Injury report

Wiggins and most of Atlanta's regulars won't play in the penultimate preseason game. He finished with 13 points (4-9 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, an assist and two steals across 20 minutes off the bench in Saturday's 119-117 preseason win over the Pacers.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

McCollum and most of Atlanta's regulars won't play in the penultimate preseason game. He recorded 12 points (2-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 7-7 FT) and five rebounds across 19 minutes in Saturday's 119-117 preseason win over the Pacers.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Daniels and most of Atlanta's regulars will rest during the Hawks' penultimate preseason contest. He tallied 13 points (6-16 FG, 1-3 3Pt), 11 rebounds, an assist and a steal across 21 minutes in Thursday's 123-116 preseason win over the Spurs but struggled with his shot against the Pacers on Saturday.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Veesaar suffered the injury during a workout on Sept. 15, and an MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The No. 52 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Veesaar was expected to spend a lot of time with Atlanta's G League affiliate this season.

Expected back: Thu, Jul 1

Johnson and most of Atlanta's regulars won't suit up for the penultimate preseason contest. He tallied 20 points (8-12 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds and three assists over 25 minutes in Saturday's 119-117 preseason win over the Pacers.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Gilbert continues to deal with patella tendinitis. His last chance to appear this preseason is Friday against the Mavericks.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Dort is sitting out Monday for maintenance purposes. The veteran swingman's next chance to play is Friday against Dallas.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Gueye will be re-evaluated by medical staff in 3-to-4 months, which means he'll miss all of training camp and preseason and likely the start of the 2026-27 regular season. It's a brutal blow for the fourth-year big man, given that the Hawks used the No. 23 overall pick of the 2026 NBA Draft to select St. John's product Zuby Ejiofor. Gueye's absence means Ejiofor will have more opportunities in the preseason, and the rookie could establish a key role off the bench behind Onyeka Okongwu and projected backup center Jock Landale (ankle).

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Okongwu is getting the night off Monday with Atlanta resting a number of starters. His next chance to play arrives Friday against Dallas.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The rookie first-rounder will now have been sidelined for the entire preseason with a back injury, costing him valuable reps this fall. His status is up in the air for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the Hornets.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Carter will miss a second consecutive game due to an illness. His next chance to suit up could come Friday against Philadelphia.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

White missed time with a left calf strain last season and is now in jeopardy of starting the regular season on the inactive list. If the 26-year-old guard is forced to miss time beyond the preseason, Christian Anderson and Dennis Schroder would likely see increased playing time.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Williams will be re-evaluated the first week of the regular season, putting his status for Opening Night in the air. Williams will have a difficult path to minutes this season as he competes with the likes of Naz Reid, Royce O'Neale and Tidjane Salaun.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Allen missed Sunday's game due to right knee soreness and remained sidelined for Wednesday's defeat. His final chance to suit up during the preseason will come Friday against the Grizzlies.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Knueppel's status for Opening Night remains uncertain as he continues to work his way back from his left hamstring injury. Peterson's comments suggest the Hornets aren't ready to rule out the second-year wing, though his availability will likely become clearer as training camp progresses. He has already been ruled out for the entire preseason, to be clear.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

It doesn't sound like the two-way guard will be available for the preseason, but he's hopeful to not miss any time during the G League season. Boswell is not expected to be a significant part of the Hornets' rotation this season.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Okoro missed practice Tuesday and was ultimately sidelined Wednesday due to an undisclosed issue. The wing's next chance to suit up will come Friday against Minnesota.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

This is a huge blow for Claxton and it rules him out for the entire preseason. For now, fantasy managers can consider him questionable for Opening Night on Oct. 21 against the Raptors. Jalen Smith is the next man up on the depth chart for Chicago, followed by Zach Collins (toe).

