NBA Player News

Banchero ended with 10 points (1-10 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 7-10 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and one block over 18 minutes in Sunday's 119-105 preseason loss to Cleveland.

Banchero had his second consecutive double-digit preseason scoring performance. However, he had trouble shooting the ball once again Sunday and has now shot a combined 3-for-17 from the field in his first two preseason appearances. Banchero is coming off a productive 2025-26 campaign, averaging 22.2 points, 5.2 assists and a career-high 8.4 rebounds over 34.8 minutes per contest. Even better, he appeared in 72 regular-season games after logging just 46 in 2024-25. New head coach Sean Sweeney spent time with Banchero over the summer and will reportedly give him the green light to go all out offensively in 2026-27, so there is reason to believe the 23-year-old could be named to the All-Star team for the second time in his career.

Powell is not in the starting lineup for Sunday's preseason game against the Nuggets.

Powell started each of the previous two preseason games, but he is not starting Sunday. Isaac Okoro will enter the starting five in his place.

Smith (foot) is available and starting in Sunday's preseason game versus Denver.

Smith has been battling a foot injury but will be on the floor for the preseason meeting with the Nuggets after missing Friday's 104-100 loss to Memphis. The 2020 No. 10 overall pick started in 21 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 12.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists over 24.6 minutes per contest in those appearances.

Awaka will come off the bench during Sunday's preseason game against the Nuggets.

Awaka will shift back to a reserve role due to Jalen Smith (foot) returning to the lineup. The Arizona product was held scoreless for 24 minutes during Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies.

Okoro will start in Sunday's preseason game against Denver.

Okoro will join Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson and Jalen Smith in the starting lineup for Sunday's preseason meeting with the Nuggets. The 25-year-old started in 62 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 9.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 27.0 minutes per contest in those appearances.

Buzelis (ankle) will start Sunday's preseason game against the Nuggets.

Buzelis left Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies early due to a right ankle injury, but he will return to the lineup Sunday. Buzelis recorded six points and a block in 12 minutes before exiting Friday's game.

Kelly was waived by the Warriors on Sunday.

Kelly was signed to a training camp deal, but he will be waived ahead of the regular season. Kelly averaged 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 13.8 minutes per contest across three preseason appearances. He figures to spend time with the Warriors' G League affiliate during the upcoming campaign.

Ware is not listed in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against the Hornets, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

Ware started in Wednesday's 128-126 win over the Thunder, finishing with an 18-point, 12-rebound double-double. He will come off the bench Sunday, with Kyle Kuzma moving into the starting lineup for Milwaukee's preseason meeting with Charlotte.

Kuzma will start Sunday's preseason game against the Hornets, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

Kuzma shifted to a reserve role for Sunday's preseason game, but he will return to the starting five Sunday. Kel'el Ware, who took his starting spot Wednesday, will shift back to the bench.

Jakucionis (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's preseason game against Charlotte, Justin Garcia of the Milwaukee Bucks Radio Network reports.

Jakucionis was a DNP-CD in Monday's 116-97 preseason loss to Minnesota. He logged 18 minutes in the two-point win over Oklahoma City on Wednesday. However, Jakucionis will take a seat once again Sunday, with his next opportunity to play coming Wednesday versus Chicago.