NBA Player News

Embiid has been available for Philadelphia’s last four games, most recently logging 40 minutes in Monday’s overtime loss to the Nuggets. While Wednesday’s game is not part of a back-to-back, the 76ers may view it as an opportunity to get their 7-footer a little time off. If Embiid sits, more playing time will be available to Adem Bona, and Andre Drummond may re-enter the rotation after picking up a DNP-CD on Monday.

Harris is on track to return Thursday night, appearing in a game for the first time since December 30. Javonte Green has been the most recent spot starter, and he may be headed to the bench if the Pistons decide that Harris will start immediately upon returning.

Duren was at practice on Wednesday, and Thursday’s game could be his first since New Year’s Day. With Isaiah Stewart (illness) also probable, Paul Reed’s playing time will decrease, even if a potential minutes restriction for Duren keeps him in the rotation.

Cunningham participated in Wednesday’s practice, and he is good to go after missing two games with a right wrist contusion. Cade’s return means that Jaden Ivey will head to the bench, which negatively affects his already-low fantasy ceiling.

Minott will miss a fifth consecutive game with a sprained left ankle. His continued absence does not affect fantasy basketball, as he had fallen behind Jordan Walsh and Sam Hauser in the pecking order before the injury.

After sitting out Monday’s loss to the Pacers with lower back spasms, Brown is not on the injury report for Thursday. His return likely pushes Baylor Scheierman to the bench, with the second-year guard offering minimal production in his spot start.

Just over a week after the Nuggets’ center had reportedly begun to do some spot shooting, he’s now progressed to on-court workouts. According to Charania, Jokić is still on track for a late-January return to action, if not slightly ahead of schedule. For Tuesday’s win over the Pelicans, Aaron Gordon served as the small-ball five, with Zeke Nnaji playing 22 minutes off the bench. Shallow-league managers can consider adding Gordon, since he’s played 30 minutes or more in consecutive games for the first time since returning from his hamstring injury.

Jović is dealing with a sore right knee, but the probable tag suggests that he’s closer to playing on Thursday than not. Depending on what happens with Jaime Jaquez Jr. (knee), who’s listed as questionable, Jović’s role may expand despite coming off the bench.

All three players are currently dealing with injuries and have missed multiple games, but their practice status could mean they are closing in on a return. The Pistons’ next game is Thursday against the Suns, and they get two more home games after that - Saturday against the Pacers and Monday against the Celtics. Daniss Jenkins and Isaiah Stewart are the biggest fantasy beneficiaries of the trio’s continued absences.

After missing two games earlier in January with a sprained right ankle, Jaquez is dealing with a sore left knee. With Davion Mitchell (shoulder) listed as doubtful, the Heat may have to rely even more on Dru Smith if Jaquez can’t go.

In addition to the toe injury that sidelined him for an extended period, Herro is also on the injury report due to a rib contusion suffered during Saturday’s loss to the Pacers. However, he is probable, so fantasy managers should expect Herro to play.