NBA Player News

Sims will come off the bench for Wednesday's game against Toronto.

Sims delivered four points and 10 rebounds in a spot start Monday against Orlando, but he'll return to a reserve role Wednesday with Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) active. Sims had played fewer than four minutes in five consecutive appearances before the start.

Valanciunas is in Wednesday's starting lineup against the 76ers.

The veteran big man will hold down the fort at center in the absence of rookie first-rounder Alexandre Sarr (illness) on Wednesday. Valanciunas has averaged 14.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.7 blocks in 25.6 minutes over seven games as a starter this season, so he's certainly in line for a short-term boost in fantasy value against Philadelphia.

Clingan (rest) has been ruled out for Wednesday's contest against New Orleans, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Wednesday night marks the first of a back-to-back for the Blazers, and they elected to rest Clingan so he could play Thursday in Dallas. Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams will likely occupy the big-man minutes for the Blazers.

Sarr (illness) has officially been ruled out Wednesday against Philadelphia.

Sarr will miss just his fourth game this season, and he is averaging 13.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.3 steals per game since his last absence on Dec. 23. Jonas Valanciunas will likely take Sarr's place in the starting lineup with Anthony Gill backing him up until Sarr is healthy again.

Drummond (toe) is out for Wednesday's game against the Wizards, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Drummond was deemed unlikely to play earlier Wednesday, so his absence isn't surprising. With Joel Embiid (foot) out as well, Guerschon Yabusele is expected to see plenty of time at center in this matchup against the Wizards. Drummond's next chance to play will come against the Pelicans on Friday.

Sharpe (illness) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Detroit, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Sharpe will be missing his first game since making his season debut Dec. 2, averaging 7.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks over 16.7 minutes in that span. In Sharpe's absence, Nic Claxton and Noah Clowney will all see heavy usage until he returns.

Gafford (ankle) is questionable to play in Thursday's contest against Portland.

Gafford missed Tuesday's matchup with the Lakers due to his left ankle sprain, and he is in danger of missing another contest. However, the fact Gafford is being listed as questionable is a positive sign after coach Jason Kidd initially said the center was "probably going to be out for some time," per Grant Afseth of DallasHoopsJournal.com. Dereck Lively and Maxi Kleber will likely fill the big man minutes for the Mavericks if Gafford is ruled out again.

Turner (illness) will not appear in Wednesday's contest against Chicago, Tony East of WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis reports.

This will be Turner's third missed game all season, as he has been an integral piece to the Pacers' starting lineup, averaging 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.1 blocks and 0.8 steals over 31.3 minutes thus far. Thomas Bryant is expected to take Turner's place in the starting lineup until he returns.

Bryant will start Wednesday's game against the Bulls, Tony East of WTHR Channel 13 Indianapolis reports.

Bryant is slated to make his first appearance as a starter in 2024-25, joining the first unit in place of Myles Turner (illness) at center Wednesday. Bryant has averaged 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 0.8 threes in 12.7 minutes across his last six contests but should experience an uptick in playing time against Chicago, putting him in the streaming mix in fantasy leagues.

Drummond (toe) is unlikely to play in Wednesday's game against the Wizards, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Head coach Nick Nurse doesn't believe it's "too likely" Drummond will play due to a toe injury Wednesday, setting up Guerschon Yabusele for plenty of playing time at center in the absence of Joel Embiid (foot). Drummond's status should be confirmed closer to tip-off.