Joel Embiid Back on Thursday Night
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will play on Thursday versus Golden State. The 31-year-old hasn't played the best throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he's at least been showing signs of life of late, averaging 22.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 1.3 steals in three appearances in November. While Embiid will presumably be limited from a minutes standpoint, he's a must-start in all formats.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Al Horford Available on Thursday
Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford (back) will play Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Horford has been out of action for four consecutive contests due to sciatica. Through 10 outings this season, the 38-year-old veteran center is averaging 21.8 minutes per game. However, he may be assigned a heavier workload than expected upon his return, with veterans Stephen Curry (quad) and Jimmy Butler III (knee) sidelined.
Source: Sam Gordon
Source: Sam Gordon
Jonathan Kuminga Cleared for Action on Thursday Night
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) will play on Thursday in Philadelphia. The 23-year-old has played sparingly since returning from a seven-game stint on the shelf. However, with Stephen Curry (quadriceps) and Jimmy Butler III (knee) both sidelined, Kuminga could be a top offensive contributor for the Dubs on Thursday night, especially if he ends up getting the start.
Source: Joseph Dycus
Source: Joseph Dycus
Jusuf Nurkic Out of Action Thursday
Utah Jazz center Jusuf Nurkic (ribs) is unavailable for Thursday's matchup with the Brooklyn Nets. Due to a rib contusion, Nurkic will miss the first half of a back-to-back set this evening. While the 31-year-old big man is sidelined, 22-year-old Kyle Filipowski will take on extra playing time. Filipowski provided 12 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block across 29 minutes in his last appearance on Monday against Houston. He could potentially give fantasy managers a productive option with the extended minutes during Nurkic's absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Terance Mann Available Versus Utah
Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (ribs) will play on Thursday versus Utah after missing the last two games. The 29-year-old has averaged 8.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 19 appearances this season. Without question, those statistical contributions aren't the best. However, with Michael Porter Jr. (back) resting, Mann might be in line for a much more productive night against one of the worst defensive teams in the National Basketball Association.
Source: Meghan Triplett
Source: Meghan Triplett
De'Anthony Melton to be Capped at 20 Minutes on Thursday
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) is available for Thursday's meeting with the 76ers. He hasn't played in nearly a year after suffering a partially torn ACL during a game versus the Dallas Mavericks last December, resulting in surgery. Melton will likely have some rust to shake off in his first game back from a lengthy layoff, so it's unknown how impactful he will be offensively. However, the 27-year-old could at least make life a little more difficult on the defensive end for Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and others. With head coach Steve Kerr indicating Melton will be capped at 20 minutes of action, he should be considered a desperation streaming option (at best) for deep-league fantasy participants.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Paolo Banchero Upgraded to Questionable for Friday Night
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (groin) is questionable for Friday's meeting with the Miami Heat after missing the last 10 games. There's likely some hurdles he'll need to clear before getting the green light to suit up. However, the questionable designation at least suggests he's moving in the right direction. The 23-year-old out of Duke averaged 21.7 points in his 12 appearances before being sidelined with the groin strain, down from the 2024 campaign. Still, he's certainly missed by fantasy managers in all formats. With that said, if Banchero doesn't play on Friday evening, Tristan da Silva, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 38.3% shooting from deep in 10 starts, will presumably remain in the starting lineup.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Dereck Lively II to Seek "Multiple Opinions" on Right Foot Treatment
According to Mavs PR, Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively II (foot) will seek "multiple opinions" regarding further treatment of his right-foot injury. The 2023 No. 12 overall pick underwent surgery on the foot in the offseason. While it appeared the injury was behind him, he is now back on the shelf without a return timetable. Lively has played sparingly this season, also missing time with a knee sprain. In his seven appearances, he's averaged only 4.3 points, 5.3 boards (both career-lows), and 1.6 blocks. With Daniel Gafford (ankle) and P.J. Washington (ankle) also dealing with ailments of their own, Anthony Davis may need to handle most of the work at the five. Moussa Cisse could also find himself starting at some point, which may give him streaming value. As far as Lively is concerned, he's not worth stashing in redraft formats, especially since it may be a while before he is back on the floor.
