NBA Player News

Embiid accumulated 32 points (10-19 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 11-11 FT), seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals in 37 minutes during Friday's 126-116 victory over the Hawks.

Embiid looked good despite dealing with a sore hip, and the star big man ended just three rebounds and two assists away from notching what would've been his first triple-double of the campaign. One of the best frontcourt players in the league and an absolute fantasy stud, Embiid has reached the 30-point mark in four of his last five outings while averaging 32.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game in November.

Allen finished with 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and five blocks in 32 minutes during Friday's 108-100 win over Detroit.

The 25-year-old center has yet to record a double-double in seven games since missing the beginning of the season with an ankle injury, but Allen has begun to round into form on the defensive end, recording eight blocks over the last two contests. Friday was also the first time in 2023-24 he has played 30 or more minutes, and as he returns to his usual workload, the rebounds and double-doubles should follow.

Williams supplied 11 points (4-7 FG, 3-4 FT), 16 rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal across 32 minutes during Friday's 130-99 loss to Milwaukee.

The second-year center produced his fourth double-double in 11 games to begin the season while scoring in double digits for the seventh straight contest. Williams has been arguably the most reliable Hornet this year aside from LaMelo Ball, and during that seven-game stretch he's averaging 16.1 points, 10.7 boards and 1.5 steals-plus-blocks while shooting an eye-popping 71.4 percent from the floor.

Lopez chipped in 15 points (7-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt), seven rebounds, two assists and six blocks over 33 minutes during Friday's 130-99 win over the Hornets.

The 15 points were a season high for the veteran center, but the six blocks weren't even Lopez's best performance of the week on the defensive end as he piled up seven rejections against the Raptors on Wednesday. Through 12 games, Lopez's scoring is way down (10.1 points a game on 44.2 percent field-goal shooting) as he adjusts to playing with Damian Lillard, but he's compensated with an increased focus on rim protection that has him averaging a career-high 2.9 blocks per night.

Ayton logged 17 points (8-14 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 38 minutes during Friday's 107-95 loss to the Lakers.

Ayton had arguably his worst game of the season Wednesday against Cleveland, tallying just six points and six boards over 26 minutes. He was much more effective Friday, finishing with his seventh double-double of the campaign. Ayton's scoring has been way down in his first year with the Blazers, as his current average of 12.3 points per game is on pace for a career-low mark. Still, he's putting up his usual strong numbers on the boards with 11.5 rebounds per contest and is also averaging 1.5 thefts per game, well above his career norm.

Porzingis provided 14 points (6-13 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and one steal over 35 minutes during Friday's 108-105 victory over Toronto.

Porzingis missed Wednesday's game against the 76ers with a knee issue, but it was just a minor contusion and he seemed to be moving well Friday. He set season highs in both rebounds (12) and assists (5), helping the Celtics win their fourth straight game.

The Kings announced Friday that Len is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks due to a right high-ankle sprain, Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reports.

Before missing the Kings' loss to the Lakers on Wednesday, Len had appeared in five straight games, but he logged no more than 13 minutes in any of those contests. His upcoming absence will reduce the Kings' depth at center behind Domantas Sabonis, though Trey Lyles (calf) should be ready to make his season debut soon and could end up claiming Len's vacated spot on the second unit.

Embiid (hip) is available for Friday's game in Atlanta, Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Embiid originally drew a questionable designation due to a sore left hip, but he will ultimately play through it. Barring any setbacks, look for the reigning MVP to take on his usual responsibilities in Philly's frontcourt.

The Clippers signed Theis on Friday, Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times reports.

After hardly seeing any playing time in Indiana, Theis and the Pacers were able to agree to a contract buyout earlier in the week. Now, the veteran big man will likely serve as the backup center to Ivica Zubac in Los Angeles, with Mason Plumlee (knee) out for an extended period. Theis is expected to be available for Friday's game versus the Rockets.

Horford (toe) is available for Friday's game against the Raptors, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

As expected, Horford has been upgraded from probable to available and will play Friday despite dealing with a left big toe sprain. With Kristaps Porzingis (knee) sidelined, Horford started Wednesday's win over the Sixers, but Porzingis will be back in action versus Toronto and should reclaim his starting gig, which would send Horford to his usual bench role. Across seven games as a reserve this season, Horford has averaged 4.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 21.4 minutes per game.