NBA Player News

Portland placed Williams in concussion protocol Tuesday, and he's been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

With Deandre Ayton (finger) and Donovan Clingan (knee) sidelined, Williams made his first start of the season Monday in Memphis but lasted only 12 minutes before suffering the concussion. The oft-injured big man will have a few hurdles to clear before suiting up again, but he can be considered questionable for Friday's game against the Kings.

Portland announced Tuesday that Clingan (knee) will be re-evaluated in two weeks.

Additional imaging revealed the rookie has a Grade 2 MCL sprain, and he'll hit the sidelines for an extended period. Clingan was playing well before the injury, averaging 7.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 blocks in 22.7 minutes per game across six consecutive starts due to the absence of Deandre Ayton (finger). Given Portland's rebuilding status, there's no reason to rush Clingan back, but the youngster should get plenty of developmental minutes in the second half of the season if healthy.

Zeller (personal) won't play in Wednesday's game versus the Cavaliers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Zeller has yet to play this season due to being away from the team. With there being no official timetable for the veteran big man's return, Zeller can be considered out indefinitely.

Carter (foot) isn't listed on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Bulls.

Carter is cleared to suit up for the first time since Nov. 3. Given his lengthy layoff, the big man will likely face heavy restrictions during his return to game action. In his first five appearances this season, Carter averaged 8.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 29.8 minutes per game.

Embiid (knee) will not play Wednesday against the Rockets, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Embiid did not participate in Tuesday's practice and will miss his third game in a row Wednesday. Philadelphia's franchise center has appeared in just four games this season, and the 76ers continue to tread carefully with him while he manages a left knee injury. Embiid's next chance to play will be Saturday against Detroit, and in the meantime, Andre Drummond and Guerschon Yabusele will likely hold down the fort at center.

Hayes (ankle) is available for Tuesday's game against the Suns.

After missing the past six games for Los Angeles, Hayes is no longer appearing on the injury report. The reserve center holds season averages of 6.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks through 10 appearances thus far.

Charlotte recalled Richards (ribs) from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Monday.

Richards has missed the past 12 games for Charlotte, but after getting in a practice with the Swarm, it's likely that he's getting closer to a full return to action. Similar to Mark Williams (foot), it remains unclear if Richards will be able to play Wednesday against the Heat.

Charlotte recalled Williams from the G League's Greensboro Swarm on Monday.

Williams was sent to the Swarm to get some practice reps in, and he was recalled shortly after. The same is true for Nick Richards (ribs). Williams is presumably getting closer to making his first appearance of the season, but it remains to be seen if he'll take the floor Wednesday against the Heat.

Hartenstein chipped in 17 points (8-14 FG, 1-1 FT), 10 rebounds and four assists over 32 minutes during Monday's 130-109 win over Sacramento.

Hartenstein came off the bench in his season debut and needed only one appearance before moving into the starting unit, posting another double-double just like he did in his campaign opener. Hartenstein is expected to anchor things down low for the Thunder and should have an excellent two-way upside as long as he remains in a starting role.

Sabonis racked up 21 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, one block and three steals in 35 minutes during Monday's 130-109 loss to the Thunder.

Sabonis has remained consistent despite the Kings' ongoing four-game losing streak, posting a double-double in the three games he's been available for during that negative run. Sabonis has posted a double-double in every one of his appearances except the season opener. The star big man is averaging 18.6 points, 13.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game since the start of November.