NBA Player News
-
Maxi Kleber C | DAL
Mavericks' Maxi Kleber: Back to bench Sunday
Kleber will come off the bench during Sunday's game against the Thunder, Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com reports.
Kleber started the last two games as a result of P.J. Washington's absence due to knee injury, but he will shift back to a bench role Sunday. Kleber holds averages of 2.5 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15.0 minutes per game across four appearances this season.
-
Jalen Duren C | DET
Pistons' Jalen Duren: Not starting Sunday
Duren won't start Sunday's game against the Wizards, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Duren isn't listed on the injury report, so he'll presumably be available off the bench. He's started in all 12 appearances this season and 60 of his 61 regular-season outings last season, so it's an unfamiliar role for the talented big man, who's averaging 8.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 25.1 minutes per game.
-
Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Iffy for Monday vs. Heat
Embiid (illness) is listed as questionable for Monday's matchup against the Heat.
Embiid has been a mainstay on the injury report and could miss yet another game due to an illness. While the big man's status is concerning for Monday's game, he's not listed with a knee injury anymore, a positive sign of his progression through that issue. If the 2023 NBA MVP is ruled out, Guerschon Yabusele and Andre Drummond are candidates for an increased role.
-
Kevon Looney C | GS
Warriors' Kevon Looney: Dealing with illness
Looney is questionable for Monday's game against the Clippers due to an illness.
Looney has played at least 12 minutes in all but one of his 11 appearances so far this season. If he's sidelined, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Kyle Anderson would be candidates for more minutes.
-
Deandre Ayton C | POR
Trail Blazers' Deandre Ayton: Ruled out vs. Hawks
Ayton (finger) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Hawks.
Ayton will miss his third consecutive game due to a right finger sprain. The big man underwent imaging on the index finger which revealed a deep contusion of the proximal phalanx, though he will still be considered day-to-day until the team provides an update that says otherwise. Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams are both likely to receive an uptick in playing time with Ayton sidelined. His next chance to play will come Wednesday against the Thunder.
-
Walker Kessler C | UTA
Jazz's Walker Kessler: Won't play Sunday
Kessler (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Clippers, KSLSports.com reports.
Kessler will miss his fourth consecutive contest due to right hip bursitis. John Collins will likely draw the start at center again. Kessler's next chance to suit up will come Tuesday against the Lakers.
-
Mason Plumlee C | PHO
Suns' Mason Plumlee: Getting starting nod Sunday
Plumlee will enter the starting lineup in Sunday's game versus the Timberwolves, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.
The Suns will opt for a big lineup with Plumlee starting alongside Jusuf Nurkic in the frontcourt -- Josh Okogie will slide to the bench. Plumlee has carved out a significant role with the Suns this year, during which he has averaged 5.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.5 blocks across 17.3 minutes per game in 12 regular-season appearances (one start).
-
Bruno Fernando C | TOR
Raptors' Bruno Fernando: Out for Monday
Fernando (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Pacers, Aaron Rose of SI.com reports.
Fernando sustained a right ankle sprain in the second quarter of Saturday's loss to Boston, though he was able to play through the injury. The 26-year-old big man's next chance to suit up will come Thursday against the Timberwolves.
-
Jusuf Nurkic C | PHO
Suns' Jusuf Nurkic: Upgraded to available
Nurkic (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Timberwolves, Amanda Pflugrad of 3TV Phoenix reports.
As expected, Nurkic has been upgraded from probable to available and will suit up for a third consecutive contest following a one-game absence. Over his last two appearances, Nurkic has averaged 3.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 25.5 minutes per game.