NBA Player News

Gobert (head) has returned to Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, Jace Frederick of St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Gobert briefly went to the locker room after taking a shot to the head from Zach Edey while going for a rebound. The former doesn't appear to have any lingering issues and has been cleared to return to Saturday's contest.

Gobert is headed to the locker room after sustaining an apparent head injury in Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Gobert took a big shot in the head from Zach Edey while battling for a rebound, and the big man went to the locker room to get a proper look at any potential injury. Naz Reid should see more minutes while Gobert is sidelined, and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to the hardwood.

Clingan will start at center against the Heat on Saturday, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

This will be a big opportunity for Clingan with both Deandre Ayton (calf) and Robert Williams (illness) sidelined. In seven starts this season, Clingan posted averages of 8.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in 22.3 minutes.

Williams (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

Williams sat out Thursday's game against the Mavericks due to rest purposes. He was set to play Saturday, but he popped up on the injury report with an illness, and it appears it's severe enough for him to not play Saturday. Donovan Clingan will get the start at center due to Williams and Deandre Ayton (calf) both being ruled out.

Ayton (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

Ayton popped up on Friday's injury report due to left calf soreness, and it appears he'll need to sit out of Saturday's contest in order to avoid aggravating the injury. His next opportunity to play will be Tuesday against the Nets. With Ayton and Robert Williams (illness) both out, Donovan Clingan will get the start at center.

Jokic (illness) is probable for Sunday's game against the Mavericks.

Jokic missed two games due to an illness but was able to battle through it and play against the Nets on Friday, during which he logged 35 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds and four steals over 38 minutes in a 124-105 win. He's not fully over the illness but is progressing in his recovery and should be able to play Sunday.

Embiid (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Magic.

Embiid has missed the past three games for the 76ers, but coach Nick Nurse said Friday that the big man remains day-to-day. He did seem hopeful to have him back for Sunday's game, however. Andre Drummond (toe) has already been ruled out, so Guerschon Yabusele could see extended run if Embiid is unable to return.

Drummond (toe) is out for Sunday's game versus the Magic.

Drummond's absence streak will extend to four games Sunday due to a sprained left toe. The veteran big man's next chance to suit up is Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder.

Holmgren (hip) joined the Thunder for their four-game road trip that began Wednesday and is beginning to increase his physical activity, Joel Lorenzi of The Oklahoman reports.

Prior to Wednesday's 129-122 loss to the Cavaliers, Holmgren was seen going through some movement drills on the court during the Thunder's shootaround that day. The activity came just over a week after Holmgren was cleared to ditch the crutches he had been using to get around since suffering a right iliac wing fracture Nov. 10. Now two months removed from the injury, Holmgren is within the 8-to-10-week period the Thunder had previously cited as the point that the team would provide an update on his return-to-play protocol. Oklahoma City is thus expected to update Holmgren's status soon, though since he's not yet practicing, he's probably at least a couple weeks away from being ready for game action.

Williams is listed as questionable for Saturday's game versus the Heat due to an illness.

Despite being absent from the injury report all day, Williams is now in danger of missing Saturday's contest due to an illness. Even if Williams is upgraded to available, there is no guarantee he will receive any playing time.