Wed Nov 6 12:13pm ET
Field Level Media
The NBA suspended Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid for three games on Tuesday for shoving a columnist in the team's locker room.
After an investigation, the league confirmed reports that Embiid shoved a member of the media Saturday night during the media's post-game locker room access following a 76ers loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
Embiid's suspension will begin with the next game "for which he is eligible and able to play," according to the NBA, pushing back his season debut even further.
"Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA," Joe Dumars, the league's head of basketball operations, said in a news release. "While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter's column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical."
Embiid has yet to play this season while fighting pain in his surgically repaired left knee, yet he already has received a technical foul and a suspension. The post-game technical came for waving a towel in the air while an opponent was attempting a free throw.
Saturday's scenario was far more serious. Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes had taken aim at Embiid for his lack of availability, invoking Embiid's son and his late brother Arthur in saying the former league MVP is letting people down.
Embiid made clear before the game against the Grizzlies that he was unhappy with Hayes for the column. On Saturday, Hayes returned to the 76ers' locker room, and he and Embiid got into what one eyewitness called "a verbal back-and-forth" featuring profanity.
Another report from the locker room added that Embiid said, "The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I'm going to do to you and I'm going to have to ... live with the consequences."
Embiid turned down Hayes' attempt at an apology, after which Embiid reportedly shoved Hayes on the shoulder.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Caleb Martin (back) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Martin is back in the mix following a two-game absence due to back soreness. He'll head to the bench with Kenyon Martin Jr. getting the starting nod on Tuesday. Martin is coming off a 19-point game across 27 minutes during his last game. He figures to lose some minutes here, but could still be worth a look as a low-end streaming option.
Los Angeles Lakers guardAustin Reaves(pelvis) is listed as questionable and could miss his third consecutive contest on Tuesday due to a left pelvic contusion. If the 26-year-old is unable to suit up against the Heat, D'Angelo Russell will likely be in the starting five after he 20 points, three rebounds, five assists, and one steal across 34 minutes during Monday's 109-80 loss to the Timberwolves.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (ankle) will make his return to the court for Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Wade is back in the mix following a six-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. His return won't mean too much with the Cavs mostly healthy at the forward spot. Wade figures to resume his role playing in the teens, which doesn't result in much fantasy value. Isaac Okoro and Georges Niang are likely to see a few less minutes with Wade returning.
Philadelphia 76ers guards Kyle Lowry (hip) and Reggie Jackson (knee) are both available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Charlotte Hornets. Lowry will make his return to the court after missing each of the last five games due to a hip strain. The veteran guard is averaging 24 minutes per game, but also had two scoreless outings in two of his last three games. That being said, Lowry isn't too appealing of a streaming option right now. As for Jackson, he'll likely return to his bench role which is normally only minutes in the teens, which won't be enough to give viable streaming value.
Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams (foot) will make his season debut against the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday. This will be the first time that Williams has played since December of 2023. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to be under heavy minute restriction. He figures to be eased into action for quite some time, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Williams to be a great fantasy option right away. He figures to split up the center minutes with Nick Richards. For now, Richards is the better streaming option, but Williams should be a strong option once he's back up to full speed.
Utah Jazz forward/centerMicah Potter (illness) has been downgraded to doubtful for Tuesday's matchup with the Thunder. The Jazz have been shorthanded lately, so Potter has played for at least 13 minutes in three consecutive contests. With the 26-year-old likely sidelined, players like Drew Eubanks, Brice Sensabaugh, and Svi Mykhailiuk could potentially see more playing time. However, they will not be factors in fantasy during Tuesday's contest.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Tuesday's game against the Washington Wizards. Jerome will head to the sideline for the first time this season. His absence will free up additional playing time behind Darius Garland. This should result in more playing time for Craig Porter Jr. and possibily Caris LeVert sees more minutes as well. LeVert is already averaging 24 minutes per game, so a few more minutes should give him an uptick in fantasy value for Tuesday's slate.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) is available ahead of Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play after being listed as probable on the injury report. The expectation is that Antetokounmpo will have a normal workload in this game. Antetokounmpo has been battling through tendinitis in his knee throughout the season. Despite that, he continues to suit up and play at an elite level. Fantasy managers can feel safe getting Antetokounmpo back in their lineups on Tuesday.
According to Aaron Rose of SI.com, Toronto Raptors guardGradey Dick(calf)will not suit up against the Pacers on Tuesday. Before suffering a left calf contusion, the 21-year-old averaged 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in over 32 minutes per contest. In Dick's absence, Ja'Kobe Walterwill likely start once again, as he's made an impression by posting 12 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes against Miami on Sunday.
