104-113
FINALLos
Angeles Lakers
18-12|L10: 7-3
Phoenix
Suns
17-12|L10: 5-5
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PHX • Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
After opening their season at home against the Kings on Wednesday, the Suns will hit the road for three straight, beginning with the Clippers on Friday. While Green, who missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury, will not play on Wednesday, his head coach refused to rule him out for the upcoming road trip. Grayson Allen started the Suns’ first three preseason games before resting for the finale, and he’s expected to continue to replace Green in the starting lineup. Allen is worth streaming in deep leagues until Green is cleared to return.
Source: Duane Rankin
PHX • Center • #5
about 2 months ago
Williams did not play at all during the preseason, as the Suns’ medical staff gradually ramped up his workload. He’ll be available for Wednesday’s season opener, but there will be a minutes restriction to account for. Ott did not disclose the “target number”, but the limit is understandable, as Williams has played no more than 44 games in any of his three NBA seasons. Oso Ighodaro, Nick Richards and Khaman Maluach are in the running for rotation minutes off the bench, with who gets the call on any given night likely depending on the matchup.
Source: Duane Rankin
LAL • Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Kleber, who was initially listed as questionable for the season opener, will not miss at least the first eight games of the year and could certainly be sidelined longer. Part of the trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles, Kleber played five minutes in the playoffs last year and 10 minutes during a preseason game last week. That’s been the extent of his availability for the Lakers. His absence should lead to a few extra minutes for Jarred Vanderbilt and Jake LaRavia.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Forward • #4
about 2 months ago
A no-brainer decision. Even if Knecht hasn’t been great, he’s been serviceable enough for them to not cut his rookie contract short. This will be a big season for him if he hopes to earn a larger deal in the future.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Center-Forward • #11
about 2 months ago
Hayes was forced to prematurely exit Friday’s preseason finale due to a right wrist injury. However, it wasn’t a serious injury, as evidenced by his absence from the injury report for Tuesday’s opener. Hayes will serve as Deandre Ayton’s backup and is not worth the risk in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Forward • #14
about 2 months ago
Dealing with an abdominal muscle strain, Kleber is questionable for Tuesday’s season opener. He’s yet to make his Lakers debut, as the veteran forward was injured when included in the Luka Dončić trade, and Kleber did not play at all during the preseason. Even if he’s available Tuesday night, Kleber is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball due to the amount of time missed.
Source: NBA Injury Report
LAL • Guard • #36
about 2 months ago
After offering little production in his unofficial Lakers debut on Tuesday, Smart was considerably better on Friday. Eight of his 11 shot attempts came from beyond the arc, an area where the veteran guard has been inconsistent for most of his NBA career. The hope for the Lakers is that Smart can shoot as well as he did in 15 games for the Wizards last season, making just over 39 percent of his attempts. Playing alongside Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and (when healthy) LeBron James should help get Smart clean looks. However, given the career numbers, he’s a career 32.4 percent shooter from deep, so the chances he approaches 40 percent from three are slim.
LAL • Center • #2
about 2 months ago
While Ayton finished Friday’s preseason finale a rebound shy of a double-double, he and Luka Dončić still need to improve their chemistry on the offensive end of the floor. That’s likely to remain a work in progress, but the Lakers need them to click sooner rather than later due to the fact that LeBron James (sciatica) is out. In theory, his absence should raise Ayton’s fantasy ceiling, but the 7-footer cashing in on the opportunity is not guaranteed.
LAL • Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
With LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined for at least four weeks, the Lakers have a massive hole to fill in their starting lineup ahead of the regular season. Vincent will fill the void, as Lakers head coach JJ Redick said before Friday’s game that the starters will also start Tuesday’s season opener. Against the Kings, he shot 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, providing shooting on a night when Austin Reaves (8/4/8/2) missed all seven of his three-point attempts and shot 3-of-15 from the field overall. Vincent is unlikely to provide much value outside of points and three-pointers if allowed to start. But he may be able to offer end-of-week value to managers needing production in those categories.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
about 2 months ago
Dončić was excellent in the Lakers’ final preseason game, shooting efficiently and committing only three turnovers in 32 minutes of play. With LeBron James (sciatica) unavailable for the next few weeks, Dončić’s already high fantasy value may increase slightly in the short term. While Luka only played in two preseason games, he was effective in both, a surefire sign that he’s ready for the regular season. The Lakers play three games during Week 1, beginning with the Warriors on Tuesday.
LAL • Center-Forward • #11
about 2 months ago
While it’s unknown exactly when Hayes injured his right wrist during the first half, the Lakers center did throw down multiple dunks in his eight minutes of action. Shooting 3-of-4 from the field, he finished with six points, four rebounds and one steal. Hayes will be the backup center when the regular season begins, so a potential absence would have minimal impact on fantasy basketball.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
Donĉić, Reaves and Ayton are back in the Lakers’ starting lineup after sitting out Wednesday’s loss to the Mavericks. While Hachimura is an expected starter once the regular season begins, that isn’t necessarily the case for Vincent. However, he’s played well as the preseason has progressed, potentially giving him a chance to earn the right to fill the void left by the injured LeBron James. Jarred Vanderbilt, who did not play on Wednesday, is back and will come off the bench. He’s another option to step into the starting five when the Lakers host the Warriors on Tuesday.
