133-115
FINALHouston
Rockets
20-6|L10: 7-3
Atlanta
Hawks
16-13|L10: 5-5
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HOU • Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Crawford was unavailable for the season opener, but even if he is available to take on Detroit, it is unlikely that he is part of the rotation this season.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #8
about 2 months ago
Tate missed the season opener, and Ime Udoka’s hope was to have him back for this game. There is a chance, though his role in the rotation will likely be limited, if he sees the floor at all.
Source: NBA Injury Report
ATL • F • #10
about 2 months ago
Risacher scored 16 points in 21 minutes in the season opener on Wednesday, and there is a chance he misses Friday’s game. If he’s sidelined, Nickeil Alexander-Walker or Luke Kennard will likely fill the void in the starting lineup, with both playing extra minutes.
Source: Brian Lewis
HOU • Center • #12
about 2 months ago
Evidently, it wasn’t just a matchup-based decision to roll with the double-big lineup against the Thunder. Adams finished with four points, 13 rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes in the opener, though six of those minutes came during the two overtimes. Adams should continue to hold some residual value as a source of boards in deeper leagues.
Source: Danielle Lerner
ATL • Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
While Young’s final point tally was good, he shot just 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. Frequent trips to the foul line boosted the stat line, which included a lower-than-expected five assists. With the Hawks’ roster changes, there will be an acclimation period for Young and his teammates. He’ll be fine, but this is a crucial season for the point guard. Young can opt out of the final year of his contract next summer, and his fit with this roster will impact the thinking of both the player and the Hawks’ front office.
ATL • Forward-Center • #8
about 2 months ago
Porziņģis recorded a solid overall stat line in his official Hawks debut, but scoring inside the arc was an issue. He made one of his five two-point attempts in the paint (missing both attempts in the restricted area). At times, Toronto’s length and athleticism were an issue, but it’s too early to panic. Porziņģis still scored 20 points and was active as a rebounder and shot blocker. Due to his arrival, the Hawks moved Onyeka Okongwu to the bench, and OO finished with 18 points, six rebounds, one assist and one three-pointer in 30 minutes. There will continue to be times when Porziņģis and Okongwu share the court, preserving both players’ fantasy values.
ATL • Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
On a night when the Hawks shot 42 percent from the field and gave up 138 points, Johnson was one of the few players to come through with an encouraging performance Wednesday night. The only thing missing from his stat line was a three-pointer, as the percentages were good and Johnson led the Hawks in assists. As long as he stays healthy, Johnson has a high fantasy ceiling, and many fantasy managers believe this based on his preseason ADP of 25.
ATL • Guard • #2
about 2 months ago
Wallace exited during the second quarter after chipping a few teeth on a face-first fall to the court. He has since returned, taking on the backup point guard duties. Unfortunately for the Hawks, Zaccharie Risacher (leg) limped to the locker room during the third quarter and only recently returned to the bench. He is available to play.
ATL • Guard • #2
about 2 months ago
During the second quarter of Wednesday’s game, Wallace lost his balance and fell, hitting his face on the court. That resulted in multiple chipped teeth, and he’s questionable to return. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, whose playing time increased due to Dyson Daniels getting into foul trouble, and Luke Kennard will have added importance if Wallace cannot return.
Source: Brad Rowland
ATL • Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
The Hawks added Kristaps Porzingis, Nickel Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard to deepen an already strong team this offseason. Porzingis will make his Hawks debut in the starting lineup against the Raptors on Wednesday. He’ll do so along regular starters Young, Daniels, Risacher and Johnson.
HOU • G • #15
about 2 months ago
Sheppard was not in the starting five for Tuesday’s opener, with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka preferring to go with a big lineup that featured Amen Thompson at the point. Sheppard did play 28 minutes off the bench, but there were struggles, especially on defense. Oklahoma City wasted no time attacking Sheppard in the half-court while forcing him to make plays offensively. This wasn’t the worst night for the second-year guard, but it was a reminder of how much room for growth there is. And with Aaron Holiday picking up a DNP-CD, playing time should not be an issue for Sheppard.
