Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Nikola Topic (groin) underwent testicular surgery on Monday and will be re-evaluated in 4-to-6 weeks. It's another tough break for the 20-year-old rookie, who already missed the entire 2024-25 campaign with a torn ACL. Topic was expected to compete for backup minutes behind star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but this latest setback will delay his NBA debut. In his absence, guards Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace should log additional minutes early in the season.

According to Joey Linn of SI.com, Los Angeles Clippers guardBogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) is expected to suit up for Thursday's preseason opener versus the Guangzhou Loong Lions. On Saturday, Bogdanovic competed in five-on-five scrimmages with no restrictions. The 33-year-old has spent several weeks recovering from a hamstring injury that occurred during EuroBasket in August. Barring any setbacks, it appears he will also be available for opening night on October 22nd versus the Utah Jazz.

Joey Linn of SI.com reports that Los Angeles Clippers guard Bradley Beal (knee) participated in a team scrimmage on Monday. Beal won't be on the floor for Thursday's preseason opener. However, Linn states that the 32-year-old veteran guard expects to be ready to start the regular season. Beal's fantasy value has tumbled in recent seasons as he hasn't played in over 60 contests in six straight campaigns. If he can stay healthy, it will be worth watching how he integrates into the Clippers' rotation as the season unfolds.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has announced that he will make "The Second Decision" on Tuesday, October 7, at 12 p.m. Eastern time. Entering his 23rd NBA season, the 40-year-old continues to defy age while maintaining elite production, earning All-NBA Second Team honors last year with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. A 21-time All-Star, four-time champion, and four-time MVP, James' longevity and dominance remain unmatched in NBA history. While the nature of his upcoming announcement is unclear, it has already sparked speculation about his future and potential plans beyond Los Angeles. Fantasy managers should continue to view LeBron as a steady, high-floor option capable of stuffing the stat sheet every night.

New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns has reshaped his body this offseason to prepare for an expanded role at power forward. After averaging 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds across 72 games last year, Towns is expected to share the frontcourt with Mitchell Robinson, giving New York a dominant rebounding and defensive duo. The slimmer frame should help Towns adapt to guarding quicker forwards while maintaining his elite offensive touch. Shooting an impressive 42% from three last season, Towns' ability to stretch the floor will be vital for spacing around Jalen Brunson and the Knicks' backcourt. For fantasy managers, KAT's versatility and shooting efficiency make him a strong early-round selection capable of producing across multiple categories.

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry isn't ready to discuss the end of his legendary career just yet. Entering his 17th NBA season at age 37, Curry told reporters he has "no clue" when retirement will come, admitting only that it's "closer than it was even yesterday." The four-time NBA champion and two-time MVP remains one of the league's elite players after earning All-NBA Second Team honors last season. As the Warriors gear up for another playoff push, Curry's leadership and shooting prowess continue to define their success. For fantasy basketball managers, Curry remains a reliable top-tier option capable of delivering elite scoring, assists, and efficiency -- even as whispers of the future begin to grow louder.

Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (undisclosed) will not play in the team's first preseason game on Tuesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Head coach Rick Carlisle didn't specify any type of injury that Sheppard is dealing with, but reporter Tony East states that it sounds like Sheppard will be able to play at some point in the preseason. Since Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles) won't be playing any time soon, the Pacers' backcourt will likely have a lot of different rotations this season. Sheppard, who appeared in 63 games (nine starts) last season, will likely see an increase in minutes as well. Through two seasons, he averages 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting .407 from the floor and .330 from beyond the arc.

Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels is eligible for his rookie extension as he enters his fourth year in the NBA and second season with the team. The 22-year-old was named the Most Improved Player of the Year last season and made the All-Defensive First Team, along with a second-place finish for Defensive Player of the Year. With that being said, Daniels and the Hawks have "some distance" in their extension negotiations, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer. The deadline for rookie extensions falls on October 20, and Daniels received some more negotiating power after the deal that Nikola Jovic received with the Miami Heat. Either way, he'll likely remain in the starting five this year after averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 3.0 steals per game while shooting .493 from the floor and .340 from deep.

