NBA Player News

After firing up 18 shots on Thursday, Topić appeared more focused on making plays for others Saturday afternoon. The rookie dished out a game-high 10 assists while committing just three turnovers as Oklahoma City rolled to a 21-point victory. Having missed the 2024-25 season as he rehabbed from a torn ACL, Topić will look to earn opportunities off the bench with the reigning NBA champions. While he may not offer great value in redraft leagues, Topić will be well worth selecting in dynasty start-ups.

Love’s absence isn’t meaningful now that Jaren Jackson Jr. is on the roster. Kyle Filipowski may see a few extra minutes behind Jusuf Nurkić, but Filipowski isn’t worth a look while competing for minutes in a crowded Utah frontcourt.

Larsson sustained a right elbow contusion in Friday’s loss to the Celtics, and it cost him Sunday’s win over the Wizards. Larsson is expected to sit out the second leg of Miami’s back-to-back set, which means Simone Fontecchio should take on an expanded workload.

Powell exited Sunday’s matchup with Washington at the end of the third quarter with back tightness, but the Heat may have simply been cautious with Powell against Washington due to the blowout nature of the contest. If Powell is sidelined for the second leg of Miami’s back-to-back set, Simone Fontecchio and Jaime Jaquez Jr. could see upticks in playing time.

Wagner last played on January 18, but he’ll make his return after three weeks on the sideline. He may face a minutes restriction in his first game back, but Wagner’s return will likely mean less playing time for Anthony Black.

Williams did not play in Saturday’s win over the Grizzlies, as it was Portland’s second game in as many nights. If he’s unable to play against the 76ers, the Trail Blazers would turn to Yang Hansen to serve as the backup center. Williams’ absence would likely mean more minutes for starting center Donovan Clingan as well.

After making his season debut in Friday’s win over the Grizzlies, Henderson did not play the following night. On track to play against the 76ers, he’ll likely be under a minutes restriction if cleared. Caleb Love could be made inactive, since he’s close to his 50-game limit.

Due to his lower back injury, Avdija has missed Portland’s last two games. The Trail Blazers were also without Shaedon Sharpe for Saturday’s win over the Grizzlies, which prompted Sidy Cissoko to move into the starting lineup. If Avdija can play on Monday, his return may also lead to Caleb Love being made inactive as he approaches his 50-game limit.

Embiid was also listed as questionable ahead of Saturday’s win over the Suns, a game in which he played 33 minutes. Look for him to take on a similar workload on Monday if cleared to play. If Embiid can’t play, the 76ers will turn to Andre Drummond to move into the starting lineup.

Saturday’s game will be the second that Dončić has missed since straining his left hamstring during Thursday’s win over the 76ers. Rui Hachimura was inserted into the starting lineup in Saturday’s win over the Warriors, due partly to Austin Reaves (calf) being limited to 25 minutes. Whether Hachimura starts on Monday will likely depend on Reaves’ minutes allowance.

Ayton was held out of Saturday’s win over the Warriors, with the Lakers scratching him just before tipoff due to a sore right knee. If he can play against the Thunder, that will push Jaxson Hayes back to the bench.