HOU • • #
about 2 months ago
Smith was one of four Rockets starters to attempt at least 15 shots in Tuesday’s double-overtime defeat, which is good news for a player who averaged a career-low 9.9 shots per game last season. With the lineup Houston rolled out Tuesday night, with Smith starting at small forward, he’ll have ample catch-and-shoot opportunities playing off of Alperen Şengün, Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson. If Smith can convert at a solid clip while providing improved rebound and defensive production, he can approach top-100 fantasy value this season.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
about 2 months ago
Tuesday’s opening night thriller required two overtime periods to determine a winner, but Thompson was not on the court for most of those 10 minutes. He exited with what appeared to be a cramp in his right calf with just under four minutes remaining in the first overtime and did not return. Following the loss, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka confirmed the cramping for his star wing. Thompson missed all seven of his three-point attempts on the night, but his willingness to keep shooting is encouraging. Thompson finished with a complete stat line, and there’s a lot to like about his fantasy potential with the ball being in his hands more.
Source: Will Guillory
HOU • Forward • #35
about 2 months ago
Returning to the city where he began his NBA career on Thunder ring/banner night, Durant struggled with his perimeter shot (0-of-4 from three) and finished with more turnovers (four) than assists (three) in the one-point defeat. Things could have worsened in the first overtime, as Durant was signaling for a timeout the Rockets did not have. However, the officials did not acknowledge the request, so the game went into a second overtime. Durant, who was excellent in the mid-range, will find his perimeter shot in time while getting more acclimated to an offense that currently lacks a legitimate point guard. There’s no need to sound the alarm after Game 1, and his overall shooting and rebounding numbers were solid.
HOU • Center • #28
about 2 months ago
Şengün was sensational in Tuesday’s one-point defeat, recording a complete stat line and finishing three assists shy of a triple-double. Included in that stat line was a 5-of-8 effort from beyond the arc, a career-high in made triples for the Rockets center. Şengün effectively served as the starting power forward in Houston’s opening lineup, as head coach Ime Udoka decided to go big and start Steven Adams (four points, 13 rebounds and three assists in 37 minutes) at center. Regardless of where he’s used within the Rockets’ offense, Şengün will be a critical figure, especially with Fred VanVleet (ACL) unavailable. One game doesn’t constitute an entire season, but managers who have Şengün rostered must be thrilled with his performance on Opening Night.
HOU • Forward • #17
about 2 months ago
Finney-Smith underwent ankle surgery in early June, and during media day in late September, Udoka said the veteran forward would likely miss the start of the regular season. Based on Tuesday’s update, it’s unknown when Finney-Smith will be deemed healthy enough to play. Consider him out indefinitely, and there’s no need to stash DFS in an IL+ slot.
Source: Danielle Lerner
HOU • Forward • #8
about 2 months ago
Still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Tate did not play at all during the preseason and will not be available for Tuesday’s opener against the Thunder. However, he appears close to a return, with Udoka saying the team hopes to have Tate available on Friday. He can fill multiple roles, providing frontcourt depth off the bench, but there isn’t much to gain from rostering Tate in fantasy leagues.
Source: Danielle Lerner
HOU • Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Crawford was unlikely to be part of the Rockets’ rotation if he were deemed healthy enough to play. His absence does not impact fantasy basketball.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Crawford, limited during the preseason, may be available for Tuesday’s opener. However, his status does not impact the Rockets’ rotation or fantasy basketball. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Source: NBA Injury Report
HOU • Forward • #8
about 2 months ago
Tate, who underwent right ankle surgery during the offseason, is not ready to return to game action. He did not offer fantasy value last season, and that’s unlikely to change in 2025-26, especially with the offseason additions to the Rockets’ roster.
