NBA Player News

Lively (ankle) is available for Monday's matchup against the Pelicans, Mark Followill of Bally Sports Southwest reports.

After being sidelined for five straight games due to a sprained left ankle, Lively will make his return to the starting lineup, pushing Dwight Powell to the bench. The missed time is beginning to pile up for the rookie, but he's playing well, averaging 10.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.3 assists when he sees at least 20 minutes.

Bamba (knee) won't play in Monday's game against Houston.

Bamba was previously listed as doubtful due to a right knee fat pad impingement, so his absence for the front end of a back-to-back set doesn't come as a major surprise. With Joel Embiid (knee) returning from a three-game absence Monday, Bamba might have found himself outside of the rotation even if he was healthy enough to play.

Embiid (knee) is available and will start at center in Monday's game against the Rockets.

Embiid will return to action Monday after a three-game absence due to swelling in his left knee. Head coach Nick Nurse said during the team's morning shootaround that Embiid won't have any restrictions in his first game back. Over his last 11 appearances, the reigning MVP has averaged 38.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.4 steals in 33.5 minutes per game.

Lively (ankle) has been upgraded to probable for Monday's game against the Pelicans.

Lively is trending toward a return to action after missing the past five games for Dallas. Assuming he gets the green light, Lively's return will push Dwight Powell back to a reserve role.

Adebayo ended with 24 points (9-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 6-8 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists and one block across 35 minutes during Sunday's 104-87 victory over the Hornets.

Adebayo led all Heat players in scoring, rebounds and assists while finishing three dimes short of a double-double in an all-around performance. Adebayo has recorded at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists in three games this year, including in two straight outings. He has recorded a double-double in 10 of his last 11 games.

Embiid (knee) will be a game-time call against the Rockets on Monday, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Coach Nick Nurse said Embiid will warm up before a decision is made on his status. If he does get the green light to play, Nurse said the center won't face any restrictions. However, if Embiid does play Monday, the 76ers will see how his knee responds before making a decision on his status against the Nuggets on Tuesday.

Sabonis totaled 21 points (9-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 15 assists, 13 rebounds, one block and one steal across 45 minutes during Sunday's 143-142 overtime loss to Milwaukee.

Sabonis has been a triple-double machine this season, as he secured his 10th of the campaign Sunday. The Kings have lost two straight games, but Sacramento's franchise center continues to roll for his fantasy managers. Across eight January appearances, Sabonis holds averages of 22.8 points, 14.0 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Jokic finished Sunday's 117-109 victory over the Pacers with 25 points (12-13 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, nine assists, one block and two steals over 33 minutes.

Jokic led all players in Sunday's contest in rebounds and assists while finishing with a team-high-tying scoring mark and ending one dime short of a triple-double. Jokic, who also added a team-high-tying steals total, has finished with at least 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 23 games this season, including in three straight contests.

Jackson closed Sunday's 117-109 loss to the Nuggets with 12 points (6-9 FG), seven rebounds, one assist and two steals in 20 minutes.

Jackson led all bench players in Sunday's contest in scoring, rebounds and steals while ending as one of seven Pacers with a double-digit point total. Jackson has tallied at least 10 points and seven rebounds in four games this year and has reached double figures in scoring in three straight outings.

Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue said after Sunday's 109-105 loss to the Timberwolves that Zubac is considered day-to-day with right calf tightness, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Zubac was a late scratch ahead of Sunday's game, marking the center's first absence of the season. Lue noted that the Clippers will have four full off days following Tuesday's game versus the Thunder, so the team could be inclined to hold Zubac out of that contest as well, even if he shows improvement in his recvoery from the calf injury. Daniel Theis drew the start at center in Zubac's stead Sunday, with Mason Plumlee entering the rotation as Theis' top backup.