NBA News

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Considered Probable Thursday

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Houston Rockets, as the team has listed him as probable for the game. The former MVP took a night off for the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. It was only his second absence in 12 games. Embiid has built good momentum and has a chance to post a third consecutive 30-point game on Thursday night in a fascinating matchup against Alperen Sengun. Andre Drummond started on Tuesday and will drop back to the bench if Embiid returns, while Adem Bona's workload will also decrease.

Jan 22

Kawhi Leonard • SF • Clippers

Kawhi Leonard Questionable Thursday

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Battle of Los Angeles against the Lakers. After recently dealing with an ankle sprain, Leonard is on the injury report with a left knee contusion and has missed three games. During Leonard's absence, Kobe Sanders has been a regular starter. Yet, the 23-year-old rookie has not been very impactful in the role. He has averaged 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals since joining the first unit. On Thursday night, Sanders could be more productive, as the Clippers will be in a pace-up spot and meet a team that sits 25th in defensive efficiency.

Jan 22

Kevin Porter Jr. • PG • Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr. Out Indefinitely With Oblique Strain

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is facing a spell on the sidelines due to a strained oblique. Before Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers told reporters Porter Jr. "won't be able to play anytime soon." The 25-year-old had played through the injury for a couple of games before sitting out Wednesday's contest. Porter Jr. has been a productive sidekick for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.1 steals this season. With Porter Jr. unavailable, Gary Harris started on Wednesday night but played only nine minutes. Cole Anthony was back in the rotation and looks to be the biggest beneficiary of Porter Jr.'s absence. He finished Wednesday's tilt with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists.

Jan 22

Jonas Valančiūnas • C • Nuggets

Jonas Valanciunas Questionable Versus the Wizards

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Wizards. The veteran big man suffered a right calf strain during the win over the Toronto Raptors on New Year's Eve. He was initially projected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. While that may remain the case, the questionable tag seems to indicate Valanciunas might be back sooner than anticipated. With Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf, the Nuggets could certainly use Valanciunas's services as soon as possible. In the meantime, Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will presumably continue handling things in the middle, with Zeke Nnaji getting around 15-20 minutes of work from off the bench.

Jan 22

Christian Braun • SG • Nuggets

Christian Braun Remains Sidelined on Thursday

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (ankle) remains out on Thursday versus the Washington Wizards. There hasn't been any real indication he's nearing a return, although the team certainly isn't looking to rush things regarding his recovery. While Braun continues to work his way back, Jalen Pickett is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with the 26-year-old averaging 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 44.2% shooting from behind the arc in 11 starts this season.

Jan 22

Jalen Suggs • SG • Magic

Jalen Suggs Questionable Versus Charlotte

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against Charlotte. He's missed seven contests because of his latest ailment, a right knee contusion. However, even if the 24-year-old isn't back for this one, the questionable designation at least suggests he's trending in a positive direction. If Suggs suits up, he'll probably see limited action. That may last for at least a few games. As a result, Anthony Black should remain even more relevant for fantasy managers while Suggs works his way back to form.

Jan 22

Caris LeVert • SF • Pistons

Caris LeVert Sidelined Wednesday

Detroit Pistons shooting guard Caris LeVert (illness) won't play Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. LeVert is dealing with an illness, and his next chance to return to action is on Friday against the Rockets. Detroit's backcourt will also be without its star point guard, Cade Cunningham (hip, illness), so Jaden Ivey and Daniss Jenkins will likely see expanded roles and could be considered marginal streaming options ahead of tonight's clash in The Big Easy.

Jan 21

Cade Cunningham • PG • Pistons

Cade Cunningham Unavailable on Wednesday

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (illness, hip) won't suit up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. The 24-year-old is feeling under the weather, and he is also dealing with a left hip contusion. His next chance to get back on the floor is on Friday against Houston. With Cunningham out of action, Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins will likely have expanded roles in the Pistons backcourt.

Jan 21

Tre Mann • PG • Hornets

Tre Mann Available Versus Cavs

Charlotte Hornets PR announced that Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (illness) will suit up against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The 24-year-old was feeling under the weather and was added to the injury report late, but he has since been cleared to play. Mann is averaging 7.8 points, 2.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game across 28 outings this season. With a fully healthy Hornets backcourt, Mann will likely see limited minutes during tonight's contest.

Jan 21

Ja'Kobe Walter • SG • Raptors

Ja'Kobe Walter Out of Action Again on Wednesday

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) won't play on Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings. Walter is dealing with a right hip pointer and he will miss his sixth straight game. The 21-year-old's next chance to suit up comes on Friday on the road in Portland. An injury-riddled Raptors lineup will also once again be without RJ Barrett (ankle), so they will rely on Jamal Shead to be the primary playmaker, making him a solid streaming option during tonight's clash.

Jan 21

RJ Barrett • SG • Raptors

RJ Barrett Remains Sidelined on Wednesday

Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (ankle) is still not ready to return from a sprained left ankle, and he'll miss his seventh straight game on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. Barrett still hasn't been given a timeline for his return, and he should be considered questionable for Friday's matchup with the Trail Blazers. With Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) also out of action, Jamal Shead and Grady Dick will continue to carry a heavier workload during tonight's clash.

