NBA Player News

Wembanyama exited Wednesday's game against the Thunder and went back to the locker room, Jeff Garcia of KENS 5 San Antonio reports.

Wembanyama was limping while walking to the locker room just minutes after falling to the floor. Specifics regarding the injuries are unknown. While he's absent, Zach Collins and Sandro Mamukelashvili could see more action. The Spurs are on the front end of a back-to-back, so they could opt to play it safe with the 20-year-old star.

Valanciunas registered 22 points (8-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds and six assists in 25 minutes during Wednesday's 133-120 win over the Hawks.

Valanciunas entered Washington's starting five Monday against Atlanta, but he retreated to the bench for Wednesday's rematch. His change of role didn't seem to bother him, however, as he put together a well-rounded game while pacing the Wizards' bench in scoring. The veteran center will provide valuable backup minutes behind Alex Sarr and will occasionally enter the starting lineup throughout the 2024-25 regular season.

Castleton agreed to a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

With Memphis converting Jay Huff to a standard NBA contract, Castleton will fill the Grizzlies' vacant third two-way slot and provide added depth at center. As a rookie last season, Castleton made 16 appearances with the Lakers and averaged 1.5 points and 0.8 rebounds in 3.7 minutes.

Valanciunas is not in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Atlanta.

Washington will roll with rookie Alex Sarr at center, flanked by the shooting of Kyshawn George and length of Bilal Coulibaly. Valanciunas has logged between 20 and 22 minutes in all three of Washington's contests thus far.

Edey (calf) is available for Wednesday's game against the Nets, Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

Edey will play through a sore right calf and likely remain in the starting lineup. However, it hasn't been a great start for the rookie. He's averaging only 7.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 0.3 blocks in 16.0 minutes through his first four regular-season appearances.

Bitadze (foot) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against Chicago.

Bitadze will miss a second consecutive contest, and his next opportunity to take the court will come Friday versus Cleveland. Jonathan Isaac (hip) has been cleared for action Wednesday, otherwise bringing Orlando's frontcourt to full strength.

Jackson will start in place of Myles Turner (ankle) on Wednesday versus Boston, Alex Golden of the 'Setting the Pace' podcast reports.

Jackson steps into the starting lineup to face the Celtics after starting just three contests last season. Coach Rick Carlilse also noted that "Obi Toppin will have to be ready to play some 5, as well as Jarace Walker and potentially Enrique Freeman."

Koloko (illness) will begin his return-to-play process with the Lakers' G League affiliate, although a timeline remains to be specified, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

Koloko will report the South Bay Lakers to start the G League season, although his timing for returning to on-court action is still to be determined. Koloko's health following a blood clot issue continues to be overseen by the NBA's Fitness-to-Play Panel, but he is gradually progressing toward becoming fully cleared.

Filipowski recorded 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 0-2 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and one steal over 25 minutes during Tuesday's 113-96 loss to Sacramento.

With Taylor Hendricks (ankle) likely done for the season and Lauri Markkanen (back) leaving Tuesday's contest early, Filipowski made the most of his expanded role. He totaled just nine minutes in the previous three contests, so it's unclear what the rookie's role will be moving forward, especially if Markkanen isn't sidelined long-term. However, if Markkanen is sidelined, Filipowski should have a clear path to consistent minutes.

Kleber (hamstring) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against Houston.

Kleber will be sidelined for a third consecutive game due to a right hamstring strain. Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively will continue starring at the center position, although Kleber's ongoing absence removes the element of long-distance shooting from the Mavericks' center position.