NBA Player News

Richards will start Wednesday versus the 76ers.

Josh Giddey, Tre Jones, Matas Buzelis and Jalen Smith will join Richards in the first unit for a second straight game. Through five starts this season, Richards has recorded averages of 9.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 swats per contest on 47/43/55 shooting splits.

Hayes is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's matchup with the Pacers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Hayes will get a spot-start with Deandre Ayton (back) unavailable, and it'll be Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James and Jake LaRavia joining Hayes in the first unit for Wednesday's game. Through eight starts this season, Hayes has posted averages of 11.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Embiid (oblique) will play in Wednesday's game against the Bulls, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid will return from a 13-game absence due to a strained right oblique. His return will mean fewer opportunities for Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. However, per Aaronson, Nick Nurse said Wednesday that the 76ers likely won't "go overboard" with Embiid's minutes.

The Celtics recalled Williams from the G League's Maine Celtics on Wednesday.

Williams has rejoined Boston ahead of Wednesday's game against the Thunder, but he's unlikely to be featured in the rotation. The rookie second-round pick saw extended run Tuesday in Maine's 130-105 win over the Cleveland Charge, finishing with 13 points (5-9 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-4 FT), nine rebounds, four blocks and one assist in 27 minutes.

Duren (knee) is available for Wednesday's game against the Hawks.

Despite being a late addition to the injury report, Duren is playing through knee soreness Wednesday. The All-Star big man has recorded six double-doubles in the past seven games, during which Duren has averaged 23.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 27.1 minutes per contest while shooting a potent 70.9 percent from the floor.

Ayton (back) has been downgraded to out for Wednesday's game against the Pacers, Ryan Ward of SI.com reports.

Ayton was a late addition to the Lakers' injury report Wednesday morning due to back soreness. The issue will prevent the veteran big man from suiting up, which will likely allow Jaxson Hayes and Jarred Vanderbilt to step into larger roles. Ayton's next chance to play will come Friday against Brooklyn.

The Knicks recalled Hukporti from the G League's Westchester Knicks on Thursday.

As expected, Hukporti will rejoin the Knicks ahead of their next game Thursday in Charlotte after a brief stint in the G League. The second-year big man suited up for Westchester in Tuesday's 114-104 win over the Long Island Nets, finishing with 32 points (13-23 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists, four blocks and one steal in 37 minutes.

Turner is questionable for Wednesday's game against Portland with right calf soreness.

Turner is a late addition to the injury report, and he's been nursing calf issues for the past week or so. With Bobby Portis' (wrist) status also up in the air Wednesday, the Bucks may need to turn to Jericho Sims and Pete Nance to both take on a featured role in the frontcourt.

Cardwell finished Tuesday's 134-90 loss to the Hornets with six points (3-8 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist and one block across 24 minutes.

Cardwell was part of an eight-man rotation for the injury-depleted Kings. His fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper leagues, as he's averaging 4.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 0.3 blocks in 17.8 minutes over his last six appearances.

Allen (knee) has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Heat.

Allen's streak of absences will extend to double digits. He's battling right knee tendinitis, and the team continues to treat him as day-to-day. His next chance to suit up will come during Friday's rematch against the Heat before Cleveland starts a three-game road trip. Thomas Bryant should continue to see elevated minutes off the bench until Allen is cleared to play again.