NBA Player News

Ware will start Wednesday's preseason game against the Thunder.

Ware came off the bench and posted a double-double during his Bucks debut, and he'll now supplant Kyle Kuzma in the starting lineup for Milwaukee's second exhibition game. Ware started 35 regular-season games for the Heat last year, averaging 12.8 points, 11.0 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals per game.

Nurkic will miss at least the next four weeks due to a partial plantar plate tear of second toe in right foot, Chris Haynes of NBA TV reports.

Nurkic will begin the 2026-27 season on the sidelines, and given the tricky nature of foot injuries for big men, it wouldn't be shocking to see his absence extend beyond this initial four-week window. Jaren Jackson will likely spend more time at center while Nurkic is out, and there will be more minutes available for Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba.

Collins (toe) won't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Suns, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Collins will remain sidelined for the Bulls' preseason opener, though head coach Tiago Splitter said he's close to returning, per Johnson. Collins' next chance to play in the preseason will come Friday against Memphis.

Edey (ankle) will play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Magic, Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian reports.

Although he'll play limited minutes Wednesday, it appears Edey has made swift progress in his recovery from elbow and ankle surgeries after the Grizzlies initially had Opening Night as the big man's target for a return. Fantasy managers should feel a bit better about drafting Edey at his ADP now that he's healthy.

Hartenstein (ankle) won't play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Bucks, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Hartenstein is sitting out once again with ankle soreness after missing the Thunder's preseason opener. His next chance for exhibition action is Monday against the Hawks.

Horford (rest) is out for Wednesday's preseason game against Portland, per Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com.

The veteran center is getting a maintenance day Wednesday. His next chance to play comes Saturday against the Kings.

Duren (rest) is expected to play at some point this preseason, per Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.

After Duren engaged in a long standoff regarding contract negotiations with Detroit, the Pistons are monitoring the big man's reps as he ramps up his activity at training camp. His next chance to see exhibition action comes Saturday in Washington.

Bamba finished with eight points (4-6 FG) and 10 rebounds in 20 minutes during Tuesday's 117-106 preseason loss to Denver.

Despite coming off the bench, Bamba flirted with a double-double Tuesday. The journeyman big man is contending for the backup center role behind Jusuf Nurkic, but Bamba looks to be trailing Jaxson Hayes for playing time.

Jordan was a DNP-CD during Tuesday's 116-110 preseason win over Oklahoma City.

Jordan was available but didn't see the floor despite New Orleans going deep into its bench. The veteran center figures to provide depth behind Yves Missi and could have difficulty finding consistent playing time when the Pelicans are healthy.

Queen scored 10 points (3-6 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-7 FT) while adding nine rebounds, three steals and an assist in 17 minutes off the bench during Tuesday's preseason win over the Thunder.

The 21-year-old center showed flashes of his upside as a rookie in 2025-26 after being the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but Queen remains stuck on the second unit as long as Zion Williamson and Yves Missi remain healthy. More consistent minutes could still allow Queen to improve on the 11.7 points, 7.1 boards, 3.7 assists and 1.9 combined steals and blocks he averaged last season.