NBA Player News

Embiid (abdomen) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics.

Embiid participated in on-court work Saturday, though he's still expected to remain on the inactive list Sunday after undergoing an appendectomy April 10. If the star big man is ultimately ruled out, Adem Bona and Andre Drummond will likely continue splitting the center minutes.

Head coach Nick Nurse said Saturday that Embiid is participating in on-court work and will be evaluated after Saturday's and Sunday's shootarounds, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Embiid underwent an appendectomy April 10 and hasn't played since April 6. The star big man was upgraded to doubtful before being ruled out ahead of Friday's Game 3 loss, and it appears there's a chance he will return for Game 4 on Sunday. The 76ers are expected to offer an update on his status by Saturday night, but for now, he can be considered questionable for Sunday.

Williams posted 11 points (5-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), nine rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal in 25 minutes during Friday's 120-108 loss to the Spurs in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Williams has scored 11 points in every game of the series with the Spurs. While the 28-year-old fell one rebound shy of the double-double mark in each of his previous two appearances, it appears he may continue to be featured on both ends of the floor more than he was during the regular season, meaning Donovan Clingan might be spending additional time on the bench.

Clingan finished Friday's 120-108 loss to the Spurs in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with seven points (2-6 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 2-4 FT), 11 rebounds and two assists in 20 minutes.

Clingan's offensive woes continued in Game 3, with the 22-year-old now failing to hit the double-digit scoring mark in each game of the series with the Spurs. Even with Victor Wembanyama (concussion) not a lock to suit up for Game 4 on Sunday, Clingan may continue to be a non-factor offensively, especially with Robert Williams receiving a slight uptick in minutes of late.

Kornet closed Friday's 120-108 victory over Portland in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 14 points (6-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks over 30 minutes.

With Victor Wembanyama (concussion) not yet cleared to return, Kornet made just his second career playoff start and delivered his first double-double in 46 postseason appearances. The 30-year-old center is averaging 11.3 points, 8.3 boards, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.7 blocks in 24.0 minutes to begin the series, and Kornet could have a bigger role again in Game 4 on Sunday if Wembanyama remains sidelined.

Ayton ended with two points (1-3 FG), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 33 minutes during Friday's 112-108 overtime win over the Rockets in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Ayton failed to have a meaningful impact for a second straight game, recording just two points despite playing heavy minutes. Although the Lakers now lead the series 3-0, Ayton's questionable defensive efforts cannot be unseen. While advancing to the next round feels like a very real possibility for Los Angeles, a potential matchup with the Thunder is cause for concern given Oklahoma City's sizable interior.

Sengun supplied 33 points (15-27 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 16 rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block across 47 minutes in Friday's 112-108 overtime loss to the Lakers in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs.

Sengun struggled from downtown but was efficient from two-point range en route to a game-high 33 points. The star big man also led all players in rebounds and finished second on the Rockets in assists, taking on increased responsibilities with Kevin Durant (ankle) sidelined. Sengun and the Rockets will now attempt to stave off elimination at home in Sunday's Game 4.

Kornet will start Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Trail Blazers, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

With Victor Wembanyama (concussion) sidelined, Kornet will get the starting nod as San Antonio looks to retake the series lead. The big man averaged 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in 25.8 minutes per contest over 25 regular-season starts.

Wembanyama (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Trail Blazers, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

Wembanyama sustained a concussion in Tuesday's Game 2 loss and will be held out of Friday's contest after going through San Antonio's morning shootaround. The star big man's next chance to play will come in Portland on Sunday. With Wembanyama out, Luke Kornet will likely get the starting nod, while Carter Bryant and Harrison Barnes could also see increased burn.

Embiid (abdomen) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 against the Celtics, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

As expected, Embiid will remain on the shelf after undergoing an appendectomy April 10. However, it's an encouraging sign that he was initially upgraded to doubtful, and his next opportunity to play will come in Sunday's Game 4. Adem Bona will likely continue to start in Embiid's stead.