NBA Player News

Missi (calf) is available for Saturday's game against the Jazz.

Missi has been given the green light to return from a five-game absence due to a left calf strain. It's unclear how the Pelicans' rotation will be impacted by Missi's return, given that DeAndre Jordan has started each of the last three games while rookie first-rounder Derik Queen has come off the bench in each of his last two outings. Missi has averaged 6.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 blocks over 21.6 minutes per game in 20 appearances (one start) since the new year.

Henderson will move to the bench for Saturday's game against Charlotte, Sam Perley of the Hornets' official site reports.

This is an expected move with Donovan Clingan returning from a one-game absence. Henderson is expected to maintain a sizable role off the bench.

George (knee) is available for Saturday's game against the Raptors.

George was held out of Thursday's loss to the Hawks due to a left knee contusion, but the second-year pro has been cleared to return Saturday, which will likely result in Will Riley reverting to a bench role. George has averaged 10.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 threes and 0.8 blocks over 20.5 minutes per game in his last eight outings.

Vukcevic (hip) is available for Saturday's game against the Raptors.

Vukcevic has been a regular on the injury report of late, but he will push through his hip ailment Saturday. The center is averaging 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 three-pointers in 19.1 minutes over his last four games.

Cissoko (illness) will play Saturday against the Hornets.

Cissoko will shake off a questionable tag for this contest. Over his last four games, he's averaging 2.0 points, 1.8 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 16.2 minutes per contest.

Riley (ankle) is available for Saturday's game against the Raptors.

Riley popped up on Friday's injury report due to a right ankle contusion, but the rookie first-rounder has been given the green light to play in Saturday's home contest. He started Thursday's 126-96 loss to the Hawks on Thursday and finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one steal over 36 minutes, marking the first double-double of his NBA career.

Nembhard (back) is unlikely to play Sunday against Memphis, Tony East of Forbes.com reports.

Nembhard was able to play through his back issue Thursday against the Hornets, but it continues to linger. With the guard expected to sit, the Pacers could rely more heavily on Quenton Jackson, T.J. McConnell and Kam Jones.

Clingan (illness) is available to play Saturday against the Hornets.

Clingan was a true game-time call after missing Thursday's game against the Bulls. The second-year center is going to give it a go, and that means Robert Williams could be less involved for Portland.

Avdija (back) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Hornets.

It'll be the third missed game in a row for Avdija as he continues to manage a lower-back injury, and his next chance to play will be the second leg of the Trail Blazers' back-to-back set against the Hawks on Sunday. Kris Murray, Sidy Cissoko (illness) and Jerami Grant should continue to operate in elevated roles for as long as Avdija is sidelined.

Embiid did not participate in Saturday morning's practice due to soreness on his right side, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Embiid felt the issue crop up after Thursday's 124-117 win over the Heat, when he logged 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and one steal over 31 minutes. Per Ky Carlin of USA Today, Embiid will consult with team doctors Saturday, and the injury report should provide more clarity on the 2023-24 MVP's status ahead of Sunday's Atlantic Division road tilt against the Celtics. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would likely take on more sizable roles if Embiid is not cleared to play Sunday.