Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday (calf) will return Sunday against the Knicks after nearly a two-month layoff since Nov. 14. He will be under minutes restrictions and, contrary to earlier reports, will not start. His presence is expected to reduce playing time for Caleb Love and Rayan Rupert. Holiday is a risky daily fantasy option but activated for season-long settings.
Philadelphia 76ers center Andre Drummond is slated to start Sunday's game in Toronto, filling in for the injured Joel Embiid (knee). He will join Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, and Dominick Barlow in the starting five. In his 14 starts this season, Drummond has averaged 9.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, indicating a significant role in Embiid's absence.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Celtics due to ongoing lower back soreness. Despite this, he managed to play in Saturday's win over Miami. Should Nembhard be ruled out, T.J. McConnell, Quenton Jackson, and Ben Sheppard are expected to see increased minutes. In January, Nembhard has been productive, averaging 20.8 points, 9.3 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 32.5 minutes per game.
Indiana Pacers forward Bennedict Mathurin (sprained right thumb) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Celtics, marking his fifth consecutive absence. There is currently no clear timeline for his return, with his next potential game being Wednesday against the Raptors. In Mathurin's continued absence, Johnny Furphy is expected to maintain his starting role for the Pacers.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen is confirmed to play Monday against the Cavaliers, as he is not listed on the injury report. After taking a rest day on Saturday, Markkanen's return will likely move Taylor Hendricks back to the second unit. With Jusuf Nurkic (toe) also expected to play, Kyle Anderson could potentially drop out of the rotation entirely.
Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown is doubtful for Monday's game against the Pacers due to lower back spasms, providing him rest until Thursday. This news follows his vehement criticism of officiating after a 100-95 loss to the Spurs, where he scored 27 points and 8 assists but attempted zero free throws. Brown stated, "I'll accept the fine at this point. I thought it was some bulls— tonight," anticipating a league fine for his comments on the foul discrepancy.
Knicks' Josh Hart (ankle) is officially set to return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Trail Blazers with no minutes restriction, ending an eight-game absence from a right ankle sprain sustained Dec. 25. His return shifts Miles McBride to a bench role. Hart averaged 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.4 steals across 28 games this season. The Knicks struggled, going 3-5, during his absence. He was averaging 14.5 points and 9.1 rebounds over his last 15 games before the injury.
Toronto Raptors' Brandon Ingram (thumb) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the 76ers. He will miss the first leg of this back-to-back set but is listed as day-to-day, with a potential return for Monday's rematch. Ja'Kobe Walter is expected to start in his absence, and additional minutes will be available for Gradey Dick and Jamison Battle.
Ja Morant is reportedly the biggest name potentially moved at the trade deadline, despite being sidelined with a calf injury. The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to seek a significant return, though Morant's baggage and salary may temper offers. The Milwaukee Bucks have shown interest, while the Sacramento Kings are "lukewarm." The Brooklyn Nets are a dark horse destination. Other teams like Minnesota, Toronto, and Miami have also been mentioned, but a Morant-for-LaMelo Ball swap is considered unlikely.
Portland Trail Blazers forward Kris Murray has been diagnosed with a lumbar strain in his lower back. He is currently without an official timetable to return and will miss his third consecutive game Sunday. With no firm return date, it's unlikely he'll play during Week 13 and should be considered week-to-week until a positive update on his rehab process is received.
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) will travel with the team for Thursday's game against the Magic in Berlin, as reported by Damichael Cole. Edey is set to miss his 15th straight game Sunday due to a stress reaction in his left foot but could return against Orlando on Thursday or in next Sunday's rematch in London. Head coach Tuomas Iisalo expects an update on his progress soon. If he remains out, Jock Landale will continue to see increased minutes.
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who was initially questionable due to an illness, has been upgraded to available for Sunday's game against the Pelicans. Isaac will play through his illness and could see a slight uptick in minutes, partly due to Wendell Carter's absence. This season, Isaac is averaging 3.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter has been officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pelicans due to a right hip strain. Initially listed as questionable, the team confirmed his absence. With Carter sidelined, Goga Bitadze is expected to start at center, while Moritz Wagner will see increased minutes off the bench. The Magic's next game is Thursday, providing Carter with four days to rest his hip.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Raptors. His absence is attributed to left knee injury management and left groin soreness, as he sits out the front end of a back-to-back set. Embiid's next opportunity to play will be in Monday's rematch against Toronto. With the star big man unavailable, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona are expected to see increased playing time.
Saddiq Bey (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game in Orlando, marking his sixth consecutive absence. The New Orleans Pelicans forward is recovering from a right hip flexor strain. While initially listed as doubtful before being downgraded, which indicates some progress, Bey is still expected to miss at least one of the Pelicans' upcoming Tuesday/Wednesday back-to-back contests as he continues his recovery.
Jake LaRavia is highlighted as a valuable fantasy basketball addition for Week 13 due to the Los Angeles Lakers' favorable schedule. The Lakers will play five games, including two back-to-backs (Monday/Tuesday and Saturday/Sunday), which significantly boosts the value of low-rostered players like LaRavia. Even if Rui Hachimura returns from his calf injury, LaRavia is still considered worth a look in fantasy leagues because of the increased game volume.
Brandon Miller ended Saturday's 150-95 victory over Utah with 18 points (7-19 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 22 minutes. While not his most efficient performance, he bounced back after scoring six points in Thursday's loss to Indiana. Miller finished as Charlotte's second-leading scorer, recording 18 or more points for the sixth time in his last seven outings. He also tallied a game-high-tying three steals, matching his season high.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown expressed extreme frustration with officiating after their 100-95 loss to the Spurs, stating he's 'tired of not getting the same calls' and is willing to accept a fine. He received zero free throws despite a 27-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist, 5-turnover performance, while Boston had a season-low four attempts compared to San Antonio's 20. Brown called the officiating "bulls***" and "terrible," citing inconsistency. The Celtics are 24-14, and Brown is averaging 29.5 PPG in Jayson Tatum's absence.
Ayo Dosunmu delivered an efficient 20 points (7-9 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, eight assists, and four steals in 26 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 125-107 win over the Mavericks. He was remarkably efficient, missing only two shots and nearly achieving a double-double. This marks his eighth game with at least 20 points this season, providing significant impact despite not being in the starting lineup.
John Collins recorded 25 points (9-14 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds, four steals, four blocks, and one assist in 37 minutes during Saturday's 98-92 win over Detroit. He made history by becoming the ninth player in NBA history to tally at least four three-pointers, four steals, and four blocks in a single game. Collins logged season highs in points and steals, matching season-best marks in blocks and triples. He has scored in double figures in five straight games, averaging 19.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals.
