NBA Player News

The Pacers are signing Brown to an NBA contract Monday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Brown has been playing in the G League with the Westchester Knicks, where he has averaged 18.5 points, 13.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals over 27.3 minutes per game across four outings. The Pacers lost backup big men James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson to torn Achilles injuries, and with no other centers currently on the 15-man roster outside of Myles Turner (calf), Brown has an opportunity to come in and contribute immediately in a reserve role. Brown appeared in 22 regular-season games (including five starts) for the Trail Blazers during the 2023-24 campaign and averaged 3.4 points and 3.9 rebounds over 9.1 minutes per contest. Brown won't be available for Monday's game against the Raptors, but the hope is that he'll be available to play Wednesday against the Rockets, per Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star.

Jokic (personal) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Grizzlies.

Jokic has already missed two straight games for personal reasons and may be absent for a third. Dario Saric has moved into the starting lineup in Jokic's absence, totaling 19 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and three steals in 66 minutes over the past two games -- both losses.

Carter (foot) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Suns.

Carter will miss an eighth straight game as he continues to rehab from left plantar fasciitis. The seventh-year center's next chance to play will be against the Clippers on Wednesday. Moritz Wagner, Jonathan Isaac and Goga Bitadze will continue to see increased minutes in Carter's absence.

Turner (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Raptors, Eric Koreen of The Athletic reports.

Turner is coming off a season-high 34-point outing across 40 minutes during Sunday's 119-110 win over the Heat. Given Turner's heavy usage, the Pacers will sit the veteran center for the second leg of a back-to-back Monday, though he should be available to play Wednesday against the Rockets. With Turner sidelined, Obi Toppin and Jarace Walker are the top candidates to see increased minutes, as the usual backup centers -- Isaiah Jackson (Achilles) and James Wiseman (Achilles) -- are both out for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

Embiid, who's listed as doubtful due to an illness, is warming up ahead of Monday's game against the Heat, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Embiid was initially listed as questionable but got downgraded to doubtful Monday morning. However, now it appears he's trending more toward questionable again. Either way, if he gets the green light, Embiid will likely be limited against Miami. The 2022-23 MVP has made only two appearances in the current campaign. He made his season debut against the Knicks on Nov. 12, playing 26 minutes while recording 13 points, five assists, three rebounds and a block. That was the first night of a back-to-back set, and Embiid was back on the sidelines the next night. However, he returned to action Friday in Orlando, posting 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block in 33 minutes.

Edey (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Nuggets.

Edey rolled his ankle in the third quarter of Sunday's game against Denver, and the rookie big man was diagnosed with a sprained ankle. It's unlikely Edey will be able to suit up for the Grizzlies' second leg of a back-to-back Wednesday against the 76ers. While Edey is sidelined, Jay Huff should see additional playing time off the bench behind starting center Brandon Clarke.

Sharpe (hamstring) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against Charlotte.

Sharpe suffered a left hamstring strain in early October during training camp. He was ruled out for at least six weeks due to the injury, so Sharpe could be close to making his 2024-25 regular-season debut. His next chance to do so will be Friday against the 76ers.

Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Nets.

Williams continue to rehab from a strained tendon in his left foot that he suffered in late September. He is still limited to individual drills, and unless the Hornets announce that Williams has progressed to team drills and 5-on-5 work, the third-year big man should be considered doubtful to play. Regardless, his next opportunity to make his 2024-25 regular-season debut will be against Detroit on Thursday.

Looney (illness) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Clippers.

Looney will be in street clothes for the first time this season -- his only other absence was a healthy DNP. In the veteran's absence, Trayce Jackson-Davis may play more minutes, but Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Kyle Anderson are also candidates for increased roles because the Warriors lack a true center behind Jackson-Davis and Looney.

Bamba is questionable for Monday's game against the Warriors due to left knee recovery, Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com reports.

Bamba made his season debut Sunday, playing 15 minutes off the bench during a win over the Jazz. The big man said before Sunday's game that he doesn't anticipate having to miss time during back-to-back sets moving forward, but it's not surprising to see the Clippers exercise caution. If Bamba is ruled out, Kai Jones and Nicolas Batum would be candidates for increased roles.