NBA Player News

Thursday’s game was the best of the Paris Olympics for Embiid, who has continued to get booed by French fans every time he touches the basketball. While there were some rebounding mishaps, the 76ers center made some big shots as the United States completed its rally in the fourth quarter. Things won’t get any easier for Embiid, as he’ll have to deal with France’s Victor Wembanyama in the gold medal game on Saturday. The fact that he could play 27 minutes after dealing with ankle discomfort during the quarterfinal win over Brazil was good news for anyone concerned about Embiid’s health.

The Thunder will get their starting center back ahead of Saturday’s NBA Cup Semifinals matchup with the Spurs. While OKC has remained successful in Hartenstein’s absence, the defending champions will welcome him back as they may face Victor Wembanyama, who is likely to return from injury. Hartenstein is averaging 12.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists across 19 games.

Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal will be the third game Joe has missed due to a left knee contusion. With everyone else of consequence available for the Thunder, his minutes will be absorbed by Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins.

Markkanen is back in Utah’s starting lineup after an illness kept him out for the team’s recent loss to the Thunder. His return will give the Jazz an elite three-level scorer at the forward position and the team’s leader in points per game. Kyle Filipowski will head back to the bench to help Utah’s depth.

While Morant’s return from a strained calf is the most significant change to the Grizzlies’ starting lineup, it isn’t the only one. While Jock Landale has been the preferred choice in the past, Aldama will step in to fill the void left by the injured Zach Edey (ankle). Edey will be out for at least four weeks, so there’s still time for Landale to slide into the lineup. But this decision bodes well for Aldama’s fantasy value, which is capped when he comes off the bench.

Castleton is dealing with a fractured left thumb, so he isn’t going to be available for quite some time. And with the 6-foot-10 center being on a two-way contract, his availability does not affect fantasy basketball or the Magic rotation.

Dadiet’s availability does not affect the Knicks’ rotation or fantasy basketball. He should only be considered in dynasty leagues at this stage of his career.

Reaves has been diagnosed with a mild left calf strain and will be re-evaluated in one week. His absence significantly affects fantasy basketball and the Lakers’ rotation, creating an opening in the team’s starting lineup. Marcus Smart and Gabe Vincent are candidates to fill the void, with the former being the more likely choice due to what he brings to the table defensively. Reaves’ absence also means increased usage for Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

Harris will make his return to the starting lineup after being out for a week with an ankle injury. His return gives the Pistons their opening-night starting unit, which will move Isaiah Stewart back to a reserve role to bolster Detroit’s bench. The Pistons have won four of their past five games and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings with a 19-5 record.

Added to the Mavericks’ injury report on Friday afternoon, Russell will not be available for the matchup with the Nets. His absence does not change much from a fantasy standpoint, as Ryan Nembhard and Brandon Williams were ahead of D’Lo in the pecking order.

Gafford will miss a third straight game with a lingering right ankle injury. The absence of him and Dereck Lively II means that Dwight Powell will be part of the rotation, serving mainly as Anthony Davis’ backup. There’s no need to consider adding Powell with a healthy AD in the fold.