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Bobby Portis PF | MIA
Heat's Bobby Portis: Struggles in win
Portis finished with 11 points (4-13 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-3 FT), six rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block in 20 minutes during Thursday's 128-118 preseason victory over New Orleans.
Portis struggled with his shot but contributed across several categories, particularly on the glass and defensively. The veteran forward received a relatively substantial workload in his first preseason appearance with Miami, though his role alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo could limit his opportunities compared to previous seasons. Portis should remain a capable source of points and rebounds when given sufficient playing time.
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Jordan Poole SG | NO
Pelicans' Jordan Poole: Efficient off bench
Poole finished with 14 points (4-5 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), one rebound and two assists in 13 minutes during Thursday's 128-118 preseason loss to Miami.
Poole delivered an efficient offensive performance, leading New Orleans in scoring despite playing just 13 minutes. The veteran guard connected on three of his four attempts from beyond the arc and should continue providing the Pelicans with perimeter scoring. His fantasy value will depend on his role within a backcourt that also features Dejounte Murray (rest) and Jeremiah Fears.
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Zion Williamson PF | NO
Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Quiet in exhibition loss
Williamson recorded eight points (3-9 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, one assist and one steal in 16 minutes during Thursday's 128-118 preseason loss to Miami.
Williamson struggled to find his offensive rhythm, connecting on just three of his nine field-goal attempts while making minimal contributions elsewhere. The 26-year-old forward saw a limited workload in the exhibition contest, so his modest production isn't particularly concerning. Williamson remains a focal point of New Orleans' offense heading into the 2026-27 regular season, though his availability and durability will continue to be important considerations for fantasy managers.
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Tristan Enaruna SF | CLE
Cavaliers' Tristan Enaruna: Scores 13 off bench
Enaruna finished with 13 points (5-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 17 minutes during Thursday's 124-113 preseason loss to Boston.
Enaruna provided an efficient scoring spark off the bench, connecting on five of his seven field-goal attempts while knocking down two triples. The 25-year-old forward made a positive impression in limited action, though he faces an uphill battle for meaningful regular-season minutes as a two-way player.
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Meleek Thomas SG | CLE
Cavaliers' Meleek Thomas: Records three steals in loss
Thomas recorded 11 points (5-13 FG, 1-7 3Pt), two rebounds, two assists and three steals in 23 minutes during Thursday's 124-113 preseason loss to Boston.
Thomas struggled from beyond the arc but displayed encouraging defensive activity, leading Cleveland with three steals. The rookie second rounder received significant playing time in his first preseason appearance, providing an opportunity to showcase his scoring instincts and defensive potential. However, his regular-season role will likely be limited as he adjusts to the NBA level.
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Craig Porter Jr. PG | CLE
Cavaliers' Craig Porter: Hands out 10 dimes
Porter recorded five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 3Pt), three rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and one block in 16 minutes during Thursday's 124-113 preseason loss to Boston.
Porter delivered an impressive playmaking performance, reaching double-digit assists without committing a turnover. His ability to facilitate the offense and contribute defensively could strengthen his case for backcourt minutes, although Cleveland's guard depth may make consistent playing time difficult to secure.
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Thomas Bryant C | CLE
Cavaliers' Thomas Bryant: Blocks two shots in loss
Bryant recorded eight points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and two blocks in nine minutes during Thursday's 124-113 preseason loss to Boston.
Bryant was productive in a brief appearance, connecting on three of his four field-goal attempts while making an impact as a rim protector. With Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley anchoring Cleveland's frontcourt, Bryant projects to serve primarily as a reserve big man, limiting his fantasy upside unless additional minutes become available.
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Sam Merrill SG | CLE
Cavaliers' Sam Merrill: Hits two triples
Merrill finished with eight points (3-4 FG, 2-3 3Pt) and one assist in 10 minutes during Thursday's 124-113 preseason loss to Boston.
Merrill was efficient from the perimeter despite seeing limited playing time. The veteran sharpshooter should continue providing Cleveland with floor spacing off the bench, though his fantasy value will remain tied primarily to his three-point production and opportunities within the Cavaliers' backcourt rotation.
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Dillon Mitchell PF | BOS
Celtics' Dillon Mitchell: Strong showing in preseason
Mitchell recorded 10 points (4-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-4 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and two steals in 28 minutes during Thursday's 124-113 preseason victory over Cleveland.
Mitchell made an impact across multiple categories, finishing one rebound shy of a double-double while logging the most minutes of any Boston player. The athletic forward demonstrated his versatility on both ends of the floor, although his offensive opportunities could be limited once the Celtics return to a full-strength rotation. He's expected to see plenty of reps at the G League level this season on a two-way contract.
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Devin Carter SG | BOS
Celtics' Devin Carter: Scores 17 in debut
Carter finished with 17 points (5-9 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-6 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two steals in 25 minutes during Thursday's 124-113 preseason win over Cleveland.
Carter made a strong impression in his first preseason appearance with Boston, delivering efficient scoring while contributing on the glass and defensively. He also committed five turnovers, but his offensive production was encouraging. Carter will look to build on the performance as he competes for a spot on the roster.