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Yuki Kawamura PG | LAC
Clippers' Yuki Kawamura: Provides spark off bench
Kawamura registered 10 points (3-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four assists and two steals across 14 minutes off the bench in Saturday's 114-106 preseason loss to the Raptors.
Kawamura made the most of his limited playing time, shooting efficiently while contributing as both a playmaker and defender. His two steals were noticeable, as they highlighted his defensive activity, and he finished with a plus-12 rating, the Clippers' second-highest mark behind Jahmyl Telfort. The performance offered an encouraging glimpse of his ability to provide energy and offensive creation off the bench. However, it remains to be seen whether his preseason showing will be enough to earn a roster spot ahead of Opening Night.
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Brook Lopez C | LAC
Clippers' Brook Lopez: Grabs seven rebounds in limited action
Lopez finished with six points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), seven rebounds, an assist and a block across 15 minutes in Saturday's 114-106 preseason loss to the Raptors.
Lopez provided a solid presence on the glass, leading the Clippers' starters with seven rebounds despite playing just 15 minutes. Lopez's abbreviated workload limited his scoring opportunities, but his rebounding production was encouraging. That said, he's expected to open the season as the No. 2 center behind Isaiah Jackson, though a strong showing in the final preseason games could change that. The veteran is still an imposing presence on the glass who can hit threes, so that should give him steady minutes regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
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Darius Garland PG | LAC
Clippers' Darius Garland: Hands out four assists in loss
Garland recorded 11 points (4-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and four assists across 19 minutes in Saturday's 114-106 preseason loss to the Raptors.
Garland struggled to find his shooting rhythm, but he contributed as a facilitator, leading the Clippers' starters with four assists while committing just one turnover. The veteran guard played fewer than 20 minutes as Los Angeles distributed playing time throughout its roster, but fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about the limited playing time. He's penciled as the starting floor general ahead of the regular-season opener against the Kings on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
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Leaky Black SF | SAC
Kings' Leaky Black: Scores nine points on four shots
Black (face) registered nine points (3-4 FG, 3-3 3Pt), three rebounds and two steals over 17 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason loss to the Warriors.
Black exited Thursday's exhibition after getting whacked in the face and did not return, but he was back out there Saturday night and didn't seem any worse for the wear. Black is on a training camp deal with the Kings, so he's not guaranteed a regular-season roster spot.
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Chucky Hepburn PG | TOR
Raptors' Chucky Hepburn: Doesn't return Saturday
Hepburn (hamstring) didn't return to Saturday's preseason game against the Clippers.
Hepburn appeared to tweak his hamstring late in the third quarter, logging just one minute and committing a foul. Further tests will be needed to determine whether he'll be able to suit up against the Knicks on Tuesday in the next preseason game.
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Cade Cunningham SG | DET
Pistons' Cade Cunningham: Doesn't play vs. Washington
Cunningham (rest) didn't play in Saturday's 114-108 preseason loss to the Wizards.
Cunningham wasn't announced in the starting lineup for this contest, with Daniss Jenkins taking his place, but the star guard didn't even step on the hardwood. This was likely a precautionary move to manage Cunningham's workload before the start of the regular season, so fantasy managers shouldn't worry too much about his absence. His next chance to play in the preseason will come Wednesday against the Timberwolves.
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Darius Acuff Jr. PG | SAC
Kings' Darius Acuff: Scores 25, adds eight dimes
Acuff posted 25 points (8-15 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 5-5 FT), four rebounds and eight assists across 27 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason loss to the Warriors.
Acuff scored a game-high 25 points and traded blows with fellow rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who scored 23 for the Warriors. This was a step in the right direction for Acuff, who posted 12 points on 4-for-15 shooting in Thursday's loss to the Lakers. He should continue to see ample playing time in the preseason ahead of the regular-season opener against the Clippers on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
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Yaxel Lendeborg PF | GS
Warriors' Yaxel Lendeborg: Double-doubles with six assists
Lendeborg produced 23 points (10-14 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block over 24 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over the Kings.
After a lackluster preseason debut, Lendeborg has caught fire over the past two, scoring efficiently while bringing a little bit of everything to the box score. He should start for the Warriors right away and makes for an intriguing late-round target on draft day.
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Georges Niang PF | GS
Warriors' Georges Niang: Scores 13 points on six shots
Niang (rest) recorded 13 points (4-6 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and one rebound over 19 minutes in Saturday's 111-106 preseason win over the Kings.
Niang skipped Wednesday's exhibition in Portland, but he was back in the mix Saturday and played well off the bench. Niang should be a rotation player for the Warriors this season, but his game doesn't really translate in fantasy leagues.