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Awaka missed practice Tuesday and was ultimately sidelined Wednesday while managing a knee injury he sustained Friday against Memphis. The rookie's next chance to suit up will come Friday against Minnesota.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Collins has yet to suit up in the preseason due to a toe injury but is making progress ahead of the regular season. The big man's final chance to suit up in the preseason will come Friday against Minnesota.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Diop is away from the team while tending to a knee injury. His next chance to rejoin Cleveland comes next Thursday for the season opener against the 76ers.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 22

Tomlin is away from the team while tending to a back injury. He carries no timetable for a return.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 22

Merrill will be held out of Cleveland's preseason finale due to right elbow soreness. The 30-year-old sharpshooter's next opportunity to play will come in the Cavaliers' regular-season opener against Philadelphia on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 22

Flagg is getting Wednesday night off for rest purposes. He'll look to return Friday against the Hawks in what could be a dress rehearsal for the Mavericks.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The big man is receiving a maintenance day Wednesday. His next chance to play comes Friday against the Hawks.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Lively underwent right foot surgery in December and has progressed to some shooting and on-court work, but the big man isn't quite ready to return to game action. His next chance to suit up will come Friday against Atlanta, though there's been no indication of an imminent return, and Lively could ultimately miss time to begin the regular season.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Howard appeared in Dallas' first two preseason games but will be sidelined Wednesday due to an illness. His next chance to suit up will come Friday against Atlanta.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Irving is sitting out this exhibition Wednesday. Friday's game against the Hawks marks his last chance for a tune-up.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Sasser has yet to appear in a preseason game due to left adductor tightness. His next chance to play will come Friday against Atlanta.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The rookie first-rounder missed the start of training camp with leg soreness, so Dallas is taking a cautious approach. Johnson could return for Friday's preseason finale against the Hawks.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Cisse exited early, though Dallas head coach Dusty May downplayed the severity of the injury. "They said he tweaked an ankle and I don't think preseason is a reason to push it," May said, per source. As such, the Mavericks could opt to hold Cisse out of Friday's preseason finale against Atlanta.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Aldama is still recovering from right knee surgery in March and has been limited during training camp. The forward's next chance to suit up will come Friday against Atlanta, though a formal timeline for his return to game action has yet to be established.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The Nuggets' starters will all suit up versus Los Angeles, though the team will be without its top bench option. DeRozan has had a quiet preseason, averaging 4.7 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 10.2 minutes per contest. However, it's reasonable to assume he will be much more productive come the start of the regular season.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Strawther exited to the locker room in the third quarter of Wednesday's loss to the Clippers after his left knee bent awkwardly following contact while handling the ball. "All you can do is hope for the best," said Nuggets head coach David Adelman. An extended absence for Strawther would test Denver's depth on the wing with Spencer Jones (hamstring) not yet cleared for contact.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

It appears unlikely that Jones will be recovered from a hamstring injury in time to receive any preseason reps. Given where he's at in his rehab, Jones' status for the start of the regular season is in limbo as well.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 22

The veteran center isn't making the trip to Las Vegas for this exhibition. He'll look to return for Friday's preseason finale versus Portland.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The veteran big man will be held out of Tuesday's contest, with his last chance to suit up in the preseason coming Friday against Portland. Charles Bassey will get the starting nod in Green's absence.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Butler is still months away from retaking the floor, according to Nick Friedell of The Athletic, so a season debut at some point December might be too optimistic. The star forward remains without a definitive timeline for a return after undergoing ACL surgery in early February, which typically carries at least a nine-month recovery period. Butler makes sense as an injury stash at the end of fantasy drafts, but managers should likely be bracing for him to miss at least the first two months of the regular season.

Expected back: Sat, Jan 2

Head coach Steve Kerr still has no update on Porzingis' timeline for a return, per Luca Evans of the San Francisco Chronicle. With so much camp time missed, the big man's status for the start of the regular season remains in serious doubt at this point.

Expected back: Mon, Nov 9

Moody suffered the injury March 23 and underwent season-ending surgery four days later. The 24-year-old had been targeting September to resume running and on-court work, so his latest progress appears to keep his rehabilitation on track, though he remains without a firm timetable for his return to game action.

