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Mario Hezonja PF | CLE
Cavaliers' Mario Hezonja: Plays well off bench
Hezonja recorded 13 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in 17 minutes during Sunday's 119-105 preseason win over Orlando.
Hezonja bounced back from a difficult preseason debut, contributing across the board while shooting efficiently from beyond the arc. The veteran forward displayed the versatility Cleveland hopes to utilize in its second unit, and Sunday's performance should help his case for consistent rotation minutes. However, his fantasy outlook will depend on how much playing time he can secure in a crowded Cavaliers rotation.
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Curtis Jones SG | CLE
Curtis Jones: Waived by Cleveland
The Cavaliers waived Jones on Sunday, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.
Jones joined Cleveland on a training camp deal in September but will not make the team's opening-night roster. The 25-year-old guard is expected to join the Cleveland Charge of the G League for the 2026-27 campaign, where he'll look to develop his game and potentially earn another NBA opportunity.
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Kadary Richmond SG | CLE
Kadary Richmond: Let go by Cavaliers
The Cavaliers waived Richmond on Sunday, Keith Smith of Spotrac.com reports.
Richmond signed with Cleveland in September but was unable to secure a spot on the regular-season roster. The 25-year-old guard is expected to join the Cleveland Charge of the G League, where he'll have an opportunity to continue his development while remaining within the Cavaliers' organization.
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Malaki Branham SG | ORL
Magic's Malaki Branham: Scores seven in limited run
Branham finished with seven points (2-4 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 11 minutes off the bench during Sunday's 119-105 preseason loss to Cleveland.
Branham made efficient use of his limited playing time, contributing offensively while collecting two offensive rebounds. However, the guard faces considerable competition for minutes in Orlando's crowded backcourt, leaving his regular-season role uncertain.
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Carter Bryant SF | SA
Spurs' Carter Bryant: Dealing with minor ankle issue
Bryant exited Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to Phoenix after rolling his right ankle in the first half and did not return, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.
Bryant suffered the injury after stepping on teammate Devin Vassell's foot and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. However, McDonald suggested the decision was precautionary rather than indicative of a serious injury, while coach Mitch Johnson also characterized the early exit as precautionary. The second-year forward's status for Monday's preseason matchup against Utah remains uncertain, though there is currently no indication of a prolonged absence.
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Jase Richardson PG | ORL
Magic's Jase Richardson: Solid showing in start
Richardson recorded 12 points (5-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), three rebounds, four assists and one steal in 26 minutes as a starter during Sunday's 119-105 preseason loss to Cleveland.
Richardson made a positive impression in his starting opportunity with Jalen Suggs (illness) and Anthony Black (ankle) out, shooting efficiently from the field while contributing as a playmaker. The young guard also committed just two turnovers despite handling significant minutes, strengthening his case for a meaningful role in Orlando's backcourt rotation.
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Jevon Carter PG | ORL
Magic's Jevon Carter: Struggles with shot
Carter finished with two points (1-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt), two rebounds, four assists and one steal in 19 minutes during Sunday's 119-105 preseason loss to Cleveland.
Carter struggled to find his shooting touch but contributed as a facilitator, recording four assists without committing a turnover. The veteran guard continues to compete for backcourt minutes, though his limited offensive production and Orlando's guard depth could restrict his fantasy value heading into the regular season.
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Clint Capela C | HOU
Rockets' Clint Capela: Grabs nine boards in start
Capela finished with five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds and one block in 24 minutes as a starter during Sunday's 132-115 preseason loss to Dallas.
Capela moved into the starting lineup with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams resting, providing a solid presence on the glass despite limited offensive involvement. The veteran center also committed three turnovers but demonstrated his rebounding ability in an expanded role. Capela figures to serve primarily as a reserve big man, limiting his fantasy ceiling this season.
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Oscar Tshiebwe PF | HOU
Rockets' Oscar Tshiebwe: Makes most of limited run
Tshiebwe finished with 12 points (4-5 FG, 4-6 FT), four rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in 12 minutes during Sunday's 132-115 preseason loss to Dallas.
Tshiebwe made the most of his limited opportunities, scoring efficiently while contributing across several categories. All four of his rebounds came on the offensive glass, highlighting his ability to generate second-chance opportunities. However, with Houston featuring considerable frontcourt depth, Tshiebwe faces an uphill battle to earn consistent regular-season minutes.
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Max Christie SG | DAL
Mavericks' Max Christie: Effective off bench
Christie recorded 14 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 22 minutes off the bench during Sunday's 132-115 preseason win over Houston.
Christie delivered an efficient performance in a reserve role, shooting 57.1 percent from the field while connecting on both of his three-point makes. After starting Dallas' previous preseason matchup against Houston, Christie moved to the second unit for Sunday's contest, which also marked Kyrie Irving's return to action. The lineup change could signal a reserve role for Christie to begin the regular season, though his perimeter shooting should help him remain involved in the Mavericks' rotation.