NBA Player News

The Grizzlies announced Friday that Stewart (ankle) will miss at least two weeks.

Stewart, who was traded from Detroit to Memphis over the summer, sustained a left ankle sprain in the team's preseason opener and is now likely to miss Opening Night. His absence opens the door for Quinten Post to move into the backup center role behind Zach Edey in the interim.

Smith totaled 12 points (4-8 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 22 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over the Mavericks.

Smith filled his usual role, operating as a complementary piece on offense, while providing the team with a serviceable defensive presence. The return of Fred VanVleet should allow Smith to get a few more open looks, although not to the point where his overall fantasy appeal changes too much. At this point, he should be considered a viable top-100 target, perhaps slightly higher in two-center leagues.

Edey will play in Friday's preseason game against the Bulls and is expected to see an uptick in minutes, Rob Fischer of FanDuel Sports Network Southeast reports.

Edey made his 2026 preseason debut in Wednesday's loss to Orlando, posting two points, four rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block in 10 minutes. He underwent surgeries on his left elbow and ankle in March, and the big man will likely continue ramping up his workload ahead of the regular season.

VanVleet finished with 17 points (5-12 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven assists, two rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over Dallas.

VanVleet made his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury more than 12 months ago. Despite the layoff, VanVleet looked good in his 24 minutes, providing the team with some much-needed guidance. Although there could be some limitations heading into the season proper, the fact that he played 24 minutes in what was basically a meaningless game bodes well for anyone willing to take a chance on him in drafts.

Robinson signed a training camp contract with the Cavaliers on Friday, Paul Garcia of The Spot Up Shot reports.

Robinson could compete for a spot on Cleveland's regular-season roster in the preseason, with his first chance to play coming Sunday against Orlando. However, the club owns his G League rights and could waive him at any time.

Jones (hip) has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Jones is still considered day-to-day due to a left hip injury, with his next chance to play coming in Sunday's exhibition against Denver. In the meantime, Dailyn Swain and Jordan Hawkins could see increased playing time.

Smith (foot) has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Smith is dealing with left foot soreness, and his next chance to suit up will come in Sunday's exhibition against Denver. With Nic Claxton (hamstring) and Zach Collins (toe) also out, Tobe Awaka and Leonard Miller figure to see increased burn Friday.

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

Collins is sitting out this exhibition but is nearing a return to the floor. The big man's next opportunity to suit up comes Sunday in Denver.

Sellers (back) won't play in Friday's preseason game against the Grizzlies, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Sellers continues to nurse lower-back soreness. His next chance to play comes Sunday in Denver.

Koloko was waived by the Pelicans on Friday, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com reports.

Koloko won't make the Pelicans' regular-season roster after signing with the team in July. The big man bounced around the league in 2025-26, averaging 2.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 13.2 minutes per game across 27 regular-season appearances (four starts) between the Hawks, Grizzlies and Lakers.