NBA Player News

Zubac produced 17 points (6-11 FG, 5-8 FT), 11 rebounds and one assist in 37 minutes during Friday's 114-101 loss to the Mavericks in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The Clippers needed someone to step up with Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined in Game 6, and Ivica Zubac did what he could on both ends of the court. He finished the series with three double-doubles in six outings and scored in double digits each time while shooting a robust 60 percent from the field. Zubac isn't flashy and is not one of the most athletic big men in the league, but he gets the job done. He averaged 11.7 points and 9.2 boards per contest during the regular season.

Thompson posted two points (1-3 FG), two rebounds and one block across 12 minutes during Friday's 103-96 loss to the Magic in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Thompson played as the primary backup behind Evan Mobley, something that Cleveland fans may be hoping will not happen again. Other than providing additional size, Thompson rarely has much of an impact on the court in the late stages of his career. Jarrett Allen (ribs) will almost certainly be doing everything possible to make it back for Game 7.

Kleber is doubtful to return to Friday's Game 6 against the Clippers due to a right shoulder sprain, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.

Barring a quick, surprising turnaround, Kleber is unlikely to return to Friday's contest. Given the nature of the injury, a return for a potential Game 7 on Sunday could be up in the air as well. In Kleber's absence, Derrick Jones could see some extra minutes providing depth at power forward.

Allen (ribs) is out for Friday's Game 6 against the Magic.

Allen has been downgraded from questionable to out due to a right rib contusion, marking his second consecutive absence. Isaac Okoro started Game 5, but Marcus Morris will enter the starting lineup Friday.

Embiid provided 39 points (12-25 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 13-13 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 40 minutes before fouling out of Thursday's 118-115 loss to the Knicks in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Embiid was clearly not 100 percent healthy throughout the series, and the limitations were more noticeable as the series progressed but still posted outstanding stat lines, scoring 29 or more points in four of the six contests. He also recorded three double-doubles and a triple-double, but he couldn't do the heavy lifting on his own in the games where Tyrese Maxey struggled. Between the Play-In win over the Heat and the first-round series against the Knicks, Embiid averaged 31.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.3 blocks across 41.0 minutes per game.

Allen (ribs), who's listed as questionable for Friday's Game 6 against the Magic, was present during Cleveland's morning shootaround, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Allen was in uniform, but it's unclear how active he was during the shootaround. The big man was stellar through the first four matchups of the series and averaged 17.0 points, 13.8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks, but he was sidelined for the Cavaliers' Game 5 win due to a rib injury he sustained following a collision with Franz Wagner in Game 4. If Allen is sidelined, Isaac Okoro would likely remain in the starting lineup, while Evan Mobley operates as the primary center again.

Embiid (knee) is available and starting in Game 6 against the Knicks on Thursday.

This is not a surprise considering the situation the 76ers are in, as Philadelphia must win this game to force a decisive Game 7. Embiid is averaging 31.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in the first-round series against the Knicks.

Robinson (ankle) will be available for Thursday's Game 6 matchup with the 76ers.

Robinson logged 25 minutes in his return Tuesday, so he should see a similar workload in Game 6. With Robinson back in the mix, Precious Achiuwa will likely be out of the rotation.

Allen (ribs) is listed as questionable for Friday's Game 6 against the Magic.

Allen is in danger of missing his second straight contest Friday due to a right rib contusion. If the 25-year-old big man is ultimately ruled out, Isaac Okoro will likely draw another start.

Allen (ribs) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Allen missed Tuesday's Game 5 against the Magic due to a right rib contusion. While Allen's absence from practice is a bad sign of his availability for Game 6 on Friday, fantasy managers should look out for an official injury report.