NBA Player News

Embiid (knee) is available and will start against the Hornets on Saturday.

Embiid was tabbed as questionable, and the coaching staff wanted to see how he'd respond before deciding on him, but he went unscathed during his pre-game routine, so he will start and handle his regular workload. Embiid has scored at least 36 points in his last three games since returning from a three-game spell on the sidelines between Jan. 6 and Jan. 12 due to a knee injury.

Collins (rest) is not in the starting lineup to face the Wizards on Saturday. However, he will be available to play off the bench.

As expected, Collins won't start with Victor Wembanyama back in the mix. Collins was tabbed as out Friday night but upgraded to probable earlier Saturday, and in the end, he is available to see minutes off the bench.

Richards (ankle) won't play in Saturday's game versus the 76ers.

Richards will miss his second straight game Saturday due to a right ankle sprain. P.J. Washington will likely continue to start in his absence. Richards' next chance to suit up is Monday's matchup with Minnesota.

Gafford (concussion) will not play Saturday against San Antonio.

Gafford will miss his second consecutive game due to concussion protocol, allowing new acquisition Marvin Bagley to continue in a primary role. Washington closes a back-to-back set Sunday against Denver, giving Gafford a short turnaround to be cleared.

Ayton (knee) recorded 12 points (6-15 FG), eight rebounds, two blocks and one assist across 30 minutes in Friday's 118-115 win over the Pacers.

Ayton was back in action for the first time since Dec. 23 after an extended absence due to left knee tendinitis. He immediately reclaimed his spot in the starting five from Duop Reath and didn't seem to be under a heavy minutes restriction in the Trail Blazers' narrow win. Ayton's efficiency left something to be desired, but his solid rebounds and blocks total helped salvage his night. The 25-year-old should continue to approach 30 minutes in competitive contests now that he's healthy again, but the 12-29 Trail Blazers' propensity for getting blown out means that Ayton's playing time could often be volatile.

Richards (ankle) is questionable to play Saturday against Philadelphia.

Richards already missed Friday's game against the Spurs, and it remains to be seen whether he'll recover in time to face the Sixers, but the chances of that happening are slim. Richards has enjoyed an expanded role in Mark Williams' (back) absence, so P.J. Washington and Nathan Mensah are candidates for increased playing time if Richards is ruled out for a second consecutive game.

Turner finished with 29 points (10-17 FG, 6-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 rebounds, one assist and five blocks over 34 minutes during Friday's 118-115 loss to the Trail Blazers.

Turner recorded his first double-double since Jan. 20, but the big man has achieved that feat just nine times this season, as he doesn't grab enough rebounds given his size. He remains an elite defender and a capable scorer after his offensive leap last season, so fantasy managers can live with his lack of rebounding ability considering all the other things he brings to the table. Turner is averaging 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game since the start of January.

Capela ended with nine points (2-4 FG, 5-7 FT), 11 rebounds and one block in 22 minutes during Friday's 109-108 victory over Miami.

Capela didn't have many touches on offense and struggled to make an impact, though he had a tough task dealing with Bam Adebayo on both ends of the court. The 11 rebounds were a nice haul for managers who have Capela rostered in category-based leagues, but other than that, Capela hasn't been producing at his best of late. He's averaging just 9.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game across his last five appearances.

Embiid is listed as questionable for Saturday's game in Charlotte due to left knee injury maintenance.

It will be the second night of a back-to-back set for Embiid, so it looks like the 76ers are determining whether or not to err on the side of caution here. The perennial MVP candidate tallied 36 points (12-22 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 11-11 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and four steals across 31 minutes in Friday's 124-109 victory over the Magic. Paul Reed and Mo Bamba (knee) would be candidates for increased minutes Saturday if Embiid ultimately does not get the green light.

Bamba (knee) won't play in Saturday's game versus the Hornets.

Bamba will miss his fourth straight game Saturday due to a pinched nerve in his right knee. There is no timetable for his return.