NBA Player News

Kessler isn't in the starting five for Wednesday's game versus the Grizzlies, David Locke of Utah Jazz radio reports.

Kessler will come off the bench for the third straight contest, with Omer Yurtseven starting at center. Kessler played 26 minutes in his previous appearance and is being ramped up for a full workload.

Embiid (illness) won't play in Wednesday's game against the Pelicans, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Embiid wasn't listed on the injury report prior to being ruled out. In his absence, the 76ers will start Tyrese Maxey, De'Anthony Melton, Tobias Harris, Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris. While Morris will start, expect Paul Reed and Robert Covington to see more action off the bench. Embiid's next chance to play will come Friday at Boston.

Jokic (back) will play in Wednesday's game against the Rockets, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Jokic will return from a one-game absence due to back soreness for Wednesday's tilt. He'll likely supplant DeAndre Jordan in the first five. Over his last three outings, Jokic is averaging 35.7 points, 14.3 rebounds, 9.7 assists and 3.0 steals/blocks across 37.6 minutes.

Richards (concussion) is out for Thursday's game versus the Nets.

Richards' absence streak will extend to six games Thursday while in concussion protocols. His next chance to suit up is Saturday's matchup with Minnesota.

Jackson is questionable for Thursday's game against Miami due to an upper respiratory infection.

Jackson has played double-digit minutes in five of the Pacers' last six matchups, averaging 5.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per game. It's not yet clear whether he'll be available Thursday due to his illness, but Obi Toppin and Myles Turner could see a few additional minutes if Jackson sits out.

Fernando logged two points (1-6 FG) and three rebounds over four minutes in Tuesday's 128-105 loss to Cleveland.

Tuesday's contest marked Fernando's fifth game played this season, and the overwhelming majority of his minutes result from blowouts that prompt the Hawks to clear their bench. As long as centers Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu remain healthy, Fernando is not expected to see meaningful minutes on the court.

Adebayo (hip) is probable for Thursday's game versus the Pacers, Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald reports.

Adebayo continues to deal with a nagging hip injury but isn't expected to miss Thursday's contest. The star big man has seen an uptick in his production recently, averaging 24.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks in 36.0 minutes across his past 10 appearances.

Sengun totaled 31 points (10-19 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 11-14 FT), nine rebounds, six assists and one block over 35 minutes during Tuesday's 121-115 loss to the Mavericks.

There's no longer any doubt that Sengun is the focal point of Houston's offense. Over his last eight games, Sengun averaged 23.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.3 blocks. He does have some flaws in category leagues due to high turnovers and a below-average free-throw percentage, but it's hard to complain about his recent production.

Claxton (ankle) notched 15 points (7-10 FG, 1-4 FT), eight rebounds, four blocks and one steal over 32 minutes during Tuesday's 115-103 victory over Toronto.

Claxton looked sharp Tuesday after returning from a one-game absence due to an ankle issue. Brooklyn's starting center has been on another level defensively this season, as he's leading the NBA in blocks per game (2.9) in just 27.2 minutes per contest. Injuries have limited Claxton to eight out of 17 games, so his availability going forward will be key to his fantasy value.

Adebayo finished Tuesday's 131-124 loss to Milwaukee with 31 points (13-27 FG, 5-7 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks over 42 minutes.

Adebayo paved the way for Miami with a team-leading point total to go along with a team-high-tying rebound mark en route to a double-double performance. Adebayo, who set a season high in scoring, has recorded at least 30 points in two games this season. He's also notched a double-double in nine of his last 10 outings.