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.
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.
Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (hamstring) will not be available for a fourth straight game on Tuesday against the Knicks. The veteran nurses a left hamstring strain. Harris had just made his second start of the year when he got hurt. However, he's not been a big part of the Magic rotation, averaging 4.1 points in 16.6 minutes. Tristan Da Silva, Anthony Black, and Jett Howard have been more involved in the action without Harris, but the three don't provide consistent fantasy value.
Bulls' G Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 11 assists and 13 rebounds in a 128-102 win over the Nets on Monday, Dec. 2.
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hip) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. Watson is dealing with an adductor issue but it hasn't forced him to miss any time. Watson has been seeing additional minutes while filling in for Aaron Gordon, who's been dealing with calf issues, but with Gordon's return on Sunday night Watson will be at risk of losing minutes going forward. In Gordon's return on Sunday Watson was still able to play 28 minutes in a start, but if Gordon is back in the starting lineup then the 22-year-old will be at risk of losing minutes. Fantasy managers should keep their eyes open for any news about the Nuggets' starting lineup on Tuesday before making any decisions about starting or sitting Watson.
Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski (leg) has been ruled out of Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Filipowski will now miss his sixth straight game as he deals with a lower leg issue. The rookie has been okay in limited minutes, averaging 7.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG in 19 minutes per game this season. With Filipowski continuing to miss time, expect more minutes overall from Jazz big men Walker Kessler and John Collins. Off the bench, expect Drew Eubanks to get some minutes but he likely won't have a big impact overall. Kessler and Collins will make much stronger fantasy options for those in need.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is listed as probable for Tuesday night's game against the Golden State Warriors. Gordon had missed 10 games dealing with a calf issue but was able to return on Sunday night against the Clippers. Gordon put up 10 points in nearly 24 minutes of action in his first game back as he came off the bench for the Nuggets. If he's feeling better it won't be a surprise to see him return to the starting lineup given Denver's defensive struggles this season. The 29-year-old also excelled against the Warriors last season, averaging 19.3 PPG and 9.0 RPG. Fantasy managers and DFS managers should keep an eye out for any news on an expected start for Gordon as it would greatly increase his value in both formats.
Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) will miss his fifth straight game on Tuesday as he continues to battle plantar fasciitis in his left foot. While Clarkson has been sidelined, Keyonte George and Collin Sexton have carried more work in the backcourt while rookie Isaiah Collier and Johnny Juzang have been able to get expanded time off the bench. Juzang had 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds in his 16 minutes against the Lakers on Sunday, and he'll remain an interesting punt play for DFS contests.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (hip) has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Utah Jazz. Caruso has been dealing with a hip strain that's caused him to miss five straight games now. The 30-year-old has brought value to the Thunder, though it hasn't translated much into fantasy value. His continued absence won't mean much to fantasy managers. Expect Aaron Wiggins to continue getting minutes off the bench for OKC. Wiggins has averaged 9.4 PPG and is a better fantasy option than Caruso, but neither will be a great option in the long run.
Raptors guard Gradey Dick (calf) was able to participate in practice on Monday and could be ready to return from a four-game absence on Tuesday as the Raptors welcome in Indiana in an NBA Emirates Cup matchup that will have no impact since both teams have already been eliminated from advancing. Dick is averaging 18.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2.3 three-pointers in over 32 minutes per game so far this season. Ja'Kobe Walter has started the last three games in his place and made a great impression. Dick will likely return to the lineup when healthy, but Walter could remain involved off the bench.
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