NBA Player News

Nurkic is expected to occupy a starting role for the foreseeable future due to Walker Kessler's season-ending shoulder surgery.

With Kessler out the past two games awaiting a diagnosis, Nurkic drew starts and averaged 7.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.0 steals in 26.5 minutes. It seems like he'll see minutes in the high-20s to low-30s most nights, though it could be heavily dictated by game flow. Blowout losses, like Sunday's 126-103 defeat at the hands of the Hornets, could lead to fewer minutes for Nurkic. In those cases, more run could be in store for Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks. It's possible the team also calls up two-way center Oscar Tshiebwe for some spot run. For his career, Nurkic is averaging 11.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.9 steals in 24.3 minutes.

Kessler will undergo left shoulder surgery to address a torn labrum and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

This is a devastating blow for the Jazz and for Kessler's fantasy managers, given his high price in drafts. Kessler made just five appearances before his season was abruptly ended, finishing with averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals. With Kessler sidelined the remainder of the campaign, Jusuf Nurkic is likely to step into a full-time starting role. However, the Jazz could also utilize smaller lineups, and guys like Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks could see increased run.

Embiid (rest) will not play Wednesday against the Cavaliers.

Embiid, who produced 20 points (7-21 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), six rebounds, two assists, three steals and four blocks in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 113-111 loss to the Bulls, will expectedly miss the second leg of this back-to-back set for rest. With Embiid sidelined, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond will likely soak up the bulk of the center minutes.

Missi (illness) won't play Wednesday against the Mavericks.

Missi will miss his second game in a row Wednesday, but the center remains day-to-day. His next chance to play comes Saturday against the Spurs. With Missi out, Derik Queen will have a chance to build on his career night Tuesday against Charlotte.

Atlanta assigned Dante to the G League's College Park Skyhawks on Wednesday, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Dante was recalled by Atlanta on Tuesday and is now headed right back. This is likely to be a trend for the center.

Robinson (rest) is available for Wednesday's game against Minnesota.

Robinson missed Monday's game against the Wizards as it was the second leg of a back-to-back set. Although he's been cleared for Wednesday, fantasy managers will want to be aware that coach Mike Brown indicated that the center will have a minutes restriction moving forward in an effort to keep him healthy.

Okongwu provided 14 points (3-5 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 6-7 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal across 27 minutes during Tuesday's 127-112 victory over Orlando.

Okongwu has been one of Atlanta's main contributors off the bench, as he averages 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.0 blocks, 0.5 steals and 1.4 threes made over 29.3 minutes. He will continue to back up Kristaps Porzingis at the center position, but Okongwu's role with the team has been solidified.

Memphis assigned Edey (ankle) to the G League's Memphis Hustle on Wednesday.

This is another rehab assignment for Edey as he continues to inch closer to making his season debut. Jock Landale will continue to hold down the fort in the meantime.

Towns is listed questionable for Wednesday's game against Minnesota due to an illness.

Towns was added to the injury report overnight, presumably after waking up under the weather. The Knicks will likely re-evaluate Towns following their morning shootaround and should have an update on his status prior to warmups ahead of the game's 7:30 p.m. ET opening tip.

Jackson-Davis logged seven points (3-5 FG, 1-1 FT), two rebounds and three assists over 15 minutes during Tuesday's 118-107 win over the Suns.

With Al Horford sitting out for maintenance, Jackson-Davis was able to log some backup center minutes behind Quinten Post. Despite a strong showing, Jackson-Davis can't be trusted as long as he's firmly behind Post and Horford on the depth chart.