
IND • Guard • #26
about 2 months ago
Sheppard made his first appearance of the preseason on Friday, playing 12 minutes off the bench. With T.J. McConnell (hamstring) set to miss the start of the regular season and Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) out for the year, there may be additional opportunities for Sheppard to contribute. However, the same can be said for Johnny Furphy, who looked sensational when active and offers a higher ceiling. If fantasy managers are to roll the dice on any of the Pacers’ reserves while McConnell is out, Furphy should be the choice.

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
about 2 months ago
Nesmith led the Pacers in scoring in Friday’s preseason finale, but the shot distribution amongst the team’s starters is unlikely to be the norm during the regular season. Pascal Siakam (9/2/4 with one three-pointer) and Bennedict Mathurin (11 points, four rebounds and one three-pointer) attempted five and six shots, respectively, and they’re likely to have the highest shot volume once the games truly count. That said, Nesmith’s opportunities may increase as the Pacers look to account for Myles Turner’s exit and Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles tendon injury.

IND • Guard-Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
While the Pacers did roll out their expected starting five for Friday’s preseason finale, none logged more than 18 minutes. Nembhard didn’t have a great night shooting the basketball, but was solid running the show. With Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) out for the season and T.J. McConnell (hamstring) set to miss the next three weeks, Nembhard must shoulder a heavy workload in 2025-26. That makes him worth the risk in fantasy leagues, and he’s come off the board within the first 75 picks of many drafts based on his Yahoo! ADP (74).

SAS • Guard-Forward • #24
about 2 months ago
Vassell did not have a big night in the Spurs’ preseason finale, but he looked relatively sharp. Based on his Yahoo! ADP of 99, the Spurs wing may be undervalued in many fantasy circles. Vassell has been a top-100 player in four straight seasons, finishing as a seventh-round or better player the last three. While the eventual return of De’Aaron Fox and the continued development of Stephon Castle do need to be factored into any analysis of Vassell, he’ll be a starter who can reap the rewards that come with sharing the floor with a transcendent talent like Victor Wembanyama.

SAS • Guard • #5
about 2 months ago
With De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) not on track to return to action for opening night, Castle will likely be the Spurs’ starting point guard. He looked the part in his 25 minutes Friday night, shooting efficiently and racking up nine assists with just one turnover. Castle’s efficiency was an issue last season, but that’s to be expected of a rookie. Look out if Fox’s absence allows the reigning Rookie of the Year to hit the ground running. Castle’s Yahoo! ADP of 118 may be too low, especially when factoring in Fox’s hamstring injury.

SAS • Forward-Center • #1
about 2 months ago
Friday’s exhibition was the last for the Spurs before the regular season begins next week, and Wembanyama looked sharp. He only missed two shots from the field and recorded a complete stat line, playing 24 minutes. Given how his 2024-25 season ended, the most essential thing for Wemby was to shake off the rust and remain healthy. Wembanyama did that, showing why he should be considered with Nikola Jokić for pick 1.1 in fantasy league drafts.

SAS • Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
Fox said during media day last month that he didn’t expect to play in the opener, so this isn’t a surprise. However, the fact that he is scrimmaging at this point is a good sign that he won’t miss much time. Stephon Castle should start at point guard in the season opener, with Julian Champagnie also part of the starting unit.
Source: Jared Weiss

SAS • Forward • #43
about 2 months ago
A preseason physical uncovered that the procedure was needed at this time, but the expectation is that he will be available to play shortly after the season opener. Waters could be back for the Spurs against the Pelicans on October 24.
Source: Jared Weiss

SAS • Center-Forward • #40
2 months ago
Kornet’s strong preseason continued on Monday, going perfect from the field before finishing as the Spurs’ second leading scorer. He’s now shot 18-of-22 from the field across four preseason games and is looking as though he’ll serve as a reliable frontcourt option on both ends of the floor coming off San Antonio’s bench. Kornet will have a chance to finish the preseason on a high note on Friday when the Spurs face the Pacers again.

SAS • Guard • #5
2 months ago
After missing the first three preseason games with a knee injury, Castle logged his first minutes on Monday and ended up as one of the Spurs’ most productive starters. He was the only of the five starters to play fewer than 20 minutes, but was aggressive on both ends of the floor in his limited action, displaying his rim-finishing abilities, touch from beyond the arc, and a knack for collecting stocks in his return to the floor. He’ll have a chance to hit the ground running in his sophomore campaign and build on a strong rookie season.

SAS • Forward-Center • #1
2 months ago
On the heels of an impressive 22-point outing on Friday against the Jazz, Wembanyama had an even more dominant performance on Monday. In his most preseason minutes yet, the former first-overall pick tallied preseason-highs in points and rebounds, needing just 13 shot attempts to nearly reach 30 points. Wemby did his job, as usual, on the defensive end and came up with four stocks to round out a great performance overall. He’ll be in play for the number one pick in fantasy drafts.