Expected back: Tue, Dec 1

Sengun recorded 16 points (6-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and three blocks in 22 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over Dallas but will take a seat Sunday. Sengun is coming off another impressive year, averaging 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks in 33.3 minutes per game across 72 regular-season appearances in 2025-26. However, the star center shot just 69.1 percent from the charity stripe and 30.5 percent from downtown. He's been focused on improving in those areas this offseason, and an uptick in efficiency would be a significant step toward becoming a more well-rounded player.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

VanVleet made his first appearance since suffering an ACL injury more than a year ago, finishing with 17 points (5-12 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven assists, two rebounds and two steals in 24 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over Dallas. The veteran point guard will likely be limited throughout the 2026-27 season, but he's on track to be the starting point guard on Opening Night.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

According to coach Ime Udoka, Durant was initially scheduled to play only the first half Friday but requested additional minutes to build chemistry with Fred VanVleet and his other new teammates. The veteran forward's absence Sunday appears to be a planned precaution rather than an injury-related setback, and Houston should have additional minutes available for its other wings and forwards

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Adams totaled two points (1-1 FG), three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 14 minutes during Friday's 135-117 preseason win over the Mavericks, marking his first game action since undergoing ankle surgery in January. The veteran center is expected to be the primary backup to Alperen Sengun this season.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Nesmith has already seen a healthy amount of reps in the preseason. The Pacers will have one more exhibition left on the schedule following this contest.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

It's unclear if Nembhard is dealing with an injury, though it's possible he's just receiving a rest day. His final chance to play before the regular season will come Friday against Milwaukee.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

It's unclear why Walker will be held out of the Pacers' penultimate preseason game. His final chance to play before the regular season will come against the Bucks on Friday.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Furphy started in 21 of 35 regular-season appearances for the Pacers, posting averages of 5.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.7 three-pointers in 18.4 minutes per contest. While no timetable has been announced, Furphy's absence could extend through the beginning of the 2026-27 season. With this news, the Pacers will likely lean more on Ben Sheppard, Kam Jones and Quenton Jackson moving forward.

Expected back: Fri, Jan 1

McConnell has yet to appear in a preseason contest and has also missed practice time, though Indiana hasn't disclosed the reason for his absence. The veteran guard will sit out alongside Andrew Nembhard, Aaron Nesmith and Jarace Walker, potentially opening additional opportunities for the Pacers' younger players. McConnell's final chance to suit up during the preseason will come Friday against Milwaukee.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Beal is dealing with knee inflammation that will keep him sidelined for Opening Night. While it's unclear how long the Clippers will be without the veteran guard, Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler and Kris Dunn should dominate the backcourt minutes in his absence. Beal's 2025-26 campaign was cut short by a hip injury after he averaged 8.2 points and 1.7 assists in 20.6 minutes across just six regular-season appearances.

Expected back: Sun, Nov 8

The Clippers learned about the injury this summer, though it's unclear exactly how far along Ingram is in his recovery. The star forward's timeline for a return is unclear, clouding his fantasy outlook in the meantime. Darius Garland should take on all the usage he can handle in Ingram's stead, while Kris Dunn and Max Strus could have additional streaming appeal early in the year.

Expected back: Sun, Nov 8

It's a tough break for Miller, who had an opportunity to battle for a reserve role during training camp in the fall. The timeline for a return is likely to keep him on the shelf until after the All-Star break. Miller's extended stay on the sidelines gives Kobe Sanders a chance to crack the Clippers' rotation.

Expected back: Mon, Mar 1

While Sanders isn't available for the Clippers' final preseason game, the team is optimistic he will be cleared to suit up for Opening Night against the Kings. With Max Strus (foot), Bradley Beal (knee) and Brandon Ingram (Achilles) all sidelined to begin the 2026-27 campaign, Sanders might be in line for a more prominent role. The 24-year-old appeared in 68 regular-season games as a rookie in 2024-25, starting 16 of them, averaging 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 19.9 minutes per contest.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

After appearing in each of the Clippers' first two preseason games, Dunn will be sidelined Wednesday for rest purposes. The veteran guard's next chance to suit up will come in the club's regular-season opener Oct. 21 against the Kings, when he could see an elevated role with Bradley Beal (knee) ruled out for Opening Night.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Plantar fascia injuries can be tricky to recover from, with the only remedy typically being prolonged rest, so don't be surprised if Strus' absence extends well beyond this initial four-week window. With Strus now set to miss at least the first few weeks of the season, and Bradley Beal (knee) uncertain for opening night, Keaton Wagler could be thrust into the first unit sooner than expected.

