NBA Player News

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.

Brooks totaled 15 points (4-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), two rebounds, two assists and one steal in 24 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over San Antonio.

Brooks turned in another decent performance, finishing as one of four Suns players to score double digits. Coming off the best season of his career, Brooks should once again find himself playing a key role for Phoenix. However, managers should remember that last season's production came during a time when others were injured. With Miles Bridges also now vying for touches, it is unlikely Brooks will be able to repeat his heroics from the 2025-26 campaign.

Maluach closed with 10 points (4-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 23 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the Spurs.

Maluach moved into the starting lineup, replacing Oso Ighodaro, who shifted back to the bench. The move worked wonders for Maluach, allowing him to put up easily his best game of the preseason. With Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined indefinitely, both Maluach and Ighodaro have a chance to carve out meaningful roles. Even if he does come off the bench, it appears as though Maluach is the player fantasy managers will want to be targeting in drafts, likely in the 100 range.

Barnes tallied six points (2-5 FG, 2-5 3Pt) and one steal in 17 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to Phoenix.

Barnes was barely visible in the loss, an indication of what is likely to come this season. Although he does provide the team with a valid floor-spacing option, a lack of peripheral stats severely limits his overall upside. At best, he could be streamed in for threes, although only when desperate.

Kornet finished with four points (2-7 FG), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 17 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to the Suns.

Kornet led the Spurs with 10 rebounds, turning in another solid performance off the bench. As was the case last season, Kornet is slated to play the primary backup role behind Victor Wembanyama. This should be enough for him to hold value in deeper formats. As for those in standard leagues, he should be viewed as nothing more than a situational streaming consideration.