Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (thumb) won't play in Sunday's preseason matchup with the Wizards. The former Knick played well after being acquired by the Raptors ahead of the trade deadline last season, averaging a career-high 18.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 39.5% shooting from behind the arc. As such, the team hopes to keep him on the floor throughout the 2024-25 campaign, so it's unknown how much action he'll see during the preseason. With Scottie Barnes (rest) and Bruce Brown (knee) out, the door is open for guys like Ochai Agbaji, Davion Mitchell, and Jonathan Mogbo to get more minutes against Washington.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder) suffered a posterior labral tear in his left shoulder. As a result, he's expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. The 21-year-old averaged a career-high 15.9 points last season. However, he was limited to 32 games due to an abdominal injury, so the latest update on his health isn't ideal. Unfortunately, it's hard to justify him earning a spot in most fantasy formats to begin the 2024-25 campaign, especially since he was expected to come off the bench. With that in mind, Sharpe is worth monitoring throughout the year in case an injury to Anfernee Simons or Deni Avdija allows him to rejoin the starting unit.

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (finger) won't play in Sunday's exhibition against the Lakers. According to head coach Mike Budenholzer, the big man injured his left middle finger during scrimmage. It's unknown how severe the injury is. However, Nurkic will be re-evaluated in a week, meaning he could miss the entire preseason. The 30-year-old played well enough in 2023-24 to justify his presence in fantasy lineups, averaging a double-double (10.9 points, 11.0 rebounds) with 1.1 blocks and 1.1 steals. Without him, Mason Plumlee would be in line to start, although Bol Bol and Royce O'Neale can play bigger if necessary.

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis is expected to play in Sunday's preseason clash with the Suns. The 31-year-old didn't play on Friday night versus the Timberwolves to rest. However, he'll likely see limited action in his first exhibition of the year. Davis had a stellar 2023-24 campaign, averaging 24.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 2.3 blocks. He also logged a career-high 76 games. Although Davis' percentage from deep isn't the best, he still has plenty to offer fantasy managers in any format. As far as Sunday's contest is concerned, Davis' presence against Phoenix could mean less work for Jaxson Hayes, who had 14 points in 21 minutes with the starting lineup on Friday.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James plans to play in Sunday's exhibition versus the Suns. The veteran didn't suit up for the Lakers' preseason opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, James will get on the floor for this one, although he'll likely see limited action. With that said, his presence could still mean fewer minutes for others, especially Dalton Knecht, who is coming off a 16-point performance on Friday.

Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes (rest) won't play in Sunday's preseason matchup with the Washington Wizards. The 23-year-old is healthy. However, he recently rejoined the team after missing a few days of training camp due to a personal issue, so he's not ready to get on the floor. Despite missing time due to a hand injury, Barnes had the best season of his career in 2023-24, averaging 19.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals. His shooting percentages have also improved. As such, he has All-Star potential in 2024-25, so fantasy managers should draft him accordingly. Bruce Brown (knee) and Immanuel Quickley (thumb) will also sit this one out, so there's a good chance guys like Ochai Agbaji, Jonathan Mogbo, and Ulrich Chomche could benefit from a fantasy standpoint.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart is reportedly on the New York Knicks' radar. It's unknown how serious New York is about acquiring the 2022 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. It's also not clear how the Knicks would orchestrate such a move, considering the financial ramifications. However, Smart has a lot to offer any club that has him on the roster. Besides his defensive prowess, Smart is known for his leadership in the locker room. The 30-year-old is also capable offensively, averaging 10.7 points over the years, including a career-high 14.5 points in 2023-24, his first season in Memphis. Unfortunately, Smart has had issues staying healthy, logging 61 games or fewer in six of his 10 seasons since entering the league in 2014. It's important to note that other teams were rumored to be interested in Smart in the last few months, but nothing came of it. With that in mind, Smart's offensive ceiling would presumably decrease in New York, especially since the team features Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, among others.

Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin (thumb) is currently considered day-to-day and won't suit up for Sunday's preseason opener. Martin suffered a thumb laceration and a sprained wrist while attempting to make a block during training camp. The 29-year-old is only expected to miss a few days and should be fine for Opening Night. The veteran forward figures to compete for backup minutes with Seth Curry and Tidjane Salaun. Martin is unlikely to have reliable fantasy value off the bench, but he'll still be an asset off the bench for Charlotte.

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (knee) was an active participant during Friday's practice and 5-on-5 scrimmage. The 26-year-old is hopeful to be on the court for Opening Night. Ball hasn't suited up for a game since January 2022, so it's great to see him getting back on the court. It's unclear what kind of role Ball will have on this rebuilding Bulls roster. Josh Giddey figures to start at point guard, so possibly Ball fills in as the primary backup. When healthy, Ball was a reliable ball handler and an above average defender, but that was two years ago. The Bulls are expected to have heavy restrictions on Ball, which is going to make him tough to trust in fantasy leagues.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) was on the court for 5-on-5 scrimmage during Friday's practice. The young guard has been battling with an ankle injury throughout the offseason. Luckily, it appears Giddey is back to full health which is great news as the regular season gets closer. Giddey figures to take over as the starting point guard in Chicago. However, Lonzo Ball (knee) and Ayo Dosunmu should also be in the mix for playing time at the point guard spot. The rebuilding Bulls should be able to give Giddey enough playing time for him to carve out fantasy value for himself.

Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (hand) could end up missing an extended period of time. Exum suffered a severe right wrist injury that could require surgery. The Mavs are evaluating treatment options, but it seems likely that Exum is going to miss the beginning of the regular season. Exum figured to serve as a depth option behind Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic on the perimeter. Now, Spencer Dinwiddie, Quentin Grimes, and Jaden Hardy will likely absorb more playing time. The Mavs should give a timetable on Exum once they decide whether or not he'll have surgery.

Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (hamstring) will miss at least the next two weeks of action. Ugh, Williams was limited to six games last season and now he's injured before the regular season begins. He suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain, so the team will re-evaluate him in two weeks. His absence should open up more playing time for lottery pick Donovan Clingan. The rookie big man could find himself with a sizable role on this rebuilding roster. Williams won't be an ideal fantasy option even as a late round flier with Deandre Ayton and Clingan both in the mix for minutes at the center spot.

Brooklyn Nets power forward Trendon Watford is being evaluated for a hamstring injury. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez has announced that several players are dealing with hamstring issues before the start of preseason, and Watford is among them. Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) has already been ruled out for Tuesday's preseason opener, and Watford could join him on the sidelines along with Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring). Watford played well to close out the season last year, but he was limited to only 13.6 minutes per game across the campaign. A good preseason would help Watford in a battle for a regular spot in the rotation, but unfortunately, he's dealing with an injury even before the action has started.

Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) will not play in Tuesday's preseason opener against the Clippers. He is dealing with hamstring soreness. It looks like Claxton could be limited throughout the preseason, but it doesn't sound like it's a serious issue for him, and there's a good chance Claxton will be fully ready for the regular season. The Nets begin the campaign on Oct. 23 versus Atlanta. Brooklyn will expect big things from Claxton in 2024-25 after signing him to a four-year, $100 million extension in the summer.

Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe is under evaluation for a hamstring injury. The Nets have already ruled out starting center Nicolas Claxton (hamstring) for Tuesday's preseason opener and could be without another big man. Sharpe has been stuck behind Claxton in Brooklyn but played a fairly prominent role for the team in 2023-24. He averaged 6.8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 15.1 minutes. Similar levels of productivity can be expected from Sharpe in the upcoming campaign.

Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart will be used as a center in the upcoming campaign. Stewart started his career as a center but played the last two seasons mostly as a power forward. Now, he's set to feature as a center again, a position Stewart prefers. The six-foot-nine big man is expected to work as a backup behind Jalen Duren. It remains to be seen how Pistons head coach J. B. Bickerstaff splits the minutes between the two, but it's hard to imagine Stewart getting close to the 30.9 minutes he averaged last season, meaning his fantasy stock will take a hit.

New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Trey Murphy III (hamstring) will likely miss the start of the season. The 24-year-old sustained a right hamstring strain in Wednesday's practice, and the team announced that Murphy III will be re-evaluated in three weeks. New Orleans starts its campaign on Oct. 23 against Chicago. Murphy III mostly came off the bench for the Pelicans last term but continued to play an integral part in the rotation, averaging 29.6 minutes per game. Jordan Hawkins and Matt Ryan could get extra action without Murphy III.

San Antonio Spurs guard Keldon Johnson (foot) says that he is healthy and in shape heading into the start of next season. Johnson missed the final four games of the regular season in 2023 due to a foot sprain. The 24-year-old is heading into his sixth season and is now considered a veteran on this rebuilding roster. Johnson saw a regression in some stats last season, but still remains a reliable contributor on this roster. The Spurs added Harrison Barnes via trade this offseason, so Johnson will likely head to a bench role to start the season. Despite that, Johnson should still have a significant role as he averaged nearly 30 minutes per game over the course of his career. Fantasy managers should consider Johnson healthy as he looks ready to contribute at the beginning of the season.

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher (knee) has put in the work and reportedly has an improved mindset heading into the 2024-2025 season. The 31-year-old was limited to 50 games last season due to a knee injury. Before that, Boucher was growing frustrated with his role on the team. Boucher has been a bench player each of the last two seasons and saw only 14.1 minutes per game in 2023. Boucher is unlikely to have a much bigger role in 2024 with Jakob Poeltl starting at center and Scottie Barnes covering the power forward spot. However, Boucher appears to be more accepting on his role and is ready to put in the work as a depth player.

The Chicago Bulls have signed guard Joshua Primo to an Exhibit 10 contract on Thursday. The 21-year-old is a former 12th overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs from 2021. Primo lasted two seasons with the Spurs before joining the Los Angeles Clippers briefly last season. The young guard certainly has the potential to be a contributor in the NBA, but hasn't be given much of a chance outside of his rookie season. Primo will get a chance to earn himself a role on the Bulls during training camp, but he's likely going to spend most of his time in the G-League. The addition of Primo doesn't mean much for fantasy managers, but it'll be interesting to see if the Bulls are able to jumpstart his career.