NBA Player News

James (illness) participated in Tuesday's practice, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

James was excused from Monday's practice due to an illness, though he appears to be trending in the right direction ahead of Wednesday's regular-season opener against Golden State. However, the 22-year-old's absence wouldn't figure to impact the rotation.

The Raptors exercised their third-year team option on Murray-Boyles' contract Tuesday, Vivek Jacob of the Raptors' official site reports.

Murray-Boyles is coming off a productive rookie campaign, averaging 8.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 combined steals-plus-blocks in 21.9 minutes per game across 57 regular-season appearances (22 starts). The 2025 No. 9 overall pick is set to play a sizable role as one of the first men of Toronto's bench in 2026-27, and he'll likely step into the starting lineup if Kawhi Leonard or Jakob Poeltl miss time.

Toronto exercised Walter's team option Tuesday, per Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca.

The Raptors picked up Walter's fourth-year team option for 2027-28. With Toronto's backcourt healthy, he'll have to settle for a bench role to open the new campaign.

Adams (calf) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.

Adams missed Houston's final two preseason games for rest purposes but is now dealing with right calf tightness ahead of the club's regular-season opener. If the veteran big man is unable to suit up, Clint Capela figures to see increased playing time behind Alperen Sengun.

Bassey (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's season opener versus the Lakers, per Nick Friedell of The Athletic.

Bassey missed practice Tuesday, placing him on the wrong side of the questionable marker. The big man is unlikely to play a significant role even with Kristaps Porzingis on the mend with an undisclosed medical issue.

Podziemski (back) was unable to practice Tuesday, Nick Friedell of The Athletic reports.

It was reported on Monday that Podziemski will be listed as questionable for Wednesday's season opener, and Friedell confirmed that remains the case. If the Warriors opt to hold him out, the team could rely more on De'Anthony Melton.

The Bulls picked up Buzelis' team option Tuesday.

This is a procedural move as the 2024 first-rounder rides out his rookie contract. Expectations are high for Buzelis as he enters his third NBA season, and the forward is primed for a key role with the rebuilding Bulls this year.

The Bulls exercised Essengue's team option Tuesday.

This is a formality while the 2025 first-rounder plays out his rookie deal. Essengue is expected to begin the season outside of the rotation but could carve out a role for the rebuilding Bulls at some point later this year.

Miller is probable for Wednesday's game against the Raptors with a right adductor strain.

This is a new injury for Miller, though it sounds minor. The Bulls have quite a few injuries, so Miller could be in the mix for a rotation spot after a strong showing in the preseason.

Okoro (knee) is probable for Wednesday's season opener against Toronto.

Okoro had his reps managed in the preseason but is expected to play Wednesday. He could see a couple of extra minutes in Dailyn Swain's (illness) expected absence.