NBA Player News

Horford will return to the bench for Tuesday's game versus the Thunder.

Jrue Holiday is back from his elbow injury, so the Celtics will roll with their usual starting five. The Celtics have an upcoming back-to-back set that begins Jan. 5, so Horford's fantasy managers should anticipate a maintenance day in one of those two games.

Brown is questionable for Wednesday's game versus Dallas due to a left wrist sprain.

Brown has been starting in Portland's last five outings with Deandre Ayton (knee) out. However, if Brown is unable to suit up Wednesday, Duop Reath (back) and Ibou Badji are candidates to receive increased minutes.

Reath (back) has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Reath is amid a three-game absence due to lower back soreness. This absence comes on the heels of the 27-year-old rookie booming for 25 points Dec. 26 against Sacramento. For the season, Reath is connecting on 35.9 of 3.9 threes per game while averaging 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.8 blocks per-36 minutes.

Ayton (knee) is out for Wednesday's game against Dallas, Sean Highkin of RoseGardenReport.com reports.

Ayton's absence is the expected outcome after it was announced Monday that he would not be traveling with the team. His next chance to return is a rematch in Dallas on Friday.

Coach Billy Donovan said Tuesday that Vucevic (groin) doesn't have a clear return timetable, and he won't practice this week, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Vucevic has missed three straight games due to a left groin strain and will likely miss at least a few more. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported at the end of December that the big man would be sidelined for 7-to-10 days, but it looks like his absence will extend well past that timeline. Given Vucevic isn't practicing yet, it's safe to label him week-to-week until the team provides a clearer update. Andre Drummond has been stellar in Vucevic's absence thus far, but Chicago has also deployed smaller lineups when the veteran isn't available, using both Patrick Williams and Terry Taylor at center.

Embiid won't be on a minutes restriction for Tuesday's game versus the Bulls, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Embiid is set to return to action Tuesday after missing Philadelphia's last four contests with an ankle injury. The superstar center is averaging 34.2 minutes per game this season and should handle a similar workload against Chicago.

Williams (back) is doubtful to play Tuesday versus Sacramento.

Williams is on track to miss his 12th straight game with a bothersome low back bruise. Nick Richards will likely continue starting in Williams' stead.

Sarr logged 12 points (4-14 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and a steal in 32 minutes during Oklahoma City Blue's 111-117 loss to Maine on Wednesday.

Sarr had a productive game on the boards, leading the team with 11 rebounds. However, he struggled offensively, scoring 12 points. He was inefficient with his field-goal attempts, and he also turned the ball over five times.

Koloko (illness) will not play Wednesday against Memphis.

Koloko has yet to play this season due to a respiratory ailment. The 23-year-old remains out indefinitely.

Sengun notched 26 points (9-13 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 8-9 FT), four rebounds, nine assists and three steals across 27 minutes during Monday's 136-113 win over the Pistons.

Sengun led all players in Monday's contest in scoring while leading the Rockets in assists and ending one dime short of a double-double. Sengun has tallied 20 or more points in six straight games, posting at least 25 points and eight assists in back-to-back games.