NBA Player News

Valanciunas is questionable to return to Wednesday's game against the Raptors with a right calf strain, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

The Nuggets can't seem to catch a break, as Valanciunas started this game in the absence of the injured Nikola Jokic (knee). If Valanciunas ends up missing time, DaRon Holmes is the next man up at center for the Nuggets.

Porzingis (illness) chipped in 16 points (6-12 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 2-4 FT), two rebounds and one assist across 17 minutes during Wednesday's 126-102 victory over the Timberwolves.

Porzingis returned to the court after missing the past 10 games due to an ongoing recovery from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the autonomic nervous system. He wasted little time getting involved, scoring 17 points at better than a point-per-minute clip. Given the recent history regarding his health, Porzingis is likely to be brought along slowly and may not settle back into a 25-to-30-minute role anytime soon. He's still worthy of rostering in nearly every format while he's healthy and available, however.

Wembanyama left Wednesday's game against the Knicks with an apparent knee issue, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Wembanyama came down awkwardly and was in some obvious pain. He hobbled straight back to the locker room, and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to finish out this contest.

Nurkic will not play Thursday against the Clippers with a toe sprain.

This injury comes out of nowhere, with the Jazz submitting a lengthy injury report. Kevin Love is being held out for rest, and Lauri Markkanen (knee) is questionable to play. Both Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks could be heavily involved Thursday.

Boucher (personal) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Kings.

Boucher has missed three consecutive games while attending to a personal matter, but he could return for Thursday's road tilt. Boucher has not played since Nov. 23, so his return wouldn't impact the Celtics' rotation all that much.

Valanciunas will start Wednesday against the Raptors, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

This is an expected move with Nikola Jokic (knee) expected to miss multiple weeks for Denver. As a strong per-minute producer in points and rebounds, Valanciunas has been a popular pickup in fantasy hoops.

Embiid (ankle/knee) is probable for Thursday's game against the Mavericks.

Embiid is managing injuries to his right ankle and knee, but he's likely to push through them Thursday. During Tuesday's overtime win over Memphis, the star big man produced 34 points (11-28 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 11-12 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal across 38 minutes.

Davis (thigh) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against the 76ers.

The All-Star big man missed Dallas' last two games due to right adductor soreness, but Davis' absence from the injury report puts him on track to return Thursday. Per Ron Harrod Jr. of DLLS Sports, Davis is expected to play about 30-34 minutes, and his return means fewer minutes will be available for Daniel Gafford and Dwight Powell. Across the four games prior to his most recent injury, Davis averaged 26.3 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals over 35.5 minutes per game.

Capela is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Brooklyn due to illness.

Capela is at risk of missing Thursday's contest due to illness. He's one of three Rockets' centers on the injury report, as Steven Adams (ankle) and Alperen Sengun (foot) are also listed as questionable. Sengun has missed the last two games, and Capela has played 18 and 13 minutes, respectively, as a result.

Sengun (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Brooklyn.

Sengun has been sidelined for the Rockets' last two games due to a strained left calf, but the fifth-year center could return to action for the start of the new year. Steven Adams (ankle) is also listed as questionable, so if the former and Sengun are unable to play against the Nets, then Clint Capela would be the top candidate to start at center for the Rockets.