NBA Player News
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Limited at practice
Embiid (abdomen) was a limited participant at Thursday's practice, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.
This is a small step in the right direction for Embiid, who was recently cleared to begin his strength and conditioning program. His status for Game 3 against Boston on Friday has yet to be determined, though it would be a surprise if he was cleared.
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Victor Wembanyama C | SA
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama: Traveling for Game 3
Wembanyama (concussion) will travel with the Spurs ahead of Friday's Game 3 in Portland, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.
Wembanyama was diagnosed with a concussion Tuesday, and his status for Game 3 remains in the air. He was spotted at practice Thursday, but he was off to the side getting some light shots up on his own. More clarity will likely be known Thursday evening.
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Thomas Bryant C | CLE
Cavaliers' Thomas Bryant: Probable for Thursday
Bryant (calf) is probable for Thursday's Game 3 against Toronto.
Bryant is trending towards ending a six-game absence, but it remains to be seen just how involved he will be. He played double-digit minutes in his final 19 regular-season appearances.
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Isaiah Hartenstein C | OKC
Thunder's Isaiah Hartenstein: Nearly double-doubles
Hartenstein notched nine points (3-6 FG, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 22 minutes during Wednesday's 120-107 victory over Phoenix in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Hartenstein played a modest role in this contest, with the Thunder leaning on their small-ball lineups. Through the first two games of Round 1, he's averaging 21.0 minutes with 8.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.5 blocks.
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Jalen Duren C | DET
Pistons' Jalen Duren: Nears double-double in win
Duren racked up 11 points (4-10 FG, 3-5 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and one steal in 32 minutes during Wednesday's 98-83 victory over the Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Duren reached double figures in scoring but fell one rebound shy of a double-double in the Pistons' blowout win to even the series at one apiece. Coming off a breakout regular season in which he averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 65 percent shooting across 70 games, the 22-year-old has posted more modest numbers through two postseason contests, averaging 9.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 50 percent shooting. While a big effort wasn't needed in Wednesday's win, Duren will need to play closer to his regular-season level for Detroit to make a deep playoff run.
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Mark Williams C | PHO
Suns' Mark Williams: Ruled out Wednesday
Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Game 2 against the Thunder, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.
Williams will miss a third consecutive contest due to a left foot issue, and his next opportunity to play will come in Saturday's Game 3 in Phoenix. With the big man sidelined, Oso Ighodaro is expected to get the starting nod, while Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach are also candidates to see increased playing time.
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Thomas Bryant C | CLE
Cavaliers' Thomas Bryant: Questionable for Game 3
Bryant is questionable for Game 3 on Thursday against the Raptors due to a left calf strain.
Bryant is looking to end a six-game absence with the injury Thursday. The veteran big man would likely serve as depth at center if he's able to suit up for Game 3, though it's possible Max Strus would lose out on a couple of minutes if the Cavaliers occasionally opt to deploy bigger lineups.
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Jaxson Hayes C | LAL
Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Chips in full stat line in win
Hayes accumulated six points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 21 minutes during Tuesday's 101-94 win over the Rockets in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Hayes had missed the Lakers' final four contests of the regular season due to left foot soreness, but he's back to handling his typical role as the top backup center behind Deandre Ayton this postseason. As long as Ayton stays healthy, however, Hayes could have a hard time cracking the 20-minute plateau on a consistent basis.
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Alperen Sengun C | HOU
Rockets' Alperen Sengun: Drops 23 points in loss
Sengun finished Tuesday's 101-94 loss to the Lakers in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 20 points (9-20 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and four steals over 35 minutes.
Sengun put together a strong line in Tuesday's win, but it wasn't enough as Houston dropped to a 2-0 series deficit. Through two games, he's averaging 19.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 blocks and 2.5 steals.
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Robert Williams III C | POR
Trail Blazers' Robert Williams: Plays well off bench
Williams closed Tuesday's 106-103 victory over the Spurs in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 11 points (5-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-1 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal in 23 minutes.
Donovan Clingan has struggled in this series, so Williams may be asked to do a bit more going forward after making a strong impression Tuesday. He will be tasked with slowing down Victor Wembanyama, although San Antonio's franchise player is now in jeopardy of missing time with a concussion.