NBA Player News

Ayton won't return to Friday's game against the Rockets due to low back soreness. He registered six points (3-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt), two rebounds, one assist and one steal in 23 minutes before exiting.

The Blazers will likely turn to Duop Reath and Moses Brown at center for the rest of the game with Ayton unavailable. It's unclear at this time whether Ayton will be available for the regular-season finale Sunday in Sacramento.

Plumlee will come off the bench Friday against the Jazz, Justin Russo of the 'Clip & Roll' podcast reports.

Plumlee's time with the first unit was short-lived, as he'll head back to the bench Friday after drawing a spot start Wednesday against the Suns. He hasn't been much of a factor of late when serving in a reserve role, averaging 2.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists over his last five appearances.

Landale will start Friday's game against Portland, Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports.

Fred VanVleet (hip) is sitting out, so the Rockets will slide everyone else down a position in what will be a bigger lineup. This will allow Landale to match up with Portland's Deandre Ayton.

Embiid returned for the second half of Friday's game against Orlando.

This is a huge relief for the 76ers after Embiid appeared to tweak his left leg before halftime, forcing him out of the game and into the locker room.

Embiid went to the locker room after suffering a left knee injury during the second quarter of Friday's game against the Magic, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid exited the game after an awkward landing on his recently repaired left knee and immediately limped to the locker room for further evaluation. Paul Reed and Mo Bamba would shoulder the load at center if Embiid is unable to return.

Wiseman will start Friday's game against Dallas, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Jalen Duren is sitting out with back spasms, and it's unclear if he'll be available for the season finale on Sunday. In four starts this season, Wiseman holds averages of 14.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists.

Collins isn't starting Friday's game against Denver.

Collins picked up a spot start at center Wednesday while Victor Wembanyama sat with an ankle injury, but the Gonzaga product will serve in a reserve role Friday evening. He's averaging 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his last seven appearances off the bench.

Williams will come off the bench Friday night against the Heat.

Williams posted a solid final line in Wednesday's start against the Nets, recording seven points, 14 rebounds, one assist and two steals over 24 minutes. However, he'll retreat to a bench role following the return of Kelly Olynyk from a maintenance day.

Hayes will come off the bench for Friday's game against the Grizzlies, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Hayes drew a spot start at center Tuesday while Anthony Davis missed time with a headache, but the Texas product will retreat to the bench Friday. Hayes is averaging 7.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals in his last five appearances as a reserve.

Carter is questionable to return to Friday's game against the 76ers due to back spasms.

Carter exited in the first half after experiencing back spasms and went straight to the locker room. Moritz Wagner and Goga Bitadze would be in line for more chances at center if Carter is unable to return.