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Ziaire Williams PF | LAL
Lakers' Ziaire Williams: Starts over Grimes
Williams contributed nine points (4-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt), three rebounds, four assists and one steal over 24 minutes during Wednesday's 127-105 win over the Warriors.
It was somewhat of a surprise to see Williams win the Opening Night starting gig over Quentin Grimes, who started four of Los Angeles' five preseason games. Although Williams should hold streaming appeal while working with the first unit, he figures to have a tenuous hold on the role.
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Dillon Brooks SF | PHO
Suns' Dillon Brooks: Chips in 10 points Wednesday
Brooks recorded 10 points (4-11 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and four rebounds in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 124-83 loss to Portland.
Brooks hit double digits in scoring, but he failed to contribute in the box score outside of points and boards. With Jalen Green healthy and Miles Bridges in town, the veteran forward is likely to sacrifice some usage this year following a career-best 2025-26 season.
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Kel'el Ware C | MIL
Bucks' Kel'el Ware: Fouls out in limited run
Ware ended with seven points (3-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-3 FT), three rebounds, one assist and one steal over 14 minutes before fouling out of Wednesday's 128-116 loss to Washington.
Ware struggled with foul trouble in his Milwaukee debut, picking up six personals while serving as a reserve behind Myles Turner. The young center showed some offensive activity but missed both three-point attempts and two free throws. His fantasy upside remains intriguing, though his production could be inconsistent while operating in a limited role.
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Brayden Burries SG | MIL
Bucks' Brayden Burries: Scores 12 in NBA debut
Burries ended Wednesday's 128-116 loss to the Wizards with 12 points (3-6 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT) and five rebounds over 16 minutes.
The rookie guard made a strong impression in his regular-season debut, knocking down both three-point attempts and finishing as Milwaukee's fourth-leading scorer despite limited playing time. Burries faces considerable competition for backcourt minutes, but his efficient performance offers an encouraging starting point as he looks to establish a consistent role.
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Jalen Green SG | PHO
Suns' Jalen Green: Decent output in rout
Green registered 10 points (4-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt), two rebounds, three assists and one block in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 124-83 loss to Portland.
Green put together modest production in Wednesday's blowout defeat, which became lopsided early on. The 24-year-old guard endured an injury-ruined 2025-26 campaign, but he has a clean bill of health this year and should get on track before long.
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Miles Bridges PF | PHO
Suns' Miles Bridges: Subdued team debut
Bridges amassed eight points (3-11 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, one block and one steal over 29 minutes during Wednesday's 124-83 loss to the Trail Blazers.
It was a quiet team debut for Bridges, who more or less went down with the ship Wednesday. The 28-year-old forward is expected to play a big role as one of Phoenix's secondary scoring options behind Devin Booker, and better days are ahead for Bridges.
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Kasparas Jakucionis SF | MIL
Bucks' Kasparas Jakucionis: Impresses off bench
Jakucionis had 15 points (4-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-6 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one block across 26 minutes during Wednesday's 128-116 loss to the Wizards.
Jakucionis made a strong first impression in his regular-season debut with Milwaukee, finishing as the team's third-leading scorer while shooting efficiently and converting all six free-throw attempts. The young guard also logged the most minutes of any Bucks reserve, suggesting he could carve out a meaningful role in the rotation and emerge as an intriguing fantasy option in deeper leagues.
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Donovan Clingan C | POR
Trail Blazers' Donovan Clingan: Sniffs double-double in win
Clingan amassed 11 points (4-9 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and two assists across 21 minutes during Wednesday's 124-83 victory over the Suns.
None of Portland's starters reached the 25-minute mark, as Wednesday's season opener got out of hand early. Clingan still was able to flirt with a double-double, and bigger performances are likely ahead in more competitive contests.
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Isaiah Jackson C | LAC
Clippers' Isaiah Jackson: Makes most of limited action
Jackson produced 13 points (6-8 FG, 1-2 FT), five rebounds and one steal across 15 minutes during Wednesday's 121-96 win over the Kings.
Jackson won the Clippers' Opening Night starting job at center, but veteran Brook Lopez soundly outperformed him Wednesday. This position battle should remain worth keeping tabs on in the early going, as Jackson could lose his grip on the first unit if Lopez continues to outproduce him off the bench.
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Kyle Kuzma PF | MIL
Bucks' Kyle Kuzma: Shooting woes in loss
Kuzma totaled five points (2-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt), six rebounds, three assists and three steals in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 128-116 loss to Washington.
Kuzma endured a difficult shooting night against his former team, converting just two of nine attempts while committing three turnovers. His three steals helped offset the offensive struggles, but he was outscored by several Milwaukee reserves, including Kasparas Jakucionis and Brayden Burries. Kuzma remains part of the Bucks' starting lineup, though his scoring consistency and offensive role will be worth monitoring.