NBA Player News

Duren (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Nuggets, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.

Duren will miss a fifth consecutive game Monday, but coach Monty Williams provided an encouraging update ahead of the matchup, saying that the center has progressed to 3-on-3 work and is expected to return soon. While Duren will have a few days to recover before the Pistons face Indiana on Friday, it's unclear whether he'll be available for that matchup.

Sengun is questionable for Monday's matchup against Golden State due to a lower back contusion.

Sengun posted 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a block during Sunday's loss to the Lakers, but he's in danger of missing the second half of a back-to-back set. This is the Rockets' first back-to-back of the season, so it's possible they are simply exercising caution with their talented big man. If Sengun is ruled out, Jock Landale and Jeff Green would be candidates to join the starting lineup.

Bagley registered six points (3-4 FG), two rebounds and three assists across 15 minutes during Sunday's 142-113 loss to the Raptors.

Bagley seems to be losing some ground in Detroit, and that's particularly worrying with Jalen Duren (ankle) possibly returning from a four-game absence Monday against Denver. Bagley has been held under 16 minutes in two straight games, as the Pistons have utilized some smaller lineups with Kevin Knox at one of the forward spots. James Wiseman saw 24 minutes Sunday against Toronto, but garbage time was certainly a factor in the blowout.

Koloko (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup versus Orlando, Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca reports.

Koloko has yet to play this season while recovering from a respiratory illness. He can be considered doubtful, at best, for Wednesday's matchup in Indiana.

Poeltl notched 16 points (6-6 FG, 4-5 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal across 25 minutes during Sunday's 142-113 victory over the Pistons.

Poeltl was perfect from the floor during Sunday's matchup and matched his best scoring total of the season during the comfortable win while also posting his fifth double-double of the year. He's scored in double figures in five consecutive matchups, averaging 13.0 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 26.2 minutes per game during that time.

Jokic ended with 18 points (8-13 FG, 2-5 FT), 10 rebounds, seven assists, one block and one steal across 28 minutes during Sunday's 121-109 loss to the Cavaliers.

Jokic saw a decrease in playing time Sunday due to some foul trouble, and he was held under 20 points for the first time this season. However, he still managed to record double-digit rebounds and posted a 13th consecutive double-double to begin the year. Despite his relatively lackluster outing Sunday, fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned with his outlook moving forward.

Duren (ankle) is questionable for Monday's game against the Nuggets.

Duren has missed the past four games for Detroit, but the questionable tag suggests that he's now day-to-day. His potential return would provide a huge boost for the Pistons with Nikola Jokic on the schedule Monday. The Pistons have been relying on Kevin Knox in smaller lineups in Duren's absence at the expense of Marvin Bagley, so it will be interesting to see how the rotation shapes up.

The Jazz announced Monday that Kessler (elbow) has been cleared to begin basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in one week, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Kessler sprained the UCL in his left elbow during the regular-season opener but tried to play through the pain. He was eventually shut down after making eight appearances and was expected to miss at least two weeks. It appears he'll miss more time than expected, but his return to basketball activities is still a great sign. However, as long as he remains sidelined, Ochai Agbaji, Lauri Markkanen and John Collins should start in Utah's frontcourt, while Kelly Olynyk handles an increased bench role.

Horford won't play Monday against the Hornets for rest purposes, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Horford played 22 minutes during Sunday's win over Memphis, but he'll take a seat for the second half of Boston's back-to-back set. The veteran will presumably sit out at least one game of most back-to-backs this season, which he also did last year. Derrick White (personal) is also unavailable Monday, so Sam Hauser, Payton Pritchard, Oshae Brissett and Luke Kornet are all candidates for increased roles.

Embiid amassed 32 points (11-24 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 9-10 FT), 12 rebounds, nine assists and one block over 31 minutes during Sunday's 121-99 win over the Nets.

Embiid led all players Sunday in scoring and rebounds en route to a double-double showing that came up one assist short of a triple-double in just 31 minutes of play. Embiid has tallied at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in five games this season, posting at least 30 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in back-to-back outings.