According to Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, guard Lonzo Ball (knee) will suit up at some point during the preseason. He wasn't active for Tuesday's exhibition against the Cavaliers. Yet, Ball's impending return is still much sooner than most anticipated. The 26-year-old hasn't played since January 2022 and has undergone multiple knee surgeries since, including a meniscus transplant. As a result, he'll likely be brought along slowly early in the 2024-25 campaign. However, with Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu in the picture, there are more questions regarding Ball's role than answers. With that said, he'll likely make appearances with the starting lineup this season. Still, Ball isn't expected to be a consistent fantasy producer.

Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (shoulder) will miss the remainder of the preseason after suffering an AC joint strain in Monday's preseason meeting with the Wizards. The 24-year-old was traded to Toronto ahead of last season's deadline after spending his entire career in New York. He had the most productive stretch of his career in 32 games with the Raptors last season, averaging a career-high 21.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. Barrett also shot 39.2% from deep, the second-best mark of his career. His status for the opener against the Cavs on October 23 is up in the air. But if the former Knick can't suit up for that one, Ochai Agbaji would likely take his spot in the rotation.

Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic reports that Chicago Bulls guardJosh Giddey(ankle) will play against the Cavaliers on Tuesday. The 21-year-old guard has been battling an ankle injury throughout the offseason but hasn't had any setbacks most recently and has taken contact in practice. Giddey could see plenty of action playing for the rebuilding Bulls and may have some fantasy value as the season progresses.

Law Murray of The Athletic reports that Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) will not play in Tuesday's preseason game against Brooklyn. Leonard has yet to be cleared for 5-on-5 scrimmages after undergoing a procedure on his right knee in May. The Clippers are cautious as the 33-year-old's health has been an issue since joining the team in 2019. When Leonard is available, he is a fantasy force, averaging 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals across 68 contests one season ago.

According to Law Murray of The Athletic Los Angeles Clippers, center Mo Bamba (knee) will not suit up against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Bamba will miss his second consecutive preseason game and his participation has been limited during training camp. He spent last season with the 76ers averaging 4.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 0.7 assists, and 1.8 blocks across 57 games. The 26-year-old can be dominant defensively, but he is not known to make an impact in fantasy.

Per Michael C. Wright of ESPN, San Antonio Spurs point guard Chris Paul will make his preseason debut on Wednesday after signing a one-year, $11 million contract with the team in the offseason. Paul's production has dipped significantly after being in the league for almost 20 years. He played in 58 games for Golden State in last year's campaign, averaging 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. The 39-year-old's presence will be essential for the development of center Victor Wembanyama and the other young players on the team.

According to ESPN's Michael C. Wright, San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins (shoulder) will not play in the team's preseason game against the Magic on Wednesday. Despite not suiting up in the preseason, the 26-year-old has been participating in 5-on-5 drills during training camp after having shoulder surgery in April. Last season, Collins averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 69 regular season contests. Saturday, he has another chance to make his preseason debut against Utah.

Dallas Mavericks power forward P.J. Washington did not play in Monday's preseason game versus Memphis due to left hip tightness. It doesn't sound like a serious issue for Washington, but this might not end up being the only game he sits out, as the Mavericks won't want to take any risks ahead of the regular season. The team is already dealing with several injuries. Washington proved to be a great mid-season pickup for the Mavericks last term and should enjoy another fine campaign in Dallas. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals after moving from Charlotte to Texas. There should also be room for improvement for the 26-year-old, as Washington's shooting numbers dipped a bit on his new team.

Sacramento Kings guard/forward Kevin Huerter (shoulder) remains limited to non-contact activities, according to head coach Mike Brown. A week ago, it was reported that Huerter had started ramping up his individual workouts, but it looks like he's still a bit away from being ready to play. However, with over two weeks to go until the Kings' season opener against Minnesota, Huerter has a good amount of time to get up to speed. Keon Ellis has been working with the starting unit in Huerter's absence during training camp. Ellis and the Kings get their first taste of preseason action on Wednesday versus Golden State.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) has agreed to a three-year, $59 million extension with the franchise. He's now locked up through the 2028-29 campaign, with the final year being a team option. Carter Jr. has spent three and a half seasons in Orlando, posting 13.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. However, he's struggled to stay on the court due to health issues, and Carter Jr. suffered a new setback on Monday when he was forced to exit a preseason game against New Orleans with an ankle injury. Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said after the game that Carter Jr. is set to undergo imaging on his left ankle.

Cleveland Cavaliers small forward Emoni Bates has undergone knee surgery and will be re-evaluated in approximately one month. He had arthroscopic surgery on Monday for a torn meniscus in his right knee. Bates, the 49th pick of the 2023 draft, made 15 appearances during his rookie campaign in 2023-24, averaging 2.7 points in 8.9 minutes. He's not made an impact in the NBA but has posted good numbers with the Cleveland Charge in the G League. The 20-year-old notched 19.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the G League last season.

Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant (ankle) was limited to 18 minutes in Monday's preseason matchup against Dallas, but he escaped serious injury. Morant exited the action multiple times due to an ankle issue. However, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins called it only a "minor little tweak." Morant himself said after the game he's "good," according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon. This is great news, considering Morant's injury history. He was in fine form in Monday's game, producing 13 points with four rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in a 121-116 win.

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (groin) won't play in Tuesday's exhibition versus the Hornets. He's dealing with a strained groin, although he'll likely make an appearance during the preseason. Despite trade rumblings over the years, Herro remains on the roster. He averaged a career-high 20.8 points last season with 5.4 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The 24-year-old also shot 39.6% from deep, the second-best mark of his career. Unfortunately, Herro's defense is a liability, and his inability to stay healthy is an even bigger issue. However, if the 2019 No. 13 overall pick can at least stay healthy, he could exceed fantasy expectations this season. As far as Tuesday's contest is concerned, DFS managers could see more action from Pelle Larsson and Nassir Little, considering Jaime Jaquez Jr. (groin) will also be sidelined for that one.

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (illness) practiced on Monday. While he didn't log a full session, he's moving in the right direction. The veteran is coming off the worst season of his career, averaging 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 2023-24. With Klay Thompson now in Dallas, expectations are high for Wiggins, so there is bounce-back potential. At any rate, he won't suit up for Wednesday's preseason matchup with the Kings, meaning Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Kyle Anderson, and Lindy Waters III could see more action. However, Wiggins should be ready to begin the 2024-25 campaign.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid won't suit up for Monday's preseason clash with the New Zealand Breakers. The Sixers want to keep Embiid healthy during the 2024-25 campaign, meaning the team will limit him whenever an opportunity presents itself. Paul George will also sit this one out to rest. However, it's safe to assume Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Andre Drummond could see the floor sparingly on Monday night. With that in mind, DFS managers should consider rostering Ricky Council IV, Guerschon Yabusele, Jeff Dowtin Jr., Jared McCain, and Adem Bona.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Paul George won't play in Monday's exhibition against New Zealand. Head coach Nick Nurse didn't specify why. But it's safe to assume the team will take it easy on the veteran to preserve his health for the regular season. While Nurse indicated everyone else would be available except Joel Embiid, guys like Tyrese Maxey, Kyle Lowry, and Kelly Oubre Jr. will likely see limited action. Instead, Jared McCain, Ricky Council IV, Guerschon Yabusele, and Adem Bona could spend extra time on the floor versus the Breakers.

Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann will slot into the starting lineup for the team's second preseason game on Tuesday. Head coach Ty Lue said that he will be taking Kris Dunn's spot in the starting lineup and they'll see how he meshes with some of the starters. Kawhi Leonard (knee) hasn't been cleared for game action yet, so the other starters based on the previous game look like James Harden, Norman Powell, Derrick Jones Jr., and Ivica Zubac. Mann will probably receive plenty of opportunities this season whether it's as a starter or bench player, but the Clippers have some room to experiment with lineups.

Brooklyn Nets forward Trendon Watford (hamstring) had a strained hamstring confirmed on Monday at the same time that teammate Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) received confirmation for a more severe hamstring strain. Watford is expected to be re-evaluated in two weeks compared to the six-week timeline that Sharpe received. The center and power forward spots are where the Nets are the thinnest, so Watford will likely receive added opportunities when he returns. For now, Noah Clowney and Ben Simmons will probably see some added minutes in the preseason along with Ziaire Williams.

Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (hamstring) was confirmed to have suffered a strained hamstring and the team will re-evaluate his progress in six weeks. In unofficial depth charts, Sharpe projected to be the backup center to Nicolas Claxton, but while Sharpe rehabs his hamstring, Noah Clowney is likely to receive more opportunities. The Nets are in the middle of a rebuild, and they lack a lot of depth at center. Sharpe would have seen an uptick in minutes this season, but his status is now in doubt for the beginning of the season. He appeared in 61 games for Brooklyn last season and averaged 6.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (ankle) suffered an apparent lower leg injury during the Monday afternoon preseason game against the Orlando Magic and was helped off to the locker room as he was in obvious pain. According to Brett Siegel, the big man suffered a sprained left ankle and will not return to the game. Carter showed a lot of frustration at the time of the injury as well. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old has had very bad luck with injuries throughout his six-year career. Some more information should come out about his injury when they're able to do some more tests. He finished Monday's game with four points, six rebounds, and one steal across 20 minutes.