NBA Player News

Champagnie will start Thursday's preseason game against Atlanta, Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

The Spurs initially released a starting lineup that didn't include Champagnie, but the team has since reported that De'Aaron Fox has been downgraded to out due to soreness. This opens up a slot in the starting five for Champagnie, who is expected to play a key role this season for San Antonio after averaging 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 82 regular-season appearances a year ago.

Wagner is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the 76ers, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

The Nets will be without Day'Ron Sharpe (shoulder) for this preseason contest, meaning Wagner will get the nod at center. It will be an opportunity to see how Wagner plays alongside Julius Randle, who will get the nod at power forward.

Clowney is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the 76ers, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Clowney is expected to be a bench option in the regular season, but he'll get the starting nod Thursday because Michael Porter (wrist) won't start. Clowney is coming off a career-best 2025-26 season, averaging 12.3 points per game in 66 regular-season appearances, including 60 starts.

Mathurin is listed in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against Miami.

Mathurin impressed during the preseason opener, finishing with 13 points in just 17 minutes of action off the bench. He'll have a chance to show what he can do with the first unit Thursday while Dejounte Murray (toe) sits and Herbert Jones rotates to the bench.

Fears is in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Heat.

Fears is getting the nod at point guard as the Pelicans are changing their lineup again for this preseason contest. The former Oklahoma star is coming off a rookie season in which he averaged 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game across 82 regular-season appearances in 2025-26.

Jones won't start Thursday's preseason game against the Heat.

Jones got the starting nod in the Pelicans' preseason-opening win over the Thunder on Tuesday, though he'll slide to the second unit Thursday. Bennedict Mathurin will enter the first unit in Jones' place.

Wade isn't in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Nets.

Wade drew the start in the preseason opener with the Sixers electing to rest several key contributors. However, he'll retreat to the bench Thursday with LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey all back in action.

Caldwell-Pope is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's preseason game against the Nets.

Caldwell-Pope started Monday against the Knicks, but the veteran will head back to the bench Thursday. That's because the 76ers will open the game with their regular starting lineup featuring Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Caldwell-Pope is expected to operate as a three-point shooting threat off the bench for the 76ers in the regular season.

Larsson (illness) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Pelicans, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Larsson was previously expected to play after missing Wednesday's practice with an illness, though he's since been ruled out. His next opportunity to suit up in the preseason will come Saturday against Minnesota.

Ayton will start Thursday's preseason game against the Knicks, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Ayton will get a look with the first unit while Alex Sarr continues to recover from offseason foot surgery. He'll start alongside Trae Young, Kyshawn George, AJ Dybantsa and Anthony Davis.