
MIA • Center • #7
about 2 months ago
Ware was dealing with neck spasms, hence his absence from Monday’s practice. According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, a team doctor was due to examine the second-year center’s neck during practice. If Ware cannot play in Wednesday’s opener against the Magic, Nikola Jović would figure more prominently in the Heat rotation. Jović began the preseason as a starter, so the role won’t be unfamiliar if he’s asked to start.
Source: Anthony Chiang
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

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

MIA • Center • #7
about 2 months ago
Ware concluded an impressive preseason with another dominant stat line. In 30 minutes of game action, he did his scoring damage inside the arc and crashed the glass hard to secure his fourth double-double of the preseason. Ware also competed on the defensive end, and going into Year 2, has a chance to take a massive leap and provide Miami with another reliable frontcourt option.

MIA • Guard • #24
about 2 months ago
Powell rebounded from an inefficient shooting performance against the Hawks to log his most efficient outing of the preseason. He also set a new preseason-high in points, utilizing the three-point shot to log more than 20 points for the first time in a Heat uniform, as well as set a new preseason high in assists. Powell’s offensive contributions to begin the regular season will be important, given that Tyler Herro likely won’t begin the year healthy. If he can start fast, the former NBA champion may be able to build on a career-best 2024-25 season.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
about 2 months ago
Despite exiting Monday’s game against the Hawks with a knee injury, Adebayo started Friday and played his most minutes of the preseason. He was aggressive in his time on the floor, finishing with a team-high in shot attempts and ending with more than 20 points for the first time during these exhibition games. Adebayo made his usual impact on the defensive end, and if he can regain his shooting efficiency and find another gear as a scorer, he may be able to improve on his 2024-25 campaign.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
about 2 months ago
In their sixth and final preseason game, the Heat are rolling with most of their main players in Friday’s starting lineup. Adebayo will get the start, despite leaving Monday’s contest early (knee), while Mitchell joins the opening unit for the second time this preseason. Miami has gone 0-5 this preseason and will have a chance to earn a win against the Grizzlies, who are also without a victory during the preseason.
Source: Ira Winderman

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.

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
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

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.

MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
After playing 15 minutes as a starter in Sunday’s loss to the Magic, Jaquez was used in a reserve role Monday night. And he played well, shooting 50 percent from the field while recording a solid stat line. However, even with Tyler Herro (ankle) unavailable, Jaquez is not in a spot where he can provide consistent fantasy value. At best, he’s a player that fantasy managers can add to their early-season watchlists. If Jaquez takes on a larger role and is productive, he’d be worth picking up.

MIA • Forward • #22
2 months ago
Miami’s starters struggled on Monday, with many returning to action after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Magic. Wiggins has not looked his best during the preseason, but the starting role and potential make him worth selecting in standard league drafts. The hope is that having a full offseason in Miami after being traded midseason will result in a more comfortable Wiggins. And he’ll need to be that kind of player to start, as the Heat are unlikely to have Tyler Herro (ankle) after he underwent surgery just before training camp.

MIA • Guard • #24
2 months ago
Powell had a rough Monday in Atlanta, but the good news is that it’s still the preseason. The turnover count was more concerning than the shooting, with Powell responsible for five. With Tyler Herro (ankle) not guaranteed to be available when the Heat begin the regular season, Powell may have more opportunities to serve as a playmaker within the offense. That would raise his fantasy ceiling in the short term, but only if he can keep the turnovers in check.

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 months ago
Adebayo, who sat out Sunday’s loss to the Magic, suffered a right knee contusion early in the third quarter of Monday’s exhibition. He was able to walk back to the locker room without assistance and has since returned to the Heat bench. The return to the bench may be a sign that the injury isn’t serious, which would be great news for the Heat and fantasy managers. Adebayo finished with 13 points (4-of-11 FGs, 5-of-7 FTs), nine rebounds and three assists in 19 minutes.
Source: Miami Heat

MIA • Center-Forward • #13
2 months ago
Adebayo, Wiggins and Powell are back in the lineup after sitting out Sunday’s loss to the Magic. Ware is the lone holdover from that game’s starting five, and he’s started the last two exhibitions after coming off the bench to begin the preseason. He or Nikola Jović will be in the starting lineup when the regular season begins, with the latter being the player who may be impacted more by starting. Ware offers solid value whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Source: Miami Heat

MIA • Center • #7
2 months ago
Make it three straight double-doubles for Ware, who’s having a tremendous preseason. Ware got the start in this one while Nikola Jovic (back) got the night off. It’s not yet clear if Ware or Nikola Jovic will start alongside Bam Adebayo in Miami’s frontcourt this season, but regardless, Ware looks primed for a big Year 2.
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.

