Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) came through his first week of training camp in good shape, according to Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian. Memphis entered camp planning to have the 24-year-old ready for the regular season, but preseason action remains possible depending on his progress. Edey played just 11 games last season before undergoing a second left ankle surgery in March, averaging 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 25.8 minutes. With Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post also available up front, Memphis doesn't need to rush him. Any preseason minutes would be another encouraging sign ahead of the Oct. 21 opener.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Ja Morant could come off the bench this season, according to team reporter Casey Holdahl, who noted that the Blazers' decision not to let him wear No. 12 went over without much fuss. Head coach Micah Nori told The Athletic that starting Morant alongside Damian Lillard doesn't make sense, and the two-time All-Star said on media day that starting or not is "the same thing" to him. Jrue Holiday would be the likeliest starter in that scenario. A bench role wouldn't necessarily sink Morant's fantasy value. He played only 28.5 minutes per game in Memphis last season, and leading the second unit would keep the ball in his hands away from Lillard. Efficiency is the bigger concern after he shot 41.0 percent from the field and 23.5 percent from three across 20 games in 2025-26.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome is making a strong case for the starting point guard job, according to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal. The 29-year-old has drawn plenty of praise throughout camp, with teammates highlighting his ability to create offense in difficult situations. Jerome was limited to 15 games last season by calf and ankle injuries but made the most of them, averaging 19.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 22.6 minutes while shooting 42.0 percent from three. Scotty Pippen Jr. remains firmly in the competition, but a starting role would give Jerome an intriguing fantasy opportunity if last year's per-minute production carries over.

Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (ankle) still has no timetable to return, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post. The sixth overall pick rolled his left ankle before training camp and has returned to the court in a limited capacity, but he had not been cleared for contact as of Thursday. "I feel like I have no choice but to be patient," Brown said. The 20-year-old averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 1.2 steals at Louisville despite missing 14 games with a lower-back injury. If Brown misses Tuesday's preseason opener in Charlotte, Egor Demin and Keon Ellis should get more backcourt reps while Brooklyn waits for its rookie guard to get fully healthy.