NBA Player News

Robinson will open the season as the starting center Tuesday against Detroit, Sean Grande of NBC Sports Boston reports.

Robinson was considered the favorite to start, and he officially wins the job for the season opener. He's had trouble staying healthy in the past, so it will be interesting to see how the minutes are divvied up between him and Neemias Queta.

Bittle (foot) is out for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Bulls.

Bittle, who just landed a two-way deal with Toronto, continues to recover from a foot fracture. The rookie big man didn't appear in the preseason and has no timetable for a return to the floor.

Adams will sit out one leg of back-to-back sets to begin the year, per Will Guillory of The Athletic.

The Rockets followed a similar maintenance plan with the veteran big man a season ago. Houston should lean more heavily on Tari Eason, Jabari Smith and Clint Capela for center minutes when Adams is resting.

Biberovic (heel) is unlikely to play in Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Rockets, per Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com.

Biberovic isn't practicing due to right heel bursitis. Even once healthy, the rookie swingman is unlikely to open 2026-27 in the Dallas rotation.

VanVleet will sit out one game of back-to-back sets to open the season, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

This was mentioned several times during the offseason, and coach Ime Udoka confirmed that plan Tuesday. Whether or not these restrictions will stay in place for the whole season remains to be seen. Marcus Smart will start in the games that VanVleet takes off. The first back-to-back set begins Friday against the Spurs.

Christie (foot) will play in Wednesday's regular-season opener against Houston, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Christie is dealing with a sore foot, but he practiced Tuesday and is expected to be a full go for Wednesday. Christie is projected to open the season as the No. 2 shooting guard on the depth chart.

Aldama (knee) is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Houston, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Coach Dusty May said Aldama was limited at Tuesday's practice, and while he's getting closer, it sounds like the team will take a cautious approach with the big man. In the meantime, guys like Caleb Martin and Morez Johnson are candidates to be more involved.

Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Tuesday that Merrill (elbow) went through a full practice, per Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland.

It sounds like Merrill is progressing well from an elbow injury. The Cavaliers will release their first injury report Wednesday, and Merrill can be tentatively deemed questionable for Thursday's regular-season opener against the 76ers in the meantime.

Goldin (ankle) did not practice Tuesday, Ira reports.

Goldin's status for Wednesday against Minnesota is in the air. The center is not projected to be in the rotation early on this season.

Black (ankle) said Tuesday that he doesn't know if he will play in Wednesday's season opener against the Hawks, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

The Magic did not come to terms with Black on a contract extension before the deadline, setting the guard up to become a restricted free agent next offseason. He said that doesn't change his perspective of the season, however. Black was unable to play in any exhibitions and remains day-to-day.