Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (hamstring) practiced fully on Monday and is on track to play in Wednesday's season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. Brown dealt with minor hamstring tightness during the preseason, but his participation without restrictions signals that the team is confident in his health. With Jayson Tatum (Achilles) expected to miss most of the season, Brown should operate as Boston's primary offensive option to open the year. He already carried a strong 28.9% usage rate last season and averaged 22.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, and those numbers could rise early on with increased scoring volume and ball-handling responsibilities. Fantasy managers should view Brown as a high-end option in all formats this week, with a strong chance to deliver elite production while Tatum is sidelined.

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart (back) missed Monday's practice as he continues to deal with a lingering back issue that kept him sidelined for most of the preseason. His status for Wednesday's season opener remains uncertain, and the Knicks may opt for caution given Hart's importance as a high-energy two-way contributor. If he's unable to suit up, New York will likely lean on Jordan Clarkson for added scoring on the wing, while Miles McBride and Guerschon Yabusele could also see expanded roles. Hart is coming off a strong season in which he averaged 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 52.5% from the field, making him a valuable fantasy option thanks to his ability to contribute across multiple categories. Fantasy managers should monitor updates leading up to tip-off and have a backup plan ready in case Hart is ruled out.

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) was limited at practice on Monday, keeping his status for Wednesday's season opener very much in play. Head coach Jason Kidd said the team will monitor how Gafford responds to the increased workload, offering only, "We'll see how he feels tomorrow," when asked about his availability. Gafford is expected to open the season as Dallas' backup center after averaging 12.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks last year on 70.2% shooting from the field. His elite efficiency and shot-blocking ability make him a valuable fantasy asset, particularly in category formats. If active, Gafford should be deployed as a high-floor big man, though fantasy managers may want to temper expectations slightly in his first game back from injury. Dwight Powell and Dereck Lively II would see additional run if Gafford is ruled out.

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Christian Braun is up for a contract extension that was rumored to be close to done back in June. Fast forward to October, and there hasn't been anything signed, but Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reports that there is "cautious optimism" that Braun and the Nuggets agree on an extension before the deadline on Monday. Scotto states that the ongoing talks are around a five-year extension worth somewhere in the range of $115 to $125 million. After the Nuggets re-tooled a lot of their lineup this offseason, Braun is likely to continue in the important starting role he stepped into last year. During his best year yet, Braun averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals across 77 starts and 33.9 minutes per game. He's a solid mid-to-late round fantasy asset in any type of format, especially category leagues with his .528 career field goal percentage.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (groin) will be sticking around for at least one more season on his rookie deal. The 12th-overall pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, unfortunately, hasn't appeared in his first game yet, but the team still picked up his third-year worth $5.4 million next season. Topic missed his first full season with an ACL tear, and now has to wait even longer to make his debut after undergoing testicular surgery a couple of weeks ago. He's expected to be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks after that surgery, so it's possible that he returns at some point in November. As of right now, Topic isn't much of a fantasy option in redraft leagues, but is worth a stash in deeper dynasty formats after the team spent such a high pick on the Serbian combo guard. Across three seasons for various clubs in Europe, Topic averaged 10.2 points, 4.1 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace will be with the team for at least one more season. The former 10th overall pick remains on his rookie contract, so the last two years have been team options. He's currently making $5.8 million for this coming season, and the Thunder picked up his fourth-year option next season for $7.4 million. The reigning NBA champs have a very deep roster right now, so they may have to make some tough decisions when these rookie-scale contracts are up. For now, Wallace should be in the same role as last season when he averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.8 steals across 27.6 minutes per game. Wallace could be a sleeper fantasy option in deeper category leagues, but his value is a bit higher when it comes dynasty formats.

