NBA Player News

Williams (thumb) closed Saturday's 106-94 loss to the Thunder with 12 points (4-9 FG, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and one block over 22 minutes.

Williams was questionable to play Saturday with a thumb injury, but he was able to suit up for the Hornets and came away with his first double-double of the season in the rout. Through his last six appearances, Williams is averaging 13.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 blocks in 20.2 minutes while shooting 61.5 percent from the field. The 23-year-old big man is still having his workload monitored after missing the first 20 games of the campaign with a foot injury, but he should see his minutes incrementally rise as he becomes further removed from the issue. As long as he's healthy, Williams should be a big help to fantasy managers in the blocks, boards and field-goal percentage categories.

Hayes (ankle) is listed as available for Saturday's game against the Kings, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Hayes was initially ruled out for a 14th consecutive game due to a right ankle sprain/contusion, but the Lakers are electing to keep him active Saturday. However, McMenamin notes that Hayes will likely be available only in an emergency, as the big man isn't expected to return to action until Tuesday versus the Cavaliers.

Davis (ankle) is available and starting Saturday against the Kings.

Davis was limited to just seven minutes in the win over the Warriors on Christmas Day, but the injury wasn't as severe as initially expected, and he'll be available for this matchup. Expect Davis to handle his regular workload on offense, especially since LeBron James (illness) will be sidelined. Davis is averaging 21.3 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 blocks per game since the beginning of December.

Len is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Lakers.

Interim head coach Doug Christie announced he won't change the starting lineup for his debut, so Len will head back to the bench due to the return of Domantas Sabonis (illness). Len is averaging 7.2 minutes per game across 23 games (three starts), so he's not likely to affect many fantasy decisions regardless of his role.

Hayes (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Kings, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Hayes hasn't played since Nov. 26 due to a right ankle sprain. He has progressed to 5-on-5 scrimmages with contact, and while he won't play Saturday, he is on track to return against the Cavaliers on New Year's Eve.

Kleber is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers, Mike Curtis of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The Mavericks will be without Dereck Lively (hip), P.J. Washington (suspension) and Naji Marshall (suspension), so the lack of depth in the frontcourt will translate to Kleber getting the start. Kleber will be making his first start since Nov. 16.

Sabonis (illness) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Lakers, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Sabonis was sidelined during Thursday's loss against the Pistons due to an illness. He was able to participate in Saturday's shootaround and has been cleared to play. Sabonis has averaged 22.0 points, 14.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.0 steals over 35.5 minutes per game over his last 15 outings.

Drummond (toe) is out for Saturday's game against the Jazz.

Drummond was tabbed as a game-time call, but the veteran big man will be sidelined due to a toe injury. Joel Embiid (foot) will start, meaning Guerschon Yabusele and Adem Bona are expected to operate as Embiid's backups at center. Drummond's next chance to play will come against the Trail Blazers on Monday.

Embiid (foot/face) is available for Saturday's game against the Jazz, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

Embiid will play Saturday after being listed as questionable due to a left foot sprain and sinus fracture. Over his last five games, Embiid has averaged 22.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists over 25.2 minutes per game.

Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Mavericks, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

Williams will miss a third straight game due to a right ankle sprain, and his next opportunity to play will be against the 76ers on Monday. Donovan Clingan will continue to see more playing time off the bench due to Williams' injury.