Source: NBA Lineups
PHX • Guard • #4
about 2 months ago
Green, who has been out the entire preseason recovering from a hamstring injury, sat out Friday’s light scrimmage. While Suns head coach Jordan Ott did not say anything regarding Green’s availability for Saturday’s session, the expectation is that the guard will not be available to begin the regular season. Grayson Allen will be in the starting lineup if that holds, giving his fantasy value a short-term boost.
Source: Duane Rankin
PHX • Center • #5
about 2 months ago
Williams’s ability to scrimmage, even if it was a lighter session from an intensity standpoint, is a positive development for him and the Suns. Due to the center’s injury history, the Suns are taking a measured approach to ramping up Williams’ activity in preparation for the regular season. Phoenix is expected to have a more rigorous session on Saturday, and Williams’ participation (and recovery) will undoubtedly impact his status for the beginning of the season. Oso Ighodaro has been the starter during the preseason and is worth taking a late-round flier on, while rookie Khaman Maluach offers the highest long-term upside.
Source: Duane Rankin
LAL • Guard • #7
about 2 months ago
Vincent got the starting nod on the second night of a preseason back-to-back, since Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves got the night off. Vincent started off hot, scoring 18 points in the first quarter alone. He didn’t add much after that, but it was a strong performance for him. However, he won’t get the chance to play enough to replicate this level of production often.
LAL • Center-Forward • #11
about 2 months ago
Hayes started at center for the Lakers in this game with Deandre Ayton sitting out the second night of the preseason back-to-back. He returned to the Lakers on a one-year deal and should fill out the reserve minutes for them this season, which won’t leave him an opportunity to have nights like this one often.
LAL • Forward • #2
about 2 months ago
Vanderbilt had a solid first half, so it is disappointing that an injury will end his night early. Vanderbilt will likely be an important reserve for the Lakers this season, so hopefully this is precautionary. More minutes will go to Jake LaRavia if Vanderbilt misses time during the regular season.
Source: Dave McMenamin
LAL • Forward • #23
about 2 months ago
The expectation was that LeBron would return in early November, but they may push that timeline back by a couple weeks if needed. There’s no reason to rush the 40-year-old back, which means the Lakers will rely on Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves even heavier than normal until James is back in the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania
PHX • Guard • #8
about 2 months ago
Allen has been starting in place of the injured Green during the preseason, and he will maintain that role to start the regular season, though it may only be for a couple of games. It will be a nice short-term boost for Allen, but he won’t have much upside when he returns to playing a reserve role.
Source: Kellan Olson
PHX • Guard • #12
2 months ago
Phoenix rested most of their starters in this game, which gave Butler the opportunity to shine. Butler and Jordan Goodwin (24/4/6) led the way for the Suns, but there isn’t much for fantasy managers to take away, other than both guards have some upside to provide streaming value when Devin Booker or Jalen Green is sidelined.
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
If this is the type of production that Ayton can provide this season, he will have a chance to be really productive in fantasy hoops. He’s locked in as the starting center for the Lakers, which is a good opportunity for him to bounce back after a forgettable season in Portland, which led to him being bought out.
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
2 months ago
Doncic played his first preseason game for the Lakers and was immediately able to pour in the points. He was matched by Austin Reaves to lead the Lakers in scoring, and he did it in 22 minutes. Doncic appears to be ready to start the season strong after dominating in EuroBasket, which is important for Los Angeles with LeBron James set to miss time.
LAL • Guard • #36
2 months ago
Smart suited up for the Lakers for the first time, and he didn’t contribute much of anything in the box score. He was a nice veteran addition for Los Angeles, but his first appearance wasn’t an encouraging one for fantasy managers. His only opportunity to provide value this season may be as a streamer if the Lakers are missing multiple starters.
PHX • Guard • #4
2 months ago
Green has missed all of training camp and preseason with a hamstring injury. Now with the news that he’ll be out at least another 10 days, Green is set to miss the Suns’ season opening game on October 22. It’s a tough blow for the Suns after they acquired Green as the centerpiece in the Kevin Durant trade this past offseason. Grayson Allen figures to benefit the most in Green’s absence.
Source: Hayden Cilley
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
2 months ago
Reaves has played in two of the Lakers’ three preseason games so far, but Doncic and Smart have yet to suit up. This will be Smart’s first time suiting up for the Lakers, while Doncic will be playing for the first time since EuroBasket.
Source: Khobi Price
LAL • Center • #2
2 months ago
Ayton had another strong line in the victory, marking arguably his best game of the preseason. Ayton teased a double-double while getting teammates involved and putting in work on the defensive end. Numbers like this would make him a very attractive nightly option in 2025-26 fantasy hoops.
PHX • Guard • #1
2 months ago
For the second straight game, the Nets and Suns played a close contest, and for the second straight game, Booker scored 18 points and recorded five assists. Booker was a solid 3-of-5 from beyond the arc but just 4-of-12 from the field. With Kevin Durant now in Houston, expect Booker to take on a huge role on offense in 2025-26, both as a scorer and facilitator.
PHX • Center • #2
2 months ago
Until Mark Williams (foot) is deemed healthy enough to play, three players will compete for the chance to serve as the Suns’ starting center. Richards, who has come off the bench in the team’s three preseason games, remains in the mix, with Sunday’s performance being his best. However, Oso Ighodaro (12/5/3/1) has been consistently productive as the starter, and lottery pick Khaman Maluach (7/2/0/1) may boast the highest upside. Richards has been a decent streamer in the past, which could also be the case this season. However, with Ighodaro and Maluach in the fold, it will be difficult for him to make his mark.
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