IND • Guard-Forward • #2
2 months ago
Nembhard’s second preseason game was a productive one. He flirted with a double-double in his 23 minutes of action and tied a game-high in assists. The fourth-year guard notched career-highs last season in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game, despite shooting inefficiently from the three-point line. His numbers could realistically take another leap this season with more minutes and better efficiency from beyond the arc.

IND • Forward • #43
2 months ago
Siakam looked sharp during his 24 minutes of game action on Monday. He displayed his smooth midrange jump shot and showed in this game that his career-best three-point shooting season in 2024-25 was not a fluke. The veteran forward has played well in his two preseason appearances and seems ready to potentially take on a bigger workload on the offensive end as Tyrese Haliburton recovers from an Achilles injury. A stellar fantasy basketball season could be on the horizon for Siakam.

IND • Guard-Forward • #00
2 months ago
Mathurin logged his most productive outing of the preseason thus far, eclipsing the 30-point mark on efficient shooting against the Spurs. The fourth-year guard did most of his damage in the first half, where he scored 27 points on 9-of-9 shooting, including four three-pointers. Mathurin, a part-time starter last season, should have an opportunity to see more production and opportunities in Tyrese Haliburton’s absence (leg). He’s likely to begin the season in the starting unit.

IND • Guard-Forward • #2
2 months ago
The Pacers will roll out against the Spurs what could very well be their opening-night starting lineup. This same unit started the preseason opener against the Timberwolves, with neither of the five players logging more than 14 minutes in that game. With one preseason game remaining after Monday’s, there’s a chance the main rotation players could see an increase in playing time against the Spurs. Obi Toppin, Jarace Walker and Cameron Payne will move back to the bench.
Source: Scott Agness

SAS • Guard • #5
2 months ago
Castle will make his 2025 preseason debut on Monday, working his way back from a bone bruise in his knee. He’ll likely receive reps at the point guard position on Monday, which could prepare both him and his Spurs teammates for the start of the regular season, which De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) isn’t expected to be ready for. With Castle startiing against Indiana, Keldon Johnson moves to the bench for the first time this preseason.
Source: Alex Golden

IND • Guard • #12
2 months ago
Furphy injured his left ankle during Saturday’s win over the Thunder. Given that this is the preseason, there’s no need for the Pacers or Furphy to force the issue. The second-year guard will be a factor within the Pacers’ bench unit, but that isn’t enough to make Furphy a must-draft player in standard leagues.
Source: Indiana Pacers

SAS • Guard • #5
2 months ago
Castle has missed the past week with a bone bruise in his knee, but he should be good to go against Indiana. With De’Aaron Fox also sidelined, the Spurs haven’t been using a traditional point guard in the starting lineup. Castle should get that opportunity to start the year.
Source: Dan Weiss

IND • Guard-Forward • #00
2 months ago
Mathurin - who’s in line to start next season - shot 4-of-9 from the field and converted 7-of-9 shots from the charity stripe. He should be a focal point of Indiana’s offense in 2025-26, making him a great target in points leagues.

IND • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Walker had another productive outing, and his preseason play has been solid thus far. He’s unlikely to see a major leap in playing time in Year 3, but fantasy managers in deep leagues could stash him at the end of the bench in case he gets some additional opportunities.
SAS • • #
2 months ago
As was the case during Summer League action in Las Vegas, Jones-Garcia stepped up when his team needed him most on Friday. He made all three of his shot attempts during overtime, and the Spurs guard consistently got to the foul line in the second half. Jones-Garcia is on a two-way deal, and the Spurs will have a relatively full backcourt once De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle join the ranks. However, he may be able to provide occasional streaming value, especially since Fox is unlikely to be available to start the regular season.

SAS • Guard-Forward • #24
2 months ago
Vassell, who only played 22 minutes on Friday, looked sharp in the Spurs’ overtime victory. He efficiently scored his points while finishing a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. As of Friday, Vassell had a Yahoo! ADP of 101.6, which is way too low, especially with De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) expected to miss the start of the regular season. As long as he stays relatively healthy, Vassell has top-75 potential, and that’s being conservative.

SAS • Forward-Center • #1
2 months ago
After two modest efforts in San Antonio’s first two preseason games, Wembanyama showed the offensive repertoire that makes him one of the top options in fantasy basketball on Friday. The Jazz did not have an answer for the third-year center, who shot 60 percent from the field and attempted 10 free throws. Wembanyama did not record any defensive stats, which is infrequent for him. Wemby appears ready for the start of the regular season.
SAS • • #
2 months ago
Having undergone left thumb surgery in early September, Harper made his preseason debut Friday night. The southpaw shot the ball well and did not suffer any setbacks, making the second overall pick’s first live action of the preseason a success. Harper was under a minutes restriction, resulting in him playing 18 minutes off the bench. With De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) expected to miss the start of the regular season, Harper will have increased fantasy value early on.
SAS • • #
2 months ago
The second overall pick in June’s draft, Harper underwent left thumb surgery in early September. It was initially reported that the Spurs were aiming for the rookie guard to be healthy in time for the October 22 regular season opener, but he’s beaten that projection by just under two weeks. With De’Aaron Fox (hamstring) unlikely to be ready for the start of the regular season, Harper may be able to hit the ground running from a fantasy standpoint. He will be under a minutes restriction on Friday.
Source: Jeff McDonald

