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19-10|L10: 7-3
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Heat
13-17|L10: 5-5
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ORL • Center-Forward • #35
2 months ago
Used primarily as a reserve, Bitadze is not in a great spot to provide consistent fantasy value. However, Moritz Wagner (knee) is expected to miss the start of the regular season, and starter Wendell Carter Jr. surpassing 60 games played twice in his first seven seasons, there may be streaming opportunities for Goga. He isn’t a player worth drafting, but he should remain on the radar of managers willing to select Carter in their drafts.
ORL • Forward • #22
2 months ago
Wagner, who did not play in Orlando’s preseason opener against the Heat, was in the lineup Friday night and logged 20 minutes. He looked a bit rusty, which was to be expected of a player who got some deserved time off after helping lead Germany to gold at EuroBasket. Even with the limited scoring against the 76ers, fantasy managers should not be concerned about Wagner. Tristan da Silva, who started for Franz against Miami, finished Friday’s win with 12 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal and two three-pointers in 13 minutes off the bench.
ORL • Center-Forward • #34
2 months ago
After playing 13 minutes in Orlando’s preseason opener, Carter’s workload increased to 21 minutes on Friday. And he was excellent against the 76ers, shooting efficiently while commanding the glass on both ends of the floor. Six of Carter’s game-high 13 rebounds were of the offensive variety, a highly productive effort from a player who’s averaged at least three offensive boards per game once in his NBA career (2019-20 in Chicago). Of course, the concern regarding Carter in fantasy basketball is his availability, as he’s surpassed 60 games twice in his first seven seasons. The 2024-25 campaign was one of those, as Carter played a career-high 68 games. Fantasy managers should reap the rewards if he can match or exceed that number.
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
ORL • Forward • #22
2 months ago
After sitting out Orlando’s preseason opener, Wagner is available and will occupy his usual spot in the starting lineup. Fellow EuroBasket champion Tristan da Silva will return to the bench. Also, with Jones continuing to start for Jalen Suggs as he works his way back from knee surgery, this could be Orlando’s starting lineup for opening night.
Source: Orlando Magic
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.
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.
MIA • Guard • #11
2 months ago
With Tyler Herro (ankle) set to miss time, the expectation was that Davion Mitchell would start at point guard until he returned. However, in Miami’s first preseason game, it was Jaquez that got the nod. Mitchell didn’t play, so it’s unclear if Jaquez will retain the role when he is available.
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Erik Spoelstra didn’t use his starters for long in this game, but Jovic was able to make a quick impact. Jovic, who got the starting nod over Kel’el Ware, could be in for a breakout season if he maintains that role. Ware contributed 10 points and nine rebounds off the bench, so the starting job will be an interesting storyline to watch throughout the preseason.
ORL • • #
2 months ago
Penda didn’t check into his first game for Orlando until the second half. The second round pick has plenty of upside, but he likely will only play a small role for a contender in the East this year, making him worthy of a stash in dynasty leagues, but not much else.
ORL • • #
2 months ago
The 25th pick this past summer, Richardson had some solid performances in summer league. Now, he was able to turn in another strong outing in his first preseason action. Richardson may be able to provide some decent minutes off the bench during his rookie year, but he isn’t going to be a consistent fantasy contributor.
ORL • Guard • #22
2 months ago
After spending the first five seasons of his career in Memphis, Bane was dealt to the Magic this summer, and this was his first opportunity to suit up for them. He only played 13 minutes like most of the other starters, but he’ll continue to be an excellent fantasy option despite the change of scenery, and he’ll provide Orlando with the best spacing they’ve had in a while.
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Jaquez got the start in place of Tyler Herro (ankle), but Jovic starting instead of Kel’el Ware may be more notable. Jovic has the opportunity to have a breakout season, and if he maintains a spot in the starting lineup, his chances of taking a leap forward will only improve.
