NBA Player News

Kessler (foot) won't play in Monday's game against the Wizards.

Kessler will extend his streak of consecutive games missed to three due to a right foot sprain. With Lauri Markkanen (quad) also out, Brice Sensabaugh, Omer Yurtseven and Luka Samanic could be in line for increased run.

Ayton (hand) is questionable for Monday's game against the Timberwolves.

Ayton is in danger of missing a third straight game, but he was listed as doubtful ahead of the last two matchups, so his questionable tag suggests he's making at least slight progress in his rehab. Regardless, if Ayton is ruled out again, Duop Reath would likely draw another start.

Bamba amassed eight points (2-3 FG, 4-4 FT), five rebounds and one assist over 14 minutes during Sunday's 120-116 victory over Dallas.

Bamba showed off good chemistry with Kyle Lowry around the basket as well as with Tyrese Maxey in pick-and-roll Sunday. Bamba has now started two consecutive games while Paul Reed comes off the bench, but coach Nick Nurse is deploying the bigs on a lineup-specific basis depending on opponent scheme.

Richards (foot) won't play Sunday against the Raptors.

Richards will miss his first game since Jan. 22 due to plantar fascia discomfort in his right foot. Charlotte will be shorthanded at center in his absence, likely resorting to a combination of Grant Williams, Marques Bolden and JT Thor to fill minutes at the position.

Nurkic (neck) is probable for Sunday's game against the Thunder, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Nurkic left Saturday's loss to the Rockets after getting hit in the face by Josh Okogie, resulting in neck spasms for the big man. It looks like Nurkic will give it a go during the second night of Phoenix's back-to-back set, and the Suns may need more out of their center, as Devin Booker (ankle) has been ruled out.

Theis won't start Sunday's game against Minnesota, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.

With Ivica Zubac (illness) sidelined, Theis drew back-to-back starts, totaling 18 points and 13 rebounds in 51 minutes. Zubac has been cleared and will reclaim his starting spot, sending Theis to a bench role.

Horford will start Sunday's game against the Warriors, John Dickinson of 95.7 The Game San Francisco reports.

As expected, Horford will start at center in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis (quadriceps). Across 22 starts this season, Horford has averaged 9.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.1 blocks in 31.2 minutes per game.

Head coach Tyronn Lue said Zubac (illness) will be available for Sunday's game against Minnesota, Tomer Azarly of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Zubac is set to return from a two-game absence due to an illness and will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup, sending Daniel Theis to a bench role. He has been sharp across his last four appearances, averaging 13.0 points and 9.5 rebounds while shooting 65.7 percent from the field.

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said Sunday that Queta (knee) will be sidelined for "a week or two," Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Queta logged just 18 minutes of G League action in the Maine Celtics' victory over the Wisconsin Herd on Friday, exiting early due to a right knee hyperextension. Mazzulla noted that the injury is "nothing serious," but the 7-foot, 245-pound big appears set for a multi-game absence nonetheless.

Katie George of ESPN reported during Philadelphia's matchup against the Mavericks on Sunday that Embiid (knee) has started on-court workouts and is back to 100 percent in the weight room.

Embiid underwent a procedure on his left meniscus Feb. 6 and is slated to be evaluated soon. Despite the positive update, the reigning MVP is presumably still limited to solo shooting drills and would likely need time to regain his conditioning after being cleared for full contact, so his potential return is probably still at least a few weeks away. However, more clarity on Embiid's return timetable should be available when the team releases an official update in the next week.