NBA Player News

Embiid is out for Tuesday's game against the Warriors due to right ankle and knee injury management.

This was a likely decision by the 76ers, considering Tuesday is the second half of a back-to-back set. The expectation is that Embiid will return to the lineup for Thursday's showdown against the Lakers. With the superstar big man sitting out against Golden State, Andre Drummond makes sense as a plug-and-play fantasy option as the likely starter at center.

Henderson (hamstring) is out for Tuesday's game against the Suns.

Henderson's season debut has to wait at least one more contest, but he's been ramping up at practice and appears close to suiting up. His next chance to return from a torn hamstring will be during Friday's meeting with the Grizzlies. Henderson's absence should allow Caleb Love to maintain streaming appeal for another game.

Avdija (back) is out for Tuesday's game against the Suns.

No surprise here, as Avdija was previously labeled as doubtful. With Portland's star forward likely to miss his second straight game, more minutes will be available for guys like Sidy Cissoko, Jerami Grant and Robert Williams. Avdija's next chance to play will come Friday against Memphis.

The Bulls agreed to trade Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick to the Celtics in exchange for Simons and a second-round pick Tuesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

After acquiring Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley earlier Tuesday, Chicago continues to bolster its now crowded backcourt group. The Bulls' additions do make it difficult to project how much playing time each member of the backcourt will receive, as Simons now seems to have even more of an uphill climb for minutes. Simons averaged 16.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.0 steals and 3.1 three-pointers in 26.6 minutes per contest in his last 10 games with Boston. Simons is doubtful to debut Thursday against the Raptors.

The Bulls traded Vucevic to the Celtics in exchange for Anfernee Simons on Tuesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The teams also swapped second-round picks.

The Celtics have been linked to several centers around the NBA, and they finally found their guy. Vucevic and Simons are both on expiring contracts, making this an easy sell for both clubs. Vucevic will likely supplant Neemias Queta in the starting lineup in Boston, but he may see less usage with his new squad. Vucevic can be considered questionable to debut against the Rockets on Wednesday, as Tuesday's game against Dallas is out of the question.

Westbrook (foot) fully participated in Tuesday's practice, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Westbrook's activity bodes well for his chances of playing Wednesday against the Grizzlies. The veteran guard has missed three consecutive games due to a right foot contusion, and the Kings will offer an official status for Westbrook ahead of Wednesday's action.

Sabonis (back) practiced in full Tuesday, Brenden Nunes of KHTK Sactown Sports 1140 reports.

Sabonis, who has missed the past two games for the Kings, is trending in the right direction. His status for Wednesday against Memphis will be known Tuesday evening when the Kings release their official injury report. If Sabonis is unable to play, the team will likely continue to lean on Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.

Nurkic (rest) is available for Tuesday's game against Indiana, per Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune.

The Jazz initially ruled Nurkic out for rest purposes, but it makes sense that the veteran big man is now suiting up after Utah lost several members of its frontcourt in Tuesday's Jaren Jackson trade. Nurkic has been on a tear when healthy, averaging 16.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 30.7 minutes per tilt in his last 13 games.

The Pistons, Bulls and Timberwolves agreed to a three-team trade Tuesday that will send Saric to Detroit, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. The Pistons also acquired Kevin Huerter (back) and a first-round pick swap with Minnesota, while Mike Conley and Jaden Ivey will join the Bulls.

Saric had just joined the Bulls this past weekend following a trade from the Kings, but now he won't have a chance to make his Bulls debut. The veteran big man last appeared for Sacramento on Dec. 20, so it's unlikely the Pistons have a meaningful role in mind for Saric upon his arrival.

Minnesota agreed to trade Conley to Chicago in a three-team deal Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Jaden Ivey will be sent to Chicago, while Dario Saric and Kevin Huerter (back) will head to Detroit with Minnesota unloading a protected swap for this salary dump.

Father Time caught up to Conley in Minnesota, and the club will go in a different direction. The Bulls have a crowded backcourt, and it's hard to imagine Conley playing more than a minimal role as things currently stand. If the Bulls end up moving Coby White or other pieces, maybe that changes. Conley can be considered questionable to debut Thursday against Toronto.