Source: Mavs PR
Source: Mavs PR
Trayce Jackson-Davis Set to Suit Up Thursday
Golden State Warriors center Trayce Jackson-Davis (knee) has been upgraded to available for Thursday's tilt with the Philadelphia 76ers. Jackson-Davis was out of action for two games due to soreness in his right knee. With Al Horford (back) and Quinten Post (ankle) listed as questionable for this evening, it remains to be seen if the 25-year-old big man will have an expanded role in his return.
Source: Warriors PR
Source: Warriors PR
Ja Morant Considered Day-to-Day
Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports that Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (calf) is now considered day-to-day after missing nine consecutive contests due to a Grade 1 right calf strain. The star point guard was active during parts of Thursday's practice, and his next chance to play comes Friday against the Clippers. However, Morant will have to get in a few full practices under his belt and realistically, he will likely return to the floor in mid-December.
Source: Mike Wallace
Source: Mike Wallace
Jimmy Butler III Sidelined Thursday
According to Anthony Slater of ESPN.com, Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (knee) is unavailable versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. Butler played only 15 minutes during Tuesday's clash with Oklahoma City, exiting the contest due to a sore left knee. Gary Payton II started the second half in Butler's spot, posting 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Buddy Hield was assigned extra time on the floor as well while Butler was out of action, logging 28 minutes. Hield also collected 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals in the 124-112 Warriors loss. Both players provide fantasy value with Butler sidelined this evening.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Jaylen Brown Ruled Out Thursday Against the Wizards
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown (illness) will not play on Thursday, as expected, after the team downgraded him from doubtful to out on Thursday before they visit Washington. Brown will have a chance to return Friday at home against the Lakers for the second half of the back-to-back, but in his absence, the Celtics will be great fantasy assets while picking up his workload. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard will carry more scoring work in the backcourt, while Jordan Walsh, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez, and Josh Minott will all help fill in at forward. Walsh has been especially impressive lately and is finding ways to make meaningful contributions, while Hauser always brings streak scoring upside.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Quentin Grimes Is Ready to Return on Thursday
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (calf) is ready to return to action on Thursday after missing Tuesday's game with a calf injury. He was upgraded from questionable to available on Thursday before game time. The 25-year-old started three of his previous five games, playing big minutes in each contest and averaging 38.2 minutes per game while producing 16.8 points, 4.8 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.8 three-pointers in those five contests. With Paul George (knee) out on Thursday against the Warriors, Grimes could be in a very involved role once again, and he's a solid option to consider for DFS or streaming purposes against the injury-depleted Warriors. The Sixers play again on Friday, so keep an eye on his status going forward, since the team could choose to alternate him and George each missing a game in this set.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Paul George Will Not Play Against the Warriors
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out on Thursday, ahead of his team's home game against the Warriors. George has been limited to only six games this season and has only averaged 22.2 minutes per contest. He only played 18 minutes in Tuesday's win over the Washington Wizards and is now averaging 13.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. With George out, Justin Edwards could return to the starting lineup, which would give him much more upside as a streaming or DFS option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Joel Embiid Upgraded to Questionable for Thursday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knees) was upgraded from doubtful to questionable on Thursday before his team hosts the Warriors. Embiid is recovering from injuries to both his knees and has played just three games since Nov. 1. He last played on Sunday against the Hawks, logging 30 minutes in the double-overtime contest and finishing with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. He missed Tuesday's game, but his questionable tag indicates he has a shot to either play Thursday against the Warriors or Friday against the Bucks. Whichever game he plays, he'll be very involved for the Sixers, and he could try to give it a go on Thursday, especially with Paul George (knee) being ruled out at the same time Embiid was upgraded. If Embiid plays, Andre Drummond will have a reduced role off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
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