NBA Player News

Embiid finished Thursday's 123-108 win over Dallas with 22 points (9-18 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-5 FT), six assists, four rebounds and one block over 35 minutes.

Embiid scored 14 of his 22 points in the first half and finished Thursday's game as the 76ers' third-leading scorer behind Tyrese Maxey (34 points) and VJ Edgecombe (23 points). Embiid has been working through knee and ankle injuries of late, but he has played 38 and 35 minutes in each of his last two outings. The 76ers will conclude their five-game road trip Saturday against the Knicks.

Filipowski is in the Jazz's starting lineup against the Clippers on Thursday, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Filipowski has come off the bench in each of the Jazz's last three games, but the second-year big man will draw the start Thursday due to the absence of Jusuf Nurkic (toe). Filipowski has started 11 regular-season games thus far, and as a starter he is averaging 11.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 threes over 25.8 minutes per game.

Zubac (ankle) has progressed enough in his recovery to participate in on-court activities, Joey Linn of SI.com reports.

Zubac suffered a Grade 2 left ankle sprain against the Lakers on Dec. 20. It's an injury that typically takes at least three weeks to recover from, so the veteran center should be re-evaluated by medical staff in mid-January, at which point the Clippers will have a clearer idea of when Zubac can return to the lineup. Brook Lopez will likely continue to start at center for the Clippers for as long as Zubac is on the shelf.

Duren won't return to Thursday's game against the Heat due to a right ankle sprain.

Duren rolled his ankle late in the second quarter and exited to the locker room. The big man was cleared to start the second half, though he checked out of the game after playing just over three minutes in the third quarter. He'll finish with 12 points (6-12 FG), five rebounds and one steal across 18 minutes. Paul Reed and Ronald Holland are candidates for increased playing time alongside Isaiah Stewart with Duren out.

Duren (ankle) started the second half of Thursday's game against the Heat, per the broadcast.

Duren appeared to roll his ankle late in the second quarter but has returned for the second half. The big man appears to be good to go for the remainder of the contest after being cleared to return.

Jackson-Davis is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Thunder due to patellar tendinitis in his right knee.

Jackson-Davis appeared on the injury report earlier in December due to right knee soreness. It doesn't appear that his current injury will prevent him from playing Friday, and the third-year pro could see an expanded role in the absence of Draymond Green (rest). Jackson-Davis averaged 5.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 0.9 blocks over 13.5 minutes per game across 11 outings in December.

Horford (sciatica) is listed as probable for Friday's game against the Thunder.

Horford has been working through sciatic nerve irritation since early December. He's on track to play Friday and could enter the Warriors' starting five for the second time this season due to the absence of Draymond Green (rest). Horford's lone start was against the 76ers on Dec. 4, when he tallied three points, six rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block over 18 minutes.

Duren exited to the locker room in the second quarter of Thursday's game against the Heat due to an apparent ankle injury, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports.

Duren appeared to roll his ankle before heading to the back with just 52 seconds remaining in the first half. If the fourth-year big man is unable to return for the second half, Ronald Holland and Paul Reed are candidates for increased playing time alongside Isaiah Stewart.

Gafford won't start against the 76ers on Thursday.

With Anthony Davis (adductor) back in the lineup, Gafford will slide to the second unit. Over his last five games off the bench, the 27-year-old center has averaged 4.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 15.2 minutes per tilt.

Embiid (ankle/knee) is available for Thursday's game against the Mavericks, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Embiid continues to manage ankle and knee injuries, but the 2022-23 MVP has been cleared to play in Thursday's road game. He played in seven of the 76ers' 12 December games, averaging 25.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.0 threes and 1.3 blocks over 31.1 minutes per game last month.