NBA Player News

Embiid is listed questionable for Thursday's game versus the Lakers due to right knee injury management.

Embiid missed Tuesday's win over the Warriors, with that game coming as the second in a back-to-back set, and now he's being listed as questionable for Thursday's game. The 76ers should have a better idea regarding Embiid's status following shootaround Thursday morning, but if the veteran center is cleared to play ahead of the 10 p.m. ET tipoff, he should be in line for a normal 30-plus-minute workload.

Castle (thigh) will play if he gets through his pregame routine without issue Wednesday versus the Thunder, NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports.

Castle is on track to return from a one-game absence Wednesday evening, which could result in fewer minutes for Jordan McLaughlin and Keldon Johnson. Check back closer to tipoff for official word on Castle's status.

Harper (ankle) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Oklahoma City, NBA reporter Matthew Tynan reports.

Harper was added to the injury report Wednesday morning with a sore right ankle, and the rookie guard will wind up taking a seat for the contest. His absence could mean more playing time for Julian Champagnie, Keldon Johnson and Jordan McLaughlin. Harper's next chance to play will come Thursday at Dallas.

Towns went back to the locker room after sustaining a cut above his right eye during a collision with Spencer Jones in Wednesday's game against Denver, Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reports.

Towns and Jones were both bleeding after the collision, but it seems Towns got the worst of the exchange. The center remained in the game with a bandage over the cut to shoot a pair of free throws, but he then exited the game and went back to the locker room. While Towns is on the sidelines, look for Mitchell Robinson to see most of the center minutes.

Harper will start Wednesday against the Rockets, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

Harper has made just seven appearances for the Celtics this season and played a total of 35 minutes, but he'll get the starting nod Wednesday with Jaylen Brown (hamstring/knee) out. Joining Harper in the first unit will be Derrick White, Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza and Neemias Queta.

Garza is in the Celtics' starting lineup against the Rockets on Wednesday, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

With Nikola Vucevic (recently traded) yet to make his Celtics debut and Jaylen Brown (hamstring) and Sam Hauser (thumb) both sidelined, Garza will make his second start of the season Wednesday, when he'll form a frontcourt with Neemias Queta. Garza has logged double-digit points in three of his last four outings, and over that span he has averaged 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.3 threes and 0.8 steals over 18.3 minutes per game.

Booker (ankle) is listed as out for Thursday's game against Golden State.

Booker has been making strong progress in his recovery from a sprained right ankle, but he's not quite ready to retake the hardwood. The star guard has missed six straight games due to the injury, and his absence has allowed Grayson Allen to enter the starting lineup. Booker's next chance to play will come Saturday against the 76ers.

Green (hamstring/hip) is questionable for Thursday's game versus the Warriors.

Green has missed the past two contests with hip and hamstring issues, and that number could hit three Thursday evening. If Green is out again, Collin Gillespie and Grayson Allen will continue to do the heavy lifting on offense, and there will be more minutes available for Jordan Goodwin.

Vucevic (recently traded) will be unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Rockets.

Vucevic was dealt from Chicago to Boston on Tuesday, but he's not quite ready to make his Celtics debut. Once he's settled in with his new team, the veteran center is likely to supplant Neemias Queta in the starting lineup. Vucevic's next chance to play will come Friday against Miami.

Brown (hamstring/knee) won't play Wednesday versus the Rockets, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe reports.

Brown will hit the sidelines for the second leg of a back-to-back due to a sore right knee and tightness in his left hamstring, and for now, he should be considered questionable for Friday's game against the Heat. Jordan Walsh and Hugo Gonzalez should see a bump in minutes with Brown unavailable, while Derrick White and Payton Pritchard will be tasked with the heavy lifting on offense.