NBA Player News

Alvarado (knee) won't play in Monday's preseason game against the 76ers, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

Alvarado is dealing with a left knee contusion and will be held out of the Knicks' preseason opener. His next chance to play during the preseason will come Thursday against the Wizards.

Quaintance has been around the team but has not yet been cleared for basketball activities, Matt Guzman of SI.com reports.

The Spurs are expected to exercise extreme caution with the big man, as Quaintance suffered a torn ACL and meniscus with Arizona State in February 2025 before appearing in only four games with Kentucky last season due to severe complications and persistent swelling. The 19-year-old underwent a cleanup procedure on his meniscus in mid-July, and the Spurs will likely want him at 100 percent before ramping him up to basketball activities.

Johnson appears to have lost weight ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com noting that he looks "quicker with a little more bounce than last season."

Johnson earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2025-26, averaging 13.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.6 steals across 23.3 minutes per game in 82 regular-season appearances off the bench. He is expected to continue providing a spark with the second unit in 2026-27, though he'll face added competition for touches on a talented San Antonio team that added Tobias Harris (calf) this offseason.

Duren (rest) won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Suns, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports.

Duren returned to practice Monday for the first time since signing a five-year, $200 million extension. However, it's unclear when the big man will see live-game reps. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff said they have a "plan" to ramp Duren up, and the goal is to have their All-Star center available for the regular-season opener against Boston on Oct. 20.

Boswell is rehabbing a right knee injury, and he's hopeful to be cleared for basketball activities prior to the start of the G League season in late October.

It doesn't sound like the two-way guard will be available for the preseason, but he's hopeful to not miss any time during the G League season. Boswell is not expected to be a significant part of the Hornets' rotation this season.

Kayil signed a five-year deal with Alba Berlin.

The Knicks selected Kayil in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, but he won't be coming stateside anytime soon. Instead, the 20-year-old point guard will continue to develop overseas.

Dort won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Grizzlies due to a right knee contusion, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

The veteran swingman will be held out of Atlanta's preseason opener, leaving more minutes available for the likes of Corey Kispert, Aaron Wiggins and Jalen Wilson. Dort's next chance to play in the preseason will come Thursday against the Spurs.

McCollum is out for Monday's preseason opener against the Grizzlies due to a nose contusion, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

McCollum is dealing with a bruised nose and will skip Monday's exhibition, but it shouldn't affect his status for the regular-season opener. His next chance to play will come Thursday in San Antonio.

Sarr said he took part in the Wizards' 5-on-5 full-contact work during Monday's practice, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Sarr is ramping up after undergoing right foot surgery in June. He appears likely to be ready for the start of the regular season, though it's unclear how much action he'll see during the preseason. Across 48 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, he averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.0 blocks and 0.8 steals in 27.2 minutes per showing.

Irving is fully cleared after a 19-month recovery from an ACL tear, and he will suit up for the Mavericks during the preseason, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

It sounds like Irving will be good to go for Friday's exhibition against the Rockets in China, although he'll likely have his minutes heavily monitored during the preseason. Irving offers first-round upside, but he's had trouble staying on the court throughout his career.