MIA • Guard • #45
2 months ago
Mitchell missed Miami’s first two preseason games with a strained calf that was not considered serious. “Off Night” was a full participant in Friday’s practice, setting the stage for him to see his first game action of the preseason on Sunday. With Tyler Herro (ankle) expected to miss the start of the regular season, Mitchell may have an opportunity to earn the right to fill the resulting void in the starting lineup. If so, starting would raise his fantasy ceiling in the short term.
Source: Miami Herald

MIA • Center • #7
2 months ago
After failing to block a shot in either of Miami’s first two preseason games, Ware got on the board in that category Wednesday night. However, what stood out the most was his aggression on both ends of the floor, even if the blocked shot production was limited. Ware enjoyed a first-quarter stretch in which he hit two three-pointers and blocked a Victor Wembanyama shot that led to a Heat layup on the other end. Nikola Jović (3/3/3 in 21 minutes) remained in the starting lineup, but Ware played more. Even if the second-year center is used in a reserve role, fantasy managers should not hesitate to select him just outside the first 100 picks in standard league drafts.

MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
Thus far, the preseason has functioned as an open audition for those looking to fill the void left by the injured Tyler Herro. After receiving the opportunity to start Saturday’s preseason opener, Jaquez came off the bench against San Antonio and performed well. Dru Smith started on Wednesday, finishing with six points, one assist and two three-pointers in 13 minutes. Davion Mitchell has not been available for either exhibition, and he’ll likely have something to say about who will start for Herro when the regular season begins.

MIA • Guard • #12
2 months ago
Tyler Herro won’t be available to begin the season as he recovers from offseason left foot/ankle surgery, making the Heat’s preseason games critical for finding a fifth starter. Smith, whose last two seasons have ended prematurely due to knee and Achilles injuries, will get his turn in the chair after coming off the bench in Miami’s first two preseason games. Jaime Jaquez Jr., who started Monday’s loss to Milwaukee, will come off the bench. In addition to Smith and Jaquez, fantasy managers should track Davion Mitchell, who may be the safest option of the three due to his defensive ability.
Source: Miami Heat

MIA • Center • #7
2 months ago
Ware followed a strong preseason opener with another productive outing on Monday. He came off the bench to finish as one of Miami’s top-2 scorers on the evening, while his work on the glass led to a game-high in rebounds. The second-year big did most of his damage in the fourth quarter, where he scored 14 of his points. Ware finished his rookie season as a permanent starter — if he continues to come off the bench throughout the preseason, there’s a chance he could remain in a reserve role to begin the regular season.

MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Jovic followed his nice start to the preseason on Saturday with another strong outing on Monday. Although he failed to put up big scoring numbers, the versatile forward flashed his abilities as a rebounder, nearing double figures, while recording a team-high in assists. His well-roundedness nearly led him to a preseason triple-double. Jovic has started both preseason games thus far — if he can retain his starting position, the fourth-year forward has the potential to improve on a solid third NBA season.

ATL • Guard • #9
2 months ago
After taking on a key role off the bench in Minnesota, Alexander-Walker will do the same in Atlanta after agreeing to a four-year, $62.5 million deal in July. The defensive potential of a NAW/Dyson Daniels tandem on the perimeter may excite fans the most. Alexander-Walker’s first stint on Monday was played alongside Daniels (8/3/5/2/1), who finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. Alexander-Walker can also be used alongside Trae Young (9/2/8 with two three-pointers), and the versatility gives him a shot at achieving fantasy relevance in his new home.

ATL • Forward • #1
2 months ago
Monday’s exhibition game was the first live action for Johnson since suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in January. He shot the ball well against the Rockets and was active defensively, recording two steals and two blocked shots. Also notable from Monday was Johnson starting at power forward, where he spent most of his time last season. According to Cleaning the Glass, he spent 98 percent of his minutes at the four in 2024-25. The Hawks started Kristaps Porziņģis alongside Johnson on Monday, with Onyeka Okongwu coming off the bench. Given his lack of experience at small forward, Johnson should benefit from remaining in a familiar role instead of guarding up in a bigger lineup.

MIA • Guard • #24
2 months ago
After scoring five points in his preseason debut with the Heat on Saturday, Powell had a more productive offensive outing on Monday. All of his minutes came in the first half, where he put up 12 shots and utilized volume and efficiency from beyond the arc to finish as one of Miami’s leaders in points. Powell was acquired by the Heat in a trade that sent him from the LA Clippers during the offseason. His role will likely be significant, and could be even bigger for the Heat to begin the season, as Tyler Herro (ankle) is expected to miss the first few weeks of the regular season. Powell has a chance to be the Heat’s No. 1 scoring option come opening night.
ATL • F-C • #17
2 months ago
An official decision has yet to be made regarding the Hawks’ starting lineup once the regular season begins. However, Okongwu came off the bench Monday night, with offseason addition Kristaps Porziņģis (five points, one assist and one steal) starting at the center position. While some fantasy managers may have been disappointed by Monday’s development, two things must be kept in mind. Okongwu will still play plenty, and there will likely be times when the two posts are on the court simultaneously. Also, Porziņģis has logged 60 games or more just once since the 2016-17 season. Given the track record, there will likely be an extended absence at some point, and Okongwu’s value would increase in those spots.