NBA Player News

Claxton (ankle) has been downgraded to questionable for Sunday's game against Chicago.

Although Claxton was listed as probable on the Nets' initial injury report for Sunday, his downgrade to questionable isn't particularly surprising since he was labeled a game-time decision. Royce O'Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith and Day'Ron Sharpe could see increased roles if Claxton is unavailable.

Jokic (back) is available for Sunday's game against the Spurs, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Jokic was probable for Sunday's matchup, so it isn't very surprising that he'll be able to suit up despite his back pain. He's posted double-doubles in 15 of 16 appearances this year and is averaging 28.2 points, 13.5 points and 8.9 assists in 33.8 minutes per game.

Claxton (ankle) is a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Chicago, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports.

Claxton has been considered probable to play and participated in shootaround, but he's dealing with an aggravation to the high-ankle sprain he suffered in Brooklyn's season opener. His availability will come down to pregame warmups, with Royce O'Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Day'Ron Sharpe being candidates to step up if Claxton can't take the court.

Eubanks (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

Eubanks missed his first game of the season Friday due to a left ankle sprain, but he has been cleared for action Sunday. Chimezie Metu will return to third-string duties behind Eubanks and Jusuf Nurkic.

Coach Joe Mazzulla said Sunday that Porzingis (calf) will be re-evaluated "after a week or so," Brian Robb of The Springfield Republican reports.

Porzingis left Friday's 113-96 loss to the Magic and was ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Hawks after undergoing an MRI. The injury is not expected to be a long-term issue, but the sharpshooting big man will miss at least a few games. Mazzulla's one-week timeline would put Porzingis on track to return for the Knockout Rounds of the In-Season Tournament, which starts Dec. 4. In Porzingis' absence, Al Horford will presumably slide into the starting lineup, but Sam Hauser and Luke Kornet are also candidates for increased bench roles.

Ayton (back) will be active for Sunday's game against Milwaukee.

Ayton is dealing with lower back soreness, which forced him to miss his first game of the season Wednesday against Utah. Duop Reath started in Ayton's stead, but the former will likely return to a bench role, with the latter now available.

Claxton is probable for Sunday's game against the Bulls due to a left ankle sprain, Evan Barnes of Newsday reports.

Claxton posted 13 points, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals in 24 minutes during Saturday's win over Miami. The issue shouldn't prevent him from suiting up for the second night of a back-to-back set, and his presence on the injury report is likely just precautionary after missing eight games earlier in the season due to a high-ankle sprain. Since returning to action, Claxton has averaged 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.3 assists in 26.5 minutes over six appearances (all starts).

Zubac posted 11 points (5-8 FG, 1-5 FT), 14 rebounds and one assist in 23 minutes during Saturday's 107-88 win over Dallas.

Zubac recorded a double-double for the first time since Nov. 8, and this 14-rebound haul was his best mark of the campaign. Zubac has a secondary role on a star-studded offense surrounded by Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden, but Zubac can get the job done as a rim protector and finisher. Zubac is averaging 9.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per game in November.

Embiid finished Saturday's 127-123 victory over the Thunder with 35 points (8-18 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 19-21 FT), 11 rebounds, nine assists, four blocks and one steal in 37 minutes.

Embiid finished just one assist away from recording what would've been his first triple-double of the campaign, and his contributions remain vital for one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. An absolute two-way stud who continues to deliver first-round value as one of the most productive players in the league, Embiid has recorded three double-doubles in a row and is on a run of four straight games with 32 or more points. The emergence of Tyrese Maxey has given Embiid a reliable second star to partner with, but the reigning MVP remains the go-to player for Philadelphia, and his numbers back that up. Embiid is averaging 33.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game across his last 10 outings.

Allen ended Saturday's 121-115 loss to the Lakers with 21 points (9-12 FG, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and three steals over 37 minutes.

Allen struggled mightily against Miami in his previous game, registering just four points and four boards in 23 minutes. He bounced back nicely Saturday against the Lakers, leading Cleveland with a season-high 14 boards and finishing second on the team with 21 points. The double-double was his second in his past three contests, and his two highest minute totals (35 and 37, respectively) have come in those performances. Allen had been operating on a minutes limit earlier in the season, but it appears that restriction has been lifted, which should boost the big man's fantasy value moving forward.