Expected back: Sun, Nov 8

Niederhauser is progressing from March surgery but won't be able to suit up to begin the year. The Clippers are likely to take a cautious approach with the 2025 first-rounder. Isaiah Jackson should occupy the backup center spot behind Brook Lopez early in the campaign.

Expected back: Sun, Nov 8

Thiero is among several Lakers players who have been ruled out, though the team hasn't specified the reason for his absence. Coach JJ Redick indicated that the young forward remains day-to-day, leaving open the possibility of a return for Friday's preseason finale against Denver.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Carr remains day-to-day but will miss a second straight game due to an undisclosed injury. His final chance to play again in the preseason will come Friday against Denver.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Sexton remains day-to-day with a lower-leg injury. His final chance to suit up in the preseason will come Friday against the Nuggets.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

There is no injury to report and this is reported to be a planned night off for Doncic. He will have one more chance to get some exhibition reps in Friday against Denver.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Williams continues to deal with a foot contusion that has kept him out of recent preseason action. Coach JJ Redick indicated that the forward remains day-to-day, suggesting the injury isn't considered a long-term concern. Williams' next opportunity to suit up will come Friday against Denver in the Lakers' preseason finale.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Stewart, who was traded from Detroit to Memphis over the summer, sustained a left ankle sprain in the team's preseason opener and is now likely to miss Opening Night. His absence opens the door for Quinten Post to move into the backup center role behind Zach Edey in the interim.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 23

Peavy missed a third consecutive contest due to an ankle injury. His final chance to play in the preseason will come next Friday against Charlotte.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The star big man is dealing with minor right groin tightness. Friday's game against the Magic is his next chance to play.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

This is a tough blow for the point guard who was penciled in as the top backup behind Davion Mitchell. If he indeed misses a couple weeks, he could be back in time for their final preseason contest Oct. 16.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Kelley signed a deal with Miami on Thursday but has yet to see any game action. His current health status hasn't been disclosed, though the big man's Summer League stint was cut short by a right calf strain that could still be a factor. Kelley's final chance to suit up during the preseason will come Friday against the Magic.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Larsson was initially deemed doubtful to play Thursday. He remains day-to-day while dealing with an illness.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Green has played in two of Milwaukee's preseason contests. His final opportunity to get on the floor before the start of the 2026-27 campaign will come Friday in Indiana.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The Bucks are giving the veteran swingman Wednesday night off. His next chance for preseason action is Friday against the Pacers.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The Bucks are set to rest a number of key players for this exhibition. Jaquez's last chance for preseason reps comes Friday against the Pacers.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Porter has appeared in two of the Bucks' preseason games. His final chance to play before the start of the regular season will come Friday against Indiana.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Kuzma is joining a number of Milwaukee regulars on the sidelines for this exhibition. Friday's matchup with the Pacers is his next chance to play.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Turner started in all three of Milwaukee's preseason games thus far, averaging 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 steals and 2.7 blocks over 21.7 minutes per contest. It's unknown if he will suit up for Friday's preseason meeting with the Pacers, Milwaukee's final exhibition before the start of the regular season on Oct. 21 in Washington.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Ament will remain sidelined due to a left ankle sprain he sustained Oct. 7 against Oklahoma City. His availability for Friday's matchup against Indiana remains uncertain, though Milwaukee head coach Taylor Jenkins suggested the rookie should be ready for Opening Night.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Rollins will take the night off before possibly suiting up for Friday's preseason meeting with the Pacers. The 24-year-old has played relatively well during the preseason (three games), averaging 13.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.3 steals over 19.4 minutes per contest.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The star guard is receiving a rest day Wednesday. His last chance for exhibition reps arrives Friday against the Pacers.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

DiVincenzo is approaching six months since tearing his right Achilles during the first round of the playoffs and has been rehabbing with the expectation that he'll play at some point this season. The veteran guard has sought advice from Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton and Damian Lillard during his recovery, though Minnesota has yet to establish a timetable for his return.

