NBA Player News

Bona (back) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week after seeing a specialist, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

The fact that Bona needed to see a specialist suggests the injury may be more significant than initially thought, and he'll remain sidelined for at least the next several games. Even when healthy, the big man has seen his role shrink with Joel Embiid (foot) back in the rotation, averaging just 0.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in four appearances outside of his 25-minute effort against the Pistons in late October. In Bona's absence, Jabari Walker could see a few more minutes as Philadelphia's backup center.

Minnesota recalled Evans from the G League's Iowa Wolves on Thursday.

Evans is back with the Timberwolves and could be available off the bench for the next NBA games, coming off a pair of G League outings in which he totaled 30 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and six steals over 50 minutes of play. It remains difficult for Evans to see meaningful participation at the NBA level, and he could eventually be assigned again to the Iowa affiliate.

Embiid (foot) remains questionable for Thursday's game against the Raptors, but he participated in the team's morning shootaround, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Embiid and LeBron James (back) are trending in the right direction after drawing questionable tags, but their availability has yet to be determined, with the superstar big man saying he has "no idea" if he's going to be playing Thursday. Even if Embiid is cleared to play against the Raptors, it's likely that he'll miss at least one game during the 76ers' upcoming Sunday-Monday back-to-back set.

James (back) remains questionable for Thursday's game against the Raptors, but he participated in the team's morning shootaround, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

James and Joel Embiid (foot) are both trending in the right direction after drawing questionable tags, but their availability has yet to be determined. Even if James is cleared to play Thursday, the lingering back issue is something to monitor. The veteran superstar played a season-low 29 minutes in Tuesday's loss to Boston, and the 76ers have a Sunday-Monday back-to-back set coming up.

Fears tallied 14 points (6-12 FG, 2-3 3Pt), four rebounds and five assists across 28 minutes in Wednesday's 145-111 loss to the Nets.

Fears delivered efficient scoring and solid playmaking despite New Orleans' lopsided defeat. His five assists were encouraging, but four turnovers and a lack of defensive stats reduced his overall fantasy value. Despite the Pelicans' struggles, Fears has posted solid numbers overall as a scoring threat -- he's posted double-digit points in each of his last 10 games while averaging 16.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest over that stretch.

Ament contributed two points (1-3 FG, 0-1 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist and one block over 22 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 loss to the Lakers.

Ament supplanted Jaime Jaquez in the starting lineup for the first time this season, but the rookie struggled to make an impact, attempting just three shots. His streak of two straight double-digit scoring games came to an end, though he did chip in a block. The rookie has been trending in the right direction, but his fantasy value remains limited, and he should be viewed as a deeper-league or dynasty option.

Jaquez registered 25 points (7-16 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 9-9 FT), five rebounds, three assists and two steals across 30 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 loss to the Lakers.

Jaquez provided a big scoring lift off the bench after being supplanted by rookie Nate Ament for the first time this season. Jaquez has carved out a substantial role in Milwaukee's rotation, regularly seeing 30-plus minutes, and his all-around production makes him a reliable fantasy option. Even if he continues to come off the bench, Jaquez should remain rostered in all formats as long as his playing time holds steady.

Wolf registered 10 points (3-8 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 11 rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks across 29 minutes in Wednesday's 145-111 win over the Pelicans.

Wolf delivered a productive multi-category performance, securing a double-double for the second time in his last three starts while adding three combined defensive stats. His four assists were also valuable, highlighting his ability to contribute beyond traditional frontcourt categories. Wolf's rebounding and defensive activity provide an encouraging fantasy foundation, and his scoring seems to be trending in the right direction as well. This was his fourth consecutive game with 10 or more points. He'll remain a valuable waiver pickup as long as he remains in the starting unit.

Burries finished with eight points (3-7 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, one assist and two steals in 23 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 loss to the Lakers.

Burries had a quiet night offensively but contributed on the defensive end with a pair of steals. The rookie has shown flashes of his two-way potential, though his scoring has been inconsistent. With Milwaukee in rebuilding mode, Burries should continue to see meaningful minutes, but he remains a deeper-league option for now, particularly for those needing steals and rebounds from the guard position.

Kessler logged 10 points (5-10 FG), 11 rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 29 minutes during Wednesday's 123-112 victory over the Bucks.

Kessler recorded another double-double, controlling the glass while adding a steal and a block. While his scoring was modest, he continues to provide the Lakers with a reliable interior presence alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. His rebounding and shot-blocking upside make him a solid option in standard leagues, particularly for those in need of big-man stats.