NBA Player News

Horford (rest) won't play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Lakers, per Nick Friedell of The Athletic.

The veteran center isn't making the trip to Las Vegas for this exhibition. He'll look to return for Friday's preseason finale versus Portland. Horford isn't expected to begin the season as a starter despite Kristaps Porzingis' (undisclosed) absence, per Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area.

Youngblood is out for Monday's exhibition against the London Lions with left calf soreness.

The two-way player is sitting out the first half of this back-to-back set. His next opportunity to play is Tuesday versus the Kings.

Williams (rest) is out for Monday's exhibition against the London Lions.

The Trail Blazers are giving the veteran big man a maintenance day Monday. Williams' next chance to play comes Tuesday against Sacramento.

Lillard (rest) is out for Monday's exhibition against the London Lions.

Portland is giving the veteran guard a maintenance day Monday. His next chance to play is Tuesday against the Kings.

Simmons is expected to remain in Sacramento's starting lineup alongside rookie guard Darius Acuff for the Oct. 21 regular-season opener against the Clippers, Marc J. Spears of Andscape reports.

Simmons is aiming to play all 82 games this season after struggling to stay healthy in recent years. The veteran last appeared in more than 51 games during the 2020-21 campaign, when he played 58 contests for Philadelphia. His projected starting role alongside Acuff is encouraging for his fantasy outlook, particularly given his playmaking and rebounding ability, though his durability remains a significant concern.

Williams (undisclosed) is out for Monday's preseason game against Utah, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.

Williams is remaining on the inactive list for the Spurs on Monday. Wednesday's matchup with the Suns marks his next chance to play.

Bryant (ankle) won't play in Monday's preseason game against Utah, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.

Bryant exited Saturday's preseason loss to Phoenix after rolling his right ankle in the first half and did not return, so the Spurs are giving him a day to recover Monday. His next chance to play comes Wednesday against the Suns.

Castle (rest) will not play in Monday's preseason matchup against Utah, Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News reports.

The Spurs planned to rest several regulars for Monday's contest before the preseason began, so Castle's absence is not believed to be injury-related. Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell are also among the players sitting out. Castle's next opportunity to suit up will come Wednesday against the Suns.

Vassell (rest) won't play in Monday's preseason game against Utah, per Tom Orsborn of the San Antonio Express-News.

Vassell is joining the rest of San Antonio's usual starters on the sidelines Monday. His next chance to suit up arrives Wednesday against Phoenix.

Leonard (not injury related) will make his preseason debut Tuesday against the Knicks, Esfandiar Baraheni of The Athletic reports.

After missing the first two preseason contests, Leonard has the green light to return. The Raptors have brought him along slowly, and it's likely he plays a limited role in his first game with the team.