NBA Player News

Embiid (foot) is available for Monday's game against the Bulls, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Embiid will shake off his questionable tag and return from a one-game absence due to right foot plantar fascia injury management. The star big man's return will leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Adem Bona and Jabari Walker. Embiid has reached the 20-point threshold in three of his five regular-season outings, averaging 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 combined steals-plus-blocks in 35.2 minutes per showing.

LaVine (elbow) is available for Monday's game against the Mavericks, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

LaVine will shed the questionable tag ahead of Sacramento's matchup with Dallas. He is dealing with soreness in his right elbow after playing a season-low 21 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 loss to Memphis, but he'll fight through the ailment and reprise his starting role for the 0-6 Kings.

Sheppard (back) is available for Monday's matchup with Boston, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Sheppard will return from a two-game absence due to a low back strain. The third-year guard is averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals across 23.3 minutes per game in four regular-season outings (one start), and his return will leave fewer minutes available for Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Williams will start in Monday's game against Cleveland, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

Williams will enter the starting lineup for the first time this season, with Jared McCain shifting to the bench. Williams offers plenty of size and strength versus the Cavaliers starting frontcourt in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, so this is likely due to the matchup.

McCain isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Cleveland, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

McCain will retreat to a bench role after making three straight starts for the Thunder. Jaylin Williams will take McCain's place as OKC elects to roll with more size to begin Monday's clash.

Cardwell (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Mavericks.

Cardwell was temporarily upgraded to probable ahead of Monday's clash, though he was downgraded twice before ultimately being ruled out with a left calf strain. His next chance to make his season debut will arrive Wednesday against the Lakers.

Thomas will start Monday's game against Oklahoma City, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Thomas will enter the starting five with Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Jaylon Tyson (ankle) sidelined. Thomas has offered a spark off the bench in three appearances this season, as he's managed to put up 10 or more points in each game.

Shannon (hip) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Bucks, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Shannon will miss his first game of the season due to a left hip contusion, and his next chance to play will come Wednesday against Houston. With the 26-year-old swingman joining Anthony Edwards (knee) on the inactive list, more minutes will be available for guys like Ayo Dosunmu, Isaiah Evans and Jaylen Clark.

Watson (hamstring) is out for Monday's game against the Thunder, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.

Watson was initially listed as questionable due to right hamstring soreness and will be held out of Monday's contest. His next chance to play will come in Wednesday's rematch against Oklahoma City. In the meantime, Meleek Thomas, Mario Hezonja and Sam Merrill are candidates to see increased burn.

Irving (knee) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Kings.

Irving was initially listed as questionable before being downgraded to doubtful Monday afternoon, and he's since been ruled out. With the star floor general sidelined, Marcus Sasser and Walter Clayton are candidates for increased burn, while Cooper Flagg will likely see increased playmaking duties.