NBA Player News

Coach Nick Nurse said Saturday he plans to rest the 76ers' vets, and Embiid is not expected to play in Saturday's preseason game versus Boston, Celtics beat reporter Bobby Krivitsky reports.

Embiid didn't make the trip to play against the Timberwolves on Friday, and he is not expected to play Saturday on the road against Boston. Guerschon Yabusele will step into the starting five, and with Embiid probably out Nurse will likely take an extended look at the 76ers' frontcourt depth of Yabusele, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona.

Clarke (knee) is available for Saturday's preseason matchup against the Bulls, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports.

Clarke was held out of Thursday's game against the Hornets due to knee soreness; however, this was likely only a precautionary measure. The 28-year-old was limited to only six regular-season appearances last season, during which he sustained an Achilles injury.

Williams (foot) has discontinued the use of his walking boot and will be reevaluated prior to the start of the regular season, Marc J. Spears of ESPN.com reports.

Williams sustained a strained tendon in his left foot prior to the preseason, but he is progressing well and could return for Opening Night. The 22-year-old has yet to play 50 games in a single regular season, and through two seasons he has averaged 10.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.9 combined steals plus blocks across 23.0 minutes per game in 62 total regular-season appearances.

Nurkic (finger) won't play in Sunday's preseason game versus the Nuggets, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nurkic has yet to suit up this preseason while dealing with a left middle finger injury. While it's unclear if Nurkic will be good to go for the beginning of the regular season, his next chance to suit up will be Thursday's preseason matchup with the Lakers.

Claxton (hamstring) is out for Monday's preseason game versus the Wizards, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Claxton has yet to suit up this preseason due to hamstring soreness. However, the injury is not considered to be serious, and the Nets expect Claxton to be good to go for the regular season.

Collins (shoulder) is available for Saturday's preseason game versus the Jazz, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Collins will make his preseason debut Saturday after working his way back from shoulder surgery he underwent in April. With Victor Wembanyama (rest) out, Collins will likely enter the starting lineup against Utah.

Bassey (knee) won't play in Saturday's preseason game versus the Jazz, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Bassey will miss his third straight preseason contest as he works his way back from a torn ACL he suffered in December of 2023. His next chance to suit up is Tuesday's preseason matchup with Miami.

Wembanyama is out for Saturday's preseason game versus the Jazz, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

It doesn't appear that Wembanyama has suffered any injury, so the Spurs are likely holding him out of Saturday's contest for rest purposes. Wembanyama's next chance to suit up will be Tuesday's preseason matchup with Miami.

Sabonis scored 13 points (5-8 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 3-5 FT) while adding 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 25 minutes during Friday's 109-106 preseason loss to the Warriors.

Sacramento's starting lineup looked to be just about in midseason form, as all five players scored in double digits, but Sabonis was the only King to pull down more than six boards. The 28-year-old big set a modern NBA record with 61 straight double-doubles in 2023-24 and had an incredible 77 total in 82 regular-season games, and Sabonis appears to be ready to pick up where he left off when the current campaign tips off.

Plumlee totaled six points (3-4 FG, 0-1 FT), four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 18 minutes during Friday's loss to Detroit.

Plumlee remained in the starting lineup Friday, filling in for the injured Jusuf Nurkic who is sidelined due to a finger injury. Although it appears as though Nurkic will be healthy once the season proper arrives, Plumlee is someone to monitor if Nurkic suffers another injury.