NBA Player News

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.

Podziemski tallied 16 points (7-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block over 19 minutes in Tuesday's 124-98 preseason win over the Lakers.

Podziemski came out flat with seven points on 2-for-10 shooting in Golden State's preseason opener, but he found his footing against a Lakers team that was resting all their main guys. Podziemski was generating a lot of buzz at training camp, so it'll be interesting to see if he can keep it going Wednesday in Portland.

Mamukelashvili produced 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and one block over 18 minutes in Tuesday's 124-98 preseason loss to the Warriors.

Luka Doncic (rest) and Austin Reaves (ankle) were inactive for Tuesday's exhibition, so Mamukelashvili got all the shots he wanted on offense. It'll be interesting to see how he fits in the rotation in Los Angeles, but if he's able to secure a 25-plus-minute role, he could have some value as a three-point specialist.

Jones (hamstring) did not play during Tuesday's 93-79 preseason win over the Jazz.

Jones has missed the Nuggets' first two preseason games with this hamstring injury, and it wouldn't be shocking to see him skip the preseason entirely. His next chance to suit up will come Sunday versus the Bulls.

Green (knee) totaled two rebounds, two assists and two steals over 11 minutes in Tuesday's 93-79 preseason loss to the Nuggets.

Green sat out Utah's preseason opener with a minor knee issue, but he looked fine in Tuesday's exhibition. He'll provide some emergency depth on the wings for the Jazz this season, but Green is not expected to be a significant part of the rotation.