Source: Brady Hawk
MIA • Forward • #5
2 months ago
Teams have until October 20 to agree to rookie-level extensions, and the Heat have reportedly made an early decision on Jović. Wednesday’s extension locks him in as part of the team’s core for the foreseeable future, despite only appearing in 107 of a possible 246 games since being selected 27th overall in the 2022 draft. He appeared in 46 games last season, starting 10, and finished with averages of 10.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.7 three-pointers in 25.1 minutes. Jović’s playing time has increased in each of his first three seasons, and his role could expand even more to begin this season with Tyler Herro out due to injury.
Source: ESPN
MIA • Guard • #9
2 months ago
Larsson didn’t participate in practice, but he did some work on the side, suggesting that his injury may not be serious enough to keep him sidelined for the start of the season. Larsson logged meaningful rotation minutes last season and could be in line for a similar role in 2025-26.
Source: Anthony Chiang
MIA • Guard • #14
2 months ago
“I expect to get something done,” said Herro when asked about a potential extension ahead of the 2025-26 season. Herro has two years left on his current contract, but he’ll be eligible to sign a maximum extension of up to three years, $150 million during the window that runs from October 1 through October 20. Fresh off his first All-Star appearance, Herro will look to build on last season’s success when he returns from an ankle injury, most likely in November.
Source: Ira Winderman, South Florida Sun Sentinel
ORL • Forward-Center • #21
3 months ago
While the Magic may be able to get Jalen Suggs back from his knee injury by opening night, Wagner is “further away” in his recovery process, according to general manager Jeff Weltman. Wagner suffered a torn left ACL just before Christmas, leaving the Magic light on post depth. Starter Wendell Carter Jr. and backup Goga Bitadze are healthy going into training camp, and the Magic added Orlando Robinson on a two-way contract. Wagner was not going to be a draftable player in most fantasy leagues if healthy, but there may have been moments when he offered streaming value based on Carter’s injury history.
Source: Jason Beede
ORL • Guard • #4
3 months ago
Suggs underwent season-ending surgery on his left knee in March. The procedure repaired the Trochlear joint surface and removed a cartilage fragment. While expressing optimism regarding the starting point guard’s recovery, Weltman acknowledged that “there’s still a long way to go” before Suggs is cleared to play. His absence means more opportunities for Anthony Black and offseason signing Tyus Jones, with the latter being the safer fantasy option, especially if Suggs is unavailable when the season begins in October.
Source: Jason Beede
MIA • Forward • #5
3 months ago
While Jović did say he hopes to be a starter, he also acknowledged that he was more productive coming off the bench in 2024-25. In 36 appearances off the bench last season, he averaged 11.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.8 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes. By comparison, Jović averaged 8.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 three-pointers in 10 starts. Not only was Jović more productive as a reserve than as a starter, but he also played more, averaging 19.7 minutes per game as a starter. The absence of Tyler Herro (foot) to begin the season will free up additional opportunities for multiple players, including Jović, who is extension eligible until October 20. Solidifying himself as a starter could also impact his career financially, as was the case for Herro before he inked a rookie extension worth $120 million over four years in 2023.
Source: Anthony Chiang
MIA • Guard • #12
3 months ago
Smith, who agreed to a three-year deal with the Heat in August, missed most of last season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon just before Christmas. He’s suffered season-ending injuries during the previous two years, with a torn ACL ending the guard’s 2023-24 campaign. While Smith has not gotten the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball consistently when healthy, he’ll have the opportunity to earn rotation minutes while Tyler Herro recovers from foot surgery.
Source: Barry Jackson
MIA • Guard • #14
3 months ago
Herro underwent surgery earlier this month to address the ankle injury, but he said he is ahead of schedule. The initial expectation was that Herro would miss eight weeks, so that doesn’t really add up as being “ahead of schedule,” but he will at least miss the first few weeks of the season and could be sidelined until mid-December. Davion Mitchell will likely replace him in the starting unit, with the recently-acquired Norman Powell taking on more responsibility on offense. Rookie Kasparas Jakucionis could also take on a large role earlier than expected.
Source: Wes Goldberg