NBA Player News

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.

Dybantsa (ankle) will not debut Wednesday against the Bucks, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Dybantsa remained limited at Tuesday's practice and is still considered day-to-day after picking up the sprain during the final preseason game Friday. It sounds like the Wizards are being extra cautious with the No. 1 overall pick. In the meantime, Tre Johnson, Bilal Coulibaly and Will Riley could see additional minutes.

Hawkins (illness) is out for Wednesday's game against the Raptors, K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network reports.

Hawkins is day-to-day but will not travel with the team ahead of Opening Night. The guard is on a two-way contract and is not projected to be in the rotation early on.