NBA Player News

Johnson (rest) won't play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Johnson started at center during his Mavericks preseason debut, totaling four points (1-3 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 12 minutes during Friday's 135-117 loss to the Rockets. The rookie has been dealing with a minor lower-leg injury during training camp, so the Mavericks will likely proceed with caution, but it appears he's slated for a major role right away.

Martin (illness) will play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Martin will make his preseason debut after missing Friday's opener due to an illness. The veteran forward averaged a career-low 14.8 minutes per game during his first full season in Dallas last year.

Washington (ankle) will play in Sunday's preseason game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.

Washington missed Friday's preseason opener due to a left ankle sprain but will return to action Sunday, sliding into the starting lineup next to Cooper Flagg, Zaccharie Risacher, Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford. As a starter last season (53 games), Washington averaged 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

Ighodaro closed with eight points (4-7 FG), five rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks in 21 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the Spurs.

Ighodaro moved to the bench after having started the first two preseason games. However, despite the move, he turned in arguably his best performance of the preseason, chipping across a range of categories. Both he and Khaman Maluach are going to battle for center minutes, a situation that could very well result in a timeshare. While Maluach is the preferred target in most fantasy leagues, Ighodaro should at least be on the radar, particularly for those needing out-of-position steals late in drafts.

Brooks totaled 15 points (4-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), two rebounds, two assists and one steal in 24 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over San Antonio.

Brooks turned in another decent performance, finishing as one of four Suns players to score double digits. Coming off the best season of his career, Brooks should once again find himself playing a key role for Phoenix. However, managers should remember that last season's production came during a time when others were injured. With Miles Bridges also now vying for touches, it is unlikely Brooks will be able to repeat his heroics from the 2025-26 campaign.

Maluach closed with 10 points (4-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-1 FT), 15 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block in 23 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason win over the Spurs.

Maluach moved into the starting lineup, replacing Oso Ighodaro, who shifted back to the bench. The move worked wonders for Maluach, allowing him to put up easily his best game of the preseason. With Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined indefinitely, both Maluach and Ighodaro have a chance to carve out meaningful roles. Even if he does come off the bench, it appears as though Maluach is the player fantasy managers will want to be targeting in drafts, likely in the 100 range.

Barnes tallied six points (2-5 FG, 2-5 3Pt) and one steal in 17 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to Phoenix.

Barnes was barely visible in the loss, an indication of what is likely to come this season. Although he does provide the team with a valid floor-spacing option, a lack of peripheral stats severely limits his overall upside. At best, he could be streamed in for threes, although only when desperate.

Kornet finished with four points (2-7 FG), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 17 minutes during Saturday's 102-98 preseason loss to the Suns.

Kornet led the Spurs with 10 rebounds, turning in another solid performance off the bench. As was the case last season, Kornet is slated to play the primary backup role behind Victor Wembanyama. This should be enough for him to hold value in deeper formats. As for those in standard leagues, he should be viewed as nothing more than a situational streaming consideration.

Philon logged 14 points (5-13 FG, 4-8 3Pt), seven assists, two rebounds and one steal over 25 minutes during Saturday's 144-106 preseason loss to Boston.

Philon led the 76ers in both assists and three-pointers in Saturday's loss, and he finished tied with Jabari Walker as the team's second-leading scorer behind VJ Edgecombe (19 points). Philon was the 22nd overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft, but the rookie's role this season is a bit muddied given the strength of Philadelphia's starting lineup and veteran role players like Anfernee Simons (undisclosed) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (rest).

Maxey logged eight points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block over 18 minutes during Saturday's 144-106 preseason loss to the Celtics.

Maxey and VJ Edgecombe were the lone starters for the 76ers on Saturday while Jaylen Brown (rest), LeBron James (rest) and Joel Embiid (rest) were held out. Maxey didn't have the best game offensively, but he should have an easier time manoeuvring through defenses on a night-to-night basis when his star teammates are on the floor with him.