NBA Player News

Indiana recalled McConnell (hamstring) from the G League's Noblesville Boom on Saturday.

McConnell has been unavailable throughout the first few games of the campaign due to his issue but could be close to making a comeback for the parent team following a short stint with Noblesville. The experienced guard was quite active last season despite coming off the second unit in most of his outings, and a similar situation may be expected this campaign as soon as he's cleared to see action.

Wells logged four points (2-5 FG, 0-3 3Pt), two rebounds and one steal over 22 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 win over Sacramento.

Wells had the opportunity to operate in an expanded role Saturday due to the absences of Ty Jerome (back) and Scotty Pippen (back). However, Wells attempted a season-low five field goals and failed to score in double digits for the first time in the 2026-27 season. Through six games in October, he averaged 12.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.8 threes over 27.2 minutes per contest.

Jackson logged 21 points (7-10 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 win over the Kings.

Jackson scored 12 of his 21 points in the second quarter to extend Memphis' halftime lead to 11, and he finished as the Grizzlies' third-leading scorer behind Cameron Boozer (27 points) and Isaiah Stewart (24 points). It was the first time since April 3 that Jackson scored 20-plus points in a regular-season game, and he'll finish the month of October having averaged 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.5 threes over 16.8 minutes per contest.

Spencer closed Saturday's 136-105 victory over the Kings with 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt), five rebounds, 13 assists and one steal in 25 minutes.

Spencer made his first start of the regular season Saturday due to the absence of Ty Jerome (back). Spencer answered the call by tying a career high in assists en route to his first double-double of the season and seventh of his three-year NBA career. He would likely revert to a bench role against the Pelicans on Monday if Jerome is cleared to return.

Stewart recorded 24 points (8-9 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 6-6 FT) and four rebounds across 21 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 victory over Sacramento.

Stewart was one of three Grizzlies players who scored 20-plus points during Saturday's blowout win, and he finished second on the team in points behind rookie Cameron Boozer (27). Stewart has scored in double digits in three of his last four outings, and over that span he has averaged 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.8 blocks and 1.5 threes over 18.5 minutes per contest.

Achiuwa registered six points (2-6 FG, 2-4 FT), five rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal over 25 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 loss to Memphis.

Achiuwa was the only Kings starter who failed to score in double digits, but he contributed on the defensive end of the floor with three stocks. He has started in each of the Kings' last four games, and he'll continue to be in the starting five for as long as Keegan Murray (ankle) is out of action. Achiuwa is averaging 12.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 0.8 blocks over 28.7 minutes per game this season.

Hunter chipped in 19 points (8-18 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 1-3 FT), three rebounds and one steal across 32 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 loss to the Grizzlies.

Hunter scored 12 of his 19 points in the second quarter and finished Saturday as the Kings' second-leading scorer behind rookie seventh-overall pick Darius Acuff (38). Hunter failed to score in double digits in each of the first three games of the regular season, but over his last three outings, he has averaged 22.3 points per game on 52.3 percent shooting along with 4.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 3.7 threes and 0.7 steals over 34.0 minutes per contest. He'll continue to operate in an elevated role for as long as Keegan Murray (ankle) is out of action.

LaVine chipped in 11 points (4-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-3 FT) and one assist over 21 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 loss to Memphis.

Saturday was the first time this season that LaVine attempted less than 10 field goals, and his performance broke a five-game streak of at least 20 points. Part of that lack of production was due to him playing only one minute in the fourth quarter, when the game was well out of reach for the Kings. The veteran wing will finish the month of October having averaged 23.5 points, 3.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.5 threes over 34.0 minutes per game.

Sabonis racked up 11 points (3-5 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 14 rebounds, eight assists and one steal in 38 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 loss to the Grizzlies.

The Kings' shot distribution was dominated by rookie seventh-overall pick Darius Acuff (25 field-goal attempts) and De'Andre Hunter (18), but Sabonis still contributed offensively with a team-high eight assists. It was Sabonis' fourth double-double of the season, and he was two dimes shy from his second triple-double of the 2026-27 campaign. His 15.8 rebounds per game leads the NBA, and he is also averaging 16.0 points, 7.3 assists and 1.0 steals over what is currently a career-high 37.0 minutes per game.

Smith finished with 30 points (10-18 FG, 6-12 3Pt, 4-5 FT), nine rebounds, five assists and one block in 33 minutes during Saturday's 119-98 win over the Thunder.

Smith matched the 30 points he scored on Opening Night and led the Rockets in scoring once again, knocking down six triples. With Fred VanVleet (knee) and Reed Sheppard (back) both out, Smith took on a bigger offensive load and was efficient. He's been one of the best values in fantasy so far, and nights like this make him a legitimate sell-high candidate for anyone who expects his shooting to cool off.