NBA Player News

Embiid logged 38 points (13-21 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 9-12 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists and one block over 36 minutes during the 76ers' 112-109 loss to the Knicks on Saturday.

Embiid was particularly effective in the first half with 28 points and helped the 76ers close the gap in the fourth quarter with 10 points in the frame. The 2023-24 MVP has scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games, and his scoring output Sunday was his most in a game since Dec. 12 against the Pacers (39 points). Embiid has averaged 28.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.1 threes over 34.0 minutes per game since Jan. 1.

Claxton (pinky) is not being listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Clippers, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Claxton hurt the pinky finger on his right hand during Friday's loss to the Celtics, but he was able to play through it, and it looks like he'll continue to do so Sunday. Claxton is averaging 12.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 swats per contest this season.

Kornet (thigh) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

Kornet did not play in the Spurs' win over the Jazz on Thursday due to left adductor tightness, but he has a chance to return for Sunday's home contest. Kelly Olynyk would be in line for more minutes off the bench behind Victor Wembanyama if Kornet is unable to play.

Valanciunas (calf) is questionable to play Sunday in Memphis.

Valanciunas returned from an 11-game layoff in a win over the Wizards on Thursday but then hit the sidelines for Friday's win in Milwaukee, with that game coming as the second leg of a back-to-back set. If he needs to miss Sunday's game in Memphis, that would indicate he suffered a setback, but we'll have a better idea on Valanciunas' status following shootaround.

Towns (back) is available for Saturday's game against the 76ers.

The star big man was a game-time call for this contest, but in the end, he'll suit up and should handle his regular workload. Towns will have his hands full on both ends of the court while dealing with a rejuvenated Joel Embiid. Towns is averaging 17.3 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game since the beginning of January.

Embiid (ankle) is available for Saturday's game against the Knicks.

Embiid was on the injury report due to right ankle injury management, but the veteran center has been officially cleared to play in Saturday's game. He's coming off a triple-double performance against the Rockets on Thursday and has averaged 27.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 0.8 blocks over 33.7 minutes per game over his last 10 outings.

Cisse (illness) has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Cisse was initially listed as questionable Friday, but the downgrade in status suggests it wouldn't be surprising if he ends up being ruled out. If Cisse ends up being out, the Mavs would have to rely on Daniel Gafford (ankle) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl as depth pieces at center with Dwight Powell expected to remain the starter.

Queta (illness) is listed as probable for Saturday's game against the Bulls, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Queta was able to play through an illness during the Celtics' double-overtime victory over the Nets on Friday, when he logged six points (2-3 FG, 2-2 FT), five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block over 28 minutes. He should be available for the second leg of Boston's back-to-back set Saturday.

Head coach Mike Brown told reporters that Towns (back) is a game-time decision for Saturday's contest against the 76ers, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Towns will go through pregame warmups, at which point the Knicks will have a better idea of whether the veteran big man will be able to play through back spasms. Mitchell Robinson would likely start for the Knicks if Towns is unable to play.

Nurkic (illness) has been upgraded from doubtful to questionable for Saturday's game against the Heat.

Nurkic is battling through an illness, but he is trending positively toward being available for Saturday's game, which tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET. If Nurkic is unable to play, then Kyle Filipowski would like start at center for the Jazz.