Jan 21

Collin Murray-Boyles • PF • Raptors

Collin Murray-Boyles Ruled Out on Wednesday

Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will sit out Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The 20-year-old rookie will miss his second consecutive contest due to a thumb contusion. His next chance to return is on the road in Portland on Friday. With Jakob Poeltl (back) still out, Sandro Mamukelashvili should get all the work he can handle. Mamukelashvili can score points in bunches, and with added minutes, he could be a servicable streaming option during tonight's tilt.

Jan 21

Domantas Sabonis • C • Kings

Domantas Sabonis Sidelined Wednesday

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (rest) won't play against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Tonight's contest is the second half of a back-to-back, so the 29-year-old big man will sit out for injury maintenance. Sabonis finished with six points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes during Tuesday's 130-117 loss to the Heat. With Sabonis out and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) considered questionable, Maxime Raynaud could be in line for extra minutes. The 22-year-old rookie has become a marginal fantasy asset as he's posted averages of 9.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in his last eight outings.

Jan 21

Isaiah Hartenstein • C • Thunder

Isaiah Hartenstein Unavailable Against Bucks

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (calf) will miss his 13th consecutive game on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has yet to play in 2026 due to a right soleus strain. Oklahoma City's frontcourt may also be without Jaylin Williams (glute), who is considered questionable for Wednesday night. Kenrich Williams and Branden Carlson are looking at an opportunity to make larger contributions off the bench, but they aren't good fantasy options. Hartenstein's next chance to return will be on Friday against the Indiana Pacers. Given the lack of updates from the team, it wouldn't be surprising if Hartenstein remains out for the week.

Jan 21

Myles Turner • C • Bucks

Myles Turner Uncertain for Wednesday Night

Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (ankle) is considered questionable for Wednesday's matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is on the injury report with a left ankle sprain. Turner recently missed his first game of the season due to illness. It has been a frustrating year for Turner, who has been limited to 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in January. Should Turner sit out on Wednesday night, Bobby Portis would be poised to take his place in the starting lineup, while Pete Nance and Jericho Sims could see extra minutes off the bench.

Jan 21

Kevin Porter Jr. • PG • Bucks

Kevin Porter Jr. Questionable Wednesday

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is questionable for Wednesday's tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He may miss a meeting with the defending champions due to an oblique strain. Porter Jr. has had a productive year in Milwaukee, but he was dropped to the bench on Monday against the Atlanta Hawks after he had produced a zero-point outing in the previous game. Kyle Kuzma jumped to the first unit and had 10 points with two assists. If Porter Jr. can't play against the Thunder, Ryan Rollins' workload will likely increase, and Cole Anthony may get back into the rotation.

Jan 21

Cam Thomas • SG • Nets

Cam Thomas Rejoins Nets Lineup for Meeting With Knicks

Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Cam Thomas (hamstring) will return to the lineup on Wednesday night against the New York Knicks. He sat out the second leg of a back-to-back on Monday versus the Phoenix Suns. Since returning from a hamstring injury in late December, Thomas has struggled for consistency. He is averaging 12.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 23.4 minutes in January. The 24-year-old has finished three of his last four appearances with single-digit points. Still, Thomas impressed with 10 assists in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bulls and can cook up a big line in a hurry if he gets hot.

Jan 21

Jaylen Brown • SG • Celtics

Jaylen Brown Considered Probable Wednesday

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is listed as probable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers. The 2024 Finals MVP is expected to play despite experiencing tightness in his left hamstring. Brown recently missed one game due to a back issue. Since returning, he has averaged 33.3 points and 8.0 rebounds over three outings. Against Indiana, Brown has put up 30.5 points per game across two prior meetings in 2025-26, shooting an impressive 53.3 percent from the field.

Jan 21

Steven Adams • C • Rockets

Steven Adams Out Indefinitely With Ankle Sprain

Houston Rockets center Steven Adams (ankle) has been ruled out indefinitely with a Grade 3 left ankle sprain. He was injured in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Josh Okogie started in Adams' place on Tuesday night against the San Antonio Spurs. He had a quiet outing with five points, one rebound, and one steal. Houston also brought Clint Capela back into the rotation, and the Swiss big man finished with six points and two rebounds in 12 minutes. With Adams on the shelf, Jabari Smith Jr. could also see time at the center position.

Jan 21

Deandre Ayton • C • Lakers

Deandre Ayton Exits Early With Eye Injury

Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (eye) made an early exit against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. The big man was poked in the eye late in the second quarter and sat out the rest of the game. Ayton finished with four points and eight rebounds in 15 minutes. Jaxson Hayes and Drew Timme filled the gap at center in the second half. "He got poked in the eye," Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. "He looks like a pirate. His eye is not in good shape, but we're hopeful that it's just the bare minimum -- just a poke in the eye -- and he'll be back tomorrow." The Lakers return to action on Thursday night against the Clippers. Although Redick seemed optimistic about Ayton's availability for the Clippers game, it wouldn't be a shock if he appeared on the injury report.

Jan 21

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