NBA Player News

Embiid (hip) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Boston.

Embiid was also considered questionable for Tuesday's game against the Pacers due to left hip soreness, but he suited up and logged 39 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 38 minutes. It's unclear whether his role or availability will be impacted since the 76ers are playing the second half of a back-to-back set Wednesday, but Paul Reed, Mo Bamba and Robert Covington would be candidates for increased roles if Embiid is out or limited.

Bitadze supplied 14 points (6-7 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), three rebounds, one assist and two steals over 24 minutes during Tuesday's 124-104 loss to Brooklyn.

Bitadze has been part of the starting lineup over the past five matchups with Wendell Carter (finger) sidelined. Although Bitadze has seen consistent minutes in his new role, he's been an unreliable contributor, as he's been held to single-digit scoring totals in two of his starts. However, he's recorded multiple steals in three of those matchups and has totaled eight blocks. Since taking on a starting role, he's averaged 9.0 points and 6.6 rebounds in 22.8 minutes per game. While Carter is set to miss multiple weeks, Bitadze will likely have to perform more consistently if he hopes to retain a relatively sizable role upon Carter's return.

Theis and the Pacers agreed to a contract buyout Wednesday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Theis had appeared in just one game this season and was multiple absences away from being part of the rotation in Indiana, given that the Pacers already have Myles Turner, Jalen Smith, Isaiah Jackson and two-way rookie Oscar Tshiebwe on hand as available options at center. Assuming Theis clears waivers, Wojnarowski relays that the 31-year-old is expected to sign with the Clippers. He could step in as the primary backup in LA behind Ivica Zubac while Mason Plumlee (knee) is likely out until at least January.

Theis and the Pacers are in talks for a contract buyout Wednesday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.

If the buyout goes through, Charania notes that the Clippers are already poised to scoop him up pending a physical exam. The Clippers have very little frontcourt depth due to Mason Plumlee's knee injury, so Theis would likely get some rotation minutes in Los Angeles.

Looney logged 32 minutes in Tuesday's 104-101 loss to the Timberwolves, finishing with two points (1-4 FG), 12 rebounds, three assists and one steal.

For the first time all season, Looney moved to the bench Tuesday, as head coach Steve Kerr turned to Dario Saric to inject some more offense to the top unit in the absence of point guard Stephen Curry (knee). Because Draymond Green was ejected less than two minutes into the contest, Looney and Saric (21 points, four rebounds, four assists and two steals in 32 minutes) ended up seeing ample playing time. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Kerr said that it's a "possibility" that Saric may continue to start even once Curry is back in action, but it may not dramatically change Looney's already modest fantasy upside. Even while he had been starting, Looney was averaging just 20.7 minutes per game over his last five appearances before moving to the bench. Looney should be viewed as little more than a streaming option for rebounds in the majority of leagues.

Ayton produced 22 points (10-17 FG, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds and three assists across 34 minutes during Tuesday's 115-99 loss to the Jazz.

Ayton has had to step his game up offensively due to the absences the Trail Blazers are dealing with, but he made his presence felt on both ends of the court Tuesday despite the double-digit loss. Ayton has been inconsistent as a scorer but has been playing well recently, racking up five double-doubles over his last seven contests.

Holmes racked up six points (3-6 FG) and seven rebounds in 12 minutes during Tuesday's 131-110 loss to New Orleans.

Holmes posted season highs in points, rebounds and minutes played during the Mavericks' blowout loss. It was just his third appearance of the season, so he's still off fantasy radars for now.

Embiid totaled 39 points (11-22 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 17-17 FT), 12 rebounds, six assists and three steals in 38 minutes during Tuesday's 132-126 loss to Indiana.

Embiid led the Sixers in scoring for the ninth time in 10 games, and he was dominant in the paint duel against Myles Turner, who lasted just 19 minutes before fouling out, but Embiid's contributions were not enough to lift the 76ers to victory. Embiid can't do everything on his own, and even though the Sixers didn't win here, the star big man continues to play at an absurdly high level and remains one of the best fantasy performers in the NBA every time he steps on the court, regardless of format.

Zeller accumulated zero points (0-1 FG, 0-2 FT) and three rebounds over five minutes during Tuesday's 131-110 win over the Mavericks.

With Larry Nance (ribs) sidelined, Zeller is the primary backup center behind Jonas Valanciunas. However, Zeller has played double-digit minutes just twice over the Pelicans' last five games. New Orleans is opting to go smaller with its second unit, with Zion Williamson and now Naji Marshall -- who recently made his season debut -- operating as small-ball centers.

Turner supplied 17 points (5-11 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-8 FT), three rebounds, one block and one steal over 19 minutes before fouling out of Tuesday's 132-126 win over the 76ers.

Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin carried the Pacers to victory in this game, so the fact that Turner struggled to stay on the court wasn't a factor as Indiana pulled the upset against Philadelphia. However, his subpar performance was because he struggled with foul trouble all game long and played just 19 minutes. Turner had to deal with Joel Embiid, however, so this wasn't an easy task, but either way, he needs to get better. His next chance to play will come against the Magic on Sunday.