NBA Player News

Adams (rest) isn't expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Mavericks, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Adams totaled two points (1-1 FG), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 14 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over the Mavericks, marking his first game action since undergoing ankle surgery in January. The veteran center is expected to be the primary backup to Alperen Sengun this season.

Sengun (rest) isn't expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Mavericks, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Sengun recorded 16 points (6-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and three blocks in 22 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over Dallas but will take a seat Sunday. Sengun is coming off another impressive year, averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game across 72 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. However, the star center shot just 69.1 percent from the charity stripe and 30.5 percent from downtown. He's been focused on improving in those areas this offseason, and an uptick in efficiency would be a significant step toward becoming a more well-rounded player.

VanVleet (rest) isn't expected to play in Sunday's preseason game against the Mavericks, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

VanVleet made his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury more than a year ago, finishing 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. The veteran point guard will likely be limited throughout the 2026-27 season, but he's on track to be the starting point guard on Opening Night.

Sasser (adductor) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Sasser will miss a second straight exhibition game due to left adductor soreness. It's unclear when he'll be cleared to play again, but Sasser has three more chances to suit up during the preseason, with his next chance coming Wednesday against the Pelicans.

Aldama (knee) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

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 spent his entire career in Memphis before Dallas traded for him in July. In 278 regular-season games (82 starts), Aldama has averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 23.4 minutes per contest.

Lively (foot) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Lively underwent right foot surgery in December after appearing in just seven regular-season games in 2025-26, and it's unclear when he'll be ready to play again. Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said Lively has progressed to shooting and is working toward running on the court, while head coach Dusty May said the center is moving well but has a unique return-to-play protocol given all of his missed time in recent years.

Johnson (rest) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Johnson started at center during his Mavericks preseason debut, totaling four points (1-3 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 12 minutes during Friday's 135-117 loss to the Rockets. The rookie has been dealing with a minor lower-leg injury during training camp, so the Mavericks will likely proceed with caution, but it appears he's slated for a major role right away.

Martin (illness) will play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Martin will make his preseason debut after missing Friday's opener due to an illness. The veteran forward averaged a career-low 14.8 minutes per game during his first full season in Dallas last year.

Washington (ankle) will play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Washington missed Friday's preseason opener due to a left ankle sprain but will return to action Sunday, sliding into the starting lineup next to Cooper Flagg, Zaccharie Risacher, Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford. As a starter last season (53 games), Washington averaged 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

Ighodaro closed with eight points (4-7 FG), five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in 21 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the Spurs.

Ighodaro moved to the bench after having started the first two preseason games. However, despite the move, he turned in arguably his best performance of the preseason, chipping across a range of categories. Both he and Khaman Maluach are going to battle for center minutes, a situation that could very well result in a timeshare. While Maluach is the preferred target in most fantasy leagues, Ighodaro should at least be on the radar, particularly for those needing out-of-position steals late in drafts.