NBA Player News

Lively (knee) was a full participant during Tuesday's practice, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports.

Lively missed the final eight regular-season games due to a right knee sprain, but it looks like he'll have a chance to play in Dallas' opening-round series against the Clippers. However, the Mavericks still have a few days before they release their official injury report, and we won't get clarity on Lively's status until then.

Drummond (ankle) did not practice Tuesday in advance of Wednesday's Play-In Game versus Atlanta, K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago reports.

Drummond was forced to exit last Tuesday's contest in a wheelchair after rolling his ankle, and he's still experiencing too much swelling to practice. His status appears murky, at best, for Wednesday's game, although a depleted Atlanta frontcourt that is without Jalen Johnson (ankle) and Onyeka Okongwu (toe) lessens the blow of a potential absence.

Robinson (ankle/rest) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice and is not dealing with an injury after sitting for the second half of Sunday's win over Chicago, Fred Katz of The Athletic reports.

Robinson is "fine" in the words of coach Tom Thibodeau, and he has additional time to continue re-charging while New York awaits the outcome of the Play-In Tournament. Robinson has been volatile across 10 games since returning from ankle surgery, but he represents a valuable platoon element of the Knicks' frontcourt.

Embiid (knee) was a full participant at Tuesday's practice, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

This was Embiid's second straight practice appearance, so he remains on track to play Wednesday against Miami. His absence in the season finale Sunday was merely a precaution based on previous reports.

Sarr left Monday's Game 3 of the G League Finals against the Maine Celtics due to an ankle injury, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Sarr was involved in a collision while pursuing a rebound, and he ultimately needed to be carried to the locker room. His return to Monday's clash seems unlikely given the circumstances in which he exited.

Davis (back) is questionable for Tuesday's Play-In game against the Pelicans.

Davis landed awkwardly after a collision with Larry Nance during a rebounding attempt in Sunday's regular-season finale versus New Orleans and experienced hip and back spasms, knocking him out for the final five minutes of a blowout win. After the game, Davis and coach Darvin Ham downplayed the injury, but the Lakers' medical staff will have the final say on the big man's availability for Tuesday's rematch. Before leaving, Davis dominated the Pelicans, posting 30 points (13-17 FG), 11 rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes.

Embiid (knee) practiced Monday, Derek Bodner of AllPHLY.com reports.

Early Sunday, coach Nick Nurse said Embiid was expected to play in the regular-season finale against the Nets, barring a setback, and then the reigning MVP was ruled out after going through pre-game warmups, sparking pessimistic speculation. However, Nurse clarified before the matinee tipoff that Embiid's absence was considered a precautionary measure, and the big man's return to practice Monday confirms that notion. Embiid will likely still appear on Philadelphia's injury report for Wednesday's Play-In matchup against the Heat, but he's trending in the right direction. The 76ers have won eight straight games, including five consecutive with Embiid in the lineup.

Coach Steve Clifford said Monday that he anticipates Richards (foot) will be ready for training camp, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Richards missed the season finale due to right plantar fascia discomfort, but the center is considered day-to-day. The Hornets are expected to have a healthy Mark Williams back in the lineup to open the 2024-25 season, but Richards will be penciled in as the primary backup. Richards made 67 appearances this season with averages of 9.7 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 26.3 minutes.

Coach Steve Clifford said Monday that he expects Williams (back) to be ready for the start of training camp, Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer reports.

Williams had a disastrous 2023-24 campaign, as his back injury limited him to only 19 appearances. He's expected to have a clean bill of health entering the 2024-25 season, however, and could be poised to bounce back. He finished the regular season with averages of 12.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.1 blocks, so the upside is there.

Coach Tom Thibodeau said after Sunday's win over the Bulls that Robinson (ankle) wasn't available in the second half, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports.

Robinson finished Sunday's win scoreless with one rebound in seven minutes of action before being shut down. It was especially disappointing to see the big man unavailable after he posted 15 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 25 minutes during Friday's win over Brooklyn, which was by far his most productive outing since returning from a 50-game absence. Even if Robinson is cleared for the playoffs, he figures to remain in a limited bench role behind Isaiah Hartenstein.