Source: NBA Injury Report
ATL • G • #5
about 2 months ago
Daniels enjoyed a breakout 2024-25 in his first season with the Hawks. The former Pelican averaged 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 3.0 steals, 0.7 blocked shots and 1.1 triples per contest. Daniels was a second rounder in fantasy hoops thanks in large part to his monstrous contributions in the steals category. His 229 steals rank 20th in a single season all time, and they’re the most in the last 25 years. Fantasy managers will hope that he can improve on his dreadful FT% and ascend into the first round in 2025-26.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • • #
about 2 months ago
Udoka has been coy about his starting five, but this update confirms that he’s rolling out a jumbo lineup. At 6'7, Thompson is the shortest of the group, as every other starter stands 6'11. Oklahoma City will likely be starting Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, so perhaps the first unit for this contest is purely matchup-based. Fantasy managers should expect Durant, Thompson and Sengun to be locked into the starting five, but the other two spots may be fluid.
Source: Vanessa Richardson
HOU • Forward • #35
about 2 months ago
According to Shams, Durant was eligible for a max extension of up to $120 million but took less money to help the team remain flexible with its roster moving forward. The final season of the deal (2027-28) includes a player option, and Durant won’t be an unrestricted free agent again until the summer of 2028. Houston clearly believes its title window is open for the immediate future with Durant on the roster, so locking him in for two additional seasons was a no-brainer. Durant’s age and Houston’s depth may make his minutes harder to come by this season, but he’s still likely to finish as a top-25 fantasy player in 2025-26.
Source: Shams Charania
ATL • Guard • #2
about 2 months ago
Wallace entered training camp on a two-way contract, agreeing to the deal in mid-July. While he did not score more than six points in any of his four preseason appearances, the 6-foot-3 guard dished out 20 assists while committing just five turnovers. Wallace was a worthwhile streamer in deep leagues when the Hawks were without Trae Young last season, but they added Nickeil Alexander-Walker during the summer. The Hawks have not wasted any time filling the two-way slot that belonged to Wallace, as they’ve signed Caleb Houstan.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • G • #20
about 2 months ago
After appearing in 36 NBA games over three seasons with the Celtics, Davison is on a two-way contract with the Rockets. The former G League star is not in a position where he’ll be guaranteed rotation minutes, but Houston lacks guard depth in the aftermath of Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL. With G League players allowed to be active for up to 50 regular-season games, there may be times when Davison is asked to play rotation minutes off the bench. He isn’t a draftable player in fantasy leagues, but savvy deep-league managers will have Davison on their watchlists.
ATL • Guard • #9
about 2 months ago
Starting in place of Dyson Daniels, Alexander-Walker struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 1-of-7 on the night. However, he shot 5-of-8 from two and was perfect from the foul line. The role Alexander-Walker filled on Thursday did not align with what he’ll be asked to do once the regular season begins, as he’ll come off the bench and can play any of the three perimeter positions. He isn’t a must-draft player in shallow formats, but taking a late-round flier on Alexander-Walker in standard leagues would not be a bad idea.
ATL • Forward-Center • #8
about 2 months ago
Porziņģis looked sharp in his last action of the preseason, playing well alongside Onyeka Okongwu (5/7/0/1 with one three-pointer in 28 minutes). The Hawks did not play Jalen Johnson on Thursday, and he’ll be in the starting lineup when the regular season begins on October 22. There will be times when Porziņģis and Okongwu are on the floor together, and both players have top-75 fantasy potential. That said, their ceilings may be limited due to them being part of the same frontcourt rotation.
ATL • F • #10
about 2 months ago
Atlanta did not play Dyson Daniels or Jalen Johnson on Thursday, so Risacher moved into the starting lineup. The second-year wing played well against the Rockets, shooting efficiently and recording a complete stat line. While Risacher is worth selecting in the latter rounds of drafts, Atlanta’s deeper (and more experienced) rotation limits his ceiling. In addition to Daniels and Johnson, the Hawks added Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard during the offseason. Add in the ability to play two of Johnson/Onyeka Okongwu/Kristaps Porziņģis together, and Risacher’s playing time could decrease after he averaged 24.6 minutes per game as a rookie.
