NBA Player News

Embiid (knee) was a full participant in Sunday's practice, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com, the 76ers are optimistic that Embiid can play as soon as Monday versus Houston, but Philadelphia faces Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Tuesday, so the team may opt to be cautious with the reigning MVP during the upcoming back-to-back set. After appearing in each of the 76ers' first 14 games, Embiid has appeared in just 13 of the last 23, including two of the last nine. Paul Reed has benefitted from Embiid's absence, but the latter should be back in the starting lineup before too long, as he was spotted getting extra on-court defensive work in without a brace following Sunday's practice, per Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Powell chipped in two points (0-1 FG, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals across 34 minutes during Saturday's 118-108 loss to the Pelicans.

Powell has made five consecutive starts with Dereck Lively (ankle) sidelined, and he's logging 27.6 minutes per game after averaging just 14.4 minutes through 32 contests prior. Powell's eight assists Saturday matched a career-best total and led the Mavericks. Quietly delivering 5.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.3 steals across his last nine games, Powell is a strong supporting piece to Dallas' top unit, but he provides more value from a real-life standpoint than he does for fantasy purposes.

Valanciunas posted 14 points (4-6 FG, 6-9 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks in 28 minutes during Saturday's 118-108 victory over the Mavericks.

With CJ McCollum (ankle), Brandon Ingram (Achilles), Trey Murphy (knee) and Zion Williamson (rest) all sitting out, Valanciunas was efficient and stepped up as a facilitator. Valanciunas' seven assists matched a season high while his two-way energy was impactful in a game where New Orleans successfully fended off runs from Dallas throughout the second half. Saturday's game marked his 21st double-double of the season.

The Wizards are set to acquire Bagley, Isaiah Livers and two future second-round draft picks from the Pistons on Sunday in exchange for Danilo Gallinari and Mike Muscala, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Livers and the pair of second-round picks are likely viewed as the main assets in the deal for the Wizards, as Bagley is in the second season of a three-year, $37.5 million deal and recently fell out of the Detroit rotation. With Washington sending out its top two reserve centers in Gallinari and Muscala, Bagley could end up slotting in as the Wizards' new top backup to starting center Daniel Gafford. Given Gafford's penchant for getting into foul trouble and having his playing time suppressed as a result, Bagley could have a path to 20-plus minutes in some games, but the 24-year-old still has a relatively underwhelming fantasy profile, with his contributions being highly concentrated in the points, rebounds and field-goal percentage categories.

Vucevic totaled 24 points (10-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 16 rebounds, five assists and three blocks over 31 minutes during Saturday's 122-116 victory over San Antonio.

Vucevic feasted on a San Antonio frontcourt comprised of Jeremy Sochan, Dominick Barlow and Sandro Mamukelashvili -- additionally evident through Tre Jones being San Antonio's leading rebounder. Vucevic led Chicago in scoring and has now attempted at least 17 shots in three of five contests since returning from a groin strain.

Lopez ended Saturday's 129-118 win over Golden State with 11 points (5-9 FG, 1-5 3Pt), eight rebounds, six assists and two blocks across 34 minutes.

Lopez handed out a season-high six assists in the win, a nice bonus for anyone rostering the veteran center. He is currently sitting at 2.8 blocks per game for the season, buoying his overall fantasy value. Outside of blocks, he doesn't offer a ton of upside, averaging 12.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.6 three-pointers. With that said, he is a clear must-roster player across all formats but offers more upside in category leagues.

Fernando registered four points (1-1 FG, 2-2 FT) and two rebounds over five minutes during Saturday's 127-99 loss to the Wizards.

Fernando saw five minutes in the loss, cracking the rotation for the fourth time in the past five games. Unfortunately, that's where the good news ends for Fernando. With both Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu healthy, the Hawks are set at the center position. The only way Fernando is going to have a chance at putting up fantasy value is if one of the primary options is forced to miss time for one reason or another.

Eubanks (illness) will be available for Sunday's game against the Trail Blazers.

Eubanks no longer appears on the injury report after missing Thursday's game against the Lakers. Eubanks has averages of 4.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 12.2 minutes across five January appearances.

Ayton (knee) is questionable to play Sunday against the Suns.

Ayton has missed the Trail Blazers' last 10 games with a nagging knee injury, and while the questionable tag gives some hope regarding his return, a decision will likely be made closer to tipoff. Duop Reath and Ibou Badji (hip) should continue to see increased roles until Ayton is cleared to suit up.

Badji (hip) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Suns.

Badji has a right hip contusion and is day-to-day. Deandre Ayton (knee) is also questionable, and his return could potentially push Badji out of the rotation.