The Washington Wizards are signing forward/center Skal Labissiere to an Exhibit 10 contract on Monday. The 29-year-old big man last played for the Sacramento Kings in the 2024-25 season, where he appeared in four games and only averaged three minutes per contest. Before that, his last season in the NBA was 2019-20 with the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite being drafted in the first round back in 2016, Labissiere has only played in five seasons and has averaged 7.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across 17.2 minutes per game.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (ankle) has had quite the laundry list of injuries over the past few seasons. Unfortunately, there's another to add to the list as Michael Wallace of Grizzlies.com reports that Morant suffered a sprained ankle on Sunday at practice. The team spokesperson said that Morant is considered week-to-week, as they'll likely be very cautious with the season right around the corner. When healthy, Morant is a top fantasy asset in most formats, but he's only played a total of 59 games over the last two seasons. Now that Desmond Bane isn't in Memphis anymore, Scottie Pippen Jr., Ty Jerome, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope all could see bumps in value.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Golden State Warriors are expected to make forward Jonathan Kuminga available once he's eligible to be traded on January 15. After months of negotiations, the Warriors and Kuminga finally agreed to a two-year, $48.5 million contract. However, it's safe to say both sides are looking to end their relationship sooner rather than later. The 22-year-old averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. He also shot a career-low 30.5% from behind the arc. While Kuminga has shown signs of growth since entering the league, head coach Steve Kerr never gave him a routine role in the rotation. With the Dubs hoping to get as much as possible in a trade, Kerr may give Kuminga more playing time in order to showcase his talents for potential suitors. Still, he should be more productive once (if) he is traded, so fantasy managers will need to stay patient.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) practiced with the team on Saturday. The multi-time MVP was battling COVID-19 while still in Greece, delaying his return back to the United States to participate in the first few days of training camp. "I think it took a toll on my body. I'm not 100% yet physically," Antetokounmpo said. "Just taking it day by day, getting back in shape. I've got like 18 days until the first game, so I think I'll be fine." Although he plans to suit up when the Bucks take on the Washington Wizards on October 22, fantasy managers should continue to monitor the situation, especially if he can't bounce back as quickly as anticipated. For now, Antetokounmpo remains a top-five fantasy option in all formats.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (Achilles) appears to have a chance to return to the court in March. The 27-year-old suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals series with the New York Knicks back in May, resulting in surgery the very next day. Miraculously, he's already running and shooting. Tatum is coming off another quality year, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 72 appearances throughout the regular season. Of course, the Celtics will surely take a cautious approach by not rushing him back, even if the team is in the mix to capture a top spot in the Eastern Conference heading toward the postseason. With that said, Tatum's return may not benefit fantasy managers, especially since he'll presumably be on a minutes restriction once cleared for action. However, the situation is still worth monitoring. For now, Sam Hauser should see routine minutes as a starter, with Payton Pritchard, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White in line to see even more scoring opportunities.

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is expected to suit up for Friday's preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as Booker isn't dealing with an injury. The Suns are just attempting to limit his reps ahead of the regular season. If he plays, it's uncertain if Booker will have a full workload during Friday's game. If he doesn't, Collin Gillespie and Jared Butler could see increased roles in the rotation. The Suns aren't going to push their starters too hard in the beginning of the preseason.

Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) returned to practice as a full participant on Friday. This is good news after Giddey missed Thursday's practice with a minor foot injury. It sounds like he tweaked it earlier in the week, but is going to be fine moving forward. Fantasy managers should expect Giddey to be back at full strength. That's exactly what the Bulls need after giving Giddey $100 million over the next four years. Last season, Giddey averaged 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in 30.2 minutes per game across 70 contests. It was a solid first year in Chicago for Giddey and he'll look to continue having success this upcoming season.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (rest) won't suit up for both preseason contests this weekend. The Lakers have decided to hold out Doncic both Friday and Sunday for rest purposes, according to Khobi Price. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as this is only the Lakers managing his reps. Doncic played with Slovenia this past summer, so this is simply rest management. The expectation is that Gabe Vincent and Nick Smith could see increased roles with Doncic sidelined. The superstar guard figures to get into a few preseason games before the regular season begins.

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis had his 2026-2027 rookie team option picked up by the organization on Friday. This is his third-year option as he'll be under contract for next season at $5.7 million. This comes as no surprise that the Bulls are bringing back the 11th overall pick from the 2024 draft. Last season, Buzelis averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists across 18.9 minutes per game in 80 contests. It was a solid rookie campaign from Buzelis who saw limited playing time. The assumption is that Buzelis will become the starting power forward in Chicago soon. He could be someone worth thinking about late on draft day.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) will reportedly meet the team in Miami leading up to the exhibition with the Heat. The multi-time MVP averaged 27.3 points in seven games for Greece in FIBA 2025 EuroBasket. Unfortunately, he came down with a case of COVID-19, preventing his return to the United States. It's unknown if Antetokounmpo will suit up for the meeting with Miami, but assuming The Freak doesn't have any long-term issues from his recent bout with COVID, he will likely see preseason minutes at some point before the Bucks begin the 2025 campaign versus the Washington Wizards.

Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey (leg) is healthy and ready to play after suffering a fractured fibula during the New Year's Day meeting with the Orlando Magic. Admittedly, it wasn't an easy rehab process for the 23-year-old, but with the injury behind him, he's looking forward to the start of the season. "The journey has definitely been a grind to get back, to get healed, to get stronger," said Ivey in a recent interview with The Detroit Free Press. "I'm definitely thankful to be in this position right now, be able to be back healthy." Before going down, Ivey was having the best season of his career, averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 40.9% shooting from downtown (30 games). He logged 74 games or more in his first two years, so the season-ending injury was hopefully an isolated incident. The Pistons are now considered a playoff team, and Ivey could exceed expectations for fantasy managers throughout the 2025 campaign, as long as he stays healthy and takes better care of the ball. There may also be some rough patches until he gets in better shape.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (hand) was inactive for the team's Thursday contest in Abu Dhabi against the 76ers. The starting forward sprained his hand yesterday during practice, but the injury is not seen as significant going forward. Pacome Dadiet started in his place, which may have been in an attempt to showcase Dadiet for a potential trade since the Knicks are facing a roster crunch due to the second apron. Anunoby is considered day-to-day at this point, but with Josh Hart (back) also leaving the game with an injury, the injury issues are starting to pile up for the Knicks, who will hope to have everyone healthy when the games start to actually count in just under three weeks.