NBA Player News

Poeltl notched eight points (4-10 FG, 0-4 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists, one block and three steals over 34 minutes during Saturday's 123-114 loss to the Pistons.

Poeltl didn't have a good shooting performance, particularly for his standards, but the big man made his presence felt in other areas, mainly as a defender with his double-digit boards and three steals. The big man is on a streak of eight games with double-digit points or rebounds, and that consistency suggests he'll continue to perform on both ends of the court every time he steps on the hardwood.

Kessler accumulated 16 points (7-9 FG, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds and two blocks across 31 minutes during Saturday's 114-106 loss to the Suns.

Kessler turned in his 16th double-double of the campaign Saturday, racking up double-digit boards for the ninth time in his last 10 games. During this time, the 23-year-old big man is averaging 13.5 rebounds, 11.3 points and 1.7 blocks in 31.3 minutes while shooting 71.6 percent from the field. With John Collins still dealing with a hip injury, Kessler should continue dominating on the glass as long as the former remains sidelined. Kessler remains one of fantasy's best in 2024-25 when it comes to producing in the swats, boards and field-goal percentage categories.

Gobert (head) has returned to Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, Jace Frederick of St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Gobert briefly went to the locker room after taking a shot to the head from Zach Edey while going for a rebound. The former doesn't appear to have any lingering issues and has been cleared to return to Saturday's contest.

Gobert is headed to the locker room after sustaining an apparent head injury in Saturday's game against the Grizzlies, Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic reports.

Gobert took a big shot in the head from Zach Edey while battling for a rebound, and the big man went to the locker room to get a proper look at any potential injury. Naz Reid should see more minutes while Gobert is sidelined, and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to the hardwood.

Clingan will start at center against the Heat on Saturday, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

This will be a big opportunity for Clingan with both Deandre Ayton (calf) and Robert Williams (illness) sidelined. In seven starts this season, Clingan posted averages of 8.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in 22.3 minutes.

Williams (illness) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

Williams sat out Thursday's game against the Mavericks due to rest purposes. He was set to play Saturday, but he popped up on the injury report with an illness, and it appears it's severe enough for him to not play Saturday. Donovan Clingan will get the start at center due to Williams and Deandre Ayton (calf) both being ruled out.

Ayton (calf) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Heat, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

Ayton popped up on Friday's injury report due to left calf soreness, and it appears he'll need to sit out of Saturday's contest in order to avoid aggravating the injury. His next opportunity to play will be Tuesday against the Nets. With Ayton and Robert Williams (illness) both out, Donovan Clingan will get the start at center.

Jokic (illness) is probable for Sunday's game against the Mavericks.

Jokic missed two games due to an illness but was able to battle through it and play against the Nets on Friday, during which he logged 35 points, 15 assists, 12 rebounds and four steals over 38 minutes in a 124-105 win. He's not fully over the illness but is progressing in his recovery and should be able to play Sunday.

Embiid (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Magic.

Embiid has missed the past three games for the 76ers, but coach Nick Nurse said Friday that the big man remains day-to-day. He did seem hopeful to have him back for Sunday's game, however. Andre Drummond (toe) has already been ruled out, so Guerschon Yabusele could see extended run if Embiid is unable to return.

Drummond (toe) is out for Sunday's game versus the Magic.

Drummond's absence streak will extend to four games Sunday due to a sprained left toe. The veteran big man's next chance to suit up is Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder.