NBA Player News

Allen (knee) is active for Thursday's game against the 76ers.

Despite carrying a questionable tag leading up to Cleveland's regular-season opener in Philadelphia, Allen was always expected to suit up. The Cavaliers' starting center could be on a soft minutes restriction given his history with the lingering knee issue. Evan Mobley, Thomas Bryant, Peyton Watson and Jaylon Tyson would likely benefit from any vacated minutes.

Fox (wrist) is questionable to play in Friday's game against the Rockets.

Fox appears to have picked up a wrist injury that will leave his status for Friday's contest up in the air. He was efficient in the season-opening defeat Tuesday, tallying 14 points (6-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 32 minutes. If Fox is sidelined, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle will handle more of the playmaking duties, while Julian Champagnie would likely slide into the starting unit.

Johnson is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Rockets due to a mouth laceration.

Johnson required three stitches after Tuesday's season-opening loss to the Thunder and could miss the front end of this back-to-back set. If the 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year is ruled out, Carter Bryant and Harrison Barnes could see a bump in minutes.

Harris (calf) is out for Friday's game against the Rockets.

The veteran forward still isn't ready to make his Spurs debut due to a left calf strain. Harris is up against a quick turnaround if he wants to suit up in time for Saturday's matchup with the Mavericks. Both Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie stand out as worthy streaming candidates until Harris is cleared to play.

Niang has been cleared by the NCAA to play for LSU in the 2026-27 season, Sam Amico of HoopsWire.com reports.

Niang was drafted by the Cavaliers with the 58th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, though it's unclear when he'll make the jump to the NBA, considering the NCAA granted him two seasons of eligibility. Over 27 Lega Basket Serie A appearances with Virtus Bologna in 2025-26, he averaged 9.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.9 steals in 22.8 minutes per contest.

Gafford totaled two points (0-1 FG, 2-4 FT), three rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal across 22 minutes during Wednesday's 128-110 loss to the Rockets.

Gafford didn't offer much on the offensive end in Dallas' season-opening loss. However, the big man recorded a game-high mark in blocks while chipping in a steal. He figures to operate as Dallas' starting center for now, though the eventual returns of Santi Aldama (knee) and Dereck Lively (foot) will likely eat into Gafford's playing time.

Washington ended with 10 points (4-9 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one block over 31 minutes during Wednesday's 128-110 loss to the Rockets.

Washington didn't deliver his most efficient shooting performance but was still one of five Mavericks players to score in double figures. He also tied for third on the team in rebounds. The 28-year-old forward should continue playing a steady role for Dallas in 2026-27.

Murray-Boyles racked up six points (2-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal in 20 minutes during Wednesday's 135-92 win over the Bulls.

The second-year forward finished the 43-point victory as Toronto's leading rebounder despite coming off the bench. Jakob Poeltl tallied three points, six boards, one steal and one block as the starting center in 22 minutes, and it appears their playing time could be close to a 50-50 split, depending on the matchup.

Irving registered 15 points (6-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, two assists and one steal in 24 minutes during Wednesday's 128-110 loss to Houston.

Irving got his first taste of regular-season action since tearing his ACL in March 2025. The star point guard wasn't very aggressive in hunting his shot, though he didn't miss an attempt from inside the arc and finished as Dallas' fourth-leading scorer. The 34-year-old also tied for third on the team in rebounds.

Walter closed with 10 points (4-8 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, four assists and three steals across 23 minutes during Wednesday's 135-92 victory over Chicago.

The third-year guard out of Baylor impressed with a well-rounded stat line despite his struggles from behind the arc. His three swipes were second on the team behind Kawhi Leonard (23/6/2/1/4), as Walter did a little bit of everything in the 43-point victory. He was one of five Raptors to score in double figures, and the only one to do so as a reserve, but it'll be interesting to see what his playing time looks like in a more competitive contest.