HOU • Guard • #12
about 2 months ago
With the Rockets resting most of their key players in their expected regular-season rotation, Okogie started and had the ultimate “green light” in Atlanta. The former Georgia Tech standout put up excellent numbers on Thursday, but fantasy managers should know this is not the norm. Okogie will be called upon to provide solid defense off the bench, and there may be a few opportunities to knock down shots during the regular season. However, Thursday’s performance is not enough to make him a draftable player in most fantasy leagues.
HOU • G • #15
about 2 months ago
Houston’s rotation for Thursday’s preseason finale was limited, as head coach Ime Udoka rested most of his key players. However, that decision opened things up for Sheppard, who took advantage of the opportunity. In addition to shooting efficiently and making plays for others, the second-year guard was an absolute menace defensively. Sheppard’s role on Thursday did not resemble what he’ll be asked to do once the games count. However, his solid play throughout the preseason was encouraging, especially with Fred VanVleet (knee) possibly missing the entire season. Sheppard isn’t an automatic top-100 pick in standard drafts, but he should not last too far beyond that threshold.
ATL • Guard • #11
about 2 months ago
While an unsurprising development, Young and the Hawks’ inability to agree on a new deal is notable. The four-time All-Star is entering the final guaranteed year of his current contract, as he holds a player option for the 2026-27 campaign worth $49 million. While he and the Hawks can still agree to an extension during the season, declining that option would make Young an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career next summer. Not agreeing to an extension allows both sides to evaluate Young’s fit within a roster that the Hawks revamped this past offseason by adding the likes of Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard.
Source: The Athletic
HOU • Guard • #12
about 2 months ago
The Rockets effectively treated Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans as a dress rehearsal for the regular season, so many of the team’s stars will not play on Thursday. Many fantasy managers will have an eye on Reed Sheppard, who is not guaranteed to be a starter when the regular season begins. Matchups may dictate his place within the Rockets’ rotation, especially with Amen Thompson being a capable playmaker and Houston having excellent depth in the frontcourt. Holiday may have the best odds of landing consistent rotation minutes among Thursday’s other starters, but he is not a must-have in fantasy leagues.
Source: Danielle Lerner
ATL • F-C • #17
about 2 months ago
The Hawks are without two expected starters for Thursday’s preseason finale, with Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson ruled out. Both players are expected to be a full go when the team opens the regular season on October 22, so fantasy managers need not worry. Alexander-Walker and Okongwu will start; both will figure prominently in the Hawks’ rotation during the regular season. And there may be times when Atlanta starts Okongwu and Porziņģis together, depending on the matchup. Thursday is one of those instances.
Source: Brad Rowland
ATL • G • #5
about 2 months ago
Daniels and Johnson will not play in Atlanta’s final preseason game, but Hawks head coach Quin Snyder said during his pregame availability that there is no concern regarding their availability for the regular season opener on October 22. While Johnson offers a higher offensive ceiling, both players have made impressive strides with the Hawks. Using a third-round pick on either player, or second-round in Johnson’s case, in standard leagues would not be too big a reach. They can be that impactful, especially in category leagues.
Source: Brad Rowland
HOU • • #
2 months ago
Smith has progressively gotten better throughout this preseason, and this was his best performance yet. He won’t be scoring at this rate during the regular season often, but it was encouraging to see him have a night like this. He’ll be an important piece on both ends of the floor for Houston this season and is locked in as a starter, but he isn’t a great fantasy option.
HOU • Center • #12
2 months ago
Houston’s starting unit will likely be matchup dependent this season, and they experimented with their two-big lineup in this one. When they utilize it, Adams will be a nice source of rebounds, but that’s about it. Sengun was still able to grab 12 boards while playing alongside Adams, which was encouraging for his value.
HOU • Guard-Forward • #1
2 months ago
Who said Thompson can’t shoot? Not only was he perfect from the free throw line, but he also knocked down two triples in this game. Thompson will be a fantasy beast this season, but managers shouldn’t expect him to shoot as well as he did in this game. However, if it happens from time to time, it’ll be a nice bonus.
