NBA Player News

McCollum finished with 14 points (5-11 FG, 4-6 3Pt), five rebounds and four assists across 19 minutes in Thursday's 123-116 preseason win over the Spurs.

McCollum provided efficient perimeter scoring, connecting on four of his six attempts from beyond the arc while leading Atlanta's starters with 14 points. The veteran guard also contributed five rebounds, including three on the offensive glass, and dished out four assists. His ability to stretch the floor and create offense should make him a valuable contributor in Atlanta's backcourt, so fantasy managers shouldn't be concerned over his limited playing time in the preseason. McDaniels is locked into a starting role ahead of the regular-season opener against the Magic on Oct. 21.

Okongwu recorded 13 points (5-11 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds and five assists across 22 minutes in Thursday's 123-116 preseason win over the Spurs.

Okongwu showed his versatility as a playmaking big man, leading Atlanta's starters with five assists while connecting on two three-pointers. His willingness to shoot from beyond the arc remains an intriguing element of his offensive development, and if this translates to the regular season, it could unlock a whole new level of upside for Okongwu, who's already an excellent finisher near the rim and an above-average rebounder.

Daniels tallied 13 points (6-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt), 11 rebounds, an assist and a steal across 21 minutes in Thursday's 123-116 preseason win over the Spurs.

Daniels was particularly active on the glass, collecting a game-high 11 rebounds, including six offensive boards, to secure a double-double despite an inefficient shooting performance. However, his ability to contribute without relying exclusively on scoring remains a significant part of his fantasy appeal. Daniels will open the season in a starting role in the Hawks' backcourt, where his three-point shooting, defensive contributions and elite rebounding ability will make him a valuable fantasy asset across most formats.

Vassell registered 12 points (4-8 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block across 18 minutes in Thursday's 123-116 preseason loss to the Hawks.

Vassell was efficient during his limited playing time, shooting 50 percent from both the field and three-point range while making both free-throw attempts. He also contributed defensively with a steal and a block. The veteran wing helped San Antonio build a commanding first-half advantage before the starters rested, and his combination of perimeter shooting and two-way production should remain an important part of the Spurs' rotation. Unless something dramatic happens in the Spurs' camp over the next two weeks, Vassell should open the 2026-27 regular season as San Antonio's starting small forward.

Castle finished with 14 points (5-8 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block across 18 minutes in Thursday's 123-116 preseason loss to the Hawks.

Castle delivered an efficient offensive performance, connecting on five of eight field-goal attempts while contributing across multiple statistical categories. With De'Aaron Fox sidelined by soreness, Castle shared the backcourt with Dylan Harper, offering an early glimpse of San Antonio's potential guard combinations. Castle is cemented as the starting shooting guard ahead of the regular-season opener against the Thunder on Oct. 20, so fantasy managers shouldn't read much into his lack of minutes in the preseason.

Wembanyama recorded nine points (3-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, an assist and a block across 17 minutes in Thursday's 123-116 preseason loss to the Hawks.

Wembanyama played a relatively modest role statistically, attempting just six shots while San Antonio limited its starters to first-half action. The abbreviated workload offered little reason for concern as San Antonio eased its franchise centerpiece into preseason competition. He should be one of the first players off the board in every fantasy draft and is expected to be a massive contributor on both ends of the court for the Spurs once the regular season begins Oct. 20 against the Thunder.

Brunson finished with 13 points (6-12 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three assists and a steal across 20 minutes in Thursday's 111-109 preseason loss to the Wizards.

Brunson tied Josh Hart and Landry Shamet for the team lead in scoring despite playing just over 20 minutes. Brunson's offensive role and status as one of the Knicks' key players remain set in stone, and his limited preseason workload has given New York's coaching staff a chance to evaluate its reserves with the regular season starting in less than two weeks. Thus, expect Brunson to continue seeing limited playing time in the rest of the preseason.

Anunoby recorded 10 points (3-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block across 19 minutes in Thursday's 111-109 preseason loss to the Wizards.

Anunoby delivered a balanced performance during his limited playing time and made his presence felt on both ends of the court. Scoring numbers aside, as he was one of three starters to hit double-digit points, Anunoby collected two offensive rebounds and added a steal and a block, demonstrating the defensive versatility that makes him an important part of New York's starting lineup. He's expected to see limited playing time in the rest of the preseason, but his role as the Knicks' starting small forward ahead of the new season is set in stone.

Shamet posted 13 points (4-7 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and four rebounds across 16 minutes off the bench in Thursday's 111-109 preseason loss to the Wizards.

Shamet was one of New York's most efficient offensive contributors, knocking down a team-high three three-pointers while matching Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart for the team lead in scoring. The veteran sharpshooter also grabbed four defensive rebounds and finished with a plus-four rating, continuing to make a strong case for a steady role in the Knicks' backcourt rotation ahead of the regular season. He's competing with Miles McBride and Jose Alvarado for steady minutes in the backcourt behind the starting duo of Brunson and Mikal Bridges.

Young finished with 15 points (4-7 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 4-6 FT), four assists and two steals across 17 minutes in Thursday's 111-109 preseason win over the Knicks.

Young made the most of his abbreviated playing time and looked good orchestrating the offense alongside several projected starters, such as Kyshawn George, AJ Dybantsa and Anthony Davis. The veteran guard's combination of perimeter scoring and elite playmaking should remain central to Washington's offensive approach once the regular season begins, so fantasy managers shouldn't be overly concerned about his limited playing time in the preseason.