NBA Player News

Valanciunas posted 23 points (9-16 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 13 rebounds, five assists and three blocks across 33 minutes during Thursday's 125-116 win over Detroit.

It's the second double-double in five games for the veteran center, and Valanciunas produced a season-high scoring performance in the absence of Zion Williamson (rest) and Brandon Ingram (knee). The three rejections were also a season-high mark for Valanciunas, and after averaging a career-low 0.7 blocks a game in 2022-23, he appears to be focused on protecting the rim better -- he's collected at least one block in four of the Pelicans' five contests, and his 1.4 blocks per game would be a career high if he can keep it up.

The Magic announced after Thursday's 115-113 win over the Jazz that Carter fractured his left middle finger during the contest, Jason Beede of The Orlando Sentinel reports. A course of treatment will be determined once the team returns to Orlando on Friday.

Carter posted his first double-double of the season Thursday, racking up 14 points (5-12 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and one block over 29 minutes but apparently injuring the finger at some point along the way. Since the injury is to Carter's non-dominant hand, he could have a quicker timeline for a return than if he had injured his shooting hand, but the veteran center appears likely to miss multiple weeks in any case. Moritz Wagner has been serving as Carter's direct backup and is the top candidate to replace him in the starting lineup beginning with Saturday's game against the Lakers, and Wagner makes for an attractive pickup in most 12-team category and points leagues due to the fantasy-friendly skill set he's displayed in the past when given meaningful minutes. Assuming Wagner starts, Goga Bitadze could be in line to serve as his top backup, with Jonathan Isaac and Chuma Okeke also on hand as potential options at center when the Magic run small-ball lineups.

Poeltl recorded nine points (4-8 FG, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and one block across 28 minutes during Thursday's 114-99 loss to the 76ers.

Poeltl saw extended time in the starting lineup Thursday against Philadelphia with the continued absence of Precious Achiuwa (groin), nearing a double-double while finishing one point and one rebound shy of accomplishing the feat. Poeltl has been a nice presence in the paint for the Raptors this season, posting at least nine points and nine boards in three straight outings.

Embiid logged 28 points (8-22 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 12-13 FT), 13 rebounds, seven assists and one block over 35 minutes during Thursday's 114-99 win over the Raptors.

Embiid did a little bit of everything for Philadelphia in Thursday's road win over Toronto, leading all players in scoring and rebounds while leading the 76ers in assists during a double-double performance. Embiid has gotten off to a strong start for Philadelphia in four appearances, posting at least 24 points, seven rebounds and six assists in all four games this season while notching a double-double in two straight outings.

Kessler (elbow) is available for Thursday's game against the Magic, KSL Sports reports.

Kessler was carrying a probable tag prior to this update, as he's dealing with some mild soreness in his elbow. He's off to a slow start this season, compiling averages of 8.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.

Bagley won't start Thursday's game against the Pelicans.

The return of Jalen Duren, who missed Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers due to an ankle injury, sends Bagley back to the bench. Bagley has been playing well of late, scoring in double digits in four games in a row and averaging 11.2 points with 5.6 boards per contest through five outings.

Duren (ankle) will be available to face the Magic on Thursday and will start at center.

Duren was considered a game-time call for Thursday but will end up being available, and he should provide a gigantic boost on both ends of the court for Detroit. He's averaging 15.5 points and 13.3 rebounds per game through four appearances, and he has posted a double-double in each of the outings in which he's played at least 30 minutes.

Gafford (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Heat.

Gafford was left off the Wizards' initial injury report for Friday's matchup, but the team updated his status shortly after. However, he partially participated in Thursday's practice session and will still be in the mix to return to game action Friday.

Allen (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game versus the Pacers.

Allen has yet to suit up this season while dealing with a bone bruise in his left ankle. However, his return to practice Wednesday, along with an initial questionable status instead of being immediately ruled out, is a good sign for his availability Friday.

Gafford (ankle) isn't on the injury report for Friday's game against the Heat.

Gafford missed the last two games due to a left ankle sprain but was a partial participant in Thursday's practice session and will be able to return to game action Friday. He averaged 8.0 points and 8.0 rebounds in 24.5 minutes per game over his first two appearances of the season, but it's unclear whether he'll face any limitations Friday.