NBA Player News

The NBA is investigating an altercation between Embiid (knee) and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes following Saturday's 124-107 loss to the Grizzlies, ESPN.com reports.

Embiid confronted Hayes as reporters entered the locker room, and after raising his voice, Embiid appeared to shove Hayes before security stepped in. The incident stems from a recent column Hayes wrote, in which he mentions Embiid's son and late brother before questioning the MVP's professionalism and effort to stay in shape. "We take the situation very seriously and are investigating, and have already spoken to the NBA," Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said in a statement. Embiid has missed the 76ers' first five games of the season with left knee injury management, but he was a full practice participant Friday and appears to be on the cusp of making his 2024-25 debut.

Okongwu is questionable for Sunday's game against the Pelicans due to left big toe injury management, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports.

Sunday's game is the first half of a back-to-back set, so even if Okongwu plays against New Orleans, he may sit out Monday versus Boston. After exploding for 28 points, eight rebounds and three blocks in the regular-season opener, Okongwu has averaged 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.3 blocks in his last four appearances. If Okongwu sits out, Larry Nance and Dominick Barlow would be candidates for increased roles behind Clint Capela.

Zubac had nine points (4-10 FG, 1-5 FT), 12 rebounds, one block and one steal over 28 minutes during Saturday's 105-92 loss to Oklahoma City.

Zubac has scored in single digits in two of his last three appearances, and even though this was a subpar outing for the big man, the fact that he's scored at least 20 points in four of his six games is noteworthy. The big man is enjoying more responsibility on offense with Kawhi Leonard (knee) sidelined, but the former has been up to the challenge. Zubac is averaging 17.5 points and 13.0 rebounds per game to open the campaign. Additionally, this was his fifth consecutive game with double-digit rebounds.

Holmgren ended Saturday's 105-92 win over the Clippers with 10 points (3-9 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal in 29 minutes.

Holmgren didn't have his best shooting effort Saturday, as he struggled with the physicality of Ivica Zubac near the rim. However, Holmgren found other ways to contribute en route to reaching his third double-double of the season. Despite his noticeable two-way impact, Holmgren's shooting numbers have been trending in the wrong direction -- he's failed to surpass the 10-point mark in his last two outings while shooting 33.3 percent from the field in that span after delivering blistering numbers in his first four contests.

Ayton amassed 10 points (3-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 13 rebounds and two assists over 30 minutes during Saturday's 103-97 loss to Phoenix.

Ayton was one of several starters who struggled from the field in this game, but the big man continues to deliver enough of a two-way impact to overlook his shooting woes -- at least for now. Ayton has posted six double-doubles in seven contests, but he's shooting just 48.4 percent from the field, a low mark for a player who earns most of his points near the rim.

Huff recorded 20 points (7-10 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, one assist and one block across 14 minutes during Saturday's 124-107 victory over the 76ers.

Huff dominated in the post during Saturday's win, making 70.0 percent of his tries from the field while contributing at the rim with a swat. Playing time has been somewhat limited for the big man so far this season behind Zach Edey, so while his most recent appearance was impressive, it's unfair to expect this type of production from Huff moving forward.

Jokic notched 27 points (10-18 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 16 rebounds, nine assists and one steal over 30 minutes during Saturday's 129-103 victory over the Jazz.

Jokic has been outstanding in the first two weeks of the regular season and has been a stat-filling machine, notching two triple-doubles and three double-doubles in six appearances. The star big man is already in midseason form, justifying being the first overall pick in some drafts. He's averaging 29.8 points, 12.3 rebounds and 9.8 assists per contest.

Kessler produced 18 points (5-6 FG, 8-12 FT), 14 rebounds and five blocks across 29 minutes during Saturday's 129-103 loss to the Nuggets.

Kessler notched his third double-double of the season and delivered an efficient showing from the field. Even though fantasy managers could use a bit more consistency from Kessler's scoring numbers on a game-to-game basis, the third-year big man has started the campaign on a strong note. Kessler is averaging 9.7 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per contest while recording three double-doubles across six contests.

Allen finished Saturday's 114-113 victory over the Bucks with 15 points (6-10 FG, 3-6 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and one steal across 32 minutes.

Allen and Evan Mobley form an imposing front for any opponent, and both players are off to a phenomenal start. Allen has been able to combine his usual rebound acumen with a decent shot volume, resulting in some voluminous totals.

Bassey supplied no counting stats in one minute during Saturday's 113-103 win over Minnesota.

Bassey played one minute of garbage time, just the third time he has seen the court all season. Following a torn ACL in December, Bassey has worked his way back into the rotation, albeit on a sporadic basis. He possesses an intriguing skill set, something we may see a bit more of further down the track should the Spurs start looking to the future. At this point, he is unlikely to be anything more than a depth piece.