Player news from trusted outlets
Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.
Joel Embiid (injury maintenance) is probable for Thursday's game against the Mavericks. He is managing right ankle and knee injuries but plans to play. In Tuesday's overtime win over Memphis, Embiid recorded 34 points (11-28 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 11-12 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and one steal in 38 minutes.
RJ Barrett (knee) will remain on an unspecified minutes restriction for Wednesday's game against the Nuggets, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca. Barrett missed 15 games with a right knee sprain before returning Sunday with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes. He sat out Monday but will play Wednesday with monitored minutes.
Evan Mobley tallied 16 points (7-10 FG), 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and one steal in 29 minutes during Cleveland's 129-113 win over Phoenix on Wednesday. His five blocks tied a season high. Mobley has started and played 29 minutes in consecutive games, returning from a calf strain that sidelined him for five games in December. He averages 18.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 blocks this season.
Devin Booker finished Wednesday's 129-113 loss to the Cavaliers with 32 points (13-25 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four assists, two rebounds, one steal, and one block in 33 minutes. He was the Suns' leading scorer, marking his third 30-point game in his last six outings. Since returning from a three-game groin injury absence, Booker has averaged 26.9 points, 5.4 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals over 33.0 minutes per game.
Donovan Mitchell registered 34 points (10-18 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block in 34 minutes during the Cavaliers' 129-113 win over the Suns on Wednesday. This was his 18th 30-point game and second double-double this season. For December, Mitchell averaged 29.3 points, 5.6 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 3.7 threes, and 1.5 steals over 33.1 minutes per game.
Stephon Castle (sprained left thumb) has shed his questionable tag and is available for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. The 21-year-old guard appeared in 10 outings in December, averaging 20.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds across 29.2 minutes per game. His return is a boost for the Spurs' lineup.
Anthony Davis (adductor soreness) is cleared from the injury report and expected to return for Thursday's game against the 76ers, playing 30-34 minutes after missing two games. His return will reduce playing time for Dwight Powell and others. Prior to injury, he averaged 26.3 Pts, 13.8 Reb, 2.5 Ast, 1.3 Blk, 1.0 Stl over 35.5 Min in four games. Separately, the Mavericks reportedly initiated trade talks with the Warriors for Davis ($54.1M salary), but a deal appears unlikely as Golden State is reluctant to move key players.
Michael Porter (illness) is questionable for Thursday's game against Houston. This is a new issue for Porter, and the game is the front end of a back-to-back set for the Nets. If he is unable to play, additional minutes will be available for teammates such as Drake Powell, Ziaire Williams, and Jalen Wilson.
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris is listed as doubtful for Thursday's New Year's Day game against the Heat due to a left hip sprain. Harris sustained the injury during the first quarter of Tuesday's 128-106 win over the Lakers, playing only six minutes and recording seven points and one turnover. Isaiah Stewart and Ronald Holland are the top candidates to enter the Pistons' starting lineup Thursday if Harris is unable to play.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Brooklyn due to a strained left calf. Sengun has been sidelined for the Rockets' last two games but the fifth-year center could return to action for the start of the new year. If both Sengun and Steven Adams (ankle) are unable to play against the Nets, Clint Capela would be the top candidate to start at center for the Rockets.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard reports his recovery from a torn Achilles is 'going great,' expressing excitement to return next season. Lillard, who chose to take the entire season off for recovery, stated he feels 'even better now' about the decision, allowing maximum time to heal. He is optimistic about the team's growth and believes they 'will have a great shot next season' with his return alongside players like Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson.
Chicago Bulls guard Coby White is expected to miss at least one week due to right calf tightness, ruling him out for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans. White aggravated the injury during Monday's loss to Minnesota, an issue that had previously sidelined him at the start of the season. He will be re-evaluated in one week. White is tied for the team lead in scoring (19.2 PPG) and averages 4.7 APG. With Josh Giddey also injured, Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Kevin Huerter are anticipated to take on increased roles in the Bulls' backcourt.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey sustained a left hamstring strain during Monday's loss to the Timberwolves and is expected to miss 'at least a few weeks,' with a re-evaluation scheduled in two weeks. The team anticipates he will likely be out longer, requiring additional time for ramping up. Giddey, who is tied for the team lead in scoring (19.2 PPG) and leads in assists (9 APG) and rebounds (7.8 RPG), will significantly impact the Bulls' lineup, especially with Coby White also sidelined. Tre Jones, Ayo Dosunmu, and Jevon Carter are expected to see increased playing time in his absence.
Chicago Bulls forward Zach Collins has sustained a right toe sprain and is expected to be sidelined for at least a week. The team announced that Collins will be re-evaluated in 10 days to determine his return timeline. His absence adds to the Bulls' injury woes, with key guards Josh Giddey and Coby White also out due to their respective injuries.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (hip) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, marking his return after a seven-game absence due to a left hip contusion. The Magic may monitor his minutes. Prior to his injury, Suggs was averaging 17.1 points, 5.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 2.1 three-pointers per game over his last eight appearances.
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (back) is available for Wednesday's game against the Pacers. Bane had been dealing with back spasms from Monday's loss to Toronto and was questionable, but he has shed that tag, maintaining his perfect attendance record. The sixth-year pro has been productive, averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 34.0 minutes over his last five games.
Orlando Magic player Anthony Black was featured in a recent 'Fast break' news segment. The report provided additional insights and discussion regarding Black, alongside updates on Kawhi Leonard and Jonas Valanciunas.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard is currently 'on a roll,' prompting analysts to take a closer look at his recent performance. The veteran forward's current form is a key topic of discussion, with further insight provided in a recent 'Fast break' report.
Ian Clark was mentioned in an article detailing Anthony Davis's expected return to play on Thursday. The report, attributed to Christian Clark of The Athletic, focused on Davis's adductor injury and anticipated playing time. No specific news or updates regarding Ian Clark's status or performance were provided in the article.
Trae Young (right quadriceps contusion) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves, marking his second consecutive missed contest. His next chance to play will be Friday against the Knicks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker is expected to start in his absence, with Luke Kennard, Vit Krejci, and Keaton Wallace potentially seeing increased minutes. An older report noted the Hawks were winless after a previous return by Young, but the current status is his absence.
