Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome poured in a career-high 45 points in Wednesday's 123-103 win over the Utah Jazz, adding seven rebounds, six assists, and five three-pointers. He shot 17-for-25 from the field and committed just one turnover in 32 minutes, breaking Ja Morant's franchise opening-night record of 44 points. With Morant now in Portland, Jerome has the keys to Memphis' offense, and Wednesday was a strong first look at what that role can produce. The bigger question is durability after injuries limited the 29-year-old to 15 games last season, but the opportunity is there for a major jump if he can stay on the floor.

Orlando Magic guard/forward Anthony Black (ankle) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, according to head coach Sean Sweeney. The session was mostly a walkthrough and film work following Wednesday's loss to Atlanta, but Black also got shots up afterward. The 22-year-old missed the entire preseason and the opener with a right ankle sprain, making Friday's matchup with Minnesota his next chance to return. Black averaged 15.0 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 29.8 minutes last season. His return would tighten Orlando's bench rotation after Tristan da Silva scored 14 points with four threes Wednesday.

Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (hip) exited Wednesday's 124-83 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers shortly before halftime and did not return. The 24-year-old was seen grabbing at his right hip after missing the preseason finale with hip soreness. Ighodaro had eight points, three rebounds, and three assists on 4-for-7 shooting in 14 minutes before leaving. With Mark Williams (shoulder) sidelined for an extended period, any absence would leave Khaman Maluach with a larger role at center and could push two-way big Duop Reath into the rotation. Maluach saw only 8.9 minutes per game as a rookie, but there would be plenty more opportunity available if Ighodaro is forced to miss time.

Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (ankle) is out for Friday's game against the Toronto Raptors, according to head coach Brian Keefe. The 19-year-old remains day-to-day with the left ankle sprain he suffered in the preseason finale, delaying his NBA debut for a second straight game. Dybantsa averaged 12.8 points in 21.5 minutes across four preseason appearances. Bilal Coulibaly started in his place Wednesday and delivered 11 points, four steals, and two blocks on 4-for-6 shooting. With Dybantsa sidelined again, Coulibaly should remain heavily involved, and his ability to pile up defensive stats gives him some short-term fantasy appeal.