Kawhi Leonard’s preseason push signals a durability-first approach for the Clippers as they prepare for a full-strength push through a stacked Western Conference. He logged 27 minutes in the third game, his most since 2018, and posted 15 points in a 109-91 win over Sacramento, underscoring his readiness when available. With Harden sidelined in the exhibition but expected for Oct. 22 vs. Utah, LA leans on health, depth, and a measured ramp toward the regular season.

Five sleepers outside the top 125 offer big upside as NBA lineups shift: Cam Whitmore (WAS) could push 20 minutes and deliver scoring, rebounds and 3s; Ryan Kalkbrenner (CHA) is the center-in-waiting with 20+ minutes possible; Isaiah Collier (UTA) flashed starter potential, boosting assists and usage. Isaiah Jackson (IND) provides shot-blocking and scoring in mid-minute roles, while Sam Hauser (BOS) could surge with extra run and his shooting stroke.

In best-ball and DK formats, late-round bets on minutes and roles can define seasons. Track preseason cues to pivot as roles crystallize for these five.

Daniel Gafford is pegged as a cornerstone for the Mavericks frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis, under a long term extension through 2028-29. CBS Sports places him at No. 93 in the season top-100, highlighting his athletic rim-running and shot-blocking as the ideal pick-and-roll partner for guards who love lob plays. With Kyrie Irving out and Luka Dončić in Los Angeles, Gafford may see fewer easy touches, but his defense and rim protection keep him central as Dallas stacks depth and aims for a late playoff push. The season opener vs Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs will set the tone for how much Gafford can anchor the lineup while staying healthy.

Walter Clayton Jr. brings an edge the Jazz desperately need. The rookie’s fierce competitiveness, high basketball IQ, and willingness to crash the glass inject a much-needed dog mentality Utah has lacked. Coach Will Hardy touts his salty, challenger mindset, while Walker Kessler notes Clayton’s infectious energy could elevate the whole unit. If Clayton translates his college aggression to pro pacing and decision-making, he could spark a culture shift and push for meaningful minutes in a team pursuing a winning identity.

The piece highlights Clayton’s quick learning, late-blooming resilience, and the risk-reward of giving a young guard a larger role as Utah builds a tougher, more purposeful roster. Kris Dunn’s noted edge and the preseason context provide a framework for how Clayton might slot into the Jazz’ defensive schemes and late-game resilience, making him a noteworthy fantasy sleeper as the season begins.

NBA opening week spotlight centers on Victor Wembanyama’s healthy return and Zion Williamson’s best conditioning in years, with LeBron James sidelined early for the Lakers and Kyrie Irving ramping up for Dallas. Injury updates ripple across the league: Embiid’s knee uncertainty, Garland’s early absence, Morant’s ankle risk, and the evolving workloads for Porzingis, Ball, and Markkanen. Fantasy managers should prep for early heat checks, rotation shuffles, and opportunistic adds as stars scale into the season.