NBA Player News

Drummond isn't in the starting five for Wednesday's game versus the Rockets.

Nikola Vucevic will reclaim his starting job from Drummond on Wednesday. Drummond is averaging 6.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals in 14.6 minutes across his last five appearances coming off the bench.

Vucevic will return to the starting lineup Wednesday and won't be on a minutes restriction, Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune reports.

Since missing five games with a groin injury, Vucevic has come off the bench and played 25 and 30 minutes, respectively, in his two most recent appearances. However, Vucevic is now set to replace Andre Drummond in the starting lineup and play closer to his average of 33.6 minutes per contest.

Embiid (knee) will miss a second straight game Wednesday against the Hawks, but 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said he's hopeful the center will be able to play Friday versus the Kings, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Even though Embiid will be sidelined for the sixth time in an eight-game stretch Wednesday, Nurse said that the swelling in the reigning MVP's left knee no longer looks to be a concern. If Embiid is able to practice Thursday without any renewed knee discomfort, he could get the green light to make his return to the lineup Friday. Paul Reed is expected to pick up a start at center in Embiid's stead Wednesday.

Lively (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Thursday's game versus the Knicks.

Lively is expected to miss his fourth consecutive game Thursday while dealing with a left ankle sprain. If the rookie center is ruled out, Dwight Powell should get another start.

Ayton (knee) is doubtful for Thursday's game against the Thunder.

Ayton continues to deal with right knee tendinitis and will likely be forced to miss a ninth consecutive game. It's not yet clear whether Jabari Walker (knee) will be able to suit up, but Duop Reath and Ibou Badji will likely see additional playing time against Oklahoma City.

The Grizzlies waived Biyombo on Wednesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Biyombo played a major role for the Grizzlies' depleted frontcourt all season, posting 5.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 blocks in 23.9 minutes across 30 appearances (27 starts). With Steven Adams (knee) out for the season and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) not close to a return, Xavier Tillman and Santi Aldama should get extended looks most nights, but Jaren Jackson might also spend more time at center in Biyombo's absence.

Gobert (hip) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Celtics, Alan Horton of the Timberwolves Radio Network reports.

Gobert was questionable for Wednesday's matchup due to a sore left hip, and he'll be sidelined for the second half of a back-to-back set. Naz Reid, Kyle Anderson and Troy Brown could see additional playing time Wednesday, while Gobert's next chance to return will be Friday against the Trail Blazers.

The NBA denied the Knicks' $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception for the loss of Robinson (ankle) because there's optimism the center may return late in the regular season, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Robinson, who underwent surgery to address a significant left ankle injury, initially was expected to miss the rest of the regular season, so the Knicks applied for a Disabled Player Exception in late December. Isaiah Hartenstein has played well in Robinson's absence, while recently-acquired Precious Achiuwa has stepped up as the primary backup. Jericho Sims and Taj Gibson, who has since been released, also played key roles for a time. Unfortunately, Robinson's potential return likely won't impact fantasy, as most leagues will be finished by then, and he'll presumably be under restrictions right away.

Capela (Achilles) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the 76ers.

Capela appeared in the last 10 matchups, but he'll be sidelined for the second time this season due to a sore right Achilles. Onyeka Okongwu will likely handle a starting role in his absence, while Bruno Fernando could also see some playing time. Capella's next chance to suit up will be Friday against Indiana.

Wiseman finished with four points (2-3 FG), five rebounds, one assist and one block in 24 minutes during Tuesday's 131-110 loss to the Kings.

Wiseman played 20-plus minutes for the first time since Dec. 18. He's appeared in 15 of Detroit's last 16 games, averaging 7.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 17.8 minutes per game. However, barring an injury to Jalen Duren, Wiseman doesn't have much fantasy value.