103-81
FINALPhoenix
Suns
17-12|L10: 5-5
Los
Angeles Lakers
18-12|L10: 7-3
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PHX • Guard • #8
2 months ago
During Friday’s game, it was reported that the Suns hope to have Jalen Green (hamstring) back on the court in time for the regular season opener on October 22, so Allen’s role takes on added importance. He’s started both of Phoenix’s preseason games, tallying 24 points on 9-of-19 shooting from the field (4-of-10 from three). While his fantasy value in 2024-25 did not approach its 2023-24 levels, when Allen was a top-60 player in nine-cat, he’s capable of being a solid late-round option. Especially if there are lingering concerns regarding Green’s hamstring in the days before the regular season begins.
PHX • Forward • #4
2 months ago
While the Suns reportedly hope to have Mark Williams (foot) available in time for the October 22 season opener, that isn’t guaranteed. Ighodaro, who appeared in 61 games as a rookie, has started the first two preseason games, which may be a harbinger of what’s to come if Williams cannot play. The second-year forward/center played 22 minutes on Friday and recorded a complete line that included four “stocks.” Nick Richards (9/4/0/1/2) and Khaman Maluach (10/5/2) played 11 and 20 minutes off the bench, respectively. Maluach offers the highest upside of the three, but Ighodaro is also worth taking a late flier on due to the uncertainty surrounding Williams.
PHX • Guard-Forward • #9
2 months ago
After attempting five shots in his first action as a member of the Suns, Brooks’ shot volume was far more robust on Friday. He was the lone starter to hit double figures in attempts, leading all players with 18 shots on the day. Efficiency has rarely been a strength for Brooks, which has made him no better than a late-round option in fantasy, and even that would be generous. However, with Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined, Brooks may be worth taking a flier on, especially if JG can’t get back in time for the October 22 opener against Sacramento.
PHX • Guard • #1
2 months ago
The Suns needed overtime to beat the Nets in the first of two meetings the team will have in Macao, and Booker’s day ended during the third quarter. While he did not record any rebounds, the points, assists, and percentages are of greater importance to fantasy managers. Booker, the focus of double-teams at various points on Friday, only committed three turnovers while shooting 50 percent from the field. Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant are no longer in the picture, which means even more will be asked of Booker, especially if Jalen Green (hamstring) is not fully cleared in time for the October 22 opener against Sacramento.
PHX • Center • #5
2 months ago
Williams has not been available for either of Phoenix’s preseason games, as the Suns have taken a measured approach to his ramp-up for the regular season. The former Hornets center only appeared in 44 games last season, the most he’s played in any of his three NBA seasons. Phoenix’s medical staff hopes Williams will be ready when they open the regular season on October 22. Oso Ighodaro has started the first two preseason games, with Nick Richards and lottery pick Khaman Maluach coming off the bench. Maluach offers the highest upside, but Ighodaro may be on track to start if Williams cannot return in time for the start of the season.
Source: Duane Rankin
PHX • Guard • #4
2 months ago
Acquired from the Rockets as part of the Kevin Durant trade, Green has been unavailable during training camp and the preseason due to a strained left hamstring. Friday’s exhibition against the Nets was the second game he’s missed, and it appears likely that the guard will not see game action during the preseason. The hope is that Green will be a full go when Phoenix opens the regular season on October 22, but that isn’t guaranteed. Grayson Allen is the player who may benefit the most if Green cannot get back in time for the start of the season.
Source: Duane Rankin
LAL • Forward • #23
2 months ago
Due to a nerve issue in his right glute, James was unavailable when the Lakers opened training camp and did not play in Friday’s exhibition against the Warriors. According to Charania, the 40-year-old star forward has been diagnosed with sciatica and will not be available when the regular season begins. Despite his production over the years, James should not have gone earlier than the third round in fantasy drafts before Thursday’s update. Look for the news to knock him further down draft boards, with Austin Reaves’ value receiving a boost. Luka Dončić is already considered a top-5 pick by many, so LeBron’s extended absence is unlikely to be any change to his draft prospects.
Source: Shams Charania
LAL • Forward • #23
2 months ago
James has been unavailable due to a glute issue, and Redick’s comments indicate no sense of urgency to get him back on the court for LA before the regular season tips off. James is expected to be ready for the season-opener against Golden State on October 21, though fantasy managers should continue to monitor his health in the coming weeks.
