NBA Player News

Zubac (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.

Zubac will remain on the sidelines Sunday as he continues to recover from a left ankle sprain. Head coach Rick Carlisle recently said that the veteran center is still "a while" away from returning to game action, and the 15-45 Pacers are expected to remain cautious with his ramp-up process.

Embiid will be sidelined for the 76ers' next three games due to a right oblique strain, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Embiid reported soreness on his right side following the 76ers' win over the Heat on Thursday, and further tests have revealed that the former MVP is dealing with an oblique strain. The injury is severe enough to sideline Embiid for at least the next three games, which makes March 7 against the Hawks his next opportunity to return. In Embiid's absence, Andre Drummond should serve as the Sixers' starting center while Adem Bona elevates to backup duties.

Claxton is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cavaliers due to a right thumb sprain, C.J. Holmes of the New York Daily News reports.

Claxton may have picked up the injury during the Nets' 148-111 loss to the Celtics on Friday, when he logged 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-4 FT), four rebounds and two assists over 23 minutes. Day'Ron Sharpe would likely serve as the Nets' starting center if Claxton is not cleared to play Sunday.

Porzingis (illness) will not play Saturday against the Lakers.

Porzingis practiced on Friday, suggesting he's getting closer to a return. He still wasn't able to shed his questionable tag for this contest, so his next chance to play comes Monday against the Clippers.

Missi (calf) is available for Saturday's game against the Jazz.

Missi has been given the green light to return from a five-game absence due to a left calf strain. It's unclear how the Pelicans' rotation will be impacted by Missi's return, given that DeAndre Jordan has started each of the last three games while rookie first-rounder Derik Queen has come off the bench in each of his last two outings. Missi has averaged 6.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 blocks over 21.6 minutes per game in 20 appearances (one start) since the new year.

Clingan (illness) is available to play Saturday against the Hornets.

Clingan was a true game-time call after missing Thursday's game against the Bulls. The second-year center is going to give it a go, and that means Robert Williams could be less involved for Portland.

Embiid did not participate in Saturday morning's practice due to soreness on his right side, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Embiid felt the issue crop up after Thursday's 124-117 win over the Heat, when he logged 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal over 31 minutes. Per Ky Carlin of USA Today, Embiid will consult with team doctors Saturday, and the injury report should provide more clarity on the 2023-24 MVP's status ahead of Sunday's Atlantic Division road tilt against the Celtics. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would likely take on more sizable roles if Embiid is not cleared to play Sunday.

Jokic provided 23 points (9-25 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 17 rebounds, 14 assists and one steal in 45 minutes during Friday's 127-121 overtime loss to the Thunder.

The triple-double was his 22nd of the season -- Atlanta's Jalen Johnson is second in the league with 11 -- but it wasn't quite enough to steal a road win in OKC. Jokic wraps up February having averaged 25.6 points, 14.0 boards, 9.6 assists, 1.7 threes, 1.3 steals and 0.7 blocks over 11 games.

Powell recorded 13 points (3-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 11 rebounds and one assist over 23 minutes off the bench during Friday's 124-105 loss to Memphis.

The veteran center produced his second double-double of the season, with the first coming Jan. 22 against the Warriors. Powell has struggled to get consistent court time even with Dereck Lively (foot) out for the season and Anthony Davis (finger) now in Washington. Friday's 23 minutes represented Powell's highest workload in February and just the third time in eight appearances this month he logged double-digit minutes.

Trail Blazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter told reporters that Clingan (illness) "felt better" but is still considered a game-time decision for Saturday's game against the Hornets, Owen O'Connor of SI.com reports.

Clingan will go through pregame shootaround, at which point the Trail Blazers' medical staff will have a better idea of whether the second-year center will be able to suit up for Saturday's matinee. Scoot Henderson entered the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Bulls and would likely remain in an elevated role if Clingan is not cleared to return.