Expected back: Thu, Apr 1

Freeman exited Saturday's contest against Miami due to a right shoulder injury and has since missed two consecutive games. The forward's final opportunity to suit up during the preseason will come Friday against Chicago.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Zikarsky appeared in two of Minnesota's first three preseason games but has been unavailable for the club's past two contests. His next chance to suit up will come Friday against Chicago.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Murray has appeared in just one preseason game due to a toe injury. The Pelicans play their final exhibition Friday versus Washington, though it's unknown if Murray will suit up for that contest.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

It's the second night of a back-to-back set in the preseason, so the Knicks will sit out their entire starting unit. Expect more minutes for Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Per Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, Hart will sit out Tuesday's exhibition for rest, as it is the second night of a back-to-back set during the preseason. Hart's absence should open up minutes for Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Towns was solid, if unspectacular, as New York fell to 0-3 in preseason play. The standout center has played in each of the first three contests but will take a seat for the second half of the back-to-back set Tuesday at Toronto. Towns' next chance to suit up will come Thursday at home against the Raptors.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

According to Stefan Bondy of The New York Post, Mike Brown said that he will hold out his regular starters for Tuesday's game in Toronto for rest purposes. With Bridges and the rest of the first unit unavailable, Jordan Clarkson might see a large uptick in usage.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Anunoby put forth a solid scoring effort, fueled by perfection at the charity stripe, while also tallying a team-high three steals in the loss. The veteran wing has scored in double figures in each of his three preseason appearances, but he'll be inactive for the second half of the back-to-back set Tuesday at Toronto. Anunoby's next chance to suit up will come Thursday, also against the Raptors.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Mitchell is out for both ends of this back-to-back set. His next chance to play is Thursday against the Rockets.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Holmgren has yet to play in the preseason due to a quad contusion and will remain on the inactive list in the second leg of this back-to-back set. The big man's final chance to suit up before the regular season will come Thursday versus Houston.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Williams is still dealing with a heel injury and won't play in the second half of this back-to-back set. The big man's final chance to see game action ahead of the regular season will come Thursday against Houston.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Topic is sitting out this exhibition with a back injury. He has no timeline for a return ahead of Thursday's game against the Rockets.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Oweh exited Tuesday's preseason game against the Pacers with a non-contact injury that was later diagnosed as a ruptured right Achilles tendon. The No. 41 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft already faced an uphill battle for playing time on a loaded Thunder roster and will now miss his entire rookie campaign. Depending on his recovery progress, Oweh could be a candidate to participate in the 2027 Summer League.

Expected back: Thu, Jul 1

Sorber continues to nurse a knee injury Tuesday. His next chance to play is Thursday against the Rockets.

Expected back: Thu, Oct 15

Black has been working his way back from a right ankle sprain, and his participation in practice marks another step toward a return to game action. However, his availability for Friday's preseason finale against Miami remains uncertain. Orlando may elect to take a cautious approach with the guard ahead of the regular season.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

With Nelson still in recovery mode from the left ankle surgery he underwent this summer, his path back to game action remains delayed for the early part of the season. The rookie big man is on a two-way contract with the Magic, so his short-term absence mainly affects his developmental timeline rather than Orlando's regular rotation.

Expected back: Sun, Nov 1

Isaac previously missed time during the preseason due to personal reasons but has since rejoined the team on the court. Although his participation in practice is a positive development, his status for Friday's exhibition against Miami has yet to be determined. The Magic now have their full roster participating in on-court activities.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

It appears to be a routine maintenance day for the veteran big man. Friday's matchup versus the Heat marks his next chance to play.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Bona is already expected to miss Friday's preseason finale against Boston, but he's still aiming to be ready for the start of the regular season. Once healthy, Bona is in line to serve as the No. 2 center behind Joel Embiid.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Simons continues to deal with tightness in his hamstring, though he's trending in the right direction. For now, he's questionable at best for the next preseason game Oct. 16 against the Celtics.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Hukporti went down with an Achilles injury in Monday's preseason opener against the Knicks, and an MRI has since revealed a rupture. He signed a one-year deal with the 76ers over the summer, so Hukporti will be an unrestricted free agent come season's end. With Hukporti's year already finished, Adem Bona (foot) should assume the backup center role behind Joel Embiid once healthy.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 1