Source: Jordan Richard
LAL • Forward • #33
2 months ago
LaRavia hit 5-of-10 shots in this one and had a minimal impact on the defensive end, making this a disappointing performance. Perhaps he can occasionally provide a few points for LA off the bench this season, but he’s unlikely to see enough playing time or usage to be worth rostering outside of deep fantasy basketball leagues.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton attempted only two shots in his Lakers debut on Friday, but he fired off eight on Sunday. He made only three of those, which is far from ideal from a player of his size, but the offensive aggression is a step in the right direction. Ayton’s offense isn’t a major concern heading into the regular season, though even if he struggles in that department, fantasy managers can rely on his rebounds and blocks to bolster his floor.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
After agreeing to a contract buyout with the Trail Blazers, Ayton agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers with a player option. Taking on the starting center role on a roster that will, once everyone is available, include Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves, Ayton can offer top-100 fantasy value, even if he’s the fourth option on most nights. However, Friday’s performance was a letdown, especially with Dončić and James unavailable. Ayton only attempted two shots from the field, which cannot happen under those circumstances. The good is that he was active on the glass and recorded three “stocks,” but the 7-footer must be more involved offensively.
LAL • Guard • #15
2 months ago
With Luka Dončić and LeBron James sitting out, Reaves shouldered even more offensive responsibilities in Friday’s preseason opener. Unsurprisingly, he was up to the task, scoring efficiently despite being the focal point of Phoenix’s defensive attention. While Dončić and James will again be the primary playmakers, Reaves can provide excellent fantasy value, having been a top-50 player last season. Fantasy managers should anticipate similar production this season, with Reaves’ value receiving a boost on nights when Dončić and/or James are unavailable.
PHX • Guard-Forward • #9
2 months ago
Brooks’ unofficial Suns debut went smoothly on Friday night. In addition to bringing his usual brand of defense, the veteran forward was disciplined in his shot selection. Four of the five attempts came from beyond the arc, with Brooks knocking down three. Will that hold once the regular season begins? Given Brooks’ track record, fantasy managers can’t be blamed if they’re skeptical. He remains a player who will be a late-round option, at best, in standard leagues. However, from a non-fantasy standpoint, it will be fun to watch the wing tandem of Brooks and Ryan Dunn (4/8/3/1) go to work defensively on a nightly basis.
PHX • Guard • #1
2 months ago
Booker looked sharp in Friday’s 103-81 exhibition victory, shouldering more of the primary playmaker responsibilities while also needing to look for his own shots. In addition to the seven assists, he committed just one turnover on the night. The dynamic will change once Jalen Green, who did not play on Friday, hits the floor, as he should also be used as an on-ball playmaker. But, with the Suns moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal during the offseason, Booker is well-positioned to provide first-round value this season, especially if he takes on more playmaking responsibilities as he did on Friday.
PHX • Center • #5
2 months ago
Williams, acquired from the Hornets in late June, has not participated in any 5-on-5 action during the offseason or the early stages of training camp. During his media availability following Wednesday’s practice, Suns head coach Jordan Ott did not answer directly when asked if Williams would play in any of the team’s four preseason games. “We’re trying to assess exactly where he is. The goal is there at the end of camp get him as ready as he can,” Ott said. “He’s on a good path. Like I said, every drill work you’ve seen him in. Just not the live 5-on-5.” With Williams’ status for the start of the regular season undetermined, first-round pick Khaman Maluach and veteran Nick Richards will be players to track, with the former offering a higher fantasy ceiling, especially in the long run.
Source: Duane Rankin
LAL • Forward • #23
2 months ago
According to Lakers head coach JJ Redick, James is dealing with a nerve issue in his glute, hence the 40-year-old’s absence to begin training camp. The goal is for him to be fully healthy for the Lakers’ October 21 season opener against the Warriors, and the Lakers are exercising caution with James’ ramp-up process. “It’ll be a slower process with him leading into the first game,” Redick said, according to ESPN. “He’s obviously got 22 years so far of wear and tear on the body and he’s dealing with a little bit of nerve irritation in the glute. So, we’re just playing the long game with LeBron.” While he’s managed to fend off Father Time for this long, continuing to play at a high level, LeBron will turn 41 in December. He may not be a player you can select in the first round of standard drafts, but James’ early ADP places him in second-round territory.
LAL • Guard • #8
3 months ago
The Hornets waived Smith on Thursday, and it didn’t take long for him to find a new home. His first two seasons were a struggle after Charlotte drafted him 27th overall in 2023, but he’ll get a fresh start in Los Angeles. Smith showed some flashes of upside, and he’ll get the opportunity to develop in the G League for most of this season.
Source: Khobi Price