NBA Player News

Coward appears to be in the mix for a starting role entering the preseason, Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal reports.

Memphis experimented with several lineup combinations during training camp, with Coward, Jaylen Wells and Jerami Grant among the team's options on the wing. Coward and Wells have already logged significant minutes together, and the second-year wing's ability to fit alongside multiple backcourt combinations could help his chances of securing a prominent role.

Lakhin was waived by the Kings on Sunday.

This was an expected move, as Lakhin was on an Exhibit 10 deal. He's now set to join the Stockton Kings in the G League.

Barnes said he injured his knee during the opening minute of Friday's preseason loss to Miami and is still experiencing some soreness, Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca reports.

Barnes was able to play through the injury for the remainder of the first half before being held out after halftime as a precaution. He's receiving treatment and doesn't expect the issue to be a concern, while Toronto won't play again until Saturday against the Clippers.

Leonard (not injury related) went through a full practice Monday, Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports.

This was Leonard's first full practice since training camp opened. He's expected to be held out of his second straight preseason contest Saturday, but it seems safe to say he will be a full go by Opening Night.

Claxton tweaked his hamstring and will be re-evaluated in two weeks, Chuck Swirsky of the Bulls Radio Network of the Bulls Radio Network reports.

This is a huge blow for Claxton, and it rules him out for the entire preseason. For now, fantasy managers can consider him questionable for Opening Night on Oct. 21 against the Raptors. Jalen Smith is the next man up on the depth chart for Chicago, followed by Zach Collins (toe).

Simons (rest) won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Knicks, Chris Hine of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Simons will join Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey on the sidelines for the preseason opener. It's unclear whether Simons is dealing with an injury or not, but if he isn't, his exclusion from the opener would signal that his spot in the rotation is fairly secure heading into his first season with Philadelphia.

Barlow will be rested for Monday's preseason game against the Knicks, Chris Hine of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Barlow also didn't participate in Saturday's team scrimmage. With Philadelphia thin in the frontcourt due to injuries to Adem Bona (foot) and Tacko Fall (hip), Barlow could see opportunities at center once he's available.

Bona (foot) will not play in Monday's preseason opener against New York, Chris Hine of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

Bona has been sidelined by a foot sprain suffered during FIBA competition and has yet to practice during training camp. Coach Nick Nurse recently expressed optimism that Bona could return for a couple of Philadelphia's preseason contests, making his status worth monitoring over the coming days.

Maxey (rest) won't play in Monday's preseason game against the Knicks, Chris Hine of The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

With Maxey, LeBron James, Joel Embiid and Anfernee Simons all resting during the preseason opener, more usage will be available for second-year guard VJ Edgecombe and rookie Labaron Philon. It's unclear if Maxey will be available for Thursday's preseason game in Brooklyn.

Sorber (knee) will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener against New Orleans, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Sorber has also been limited during training camp and will be held out of Oklahoma City's first exhibition contest, though he'll travel with the team. The Thunder are likely to remain cautious with Sorber during the preseason, making his participation in upcoming practices worth monitoring.