NBA Player News

Porzingis, who missed Friday's contest due to left posterior tibialis tendon injury management, is in the Celtics' starting lineup for Saturday's game against Memphis.

Porzingis will return for the second leg of Boston's back-to-back Saturday, and he will be inserted into the starting five due to Al Horford (toe/rest) being sidelined. In his four games back since returning from offseason foot surgery, Porzingis has averaged 21.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals over 27.3 minutes per game.

Allen accumulated 11 points (4-8 FG, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and one block across 33 minutes during Saturday's 116-102 win over the Hornets.

Allen recorded his first double-double since Nov. 27, and even though his numbers had been trending in the wrong direction of late, he's having another strong season as a reliable two-way threat in the Cavaliers' frontcourt. This was his 15th double-double of the season.

Fernando is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Mavericks, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Fernando will return to his regular bench role after making a spot start against the Thunder on Dec. 5, notching four points, seven rebounds, two blocks, an assist and a steal across 19 minutes in a 129-92 loss. With Jakob Poeltl available and ready to handle his regular workload, Fernando isn't expected to see significant minutes off the bench against Dallas.

Sims is in the Knicks' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Pistons, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.

Sims will make his second start of the 2024-25 regular season Saturday due to Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) being sidelined. Sims has yet to score more than 10 points in a game this season, but he should give the Knicks plenty of energy on both ends of the floor.

Wembanyama (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans.

Wembanyama has been sidelined for the Spurs' last two games due to bilateral low back soreness, but he has a chance to return to the floor Sunday. If Wembanyama cannot play, then Jeremy Sochan and Zach Collins would be the top candidates to start at center.

Embiid (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bulls, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid has been sidelined for the 76ers' last seven games while battling through a left knee injury, but he has a chance to return for Sunday's contest. If Embiid isn't able to return for Sunday's game, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele would be the Sixers' two starting big men while Adem Bona (knee) serves in a backup role.

Bagley is not in the Wizards' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.

Bagley made his first start of the 2024-25 regular season Thursday against the Mavericks and finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and two steals over 24 minutes. Even with Alex Sarr (back) sidelined for Saturday's contest, Bagley will retreat to the bench while Jonas Valanciunas gets the start at center.

Valanciunas is in the Wizards' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.

After coming off the bench Thursday against the Mavericks, Valanciunas will return to the starting lineup Saturday due to Alex Sarr (back) being ruled out. Over the first 20 games of the regular season (including four starts), Valanciunas is averaging 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 19.6 minutes per game.

Poeltl (illness) is available for Saturday's game against the Mavericks, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Poeltl was sidelined for Thursday's game against the Thunder due to an illness, but he'll limit his absence to just one game. Over his last 10 outings, Poeltl has averaged 18.5 points on 63.2 percent shooting, 12.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals over 33.6 minutes per game.

Sarr (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.

Sarr is dealing with soreness in his lower back. He'll be held out for Saturday's contest, and it's not clear whether the rookie center will be available for the Wizards' second-leg of a back-to-back Sunday against the Grizzlies. With Sarr sidelined for Saturday's game, Jonas Valanciunas will likely slide into the Wizards' starting lineup while Marvin Bagley sees more playing time in a reserve role.