The Brooklyn Nets have waived guard Kobe Bufkin, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The Nets traded cash considerations over the offseason for the former 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Unfortunately, Bufkin never really found his footing with Atlanta over the past two seasons, and a shoulder surgery cut his season short last year. Since being drafted, the Michigan product has appeared in 27 games and averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists across 11.9 minutes per contest. Bufkin isn't even on the fantasy radar for redraft leagues, and after being waived, he's not even much of a stash for managers in dynasty leagues either.

Brooklyn Nets forward Haywood Highsmith (knee) underwent a procedure on his right meniscus in August and has been on a rehab plan since. The team announced that Highsmith experienced swelling in his knee, so they performed an evaluation and determined that he will need to follow a modified rehab program. They are going to re-evaluate him in eight weeks, which would take us to December, before they decide whether he'll be able to return. Highsmith was traded from Miami to Brooklyn this past summer, after playing the last four seasons for the Heat and averaging 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists across 20.3 minutes per game.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara agreed to a four-year, $82 million extension with the team. He averaged a career-high 11.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in 2024. Without question, the Blazers see something in the 25-year-old, who has emerged as a reliable two-way player since entering the league in 2023. Camara might be even more productive throughout the 2025 campaign, especially since Anfernee Simons is no longer on the roster. He's also logged at least 70 games in his last two seasons, so his durability could go a long way in helping fantasy managers. However, outside of Camara's defensive acumen, he likely won't be as consistent in other statistical areas.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe agreed to a four-year, $90 million contract extension with the club. The 2022 No. 7 overall pick is coming off his best season, averaging a career-high 18.5 points during the 2024 campaign. With the Blazers dealing Anfernee Simons to the Boston Celtics in the offseason, Sharpe has an excellent chance of emerging as the top scorer in Portland. Assuming the 22-year-old stays on the floor this season, he's expected to be a consistent points-producer for fantasy managers throughout the year. However, he's struggled shooting the ball, so that will need to improve before earning more attention from category participants.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the team. He was eligible for more. However, the 37-year-old was willing to take less. Durant was traded to the Rockets in July after spending the last few seasons with the Phoenix Suns, most recently averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting 43.0% from downtown throughout the 2024 campaign. He's closing in on two decades of service in the National Basketball Association, so his production is expected to decline in the coming years. Still, Durant is anticipated to remain in the All-Star conversation for at least a few more seasons, giving him plenty of upside for fantasy managers in all formats. Of course, he will need to stay healthy, something that's been an issue at times throughout his career.

Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (hamstring) won't play in the opener versus the Phoenix Suns. He'll also be sidelined for the October 24 matchup with the Utah Jazz. The 29-year-old was injured during the October 15 preseason meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers and was diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. He will be re-evaluated in a week, so there's a chance he may be out longer. Sabonis has repeatedly been in the All-Star conversation over the years, most recently finishing the 2024 campaign by averaging 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 41.7% shooting from behind the arc. The Kings will also be without Keegan Murray (thumb) for a few months, meaning guys like Drew Eubanks, Malik Monk, and Russell Westbrook could benefit from a production standpoint. As far as Sabonis is concerned, he should still be viewed as a top-10 fantasy option in any format, considering the his most recent ailment shouldn't keep him out too long.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe) will undergo surgery on his left great toe and will be reevaluated in 12 weeks. The 24-year-old averaged 9.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in 79 appearances last season. While he wasn't a day-to-day producer, he played considerably better in his 21 starts by averaging 14.2 points, 5.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.7 steals while shooting 46.1% from behind the arc. At this point, it's realistic to assume Pippen may not be back on the court until around the All-Star break, making him virtually irrelevant for redraft participants. However, his absence should at least open the door for increased production from Ty Jerome, with the former Cleveland Cavalier benefiting even more if Ja Morant, who has battled injuries over the years, misses time this season.

