NBA News
3 observations after Sixers blow out NZ Breakers in their preseason opener
Tyrese Maxey had a 15-point first quarter and the Sixers took a 139-84 win Monday night over the New Zealand Breakers in their preseason opener.
(Oct 8 -- Yahoo Sports)
Real vs. Fake Contenders and Crazy NBA Questions with Tom Haberstroh The Kevin O'Connor Show
On the very first episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh to answer some crazy NBA questions before the start of the season.
(Oct 8 -- Yahoo Sports)
Magic extend center Carter on 3-year, $59M deal
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. has agreed to a three-year, $59 million contract extension, his agent told ESPN.
(Oct 8 -- ESPN)
Lauri Markkanen struggled with his shot on Monday but still contributed 17 points (3-of-11 FGs, 11-of-13 FTs), four rebounds and one assist in a 122-113 win over the Rockets.
After having no issues against the New Zealand Breakers on Friday, Markkanen had an off-night on Monday. He struggled from the floor but still led the team in scoring by making a big impact from the free throw line. Markkanen should be drafted in the first few rounds in drafts this year, and there is no reason to be scared off by a poor preseason performance. He won't struggle like this often.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)
Reed Sheppard made his preseason debut on Monday and finished with four points (2-of-7 FGs), three rebounds, three assists, one steal and two blocks against the Jazz.
There has been a lot of hype surrounding Sheppard, and this was a nice reminder that he's still a rookie. Sure, the defensive numbers were great, but only four points and zero 3-pointers in 20 minutes isn't great. Still, it was only his first game, so it's difficult to be too critical. Dynasty managers will continue to keep a close eye on him, and while he is worth a late round dart throw in redraft leagues, the expectations should be low early on.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)
Cam Whitmore provided a boost off the bench with 17 points (6-of-8 FGS), two rebounds, one assist, three steals, one block and two 3-pointers against Utah on Monday.
Whitmore did a bit of everything off the bench in this one and had a mean poster dunk over Walker Kessler. He'll likely play a large reserve role this season and provide the Rockets with some offense, but Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason didn't play in this game. When the team is fully available, there may not be enough minutes and shots to go around for Whitmore to make a big impact this season.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)
Jalen Green led Houston with 21 points (7-of-14 FGs), three rebounds, one block and four 3-pointers in a 122-113 loss to Utah on Monday.
Things went well for the Rockets when Green was in the game, as they outscored the Jazz by 15 points in his 20 minutes. He kicked off the preseason with a strong offensive performance in limited action, which is encouraging for fantasy managers that plan to draft him in the middle rounds. He didn't have any assists, and he turned it over four times, which isn't ideal, but it's just the preseason. This is an important year for Green, who needs to prove why he can be the star that Houston drafted him No. 2 overall to be.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)
Knicks sign guard Boo Buie to Exhibit 10 contract
The Knicks have signed guard Boo Buie, undrafted out of Northwestern, to an Exhibit 10 contract, the team announced Monday.
(Oct 7 -- Yahoo Sports)
Ja Morant: Avoids serious injury
Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins stated Morant suffered a minor ankle tweak during Monday's preseason game against Dallas, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.
(Oct 7 -- Rotowire)
Jaden Hardy led Dallas with 21 points (6-of-16 FGs), three rebounds, nine assists, three steals and six 3-pointers in a 121-116 loss to the Grizzlies on Monday.
Hardy got the start with Dallas resting their three starting perimeter players, and he shined brightly. He missed all six of his 2-point attempts, but he knocked down six of his 10 3-point attempts and provided plenty of assists and steals. Hardy may be a fun reserve this year with Tim Hardaway Jr. gone, but it is unlikely that he makes a consistent fantasy impact when the roster is healthy.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)
Dereck Lively provided a boost off the bench with 12 points (5-of-5 FGs), three rebounds, two assists and two steals against Memphis on Monday.
Lively came off the bench, which isn't what fantasy managers want to see at this point. However, he still played a large role and made a significant impact. He even went coast-to-coast for a layup, which was fun to see from the big man. Lively still has loads of untapped potential, and he still may be able to beat out Daniel Gafford for the starting job. Lively is a high upside pick in the middle to late rounds.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)
Zach Edey made his preseason debut on Monday and finished with six points (3-of-4 FGs), seven rebounds, one steal and one block against the Mavericks.
Edey didn't shine, but it was encouraging to see him out on the floor after he suffered multiple ankle injuries during Summer League. He has a chance to be one of the best rookies in fantasy basketball this season, and he should help fill the center void with Steven Adams now in Houston. Hopefully we'll see more production out of Edey as Summer League continues.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)
Kyrie Irving: Expected back Thursday
Irving (rest) is expected to be available for the remainder of the preseason, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.
(Oct 7 -- Rotowire)
Klay Thompson: Expected to play Thursday
Coach Jason Kidd said Monday that he expects Thompson (rest) to play in the Mavericks' final three preseason matchups, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.
(Oct 7 -- Rotowire)
Scotty Pippen Jr. provided a boost off the bench with 12 points (4-of-4 FGs), two rebounds, six assists, two 3-pointers and five turnovers in a 121-116 win over Dallas on Monday.
Pippen was excellent late last season and shined again during Summer League, which helped him stick around Memphis on a two-way. Make no mistake, Pippen is way better than most two-way guys. Ja Morant exited early with an ankle injury in this game, and Pippen will likely see a large role if Morant misses time this upcoming season. He isn't worth drafting, but there will certainly be stretches where he is impactful this season.
(Oct 7 -- NBC Sports)