NBA Player News

Coach Nick Nurse said Embiid (knee) is expected to play Sunday against the Nets, barring a setback, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Embiid continues to ramp up following a lengthy surgery-related absence and will likely suit up for the sixth time over Philadelphia's last seven contests. Over his past two appearances, the reigning MVP has compiled 69 points, 24 rebounds, 15 assists, three steals and three blocks while playing 34.0 minutes per game. The 76ers have won all five games Embiid has appeared in since his return and could avoid the Play-In Tournament with another victory Sunday.

Carter (back) is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Milwaukee, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Carter's status is a swing factor for a contest with substantial meaning in the Eastern Conference standings, as Orlando is currently in a three-way tie for the fifth seed with a chance of slipping into the Play-In Tournament. Moritz Wagner is averaging 12.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in 21.1 minutes across 27 contests in which Carter has been unavailable this season.

Collins (back) is out for Sunday's game against the Warriors.

Collins won't be available for the final game of the regular season, which makes sense since the Jazz don't have anything to play for Sunday. The veteran forward enjoyed a solid campaign in a starting role in 2023-24, averaging 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 28.0 minutes per game across 68 appearances (66 starts).

Kessler (nose) will not play Sunday against the Warriors.

Kessler will end up missing the final six games of the campaign. After a breakout rookie season in 2022-23, Kessler couldn't really build on that momentum in 2023-24. He finished the season with averages of 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 23.3 minutes across 64 appearances.

Ayton (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Kings.

Ayton left Friday's game against the Rockets due to low back soreness, and it remains to be seen whether the big man will be available for the season finale. However, it wouldn't be surprising if the Blazers elect to hold him out, as Portland has nothing to play for Sunday. Ayton heads into the regular-season finale with averages of 16.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game across 55 starts.

Kleber is out for Sunday's game against the Thunder due to low back spasms.

The Mavericks have already clinched a postseason berth and a matchup against the Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, so they're not going to risk any of their rotation pieces, and Kleber fits that mold even if he hasn't been a regular starter this season. Kleber ends the regular season with averages of 4.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists across 20.3 minutes per game in 43 appearances (seven starts).

Gafford is out for Sunday's game against the Thunder due to right elbow soreness.

The Mavericks have already clinched a postseason berth and a matchup against the Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, so they're not going to risk Gafford, who has been the team's starting center since being acquired from the Wizards via trade before the deadline. Gafford ends the regular season with averages of 11.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game while shooting 78 percent from the field in 29 appearances (21 starts) with Dallas.

Duren (back) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Spurs.

Duren was held out against Dallas on Friday, but the big man remains day-to-day. If the Pistons decide to keep him on the shelf for Sunday, James Wiseman would likely get another opportunity in the starting lineup.

Eubanks is questionable for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves due to right ankle soreness, Gerald Bourguet of GoPHNX.com reports.

Eubanks has started here and there, but for the most part, he's been playing off the bench since Jusuf Nurkic is entrenched as Phoenix's starting center. Eubanks does offer decent depth behind him, and if he's out Sunday, then Thaddeus Young and Bol Bol would be in line for expanded roles off the bench.

Davis (eye) is probable for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

The Lakers are expected to be close to full strength for the season finale, as LeBron James (ankle) is also expected to suit up. Davis recently dropped 36 points (11-22 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 43 minutes during Friday's 123-120 win over the Grizzlies.