NBA Player News

Embiid racked up 31 points (11-21 FG, 2-2 3Pt, 7-8 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and two steals across 35 minutes during Friday's 121-111 victory over the Raptors.

The reigning MVP left the game to begin the second quarter due to an ankle issue, but Embiid returned later in the frame and looked like his usual dominant self. The 29-year-old center has produced at least 30 points and 10 boards in 13 straight games, the longest such streak since Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rattled off 16 consecutive 30-10 performances in 1971-72. Elgin Baylor also had a 13-game streak between the 1961-62 and 1962-63 campaigns, while Wilt Chamberlain is the only other player in NBA history with longer ones, including his untouchable record of 65 straight games set in 1961-62. During his current heater, Embiid is averaging 37.8 points, 12.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.3 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.2 threes.

Poeltl accumulated 19 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Friday's 121-111 loss to the 76ers.

After scoring only eight total points in the prior two games, Poeltl bounced back with a season-best offensive effort. The 28-year-old center has overall seen his numbers regress in his first full campaign back in Toronto, and through nine games in December, Poeltl is averaging 10.0 points, 7.7 boards, 2.0 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest.

Holmes totaled 16 points (7-12 FG, 2-3 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and one steal across 22 minutes during Friday's 122-96 loss to Houston.

Dallas was without both Luka Doncic (quadriceps) and Kyrie Irving (heel) on Friday, and the team's patchwork starting lineup shot a miserly 22 percent (11-for-50) from the field as a unit. That led to plenty of minutes for the team's reserves, with Holmes getting his most court time since Nov. 22. He took advantage of the opportunity, finishing with a season-high point total and falling just two boards shy of a double-double. Despite the strong effort, it would be premature to see Holmes as a potential fantasy waiver-wire add, as he came into Friday averaging just 2.6 points and 3.6 boards over 10.0 minutes in 14 games this season.

Sengun closed with 22 points (8-12 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 15 rebounds and three assists over 25 minutes during Friday's 122-96 victory over the Mavericks.

The Mavericks played without both Luka Doncic (quadriceps) and Kyrie Irving (heel), so Sengun and his Rockets teammates pounced on the opportunity to take flight against a shorthanded club. Sengun led all players in the contest in both points and rebounds, notching his first double-double in two weeks in the process. The up-and-coming center continues to register his best campaign to date, posting per-game averages of 19.8 points, 9.2 boards, 5.2 assists, 0.7 three-pointers, 0.9 steals and 0.8 blocks over 31.7 minutes.

Eubanks will start Friday's game against the Kings.

With Jusuf Nurkic (personal) away from the team, Eubanks will make his first appearance with the starters this season. In his last three outings, Eubanks is averaging 8.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks across 16.6 minutes.

Kornet (adductor) will not play in Saturday's game against the Clippers, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Kornet said Dec. 15 that he would miss a week, but it looks like he's slightly behind schedule. Consider him questionable for Monday's game against the Lakers.

Horford will be available for Saturday's game against the Clippers, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Horford was rested for Wednesday's game against the Kings, as it was the second leg of a back-to-back set. Kristaps Porzingis tweaked his ankle during that game and will be held out against the Clippers, so presumably, Horford will start Saturday and see a significant workload.

Porzingis will not play in Saturday's game against the Clippers due to a left ankle sprain, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Porzingis landed on Domantas Sabonis' foot Wednesday, and while he was able to finish the game, his ankle may have flared up after the fact. It remains to be seen if Porzingis will be back in time for Monday's game against the Lakers on Christmas. Sam Hauser (heel) is questionable and Luke Kornet (adductor) is out Saturday, so it's likely that Al Horford plays a significant role.

Powell will move to the bench for Friday's game against the Rockets, Grant Afseth of SI.com reports.

The Mavericks will be without Dereck Lively (ankle) again, but they are also missing Luka Doncic (quadriceps), Kyrie Irving (foot), Josh Green (elbow) and Dante Exum (leg). Markieff Morris is starting at center Friday, as the Mavericks are going to need a bit more offense in the first unit.

McGee (wrist) is available for Friday's game against the Suns.

McGee was carrying a questionable tag prior to this update. He's averaging just 7.0 minutes per game in December and is just an emergency depth option for Sacramento.