NBA Player News

This was Embiid’s fifth 30-point game of the season, but it wasn’t enough for the 76ers to get the win. His lack of contributions in categories other than scoring have limited his impact in category leagues; his 6.9 rebounds per game are the fewest of his career. Still, he’s played 22 games now this season, which surpassed his total of 19 games last year. As long as he’s out on the floor for Philadelphia, he’ll continue to pour in the points.

Aldama has yet to miss a game this season, and even though he doesn’t start, his absence would open up a ton of minutes in the rotation. GG Jackson and John Konchar would both take on extra minutes off the bench if Aldama is unavailable.

Morant has missed Memphis’ last six games, but he is expected to be back to take on Orlando. Trade rumors continue to swirl, but for now, Morant should return to his place in the starting lineup, which will push Cam Spencer to the bench and eliminate most of his streaming appeal.

Howard could end up missing Sunday’s game, but he hasn’t been part of the rotation over the Magic’s last two games. He likely won’t see the floor whether he is active or not.

Suggs will miss a seventh straight game, which means the Anthony Black train will continue to roll on. Black should remain in the starting lineup for at least one more game, and he’ll look to extend his streak of 20-point games to four.

Hart wasn’t on the initial injury report, but he is now dealing with soreness in the same ankle that caused him to miss eight games in late December and early January. Mitchell Robinson could start in his place in a two-big lineup, though there should be extra minutes available for Jordan Clarkson and Landry Shamet regardless.

Washington was initially listed as probable for this game with an ankle injury after missing the Mavs’ last game, which was the second of a back-to-back. However, he’ll remain out, this time due to personal reasons. Caleb Martin should be in line for at least one more start.

Carrington returned to the starting lineup for this game with Bilal Coulibaly (back) and Khris Middleton (knee) sidelined. He was able to bounce back after struggling in Wednesday’s loss where he shot 1-of-11. In this game, he was efficient as a shooter and nearly recorded his first double-double of the season. Carrington likely won’t remain in that role consistently, but he was able to have a productive night in an increased role. He could start again in Denver on Saturday, assuming Coulibaly and Middleton weren’t both just resting on the first night of a back-to-back.

Sarr had a big first half for Washington and entered the break with 18 points. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to contribute much after halftime. Sarr has had a strong second season, and the first half was indicative of that. He didn’t do much else in the box score, but that hasn’t been the case for more of the year. He’ll look to bounce back in Denver on Saturday, which should be a favorable matchup with Nikola Jokic and Jonas Valanciunas still sidelined.

Westbrook fell one point shy of matching his season high for points, but it was the efficiency of his shooting that made this performance so good. He also set a new season high for three-pointers, which was enough to help the Kings win a fourth straight game. The counting stats have been consistent for Russ this year, though they could drop as Domantas Sabonis ramps up. For now, managers shouldn’t expect this level of efficiency often, but Westbrook should see enough usage to continue providing value.

Achiuwa has been starting for the Kings with Keegan Murray (ankle) sidelined. He has had a few strong performances scattered, but the last four games have been his best. During that stretch, he’s averaging 13.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 61.1 percent from the floor. As long as he continues to start, he’ll have upside as a streamer, especially if he continues to play 33.8 minutes per game like he has during this four-game stretch.