Barlow has missed the entire preseason so far and remains without a timetable to return. He can be considered questionable at best for Friday's preseason finale against Boston.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Brown will skip his first meeting against his former team in Boston, but he should be able to get back out there for Friday's rematch with the Celtics. Justin Edwards and Dean Wade will help pick up the slack Saturday with Brown unavailable.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Head coach Nick Nurse is resting most of the vets for Saturday's exhibition, so Jabari Walker could get all the run he can handle. Embiid should return for Friday's preseason rematch with Boston.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

LeBron James (rest), Joel Embiid (rest) and Jaylen Brown (rest) will join Caldwell-Pope on the inactive list for Saturday's exhibition, which may result in major minutes for Rayan Rupert and Caleb Love. Caldwell-Pope's next chance to play will come Friday in a rematch with the Celtics.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The Sixers will be resting several players for this contest, and James is one of the many projected starters who will be taking a seat alongside Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown. The 76ers will manage James' workload carefully with an eye toward having him ready for the regular-season opener against the Knicks on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

This is a tough blow for Fall, as he's already facing an uphill battle to make the final roster. A return Oct. 16 isn't out of the question based on this timetable.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Gillespie has appeared in three preseason games for the Suns in 2026, averaging 16.9 minutes per contest. However, as expected, the 27-year-old will rest Wednesday, with his final chance to see more preseason action coming Friday versus Utah.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Booker will get another night off Wednesday. His final chance to get on the floor this preseason will come Friday against the Jazz.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Brooks joins a lengthy list of Phoenix players expected to be unavailable, opening additional opportunities on the wing. With the Suns' preseason schedule wrapping up Friday against Utah, his next appearance could come in that contest.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Green was expected to sit this one out, so the latest update isn't surprising. His final chance to suit up before the start of the regular season will come Friday against Utah.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

This is a tough blow for the center with training camp right around the corner. With his status for Opening Night in jeopardy, this will put a lot of eyes on Oso Ighodaro and Khaman Maluach, with the latter already drawing buzz during the Summer League. More clarity on Williams' timeline should be known in the coming weeks.

Expected back: Wed, Feb 3

Bridges and the other veterans on the roster will sit this one out. His final opportunity to get on the floor before the start of the regular season will come Friday versus the Jazz.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Ighodaro averaged 17.5 minutes in the Suns' first three preseason games, though he will take the night off Wednesday to rest. His final chance to play before the start of the 2026-27 campaign will come Friday versus Utah.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Youngblood will miss his second exhibition game in as many days due to left calf soreness. His final chance to play again in the preseason will come Friday against Golden State.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

It's a tough blow to the Trail Blazers' depth on the wing ahead of training camp. Sharpe, who is now likely to be sidelined until after the All-Star break, had been ticketed for a reserve role behind Toumani Camara following an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, which saw average a career-high 20.8 points, 1.4 steals and 2.1 three-pointers per game over 50 regular-season appearances. The door is now open for Vit Krejci and Jeremy Sochan to compete for bench minutes during camp.

Expected back: Tue, Mar 2

Simmons will get the night off Tuesday. His final chance to play in the preseason will come against the Spurs on Friday.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The Kings will be extremely shorthanded Tuesday, as they're resting several regulars. Acuff's final chance to play in the preseason will come Friday against the Spurs.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Hunter will join several other regulars on the inactive list. His final chance to play in the preseason will come Friday against the Spurs.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Sabonis joins several Sacramento regulars on the sidelines Tuesday, though no reason for his absence was provided. With both Sabonis and Maxime Raynaud (knee) unavailable, the Kings will need to rely on other frontcourt options against the Trail Blazers. Sabonis' next opportunity to suit up will come Friday against San Antonio.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Cardwell appeared in 44 games last season, providing frontcourt depth while Domantas Sabonis dealt with injuries. Sacramento will also be without Maxime Raynaud (knee) to begin the campaign, leaving the team thin at center behind Sabonis. Cardwell's return timetable remains uncertain, but his absence could create additional opportunities for the Kings' remaining frontcourt reserves.

