NBA Player News

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.

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.

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. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Walter Clayton and Jahmai Mashack should all see significant run Saturday. Wells' next chance to play will come Monday at Golden State.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hachimura is part of the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Warriors, Daniel Starkand of LakersNation.com reports.

Hachimura will step into the first unit for the first time in 13 appearances, filling in for the injured Luka Doncic (hamstring). In his last 10 games, Hachimura is averaging 11.2 points and 3.6 rebounds across 25.9 minutes. Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Jake LaRavia and Jaxson Hayes make up the rest of the starting lineup Saturday.

Ayton has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Warriors due to right knee soreness, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Ayton was an extremely late addition to the injury report due to the knee issue, and his next opportunity to play will come Monday against the Thunder. With the big man sidelined, Jaxson Hayes will get the starting nod, while Drew Timme and Maxi Kleber are candidates for increased burn off the bench.