NBA Player News

If how Wizards head coach Brian Keefe handled the playing time in Thursday’s win is an indication of what’s to come, Riley will be an attractive “silly season” option. While starters Alex Sarr (12/6/1/0/1 with two three-pointers) and Kyshawn George (8/3/3 with one three-pointer) were limited to 18 minutes, the rookie out of Illinois played 29 off the bench. And he was productive, enjoying one of his best performances of the season. Washington plays its last game of Week 16 on Saturday against the Nets.

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.

Injured during a January 17 loss to the Heat, Williams has been removed from the Thunder injury report for Monday’s game. For Oklahoma City’s most recent game, a February 7 loss to the Rockets, Aaron Wiggins was the fifth starter. Either he or Cason Wallace will head to the bench if the Thunder put J-Dub into the starting five immediately.

Clayton suffered a right calf contusion during Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers. If he’s available for Monday’s game, playing time will be challenging to come by. Ty Jerome, Cam Spencer and Scotty Pippen Jr. are all available, which may push Clayton out of the rotation entirely.

Coward did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Trail Blazers, which was Memphis’ second game in as many nights. His return will bounce Jahmai Mashack to the bench, and potentially out of the rotation entirely, as the rookie is on a two-way contract.