NBA Player News

Sims is in the Knicks' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Pistons, Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reports.

Sims will make his second start of the 2024-25 regular season Saturday due to Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) being sidelined. Sims has yet to score more than 10 points in a game this season, but he should give the Knicks plenty of energy on both ends of the floor.

Wembanyama (back) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against New Orleans.

Wembanyama has been sidelined for the Spurs' last two games due to bilateral low back soreness, but he has a chance to return to the floor Sunday. If Wembanyama cannot play, then Jeremy Sochan and Zach Collins would be the top candidates to start at center.

Embiid (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bulls, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid has been sidelined for the 76ers' last seven games while battling through a left knee injury, but he has a chance to return for Sunday's contest. If Embiid isn't able to return for Sunday's game, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele would be the Sixers' two starting big men while Adem Bona (knee) serves in a backup role.

Bagley is not in the Wizards' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.

Bagley made his first start of the 2024-25 regular season Thursday against the Mavericks and finished with 16 points, eight rebounds and two steals over 24 minutes. Even with Alex Sarr (back) sidelined for Saturday's contest, Bagley will retreat to the bench while Jonas Valanciunas gets the start at center.

Valanciunas is in the Wizards' starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.

After coming off the bench Thursday against the Mavericks, Valanciunas will return to the starting lineup Saturday due to Alex Sarr (back) being ruled out. Over the first 20 games of the regular season (including four starts), Valanciunas is averaging 11.9 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 19.6 minutes per game.

Poeltl (illness) is available for Saturday's game against the Mavericks, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Poeltl was sidelined for Thursday's game against the Thunder due to an illness, but he'll limit his absence to just one game. Over his last 10 outings, Poeltl has averaged 18.5 points on 63.2 percent shooting, 12.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals over 33.6 minutes per game.

Sarr (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nuggets.

Sarr is dealing with soreness in his lower back. He'll be held out for Saturday's contest, and it's not clear whether the rookie center will be available for the Wizards' second-leg of a back-to-back Sunday against the Grizzlies. With Sarr sidelined for Saturday's game, Jonas Valanciunas will likely slide into the Wizards' starting lineup while Marvin Bagley sees more playing time in a reserve role.

Kleber (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Raptors.

Kleber is under the weather and will not play Saturday. His next chance to play will be Tuesday against the Thunder. With Kleber sidelined, P.J. Washington and Quentin Grimes are in line to see an uptick in playing time.

Zeller (personal) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Zeller continues to be away from the team to tend to a personal matter. The Hawks' following contest takes place Wednesday against the Knicks, though Zeller isn't expected to be available for that game.

Theis (neck) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Thunder, Erin Summers of the Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network reports.

Theis will be sidelined for a second straight game due to neck spasms, and he could be in jeopardy of missing a third on the second leg of the Pelicans' back-to-back against the Spurs on Sunday. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will be New Orleans' main backup center to Yves Missi on Saturday, though Trey Jemison could also see some playing time due to Theis' injury.