HOU • Center • #12
2 months ago
Coach Ime Udoka is still experimenting with starting lineups, and he’ll roll out a bigger one for this game, which pushes Reed Sheppard to the bench. It’s still unclear what lineup he’ll use on opening night, and it seems likely that it will be matchup dependent throughout the year.
Source: Will Guillory
ATL • Guard • #2
2 months ago
After spending his first three NBA seasons in Orlando, Houstan is on an Exhibit 10 contract with the Hawks. That status is what makes opportunities like Monday’s so important, as the Hawks did not play their regulars against the Heat. Known primarily for his perimeter shooting ability when entering the NBA, Houstan shot 5-of-8 from three, including a triple with 13 seconds remaining in overtime to give Atlanta a one-point lead. And his rejection of a Keshad Johnson shot in the final seconds preserved the Hawks’ lead. There’s no need to consider Houstan in fantasy drafts, as he isn’t guaranteed to be on the opening night roster, but he may have helped his case on Monday.
ATL • Forward • #00
2 months ago
With the Hawks resting their regulars for Monday’s game, Toppin’s playing time increased substantially. He played 41 minutes in the overtime victory, leading all scorers with 26 points. Toppin is on a two-way contract, so his opportunities will be limited once the regular season begins. However, performances like Monday’s can grab the attention of league decision-makers, be it in Atlanta or elsewhere. There’s no need to consider selecting him in redraft leagues, but managers in deep dynasty leagues can consider using a late-round pick on Toppin.
ATL • F • #10
2 months ago
Risacher shot an efficient 6-of-8 from the floor and 2-of-3 from downtown, finishing behind only Jalen Johnson (20 points) for team lead in the scoring department. Last season’s No. 1 pick is in line for plenty of playing time in Year 2, and fantasy managers will hope he doesn’t experience a sophomore slump.
HOU • G • #15
2 months ago
After an occasionally shaky performance in Houston’s preseason opener on Monday, Sheppard looked more comfortable Wednesday night. Having Kevin Durant on the floor certainly helps, but the second-year guard deserves credit for his improved production and efficiency. With Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün on the court, there won’t be too much pressure on Sheppard if he were to begin the regular season as Fred VanVleet’s (knee) replacement in the starting lineup. Selecting him with a top-100 pick would be too much, but Sheppard should be drafted in all standard leagues.
HOU • Center • #28
2 months ago
Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL has placed the spotlight squarely on second-year guard Reed Sheppard during the preseason, but he isn’t the only capable playmaker at head coach Ime Udoka’s disposal. Şengün and Amen Thompson (19/7/6/2/1 with one three-pointer) are also positive assets, with the latter finishing Wednesday’s victory with a points/assists double-double. Şengün has averaged 2.6 turnovers per game over the last three seasons, but can he maintain that with increased playmaking responsibilities? If so, the Rockets center can be a fantasy stud in 2025-26.
HOU • • #
2 months ago
Smith remained in the starting lineup on Wednesday, with Tari Eason (8/3/3 with one three-pointer in 19 minutes) dropped to the bench to make room for Kevin Durant. Of course, this does not mean Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has finalized his starting lineup, but Smith’s perimeter shooting ability may give him the edge. The fourth-year forward shot 3-of-5 from beyond the arc against the Jazz, and that floor-spacing ability will be critical since neither Amen Thompson nor Alperen Şengün offers much value as a perimeter shooter.
HOU • Forward • #35
2 months ago
Durant did not show off the full repertoire on Wednesday, but he did show flashes of why many believe he’ll raise Houston’s ceiling this season. After shooting 1-of-4 from the field in the first quarter, Durant was 6-of-6 in the second and third quarters before ending his night after 23 minutes of action. Even with the point guard position being a question mark due to Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL, Durant’s offensive ability will make a difference for the Rockets. The days of being a first-round pick in fantasy leagues may be in the rearview mirror, but KD should be off the board in the second round in standard leagues.