Philadelphia 76ers forward Dominick Barlow started at power forward for the Sixers on Thursday afternoon and continued his strong training camp with 10 rebounds, six points, two assists, and one steal. He made significant contributions defensively in the Sixers' 99-84 loss and could be playing his way into a larger role in the rotation, especially since he brings some of the size the team lacks overall. Coach Nick Nurse identified Barlow as a training camp standout after signing a two-way deal with the Sixers this offseason. He spent last year with the Hawks, playing 35 games and averaging 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 10.7 minutes per contest in 35 games. Barlow is a bargain big man to watch this preseason to see how much of a role he can carve out for himself, and he could be a streaming or DFS value early in the year.

Philadelphia 76ers center Adem Bona stepped into the starting lineup for Thursday's exhibition opener in Abu Dhabi. True to form, Bona had a few highlight-reel plays but also struggled with foul trouble. He only ended up logging 14 minutes and contributing four points, two rebounds, an assist, and a block. Andre Drummond only played eight minutes off the bench and chipped in two points and three rebounds. Bona could have streaming or DFS value if (or when) Joel Embiid (knee) misses any time and he fills in the starting lineup, but he'll need to avoid foul trouble. Bona and Drummond will continue to compete for the backup center role, but Bona has more dynamic upside for fantasy if he can win the job.

Knicks guard Miles McBride played a team-high 21 minutes off the bench in the team's exhibition opener in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. He also led the way with 12 points while adding five rebounds, three steals, and two assists. He was very efficient, knocking down 5-of-7 shots overall and 2-of-4 from long range. Coming off a strong statistical season last year, McBride is a player who may be worth taking a late-round flier on in drafts, especially with a new-look rotation under coach Mike Brown. He can be a late-round source of steals and three-pointers, especially if he builds on this strong start to the preseason.

76ers guard VJ Edgecombe started and played 31 minutes in his team's exhibition against the Knicks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. He scored 14 points to go with six rebounds and three assists. He was an inefficient 4-for-13 from the floor and 1-for-6 on three-point attempts, but he played more minutes than any other Sixer and actually had a +1 point differential in his time on the floor. The No. 3 overall pick made multiple exciting plays on both ends of the floor and brings great energy to the Sixers' lineup. He started alongside Maxey in the backcourt and even slid over and took some minutes at point guard, which could boost his value if it's a trend that continues. While there's still room for improvement, it was a great showing for Edgecombe in his exhibition debut.

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (back) was forced to leave his team's exhibition game in Abu Dhabi with what head coach Mike Brown said was "lower-back soreness." Hart fell to the ground after grabbing a rebound and trying to lead a transition break. He clutched at his lower back and threw the ball into the stands in frustration while trying to keep the ball away from the 76ers' Kennedy Chandler. For throwing the ball into the stands, Hart was ejected from the game, although he was probably going to have to leave the game due to injury. He limped to the locker room, holding his back and wincing after the non-contact injury. Hart was already dealing with a finger injury he re-aggravated in training camp, but is planning to play through. Hart's availability will be important to monitor since OG Anunoby (hand) was also inactive Thursday because of a sprained hand, according to the team.

Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) did some shooting and bike riding during Wednesday's practice, Will Gottlieb of CHGO Sports reports. White arrived at training camp with a calf strain, and the Bulls are exercising "an overabundance of caution" to prevent the issue from becoming a lingering problem. With three weeks to go until opening night, White has a good amount of time to recover. We probably won't see much of him during the preseason, though. 2025-26 could be a big year for White, who averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists after the All-Star break last season, coinciding with Zach LaVine's move to Sacramento.

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) left Wednesday's practice early, Will Gottlieb of CHGO Sports reports. Williams tweaked his left ankle during the session. After practice, he was seen riding a stationary bike. Initial signs suggest he avoided a bad injury. "I don't think it's too serious," Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said about Williams' issue. Injuries have limited Williams to just 106 games over the past two campaigns. He had a tough year last season, shooting under 40 percent from the field and averaging 9.0 points with 3.8 rebounds per game. The 24-year-old still has time to improve, but he needs to stay healthy to elevate his game and become a more attractive option in fantasy basketball.

Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams will not play in Friday's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports. Williams hasn't yet participated in any five-one-five work during training camp. "He does everything in practice that we ask except live five-on-five at this point," Suns head coach Jordan Ott said Wednesday. "We have a plan for him. We know what his previous three years were (in Charlotte). So we have a plan for him going forward." Williams has faced health issues throughout his three-year NBA career, playing in only 106 games. It appears the Suns plan to be especially cautious with him, and rushing him into preseason action would not be wise. When healthy, Williams can be a significant contributor in fantasy basketball, having averaged a double-double last season with 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in 26.6 minutes.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (knee) participated fully in Wednesday's practice, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. Vincent arrived at training camp with a knee problem but was able to shake it off quickly. Vincent will continue to serve as a backup in Los Angeles this season and may see reduced playing time following the addition of Marcus Smart (Achilles). However, the 29-year-old has an opportunity to boost his stock during the preseason, as Smart deals with an Achilles issue and is ruled out for at least a week. During the previous campaign, Vincent logged 21.1 minutes per game, putting up 6.4 points.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (glute) did individual on-court work during Wednesday's practice, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. The veteran superstar is dealing with nerve irritation in his glute at the start of training camp and may see limited action during the preseason. However, the Lakers appear confident that they can get James healthy for opening night on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, so fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he's on track to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 campaign. James is set to begin Year 23 in the National Basketball Association, an all-time record.

Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports that Los Angeles Clippers guardBogdan Bogdanovic(hamstring)has been a limited participant in practice and could be available to suit up before the preseason ends. The 33-year-old, representing Serbia, sustained a partially ruptured hamstring injury during EuroBasket 2025 against Portugal in August. Further evaluation revealed that Bogdanovic had suffered a ruptured hamstring muscle. If Bogdanovic is unable to make an appearance in the Clippers' regular-season home opener against the Jazz on October 22nd, players like Chris Paul and Kris Dunn will see extra minutes on the floor.

According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, Miami Heat point guardTerry Rozier (hamstring) sustained a left hamstring strain on Tuesday, which kept him out of practice on Wednesday. Despite the setback, Rozier believes he will return to action next week. The 31-year-old veteran averaged 10.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 25.9 minutes per contest across 64 outings last season. The minor injury will likely keep him out of the Heat's first preseason game against the Magic on Saturday.

According to Kevin Gray Jr. of AllDLLS.com, Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd said guard Brandon Williams suffered a hamstring strain and will be out for one week. Williams will be out of action for the Mavs' first preseason game, but he will likely be available soon after. The 25-year-old played in 33 regular-season contests last campaign, posting averages of 8.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 rebounds during 14.8 minutes per game. Williams may give Dallas a lift off the bench, though his fantasy impact should remain limited.

According to Kevin Gray Jr. of AllDLLS.com, Dallas Mavericks centerDaniel Gaffordsuffered an ankle sprain during practice on Tuesday and will be sidelined 2-3 weeks. An unfortunate setback for the 27-year-old, who had agreed to a multi-year contract extension with the team during the offseason. Gafford had a solid 2024-25 campaign, averaging a career-high 12.3 points with 6.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks. However, he appeared in only 57 games due to injury. If Gafford can return during the current recovery timeline, he is expected to be back in action for the Mavs' regular-season opener against the Spurs on October 22nd. Once Gafford is healthy, his skills on the glass, along with his shot-blocking ability, give him added value for fantasy managers.

Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (Achilles) has been recovering well during his rehab from an Achilles injury last season and should be in the mix for the starting center role for the Pacers. Wiseman tore his Achilles in just four minutes of action in the first game of the season last year. The Pacers traded him to the Raptors to open up a roster spot in February. After Toronto waived him in February he put in enough work in his rehab to impress the Pacers, who signed him in July. Indiana will have big shoes to fill at the center position with Myles Turner leaving in free agency. Wiseman will be in a four-man competition for the role. Fantasy managers will want to take caution with the 24-year-old but, if he lands the starting role, he could be an intriguing late round pick.

Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) has not yet been cleared for contact and likely won't be ready for the season opener, according to head coach Ime Udoka. The 32-year-old had a procedure done on his ankle in June to take care of a lingering issue. As of now his return date is unknown. Finney-Smith signed a four year $53 million contract with Houston in the offseason and should be able to provide a decent three-and-D presence for the Rockets when healthy. But with his timetable to return not being clear, fantasy managers should steer clear of Finney-Smith in their upcoming drafts.

Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason may not play in back-to-backs early in the season, according to head coach Ime Udoka. Eason dealt with a leg issue last season that kept him out of 13 games during December and January. His left leg underwent surgery in early 2024 for a stress reaction, so between that and his issues last season the Rockets will want to approach him with caution. The plan for back-to-backs won't be much new for the 24-year-old as Houston used this same plan last season after his leg injury. When active Eason can be an effective player as he averaged 12.0 PPG and 6.4 RPG last year, mostly off the bench. He has publicly stated he's motivated for a more elevated role this season. Fantasy managers looking for a deep sleeper pick may want to target the 24-year-old in the late rounds of their draft.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, forward Nikola Jovic agreed to a four-year, $62.4 million contract extension with the Miami Heat. The 22-year-old was selected in the first round (No. 27 overall) by the Heat in the 2022 NBA Draft. He had a few rough seasons to begin his tenure in the National Basketball Association. However, he played much better last season, averaging a career-high 10.7 points with 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 37.1% from deep. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 46 games, mostly due to a broken right hand, and missed the remainder of the season. Jovic was cleared for action and returned to the court during FIBA EuroBasket 2025, where he averaged 12.8 points for Serbia. With Jimmy Butler III now in Golden State, Jovic has an excellent chance to carve out a meaningful role in Erik Spoelstra's rotation in 2025. He may even get some run in the starting lineup, especially with Tyler Herro (foot) out a few months. All things considered, even with the opportunity for an expanded role, Jovic may have trouble being a consistent producer, although he is certainly worth adding late in fantasy drafts.

According to Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports that Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said he doesn't expect guardDe'Anthony Melton (knee) to be ready for the beginning of the regular season, "but it's not going to be a lengthy absence." Melton tore his ACL last campaign and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. With the 27-year-old likely out of action until November, the Warriors' backcourt will likely rely on 32-year-old veteran Buddy Hield to take on a larger role at the start of the upcoming season.

According to Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sports, Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Maxi Kleber (quadriceps) tweaked a quadriceps muscle during the team's second day of training camp on Wednesday. Kleber became a Laker in the blockbuster deal that shipped Luka Doncic from Dallas to L.A. However, the 33-year-old played in just one game for the Lakers, which was Game 5 of the first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves. It's unclear if Kleber will miss a significant amount of time due to the injury. Regardless, he will not make much of an impact in fantasy once he is ready to return.