NBA Player News

Bitadze will start against the Pelicans on Sunday.

The 26-year-old center will enter the starting five for the first time this season due to Wendell Carter (hip) being sidelined. Over five outings this month, Bitadze has averaged 5.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 15.6 minutes per contest.

Wembanyama (knee) is questionable for Sunday's game in Minnesota.

The Spurs are on the second leg of a back-to-back set, so Wembanyama could be afforded a rest day. If he does sit out, Luke Kornet would likely get the start and the likes of Kelly Olynyk and Bismack Biyombo would have the opportunity to get into the rotation.

Head coach Tuomas Iisalo said Sunday that Edey (ankle) will travel with the Grizzlies for Thursday's game against the Magic in Berlin, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Edey is set to miss his 15th straight game Sunday as he recovers from a stress reaction in his left foot. However, he's traveling with the team to Europe and could return against Orlando on Thursday or in next Sunday's rematch against the Magic in London. Iisalo also relayed that an update on the big man's progress is expected soon. If he remains on the shelf, Jock Landale will likely continue to see increased minutes.

Carter (hip) will not suit up for Sunday's game versus the Pelicans, Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reports.

With Carter unavailable for Sunday's game, Goga Bitadze will have an opportunity to start and Moritz Wagner will help fill some of the reserve center minutes in his regular-season debut. After Sunday, the Magic don't play again until Thursday, giving Carter a full four days to rest his right hip.

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.