NBA Player News

Embiid (illness), who remains questionable for Friday's game against the Celtics, wasn't at the 76ers' morning shootaround, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.

Embiid missed Wednesday's game against New Orleans due to an illness, and his absence from Friday's shootaround doesn't bode well for his availability against Boston. However, the 76ers will presumably continue to monitor the center as tipoff approaches. Marcus Morris, Paul Reed and Robert Covington are candidates for increased work if Embiid sits.

Vucevic chipped in 29 points (11-21 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists and one steal in 40 minutes during Thursday's 120-113 overtime victory over the Bucks.

Vucevic finally found his groove Thursday, breaking a streak of three straight games with single-digit points. Vucevic had no choice but to be more assertive offensively, as the Bulls were without Zach LaVine (foot) and DeMar DeRozan (ankle) on Thursday. The Bulls snapped a five-game losing streak, and this performance could help Vucevic pick up some momentum.

Claxton finished Thursday's 129-128 loss to the Hornets with 20 points (9-13 FG, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal across 29 minutes.

Claxton's 14 rebounds marked a new season high, and it was the ninth time in his career that he collected at least 14 boards. On top of his impressive rebounding and block numbers this season, Claxton has really ramped up his offense lately. Over his last four games, he averaged 17.5 points on 68.9 percent shooting from the field.

Adebayo will not return to Thursday's game against the Pacers after getting hit in the hip. He finished with seven points (3-9 FG, 1-2 FT), four rebounds and two assists in 12 minutes.

This is the same hip that has been giving him problems for several days. If Adebayo is unable to play in Saturday's rematch against Indiana, we could see more of Caleb Martin. The Heat are deploying some smaller lineups in Thursday's game.

Jackson (illness) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat.

Jackson was questionable for Thursday's matchup due to an upper respiratory infection, but he's been cleared to play. Over his last two appearances, he's averaged 5.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game.

Porzingis said Tuesday that he's feeling good and making progress in his recovery from a left calf strain, Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston reports. "I think, very soon. Very soon," Porzingis said, regarding his potential return to game action. "Not 100 percent sure if it's going to be next game, but hopefully right after that."

Porzingis' comments essentially rule him out for Friday's game against the 76ers, but he seems to be leaving the door open for a return to the lineup Monday, when the Celtics travel to Indiana to face the Pacers in an In-Season Tournament Quarterfinal game. Head coach Joe Mazzulla said Nov. 26 that Porzingis will be re-evaluated in about a week, so expect the team to provide an update on the big man's status at some point over the weekend. While Porzingis has been sidelined for Boston's last two games, Al Horford has stepped in as the team's starting center, and Luke Kornet has entered the rotation as Horford's primary backup.

Embiid (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Celtics, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Embiid was a late scratch for Wednesday's game against New Orleans due to an illness, and it's unclear whether he'll be able to return to action Friday. If he sits once again, Marcus Morris, Paul Reed and Robert Covington should see increased run.

Koloko (illness) won't play in Friday's game versus the Knicks, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Koloko has yet to suit up this season while dealing with a respiratory condition. There is no timetable for his return.

Carter (finger) has been ruled out for Friday's game against Washington.

Carter will be sidelined for a 14th consecutive game due to a fractured third metacarpal in his left hand, but he returned to on-court individual drills during Tuesday's practice after having his cast removed. It's not yet clear when he'll return to game action, but he seems to be trending in the right direction.

Adebayo (hip) is available for Thursday's game against the Pacers.

Adebayo has been upgraded from probable to available Thursday despite dealing with a nagging hip injury. If Jimmy Butler (ankle) is ruled out, Adebayo should continue to be the focal point of Miami's offense.