Player Notes NBA

According to ESPN, Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam has agreed to a four-year max extension.

What It Means:

Siakam will remain in Toronto through 2023-2024 after signing an extension worth $130 million. The 25-year old forward has quickly developed into the centerpiece of the Raptors' core after a breakout championship year.

For the 2019-2020 season, our models project Siakam to accumulate 1252 points, 544 rebounds, and 219 assists.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski

New Orleans Pelicans rookie small forward Zion Williamson is expected to miss a period of weeks to start the season, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

What It Means:

Woj adds that it's not a severe injury and that the Pelicans are erring on the extreme side of caution. Look for Williamson to return by mid-November. He averaged 23.3 points per game this preseason, becoming the first rookie to average over 20.0 points since NBA preseason statistics became available in 2005. Williamson is also the only player since 2005-06 to average 20-plus points per game in the preseason while shooting over 70.0 percent from the field.

numberFire's models currently project Zion for 18.3 points, 9.3 boards, 3.0 dimes, 1.7 swipes, 1.4 swats, and 0.8 treys per contest this season.

Source: Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN

Milwaukee Bucks guard Eric Bledsoe (rib injury) participated in non-contact drills during Wednesday's practice.

What It Means:

According to general manager Jon Horst, Bledsoe will be cleared to play after his pain level goes down. Milwaukee's starting point guard will need to show the team he can manage his injury (fractured cartilage between his ribs) before he returns to the lineup.

For the 2019-2020 season, Bledsoe's projection includes 1148 points, 284 rebounds, and 400 assists.

Source: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (thumb) will play in Wednesday's preseason game against the Golden State Warriors.

What It Means:

Davis suffered a right thumb sprain while the team played in China over the weekend. He will be ready to go for his official Lakers debut next Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers.

numberFire's models project Davis for 25.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.6 blocks, and 0.7 3-pointers per game in his first season with the Lakers.

Source: Kyle Goon

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis suffered a sprained right thumb during the team's game against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday in China, an MRI revealed.

What It Means:

Davis is considered day-to-day. The good news is it's a relatively minor injury for the big man. He should be fine for the Lakers' regular season opener on October 22 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

numberFire's models project The Brow for 25.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.5 steals, 2.6 blocks, and 0.7 3-pointers per game in his first season with the Lakers.

Source: Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma (foot) has been cleared for non-contact practice.

What It Means:

Kuzma has progressed to ball-handling and non-contact drills after missing time with a left foot stress reaction. The young Lakers' forward needs to be cleared for contact before a realistic timeline can be constructed for his regular season return.

For the 2019-2020 season, our models project Kuzma to accumulate 1159 points, 379 rebounds, and 172 assists.

Source: Dave McMenamin

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is battling an illness and will not make the trip to play the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.

What It Means:

It seems like Boston will be conservative with its regulars anyway. The Celtics open the regular season on October 23.

Our models project Tatum to average 15.8 points per game this season.

Source: Jay King

Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric (bruised quad) is questionable to play in Monday's preseason finale against the Denver Nuggets.

What It Means:

It seems like this is more of a precautionary measure than anything, with the regular season on the horizon.

Our models project Saric to average 12.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season.

Source: Gina Mizell

Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas (ankle) said his goal is to play in the season opener on Oct. 23 against the Miami Heat.

What It Means:

Valanciunas was shut down for the preseason and while the team said the move was precautionary, this is a situation worth monitoring.

Our models project Valanciunas to average 18.1 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season.

Source: David Cobb

Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverley tweaked his calf during Sunday's exhibition game

What It Means:

He had 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 3-pointers, 2 steals and 1 turnover in 20 minutes.

Our models project Beverley to average 9.3 points and 3.6 assists per game this season.

Source: Andrew Greif