NBA Player News

Williams will start against the Hawks on Wednesday, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

With Neemias Queta (illness) unavailable, Williams will get the starting nod for just the second time this season. The rookie second-rounder logged a career-high 26 minutes in Monday's win over Portland, during which he posted nine points (3-8 FG, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, two blocks, one assist and one steal.

Valanciunas (calf) is probable for Thursday's game against the Nets.

Thursday's game will be the first of a back-to-back set, so while Valanciunas is expected to play in that one, he may sit out Friday's game in Utah. Managers can expect to get official confirmation on Valanciunas' status closer to Thursday's tip.

Hartenstein (calf) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game in Minnesota.

Hartenstein is set to return from a month-long absence Thursday, though he may operate under a strict minutes restriction in his first game back. With the big man back in the mix, Chet Holmgren will likely shift back over to the four, which would likely send Jaylin Williams back to the bench. Branden Carlson could drop out of the rotation entirely with Hartenstein active.

Ware (hamstring) is available for Wednesday's game against Orlando.

The second-year big man is putting a four-game absence with a hamstring strain in the rearview mirror Wednesday. His return likely means fewer minutes will be open to Simone Fontecchio and Nikola Jovic in the Miami frontcourt. Over his last six appearances, Ware has averaged 7.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 0.5 assists in 15.5 minutes per game.

Embiid (knee) is probable to play Thursday against the Kings.

Embiid is on track to play Thursday, and we should get official confirmation on his status closer to Thursday's tip. The former MVP is averaging 25.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.1 triples and 1.1 blocks per game this season.

Bagley is out for Thursday's game against the Bucks due to a thoracic strain.

Bagley will be out for a fourth consecutive game, and a short turnaround looms Friday against the Lakers. With Tristan Vukcevic (hamstring) also sidelined, Anthony Gill should handle the No. 2 center job behind Alex Sarr (illness), but he wouldn't hold much fantasy utility in that role.

Sarr (illness) is questionable for Thursday's game against the Bucks.

Sarr was unable to practice Wednesday and may end up being a game-time decision. Marvin Bagley (back) remains out for the Wizards, so the team could give Skal Labissiere a look after he signed a 10-day contract Wednesday.

The Rockets announced Wednesday that Adams has undergone season-ending left ankle surgery, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

Adams was already viewed as out indefinitely with a Grade 3 sprain, but he officially won't be able to return during the 2025-26 campaign. The veteran big man averaged 5.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes per contest through 32 games before going down, and he's under contract with Houston through the 2027-28 season. With Adams' year now over, Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith are set to split the backup center duties behind Alperen Sengun.

Nurkic (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Warriors.

Nurkic remains day-to-day after missing the front end of this back-to-back set Tuesday against the Clippers. The center has been red hot with three straight triple-doubles to his name. However, he's appeared in only seven of Utah's past 15 games.

Valanciunas ended with 16 points (6-10 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 16 rebounds, one assist and one block over 31 minutes during Tuesday's 109-107 loss to Detroit.

Valanciunas had one of his best games of the season in just his second game back from a calf injury that sidelined him for three weeks. His 16 rebounds were a season-best, while his 16 points were just one shy of his best scoring performance this year. He played 31 minutes, which is a good indicator of his recovery from that calf injury.