NBA Player News

Bailey logged 10 points (4-12 FG, 2-6 3 Pt, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal across 27 minutes in Tuesday's 117-106 loss to the Nuggets.

With Lauri Markkanen (neck) and Birce Sensabaugh (hip) sidelined, Bailey earned a spot in the first unit during the Jazz's second preseason game. New acquisitions like Jaren Jackson and Darryn Peterson are expected to log meaningful minutes right away, leaving the former first-round pick in an uncertain spot after starting 61 games for the Jazz during his rookie campaign. Markkanen's struggles to stay on the court made an uptick for Bailey necessary, and his 2026-27 participation hinges on Markkanen becoming a more consistent contributor.

Johnson tallied 10 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt), a rebound and an assist across 15 minutes during Tuesday's 117-106 win over the Jazz.

Johnson is firmly entrenched as a starter for the Nuggets at the start of the season, despite the addition of veteran DeMar DeRozan, who will compete for time at Johnson's position. Staying on the court has been a consistent problem for Johnson, who has averaged just 56.3 games per season over the past three campaigns, and the organization hopes he can exceed his career-high watermark of 57 games.

Strawther registered 15 points (4-7 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, three assists and a steal across 18 minutes in Tuesday's 117-106 preseason win over the Jazz.

Stawther had a solid night beyond the arc in Denver's first preseason victory. The Gonzaga product enters his fourth season with the Nuggets in a crowded situation at his position following the addition of DeMar DeRozan. While youth is certainly on Stawther's side, a breakout campaign where he finally averages 10 points or more per game seems less likely.

Whitmore logged 14 points (4-7 G, 0-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT) and one rebound over 15 minutes in Tuesday's 117-106 preseason win over the Jazz.

Whitmore begins the 2026-27 season vying for a rotation spot with his third team in four years after beginning his NBA tenure as a first-round pick by the Rockets in 2023. Consistent usage is far from certain, with Cameron Johnson, DeMar DeRozan and Julian Strawther all vying for time at the wing, but an encouraging training camp points to a chance to move up the depth chart.

McNeeley closed with 14 points (5-8 FG, 4-6 3Pt) and one rebound in 19 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason loss to Brooklyn.

McNeeley was inserted into the starting lineup, replacing Brandon Miller, who was ruled out with a minor leg concern. McNeeley thrived on the offensive end, scoring a team-high 14 points, including four triples. While this was certainly an encouraging performance, the likelihood that McNeeley plays a significant role this season is quite low. However, should injuries befall the Hornets, McNeeley's ability to score the basketball could put him on the radar as a speculative short-term streaming option.

Reid ended with 13 points (3-9 FG, 6-7 FT, 1-5 3Pt) and four rebounds in 16 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason loss to the Nets.

As expected, Reid slotted into the starting power forward position vacated by Miles Bridges, who is now loving life in Phoenix. Reid was one of three Hornets players to score double digits, an encouraging sign for anyone thinking of drafting him. While he should be a relatively consistent source of points and rebounds, Reid is going to have to add another string to his bow, should he hope to impress fantasy managers. At this point, Reid is a viable target in the middle rounds of drafts, with the possibility that he flirts with top 50 value if he can develop a more well-rounded game.

Diabate closed with four points (1-1 FG, 2-4 FT), four rebounds, three steals, two blocks and one assist in 20 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason loss to the Nets.

Diabate assumed the starting center role, ahead of both Ryan Kalkbrenner and Hannes Steinbach. Despite scoring only four points, Diabate did what he does best, providing the team with energy and effort on both ends of the floor. He finished with five combined steals and blocks, an element of his game that will need to stabilize, should he hope to hold onto the starting role. Assuming that is the case, Diabate is worth a look late in drafts, for those needing to add some center depth.

Wagner amassed five points (1-4 FG, 2-2 FT, 1-3 3Pt), five assists, four rebounds and one steal in 18 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason win over Charlotte.

Wagner came off the bench in his first official game for the Nets, serving as the primary backup behind Day'Ron Sharpe. While only scoring five points, Wagner flashed some playmaking upside, recording a team-high five assists. It appears as though Wagner could play a consistent, albeit modest role, for Brooklyn this season. Assuming Sharpe flirts with 27 minutes per game, expect to see Wagner's playing time in the mid-teens.

Eliis finished with just five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt) in 12 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason victory over Charlotte.

With projected starter Mikel Brown sidelined due to a minor ankle injury, Ellis was inserted into the starting lineup. Despite the opportunity, Ellis failed to produce anything of note, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. Assuming Brown gets back on the court in the near future, Ellis will likely shift back to a bench role to begin the season. At best, he should be considered a last-round flyer for anyone needing steals.

Sharpe finished with eight points (4-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt), seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks in 18 minutes during Tuesday's 124-90 preseason win over the Hornets.

As expected, Sharpe got the starting nod in the preseason opener, a role he is likely to assume heading into the season proper. While his production was serviceable, at best, the fact that he was engaged on both ends of the floor bodes well for his projected fantasy value. While there are some doubts as to whether he plays 'typical' starter minutes, his opportunity should certainly lend itself to standard league relevance.