IND • Guard • #1
2 months ago
Payne will compete for a spot in Indiana’s final rotation. He’s got a shot to compete due to Tyrese Haliburton’s season-long absence and a number of key injuries across the roster. Wright will look to join another NBA team before the 2025-26 campaign tips off.
Source: Pacers

IND • Guard • #9
2 months ago
McConnell left Tuesday’s matchup with Minnesota early with the injury, and it will keep him sidelined until at least early November, meaning he’ll miss time to open the season. For as long as McConnell is out, Quenton Jackson, Johnny Furphy and Ben Sheppard are all candidates for increased run behind Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin in Indiana’s backcourt.
Source: Pacers

SAS • Center-Forward • #40
2 months ago
The Spurs added Kornet during the offseason, looking to upgrade the backup center position. He’s played well in San Antonio’s first two preseason games, shooting 10-of-12 from the field and tallying 25 points and 15 rebounds. Backing up Victor Wembanyama (10/4/5/1/2) isn’t the best spot regarding fantasy potential, but there may be times when Kornet offers reputable streaming value.

SAS • Forward-Guard • #0
2 months ago
After scoring 16 points in San Antonio’s preseason opener on Monday, Johnson was three points better Wednesday night. The Spurs have been without Stephon Castle for both games, allowing Johnson to run with the starters. While he is off to a promising start, the place within the rotation is why Johnson, who has never been a great option in category leagues, will offer limited value in 2025-26. At best, he’s someone to consider taking a late-round flier on, but there will likely be players with higher upsides still on the board.

SAS • Guard-Forward • #24
2 months ago
Wednesday’s game was the preseason opener for Vassell, who was held out of Sunday’s victory over Guangzhou. And he could be in for a breakout season, especially with De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper not guaranteed to be available for the start of the regular season. A key for Vassell this offseason was being able to focus on his craft instead of rehabbing from another injury. He can offer middle-round value in standard leagues at his best, potentially sneaking into the top 50.

SAS • Guard-Forward • #24
2 months ago
Vassell, who did not play in Sunday’s preseason opener against Guangdong, is available and will start against the Heat. His insertion into the starting lineup is the lone change for San Antonio, with Lindy Waters III being bumped to the bench. With De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper unavailable, look for Vassell to spend ample time on the ball as a playmaker, with Wemby also getting his chances to fill that role.
Source: San Antonio Spurs

IND • Forward • #5
2 months ago
During his first two years in the league, Walker hasn’t made the impact that most teams hope to get out of a player when they select him in the top ten. However, his first preseason game got off to a decent start, though he is still playing a reserve role. That isn’t likely to change with Pascal Siakam in town, which limits his redraft upside, but he’s still worth stashing in dynasty leagues.

IND • Center • #30
2 months ago
The most important fantasy storyline in Indiana this offseason was who would start at center with Myles Turner now in Milwaukee. Isaiah Jackson got the nod in the preseason opener, but Huff ended up playing 19 minutes to Jackson’s nine. Sure, Jackson quickly found himself in foul trouble, which has been a consistent issue throughout his career, but this also shows that all hope shouldn’t be abandoned just because Huff came off the bench. This position battle will certainly be worth monitoring throughout the preseason.

IND • Guard • #9
2 months ago
The Pacers are calling it a sore left hamstring, so hopefully this isn’t a serious injury. With Kam Jones sidelined and Delon Wright exiting after taking a hit to the face, Taelon Peter should fill out the non-Andrew Nembhard point guard minutes for the remainder of this exhibition.
Source: Indiana Pacers

IND • Forward • #22
2 months ago
Since Myles Turner left for Milwaukee, the starting center spot in Indiana was up for grabs. Jay Huff was a contender, and still is, but Jackson will get the first nod as the Turner replacement. Huff could start in future preseason games, and this doesn’t lock in Jackson as the regular season starter, but it appears that he’s in the lead for the job.
Source: Indiana Pacers

SAS • Center-Forward • #40
2 months ago
Kornet impressed in his first game action with the Spurs. The veteran big man went perfect from the field in his preseason debut and was one of the Spurs’ three leading scorers, needing just 14 minutes to land his production. Kornet was one of San Antonio’s big offseason additions — he’ll bring championship experience over from his time with the Boston Celtics and reliable two-way production off the bench as a reserve center.

SAS • Forward-Center • #1
2 months ago
Wembanyama did a little bit of everything in his first preseason game, showcasing why he’s projected to be one of the top players selected across fantasy leagues this season. The third-year center logged his first game minutes on Monday since his sophomore season ended in February due to a blood clot that formed in his right shoulder. In his return to action, he registered 16 minutes and looked to be moving as well as usual. If health is not a concern, Wembanyama could build on a strong first couple of seasons.