NBA Player News

Embiid (knee) was a full participant at Sunday's scrimmage, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

According to Krell, "Embiid played quite a bit and looked like his old self." He also noted that Embiid's body language was positive, and there's been several glowing reports about how he fared in the scrimmage. This was certainly a huge step in the right direction for Embiid's rehab. It remains to be seen if he'll participate in Friday's exhibition against the Timberwolves.

The Thunder signed Lakhin on Sunday, Brandon Rahbar of DailyThunder.com reports.

Lakhin appeared in 34 contests during the 2024-25 season at Clemson and averaged 11.4 points and 6.4 rebounds on 50.7 percent shooting from the field. This is likely an Exhibit 10 contract with the Thunder looking to fill out their G League roster.

Lively finished with 10 points (5-6 FG, 0-1 3Pt), six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in 22 minutes during Saturday's preseason loss to the Hornets.

Lively turned in his best performance of the preseason, producing on both ends of the floor. With Daniel Gafford sidelined due to an ankle injury, Lively has an opportunity to establish himself as the primary center, a role the coaching staff would love to see him embrace. While he is unlikely to play what might be considered typical starter's minutes, Lively should still be a good source of boards and blocks, while also scoring efficiently.

Plumlee failed to score (0-2 FG), adding four rebounds in 11 minutes during Saturday's preseason win over the Mavericks.

Plumlee went scoreless off the bench, having very little impact on the game. The Hornets are yet to finalize things when it comes to the starting center position. The fact that Plumlee is even in the discussion says a lot about the team's current mindset. Ryan Kalkbrenner recorded a double-double as the starter, his best performance of the preseason. Even if Plumlee is given meaningful minutes, there is almost no chance he moves the needle when it comes to fantasy leagues.

Huff produced eight points (3-3 FG, 2-2 FT), three blocks, two rebounds and one assist in 17 minutes during Saturday's preseason win over Oklahoma City.

Huff came off the bench behind Isaiah Jackson, but he logged 17 minutes compared to Jackson's 12. The starting center spot remains wide open following the trade of Myles Turner to the Bucks. While Jackson appears as though he could have the inside track at this point, Huff certainly offers more versatility on the offensive end. Both are worth considering as late-round flyers in standard leagues.

Wiseman had 10 points (4-4 FG, 2-2 FT) and five rebounds in 12 minutes during Saturday's preseason win over the Thunder.

Wiseman turned in a solid performance despite limited playing time. With Isaiah Jackson and Jay Huff seemingly battling for the bulk of the center minutes, Wiseman may have to bide his time on the bench to begin the season. Coming off a season-ending Achilles injury, Wiseman will once again be looking to restart his career. While he figures to be more of a depth piece to begin the campaign, it wouldn't be surprising to see him shift into a meaningful role at some point throughout the season.

Okongwu finished with 12 points (4-7 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and one assist in 21 minutes during Saturday's 122-116 preseason win over the Grizzlies.

Okongwu put together another strong final line off the bench, shooting with efficiency on the offensive end. Kristaps Porzingis drew a second straight preseason start. Still, it's abundantly clear that both Porzingis and Okongwu will continue to be heavily involved in the frontcourt heading into the regular season.

Kalkbrenner finished with 14 points (7-7 FG), 10 rebounds, one assist and one block across 25 minutes during Saturday's 120-116 preseason win over the Mavericks.

Kalkbrenner was incredibly efficient as a starter, as he was flawless from the field, hitting all seven of his field-goal attempts. The rookie center continues to make an impression during the preseason, which could result in more time on the floor for the Creighton product once the regular season gets underway.

Badji (toe) has been ruled out for Saturday's preseason game against the Mavericks.

Badji continues to nurse a toe injury, which has kept him sidelined during the preseason. The next opportunity for him to return to the floor will be Wednesday against the Grizzlies.

Lovering is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's preseason game against the Hawks.

Lovering is battling for a roster spot with the Grizzlies. While he started against Boston on Oct. 8, he will have to wait for an opportunity off the bench in this one.