The Mavericks waived guard/forward Dalano Banton, the team announced on Friday. The 2021 No. 46 overall pick signed a non-guaranteed deal heading into training camp. However, most assumed he was a long shot to make the opening night roster, so the latest isn't much of a surprise. Banton has spent time with various clubs around the National Basketball Association throughout his career, most recently appearing in 67 games for the Portland Trail Blazers throughout the 2024 campaign. Although he didn't see consistent playing time, he still looked good in his seven starts, averaging 16.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks. There's a chance Banton may suit up for the Texas Legends, Dallas' G League squad. Still, Banton isn't a practical fantasy option at the moment, although that may change if he ends up getting some starts for a team during the year.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the Knicks waived guard Garrison Mathews. The 28-year-old bounced around the league before agreeing to a deal with the Knicks heading into training camp. He played relatively well in four preseason games, averaging 6.8 points while shooting 41.2% from behind the three-point line. However, New York is strapped for cash, so the club made the move to cut ties to avoid luxury tax ramifications. With that said, Mathews will likely find a new home due to his shooting prowess, although he won't be a useful fantasy option in any format until he carves out a routine role with a team.

The Mavericks waived guard Dennis Smith Jr., the team announced on Friday. The veteran began his career with the Mavs in 2017 and has bounced around the league ever since. He most recently suited up for the Brooklyn Nets, where he averaged 6.6 points, 3.6 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. Smith was on a non-guaranteed deal, so cutting ties with him makes sense from a financial standpoint. Due to his defensive prowess, there's a chance he'll sign with a new club. However, Smith's minutes would presumably be limited wherever he lands, meaning he likely won't offer much value to fantasy managers.

According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel, the Heat waived forward/center Precious Achiuwa. The 26-year-old most recently suited up for the Knicks during the 2024 campaign. Although he wasn't a consistent producer, he averaged 12.9 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 10 appearances with the starting lineup. Achiuwa inked a non-guaranteed deal heading into training camp. However, the Heat made the move before opening night to avoid operating above the luxury tax line. Deep-league dynasty managers with room to spare can keep him stashed on the roster, especially since there may be more than a few teams calling for his services throughout the season. On the other hand, Achiuwa won't see much attention from redraft participants until he signs with a club and carves out a consistent role.

Los Angeles Clippers shooting guard Bradley Beal (knee) is expected to make his preseason debut on Friday against the Golden State Warriors. After battling injuries in recent seasons, the 32-year-old veteran will look to reestablish himself as one of the league's most efficient scorers in a revamped Clippers offense. Beal joins a star-studded lineup alongside James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, giving Los Angeles one of the most dynamic perimeter trios in the NBA. While his health remains a concern, Beal's proven ability to create his own shot and contribute in assists and steals makes him a worthwhile late-round target in fantasy drafts. If he can stay on the floor, Beal could provide strong mid-tier production and deliver solid value as a complementary scorer and secondary playmaker for the Clippers.

Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe (hip) is expected to return for the team's preseason finale on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Edgecombe last appeared on October 4th against the New York Knicks before missing time due to a minor hip issue. The third overall pick in this year's NBA Draft is projected to start on opening night when the Sixers face the Boston Celtics. The former Baylor standout impressed with his defensive instincts, athleticism, and perimeter shooting during the preseason, showcasing the versatility that made him a top prospect. His ability to stretch the floor and complement superstar Joel Embiid should earn him a prominent role early in his rookie campaign. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should keep an eye on Edgecombe as a potential sleeper with upside in steals and three-point production.

Milwaukee Bucks guard AJ Green has agreed to his first extension with the team on Thursday. According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Green and the Bucks agreed to a four-year extension worth $45 million, which is fully guaranteed. The 26-year-old went from 35 appearances and 9.9 minutes per contest in his rookie season to 73 games played and 22.7 minutes per game just last year. He also averaged 7.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.1 threes per game. With Damian Lillard gone, the guard rotation will likely have a lot of movement throughout the season. Green should play a prominent role after his extension, but they also have Cole Anthony, Gary Trent Jr., Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, Andre Jackson Jr., Gary Harris, and Amir Coffey. Green may serve as a sleeper pick in category leagues if he cracks the starting lineup, though.