antetokounmpo had no limitations after missing the end of the 2025-26 campaign with a nagging knee issue. He was spotted going through some one-on-one drills with Bam Adebayo in what was described as a "surreal experience" by coach Erik Spoelstra.

Bassey could see more playing time to begin the season if Kristaps Porzingis (undisclosed) isn't ready for Opening Night.

Bassey bounced around last season, appearing for the Warriors, 76ers, Grizzlies and Celtics, but he's looking to find a home in Golden State. Assuming Draymond Green starts at power forward, Bassey could challenge veteran Al Horford for the starting position at center if Porzingis is out to start the year.

Horford could open the season as a starter if Kristaps Porzingis (undisclosed) isn't ready for Opening Night.

Horford's best fantasy days may be behind him at 40 years old, but the opportunity for a larger role exists while Porzingis is on the mend. The veteran big man provided late-round fantasy numbers as a starter last regular season, having averaged 10.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 blocks in 23.7 minutes per contest over 13 games in the first unit.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Nance is limited to 5-on-0 work at training camp after suffering a hamstring injury just over two weeks ago, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

There is optimism that the veteran center will be a full participant within the next one or two weeks. The injury appears unlikely to threaten Nance's availability for the start of the regular season, though his progress throughout camp will be worth monitoring.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla praised George's experience Tuesday, per Justin Turpin of WEEI.com.

George has big shoes to fill in Boston this season, stepping into the role as one of Jayson Tatum's running mates following Jaylen Brown's exit. Staying on the court has been a major concern for George, who has made at least 70 regular-season appearances just once in his past seven seasons, but he should push for mid-round fantasy value when healthy after averaging at least 16.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game in back-to-back years for the 76ers.

Buzelis expects to have more offensive freedom this season and said he focused on becoming more physical and attacking the rim during the offseason, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic reports.

The 21-year-old felt he attempted too many three-pointers last season, when 51.4 percent of his field-goal attempts came from beyond the arc, and he wants to incorporate more mid-range opportunities into his game. Buzelis also prioritized adding weight and strength, which could help him play through contact as he looks to build upon his 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game from the 2025-26 regular season.