NBA Player News

Williams (knee) has been upgraded to probable for Sunday's game against the Knicks.

Williams was initially listed as questionable due to right knee soreness after leaving Friday's win over the Rockets early, though he now appears likely to play Sunday. In his past five appearances prior to Friday's contest, the 28-year-old big man averaged 5.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per tilt.

Embiid (knee/groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors.

Embiid will be held out of the front end of this back-to-back set due to left knee injury management and left groin sorenesss. His next opportunity to play will come in Monday's rematch against Toronto. With the star big man unavailable, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona are candidates for increased playing time.

Reid logged 25 points (9-12 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 28 minutes during the Timberwolves' 146-134 loss to the Cavaliers on Saturday.

Reid gave the Timberwolves a much-needed spark to keep them competitive during Saturday's loss, with the seventh-year pro co-leading the team in scoring with Anthony Edwards. It was the fourth time this season that Reid scored at least 25 points in a game and the fourth time he connected on five or more triples. Through five games in January, Reid has averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.6 threes and 1.4 blocks over 24.4 minutes per game.

Wembanyama contributed 21 points (8-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, one assist and three blocks in 26 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 100-95 victory over the Celtics.

Making his third straight appearance with the second unit, Wembanyama tied De'Aaron Fox for the team scoring lead while also recording three of the Spurs' four blocks on the night. Wembanyama has struggled to stay healthy this season and hasn't played 30-plus minutes in a game since Nov. 14, but he's still been productive when on the court. Over his last 12 games (three starts), the third-year center is averaging 22.0 points, 9.7 boards, 2.4 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.3 threes in just 23.4 minutes a contest.

Carter is questionable to play Sunday versus the Pelicans due to a right hip strain.

Carter is a late addition to the injury report, so he'll likely be a game-time call, as the Magic will want him to go through his pregame routine before an official decision is made on his status for Sunday's game. If he can't give it a go, Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner would help fill the void at center.

Kalkbrenner (elbow) accumulated 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds and two blocks across 23 minutes during Saturday's 150-95 win over the Jazz.

Kalkbrenner returned from a 10-game absence due to a sprained left elbow, chipping in double-digit points for just the third time across nine appearances (seven starts) since Dec. 1. The rookie big man led the second unit in rebounds as well, grabbing at least nine boards for the first time since Dec. 3. Kalkbrenner had started 25 of his 26 regular-season appearances entering Saturday's contest, so it will be worth monitoring his playing time and role going forward.

Cisse notched five points (2-3 FG, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals across 19 minutes during Saturday's 125-107 loss to Chicago.

Cisse chipped in on both ends of the floor, matching his season high with 10 rebounds while also setting a season high with five combined steals and blocks. With Anthony Davis (finger) likely to be sidelined beyond the All-Star break, Cisse could have an opportunity to play meaningful minutes, especially if Daniel Gafford continues to struggle as the starter. While he isn't worth adding just yet, Cisse is someone to keep an eye on, just in case the coaching staff decides to give him a larger role at some point down the stretch.

Gafford ended with six points (2-6 FG, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds and one block across 25 minutes during Saturday's 125-107 loss to Chicago.

Gafford started at center, a role he is likely to fill for the foreseeable future. However, that's really where the good news ends, as he finished with yet another underwhelming fantasy line. While he should probably be considered a must-roster player, he is certainly not going to be suitable for everyone. Moussa Cisse was a far better option in this one, logging 19 minutes off the bench. If Dallas opts to pack things in for the season at some point, it's possible Cisse moves ahead of Gafford.

Reed provided eight points (3-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-6 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and five steals across 22 minutes during Saturday's 98-92 loss to the Clippers.

Despite being limited by early foul trouble, Reed went to work, particularly on the defensive end, where he racked up seven combined steals and blocks. The offensive output continues to be underwhelming despite his current role, although managers should be more than happy with his peripheral contributions. Until Jalen Duren (ankle) is cleared to return, Reed should be rostered in all formats.

Lopez posted zero points (0-4 FG, 0-4 3Pt) and three rebounds in 12 minutes during Saturday's 98-92 win over the Pistons.

Lopez turned into a pumpkin, offering very little in his 12 minutes. Even when Ivica Zubac was sidelined, Lopez was nothing more than a stream option, as his impact on a basketball court continues to decline. Lopez is currently averaging 6.3 points and 1.0 blocks in 16.9 minutes per game.