NBA Player News

Dort is starting Monday's game against the Pacers, Brad Rowland of the Locked On Podcast Network reports.

Jalen Johnson (aknle) is out Monday, opening up a spot for Dort in the starting five. This marks the first start of the 2026-27 campaign for Dort, who is averaging 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists over seven appearances off the bench this season.

Wade won't start Monday's game against Chicago, Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

LeBron James (back) is back in the starting five, pushing Wade to the second unit. Over five regular-season appearances (four starts), he's averaging 3.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals in 27.8 minutes per tilt.

Ayton will start in Monday's game against the Magic.

With Alex Sarr (knee) sidelined, Ayton will slide into the starting center role. Bilal Coulibaly and Khris Middleton could see a bump in minutes off the Wizards' bench.

Cain is starting Monday's game against the Wizards.

Cain will step in for Anthony Black, who's sidelined Monday for rest purposes. Cain is averaging 8.0 points and 1.8 rebounds over his last four appearances.

Embiid (foot) is available for Monday's game against the Bulls, Austin Krell of OnPattison.com reports.

Embiid will shake off his questionable tag and return from a one-game absence due to right foot plantar fascia injury management. The star big man's return will leave fewer minutes available for the likes of Adem Bona and Jabari Walker. Embiid has reached the 20-point threshold in three of his five regular-season outings, averaging 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.8 combined steals-plus-blocks in 35.2 minutes per showing.

LaVine (elbow) is available for Monday's game against the Mavericks, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

LaVine will shed the questionable tag ahead of Sacramento's matchup with Dallas. He is dealing with soreness in his right elbow after playing a season-low 21 minutes during Saturday's 136-105 loss to Memphis, but he'll fight through the ailment and reprise his starting role for the 0-6 Kings.

Sheppard (back) is available for Monday's matchup with Boston, Will Guillory of The Athletic reports.

Sheppard will return from a two-game absence due to a low back strain. The third-year guard is averaging 10.5 points, 4.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals across 23.3 minutes per game in four regular-season outings (one start), and his return will leave fewer minutes available for Bogdan Bogdanovic.

Williams will start in Monday's game against Cleveland, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

Williams will enter the starting lineup for the first time this season, with Jared McCain shifting to the bench. Williams offers plenty of size and strength versus the Cavaliers starting frontcourt in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, so this is likely due to the matchup.

McCain isn't in the starting lineup for Monday's game against Cleveland, Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman reports.

McCain will retreat to a bench role after making three straight starts for the Thunder. Jaylin Williams will take McCain's place as OKC elects to roll with more size to begin Monday's clash.

Cardwell (calf) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Mavericks.

Cardwell was temporarily upgraded to probable ahead of Monday's clash, though he was downgraded twice before ultimately being ruled out with a left calf strain. His next chance to make his season debut will arrive Wednesday against the Lakers.