Sacramento Kings guard Darius Acuff Jr. scored 19 points in Monday's 127-103 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, adding two rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes. The No. 7 overall pick shot 8-for-17 from the field and 1-for-4 from three while scoring 17 points before halftime. It was an encouraging response after Acuff shot just 35.0 percent during Summer League. Zach LaVine played only 15 minutes, giving the rookie extended time to run the offense. If Acuff holds a sizable point-guard role, his scoring and assist production could make him useful quickly.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard LaMelo Ball recorded 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 17 minutes during Monday's 116-97 preseason win over Milwaukee. Ball shot 3-for-6 from the field, 2-for-5 from three, and 3-for-3 at the line while starting alongside Anthony Edwards. Minnesota kept its regulars on the bench after halftime, limiting the first look at its new backcourt. Edwards praised Ball afterward for getting everyone involved. Ball averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 assists across 72 games last season, and his playmaking should remain a major part of Minnesota's offense.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards scored a team-high 14 points in Monday's 116-97 preseason win over Milwaukee, adding four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 18 minutes. He shot just 4-for-13 from the field and 1-for-7 from three but went 5-for-5 at the line before Minnesota rested its starters after halftime. LaMelo Ball assisted on two of Edwards' four baskets, offering an early glimpse of the new backcourt. Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points last season, and Ball's playmaking gives him another creator who could ease some of his shot-making burden.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome started at point guard in Monday's preseason opener, recording 12 points, five assists, and one block in 15 minutes during a 132-123 win over Atlanta. He shot 4-for-8 from the field, 1-for-2 from three and 3-for-3 at the line. More importantly, Jerome got the first starting look ahead of Scotty Pippen Jr. with Ja Morant now in Portland. The 29-year-old missed the first three months of last season with a calf injury but averaged 19.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals over 15 games. If Jerome holds the starting job, his scoring and playmaking should translate into useful fantasy production.