NBA Player News
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Nique Clifford SG | SAC
Kings' Nique Clifford: Starting sans LaVine
Clifford will start against the Cavaliers on Saturday, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports.
The rookie first-rounder will get the starting nod due to Zach LaVine (finger) being sidelined. As a starter this season (seven games), Clifford has averaged 6.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals in 29.1 minutes per contest.
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Daeqwon Plowden SG | SAC
Kings' Daeqwon Plowden: Making first start of NBA career
Plowden is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Cavaliers, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports.
Plowden will make the first start of his NBA career as the Kings will play a young starting lineup. Plowden will slot alongside two rookies, Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford, and veterans Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan. Plowden is averaging 3.0 points and 2.0 rebounds per game in his four outings off the bench in 2025-26.
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Dean Wade PF | CLE
Cavaliers' Dean Wade: Unavailable Saturday
Wade (ankle) won't play in Saturday's game against the Kings, Matt George of ABC 10 Sacramento reports.
Wade was downgraded to doubtful Saturday afternoon, so his absence doesn't come as much of a surprise. The Cavs will trot out a starting lineup of James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson and Jarrett Allen. Wade's next chance to play will come Monday against Denver.
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Cedric Coward SG | MEM
Grizzlies' Cedric Coward: Ruled out Saturday
Coward (shoulder) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Trail Blazers.
As expected, Coward will miss the second leg of this back-to-back set due to right shoulder soreness, and his next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Warriors. The Grizzlies will be extremely shorthanded in the backcourt Saturday, so Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Walter Clayton and Jahmai Mashack will likely see increased playing time.
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Jaylen Wells SG | MEM
Grizzlies' Jaylen Wells: No-go Saturday
Wells (shoulder) won't play in Saturday's game against Portland.
Wells will miss his first game of the season Saturday, and he's one of several key contributors to sit out the tail end of the team's back-to-back set. Kentavioius Caldwell-Pope, Walter Clayton and Jahmai Mashack should all see significant run Saturday. Wells' next chance to play will come Monday at Golden State.
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Cam Spencer PG | MEM
Grizzlies' Cam Spencer: Downgraded to out
Spencer (ankle) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against Portland, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.
Spencer will miss the tail end of the Grizzlies' back-to-back set due to a sore right ankle. The 25-year-old's absence could mean more opportunities for Walter Clayton, Jahmai Mashack or Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Spencer's next chance to play will come Monday at Golden State.
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Keyonte George SG | UTA
Jazz's Keyonte George: Sprains ankle, won't return
George won't return to Saturday's game against the Magic due to a right ankle sprain. He'll finish with five points (1-5 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), one rebound, one assist and one steal in 13 minutes.
After missing Utah's previous three games due to a left ankle sprain, George rolled his right ankle late in the second quarter of Saturday's contest. Isaiah Collier started the second half against Orlando and should see increased playing time the rest of the way. George's next opportunity to play will come Monday against Miami.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Available Saturday
Embiid (knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Suns.
Embiid was initially listed as questionable due to right knee injury management, but the star big man will suit up Saturday. Embiid has been playing well of late, averaging 31.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 0.9 blocks per game over his last 10 appearances.
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Deni Avdija SG | POR
Trail Blazers' Deni Avdija: Out again
Avdija (back) won't play in Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.
Avdija will miss a fourth consecutive game due to a lower-back strain. His absence likely means Jerami Grant will draw another start. Avdija's next chance to play will come Monday against Philadelphia.
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Jaxson Hayes C | LAL
Lakers' Jaxson Hayes: Starting sans Ayton
Hayes will start Saturday's game against the Warriors, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.
Deandre Ayton (knee) was a late scratch Saturday, resulting in Hayes getting the starting nod for the first time since Dec. 20. As a starter this season (four games), the seventh-year center has averaged 11.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists across 28.8 minutes per tilt.