NBA Player News

Bitadze posted nine points (4-6 FG, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist, three blocks and one steal in 24 minutes during Monday's 123-107 victory over the Pistons.

Bitadze logged at least 20 minutes for the first time in his past 17 appearances, shifting up in the rotation after Wendell Carter was forced from the game due to a neck injury. While it has been a disappointing season for Bitadze, the final week of action could end up being his best stretch, should Carter be forced to miss additional time. Assuming that is the case, managers should view Bitadze as a strong stream candidate.

Embiid racked up 34 points (8-19 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 16-19 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and four blocks in 39 minutes during Monday's 115-102 loss to the Spurs.

Embiid turned in a strong performance on the offensive end after missing Saturday's game against Detroit for rest purposes. He also recorded his second straight double-double with the help of a strong night on the boards, but his impressive final line wasn't quite enough to help Philly secure a victory. Embiid is averaging 28.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.2 blocks over his last five outings.

Carter (neck) didn't return to Monday's game against the Pistons. He finished the night with 12 points (2-4 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one steal in 18 minutes.

The timing of this injury is unfortunate for Carter and the Magic, who have three regular-season matchups remaining before gearing up for the playoffs. The team will presumably re-evaluate the 26-year-old Tuesday to determine his status for Wednesday's game against Minnesota.

Wembanyama won't return to Monday's game against the 76ers due to a left rib contusion, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports. He'll finish with 17 points (7-11 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-4 FT), five rebounds, three blocks and one assist across 16 minutes.

Wembanyama exited to the locker room in the second quarter with what initially appeared to be an arm injury, but he returned to the hardwood shortly thereafter. However, the star big man didn't start the second half and was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game. Luke Kornet should help pick up the slack the rest of the way.

Carter exited Monday's game against the Pistons due to a neck sprain and is doubtful to return.

The Magic will likely lean on Goga Bitadze down the stretch with Carter presumably shut down for the rest of the night. He can be considered day-to-day leading up to Wednesday's game against Minnesota, assuming he fails to return Monday.

Robinson (lower body) returned to Monday's game against the Hawks with 10:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, per the broadcast.

Robinson took a hard fall in the third quarter and limped to the locker room. However, the big man joined his teammates on the bench shortly thereafter and was cleared to return after being evaluated.

Wembanyama (arm) returned to Monday's game against the 76ers with 5:33 remaining in the second quarter, per the broadcast.

Wembanyama exited to the locker room in the second quarter due to an apparent arm injury. However, he returned to the bench shortly thereafter and was cleared to check back in.

Robinson exited to the locker room in the third quarter of Monday's game against the Hawks due to an apparent lower-body injury, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

Robinson took a hard fall and hobbled to the bench before being evaluated by a trainer. He eventually limped to the locker room and can be considered questionable to return until further notice.

Wembanyama went to the locker room during the second quarter of Monday's game against the 76ers with an apparent arm injury, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.

Wembanyama went down in pain after looking to take an elbow from an opposing player, but he was quickly able to get up and walk to the locker room for further evaluation. The severity of his injury is unknown at this time.

Drummond won't start Monday's game against the Spurs.

With Joel Embiid (oblique) back in the lineup, Drummond will slide to the second unit. The veteran big man has averaged 3.2 points and 4.6 rebounds across 12.4 minutes per game in his last five appearances off the bench.