NBA Player News

Embiid (oblique) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nets.

Embiid will miss an eighth consecutive contest due to a right oblique strain, though he's expected to be re-evaluated soon. With the star big man sidelined, Adem Bona (back) and Andre Drummond (back), who are both listed as questionable, are candidates for increased playing time. If either of those two are ruled out, Trendon Watford would be in line for more playing time. Embiid's next opportunity to play will come Sunday against the Trail Blazers.

Drummond (back) is questionable to play Saturday against the Nets.

After not being part of the rotation against Memphis on Tuesday, Drummond was sidelined for Thursday's game due to a back injury and could be in street clothes again Saturday. Adem Bona (back) is also questionable, and if both big men are out, Dominick Barlow and MarJon Beauchamp would be slated for major minutes.

Claxton will be rested Saturday against the 76ers, Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.com reports.

This is simply a maintenance day for Brooklyn's starting center. Look for him to be back in action Monday against the 76ers. Danny Wolf is likely going to shoulder a sizable workload Saturday.

Williams is listed questionable for Friday's game against the Jazz due to left knee injury management.

Friday's contest is a standalone game rather than being part of a back-to-back set, but the Trail Blazers could look to build in a rest day for Williams nonetheless after he played 20-plus minutes in each of the team's last four games. If Williams ends up sitting Friday, Portland would likely be able to reopen a spot in the rotation for Sidy Cissoko.

Cardwell (ankle) practiced with the Kings on Friday, James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento reports.

The Kings announced Feb. 18 that Cardwell would be re-evaluated in four weeks, so the rookie is due for an update shortly. His availability at practice is a sign that he's trending in the right direction.

Gafford (rest) is listed doubtful for Friday's game against the Cavaliers.

The Mavericks are preparing to hold Gafford out for the second leg of a back-to-back set for injury maintenance. Gafford was terrific in Thursday's win over Memphis, finishing with 22 points (9-12 FG, 4-7 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist and one block in 27 minutes. Assuming Gafford ends up being ruled out in advance of the 7:30 p.m. ET tipoff, backup Marvin Bagley will likely be in line for a slight bump in playing time, and Dwight Powell should re-enter the Dallas rotation.

Aldama (knee) is out for Friday's game against Detroit.

Aldama will miss a 17th straight game and remains without a timetable to return. His next chance to play comes Monday against Chicago.

Zubac (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Knicks.

Zubac made his Pacers debut Thursday, posting eight points (4-6 FG), six rebounds and two assists across 16 minutes during the 123-108 loss to the Suns. That was his first appearance since Feb. 2, and the veteran big man will likely be limited for the remainder of the campaign. It's surprising to see him even have a shot to suit up for the second night of Indiana's back-to-back set, but Zubac hardly ever misses time, appearing in at least 68 games in six straight seasons before 2025-26.

Duren has right knee soreness and is questionable for Friday's game against the Grizzlies.

Friday's game is the second leg of a back-to-back set, and the Pistons appear to be contemplating a maintenance day. If Duren is unable to give it a go, the team may lean more on Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed in the frontcourt.

Towns (knee) is doubtful for Friday's game against the Pacers.

Towns, who was previously listed as questionable, is trending in the wrong direction for fantasy managers. With New York's starting center likely to sit, Mitchell Robinson should have a lot of appeal as a streaming option.