Miami Heat have ruled out forward Nikola Jovic (ankle) and center Kel'el Ware (G-League assignment) for Wednesday's matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Key players Jimmy Butler (knee), Kevin Love (back), and Josh Richardson (illness) are all listed as questionable, adding uncertainty to Miami's rotation. Jovic, who averages 7.7 points per game, will be a notable absence, for Miami Heat's offense and dealing a blow to fantasy managers. Butler's potential return would provide a significant boost to Miami's offense, while the statuses of Love and Richardson could open the door for other players to make an impact.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Milwaukee Bucks forwardGiannis Antetokounmpo(knee) remains probable and will likely play against the Pistons on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo participated in the team's morning shootaround, which is a good sign he will be on the court this evening. The 29-year-old has been playing exceptionally well recently, averaging 38.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 9.0 assists during his last four appearances. He's also been on fire from the field, shooting 63 percent.
The Milwaukee Bucks announced guard MarJon Beauchamp (neck) has been downgraded to questionable for Tuesday's contest with the Detroit Pistons due to neck spasms. Beauchamp has also been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue that has caused him to only suit for nine of the 18 Bucks games this season. The 24-year-old averages 1.6 points while playing under five minutes per contest, making him not a strong option for fantasy managers.
On Tuesday, Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) is available to play against the San Antonio Spurs. He's been dealing with a calf injury that caused him to miss Saturday's game against Golden State. The 31-year-old has performed well when available this season, averaging 18.2 points per game. With the Suns' top players healthy, Beal is expected to make a significant impact in fantasy this evening.
Golden State Warriors forwardDraymond Green(calf) is unavailable for Tuesday's matchup with the Nuggets in the Mile High City. Green hasn't been able to practice this week due to calf tightness. With the 34-year-old sidelined, Jonathan Kuminga andKyle Anderson will likely see an uptick in minutes on the court. However, neither player has been a viable fantasy option so far this season.
Portland Trail Blazers point guard Scoot Henderson (quadriceps) carries a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash against the Clippers. He has played in only one of the Trail Blazers' last six games. Dalano Banton looks set to get extended action again if Henderson doesn't return on Tuesday. He has averaged 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.2 steals across the past five games. However, Banton has been very inconsistent in the scoring department, reaching double figures only twice during the stretch.
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (concussion) will miss a fourth consecutive game on Tuesday versus the Clippers. He hasn't traveled to Los Angeles as Williams III remains in concussion protocol. Donovan Clingan (knee) is also currently out, giving Deandre Ayton a big workload. During the team's frontcourt injury crisis, Deni Avdija has also logged some minutes as a center. The Portland centers should be in for a good night on Tuesday, as the Clippers give up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing fives.
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Kevin Huerter (ankle) has been labeled as questionable for Tuesday's battle against Houston. He has just missed his third game of the season due to an ankle sprain. With Huerter absent on Sunday versus San Antonio, Malik Monk made his first start of the season. He provided a full line in 37 minutes of action, scoring 19 points with seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block. Huerter practiced fully on Monday, which signals that there's a good chance he will return against the Rockets. However, Kings head coach Mike Brown suggested on Sunday that Monk may continue to roll with the starters, which will be a big blow to Huerter's fantasy value.
San Antonio Spurs forward Jeremy Sochan (thumb) appears ready to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday against Phoenix. He has been listed as probable on the injury report. A fractured thumb has robbed Sochan of 13 games. He looked good before the injury happened, averaging 15.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steals. Stephon Castle has run with the starters during Sochan's absence, although Julian Champagnie might be the one who has to make way in the first unit for Sochan.
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's matchup against Dallas, marking an eighth consecutive absence for him. The rookie giant is recovering from a left ankle sprain. Brandon Clarke will likely receive another start on Tuesday. It's a good matchup for him, as the Mavericks have struggled to stop big men this season, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points in the league to opposing fives.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Ty Jerome (illness) is considered questionable for Tuesday's meeting with Washington. He's in the midst of a bout with an illness and may miss his first game of the campaign. After being a third-stringer on the Cavaliers team last season, Jerome has emerged as a big part of the rotation in 2024-25. He's fifth in scoring on the team with 11.8 points and has averaged 3.6 assists with 1.4 steals in 18.8 minutes. Caris LeVert and Sam Merrill are in a position to get more action without Jerome, while Craig Porter Jr. might be back in the rotation to take care of some of the backup point guard minutes.
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