NBA Player News

Aldama (knee) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Rockets.

Aldama underwent knee surgery in March and has been limited during training camp practices. It's unclear when he'll be cleared to make his Mavericks debut. The 2021 No. 30 overall pick had spent his entire career in Memphis before being traded to Dallas in July. In 278 regular-season games, including 82 starts, he has averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 23.4 minutes per contest.

Embiid closed with six points (1-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 24 minutes during Thursday's 114-108 preseason loss to Brooklyn.

After sitting out the first preseason game, Embiid made his first appearance for the new-look 76ers, turning in an indifferent performance. Although he managed to chip in across the board, he struggled from the field and was careless with the ball, racking up a team-high eight turnovers. It was certainly encouraging to see him suiting up for a preseason game, indicating that he should be ready to go for opening night.

Raynaud totaled 13 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 24 minutes during Thursday's 114-110 preseason loss to the Lakers.

Raynaud turned in a strong final line, leading the Kings on the boards on the way to a double-double while also showcasing his ability to protect the rim. He entered the starting lineup Thursday after Domantas Sabonis (undisclosed) was ruled out, and the former took advantage of the opportunity. Raynaud is putting together a solid preseason, totaling 25 points and 18 rebounds across two appearances.

Davis recorded 16 points (6-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and one block in 17 minutes during Thursday's 111-109 preseason win over the Knicks.

Davis knocked home a pair of triples and was efficient from the field on the way to a team-high 16 points. He also made an impact on the glass during his brief time on the court. Overall, this can be considered a successful preseason debut by Davis, who was limited to 20 games a year ago due to ligament damage in his left hand along with calf and groin injuries.

Looney will start Thursday's preseason game against the Kings, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Looney started Monday's preseason-opening win over Sacramento but shifted to the bench in Tuesday's loss to Golden State. He'll join Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Adou Thiero and Quentin Grimes in the first unit Thursday.

Raynaud will start Thursday's preseason game against the Lakers, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

With Domantas Sabonis (undisclosed) out, Raynaud will step into the starting five. He'll be joined in the first unit by Darius Acuff, Zach LaVine, De'Andre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa.

Missi amassed 11 points (4-6 FG, 3-5 FT) and nine rebounds across 19 minutes in Thursday's 128-118 preseason loss to Miami.

Missi turned in an efficient performance from the field and was one of six Pelicans players to score in double figures. He also tied for the game-high mark in rebounds. The big man is in line to open the regular season as New Orleans' starting center but may have to compete for additional playing time with the likes of Derik Queen and Karlo Matkovic.

Sabonis (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Thursday's preseason matchup with the Lakers, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

After supplying four points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and three assists in 10 minutes during Monday's preseason-opening loss to the Lakers, Sabonis will be held out of Thursday's contest for undisclosed reasons. The big man's next opportunity to suit up in the preseason will come Saturday against Golden State.

Kessler (finger) won't play in Thursday's preseason game against the Kings, Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register reports.

Kessler will miss a third consecutive contest due to a finger injury, though head coach JJ Redick isn't concerned that it's a long-term issue, per Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com. The big man's next opportunity to play in the preseason will come Tuesday against the Warriors.

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.