Expected back: Mon, Nov 2

Monk is one of several Kings guards who will be unavailable Tuesday, joining Zach LaVine, Ben Simmons and Darius Acuff on the sidelines. His next chance to see preseason action will come Friday against San Antonio.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Raynaud is recovering from a right patellar subluxation and appears set to begin the campaign on the sidelines. The young center appeared in 74 games last season, helping anchor Sacramento's frontcourt while Domantas Sabonis battled injuries. With Dylan Cardwell also sidelined, the Kings will be especially dependent on Sabonis until their reserve centers return.

Expected back: Mon, Nov 2

Achiuwa started at center and posted a double-double before leaving late with a right ankle injury and being ruled out. With Maxime Raynaud (knee) and Dylan Cardwell (calf) each expected to miss at least two weeks, the severity of the ankle injury matters a lot for Sacramento's frontcourt depth.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

LaVine is among eight Kings players ruled out for Tuesday's contest. His next opportunity to play will come Friday against San Antonio in the preseason finale.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

The Spurs are expected to exercise extreme caution with the big man, as Quaintance suffered a torn ACL and meniscus with Arizona State in February 2025 before appearing in only four games with Kentucky last season due to severe complications and persistent swelling. The 19-year-old underwent a cleanup procedure on his meniscus in mid-July, and the Spurs will likely want him at 100 percent before ramping him up to basketball activities.

Expected back: Tue, Dec 1

Champagnie started San Antonio's first three preseason games but will get Wednesday off for rest purposes. His next chance to suit up will come Friday against Sacramento.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Johnson will get a rest day after playing in each of San Antonio's first three preseason games. His next chance to suit up will come Friday against Sacramento.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Kornet has appeared in all three of the Spurs' preseason games. As a result, he will take the night off Wednesday, with his final opportunity to suit up before the start of the 2026-27 campaign coming Friday versus Sacramento.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

"It's a calf strain, the seriousness is what it is," said Johnson. "We won't rush him at all. I guess the question will be is he ready for the season opener? Totally questionable and we will not push that at all. So, we'll take it slow. There is no concern of this level of seriousness, and at the same time, we will not rush him at all." It sounds like Harris, who has already been ruled out for the preseason, is in danger of missing opening night. His absence will open up minutes for Julian Champagnie, Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes.

Expected back: Tue, Oct 20

Bittle can presumably be ruled out for the remainder of the preseason as he works his way back to full health. The big man was spotted in a walking boot in early September and remains without a clear timetable for a return to game action.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Hinson is managing a left adductor injury that'll keep him sidelined Monday. The forward appeared in Utah's first two preseason games, and his next chance to suit up will come Friday against Phoenix.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Nurkic will begin the 2026-27 season on the sidelines, and given the tricky nature of foot injuries for big men, it wouldn't be shocking to see his absence extend beyond this initial four-week window. Jaren Jackson will likely spend more time at center while Nurkic is out, and there will be more minutes available for Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba.

Expected back: Wed, Nov 4

Filipowski tweaked his back while lifting in the 2025-26 offseason, which caused painful sciatica down his leg throughout the campaign and limited his explosiveness. This offseason, he underwent surgery to fix the herniated disc in his back that was causing the pain, and he's still rehabbing. With Jusuf Nurkic (foot) slated to miss Opening Night, Filipowski's availability moving forward will be one to monitor closely.

Expected back: Wed, Oct 21

Davis is getting the night off Monday for maintenance purposes. The star big man's next chance to play is Friday against the Pelicans.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Watkins, a two-way player for the Wizards, suffered the injury during the Summer League. Although Washington has yet to offer a timetable for a return, a typical recovery time for the procedure is approximately 9-to-12 months. That leaves Watkins in serious jeopardy of missing most, if not all, of the 2026-27 season, and it remains to be seen if the team will continue keeping him around on a two-way roster spot while he's injured.

Expected back: Thu, Apr 1

Middleton has yet to play in the preseason as he ramps up his conditioning. The veteran forward's next chance to suit up will come Friday against New Orleans.

Expected back: Fri, Oct 16

Although the big man will remain a limited participant in training camp as he continues his rehab from a hip impingement, it sounds like his absence from game action will extend into the regular season. Deandre Ayton should have the backup center role all to himself until Vukcevic is cleared to retake the floor.

Expected back: Mon, Nov 2