NBA Player News

Porzingis (calf) could return to action as soon as this week, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Porzingis will miss his fourth straight game Monday against the Pacers, but there is increasing optimism about his progress. If the Celtics win Monday, Porzingis could potentially return as soon as Thursday in Vegas for the Final Four of the In-Season Tournament.

Embiid (illness) participated at Monday's practice, Justin Grasso of SI.com reports.

Embiid is healthy again after missing the past two games for the 76ers with an illness. In addition to Embiid, Tyrese Maxey (illness) and Kelly Oubre (ribs) practiced Monday and are set to return against the Wizards on Wednesday.

Richards (concussion) logged nine minutes and provided four points (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block in Saturday's 123-117 loss to the Timberwolves.

Though head coach Steve Clifford ran a tight nine-man rotation Saturday, the Hornets' streamlined bench didn't necessarily open up more playing time for Richards, who was making his return from a six-game absence due to a concussion. With Miles Bridges having recently returned from his season-opening suspension shortly before Richards sustained his concussion, the latter could see his minutes outlook suffer moving forward now that the Charlotte frontcourt is more crowded. P.J. Washington has recently moved to the second unit and now profiles as the top big man off the bench, with his ability to serve as a small-ball center perhaps cutting into Richards' role as Mark Williams' primary backup.

Lively totaled 20 points (9-9 FG, 2-5 FT), 16 rebounds, seven blocks and one steal across 39 minutes during Saturday's 126-120 loss to the Thunder.

Lively dominated the paint for Dallas, hauling in a game-leading rebound mark while leading all players in Saturday's contest in blocks en route to a double-double performance. Lively set season-high marks in points, rebounds and blocks in the game, notching his fifth game with 10 or more rebounds and his second double-double of the year.

Porzingis (calf) won't be available for Monday's game against Indiana, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Porzingis will miss his fourth consecutive game due to a left calf strain, with his upcoming absence coming in an In-Season Tournament Quarterfinal game. The big man expressed hope last week that he would be available to play at some point during the In-Season Tournament, so he could be an option to play Thursday, should the Celtics advance to the semifinal round. Al Horford will likely pick up another start at center Monday in place of Porzingis.

Nurkic accumulated 14 points (6-18 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, one block and two steals in 26 minutes before fouling out of Saturday's 116-109 win over Memphis.

Nurkic ended just one rebound away from a double-double in this one, and that certainly salvaged his fantasy outing in a game in which his shot just wasn't falling. Nurkic has done a good job of embracing a bigger role on offense whenever Bradley Beal (back), Eric Gordon (knee) or Devin Booker have missed time, and he's enjoying a solid campaign so far. He's scored in double digits in six of his last nine contests.

Capela registered 10 points (4-13 FG, 2-2 FT), 17 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal in 30 minutes during Saturday's 132-121 loss to the Bucks.

Capela struggled badly from the field, but he's not expected to carry the offense on a regular basis, and he still found a way to deliver value with his energy on the glass and active rim protection. Capela's scoring numbers have been pedestrian at best, as he has failed to score more than 14 points in five straight games, but he should remain a valuable fantasy asset if he keeps crashing the ball and protecting the rim as he's done it all season long.

Sengun recorded 21 points (8-25 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 13 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and two steals in 34 minutes during Saturday's 107-97 loss to the Lakers.

Sengun logged his fifth double-double of the season, which is impressive considering Anthony Davis' massive total. The 2021 first-round pick is Houston's most consistent producer and is one of the most underrated big men in the league, but he needs more from his supporting cast to keep Houston competitive.

Jokic logged 36 points (13-23 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 9-12 FT), 13 rebounds, 14 assists, one block and two steals across 38 minutes during Saturday's 123-117 loss to the Kings.

Jokic's eighth-triple-double matches the combined total of the rest of the league in the category, a staggering stat that aptly illustrates Jokic's dominance. His brilliance wasn't enough to turn the tide against the Kings, who proved to be a stern test with De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis enjoying massive totals.

Sabonis closed Saturday's 123-117 victory over the Nuggets with 17 points (7-18 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 15 rebounds, seven assists and one steal across 36 minutes.

Sabonis got back on the double-double train after missing the mark over the past two games. Squaring off against Nikola Jokic is no easy task, but Sabonis got the job done inside despite the stiff competition in the paint. Saboinis is having a career year so far, and has failed to log a double-double effort only four times over 18 games.