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Franchise - $ - Preseason | NBA Week 5

Sixers' team meeting calls out tardy Joel Embiid

Tue Nov 19 3:39pm ET
Field Level Media

With frustration growing after a 2-11 start to the season, the Philadelphia 76ers held a team meeting Monday night, pointing some of the blame at former league Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid, ESPN reported Tuesday.

With NBA championship aspirations after spending more than $400 million to put together a "big three" of Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers have started with a thud in last place in the Eastern Conference. And Maxey, in the team meeting, called on Embiid to stop being tardy "for everything" because of the impact his lateness has on the rest of the team, per ESPN.

Because of injuries, illness and a three-game suspension to Embiid, the three have yet to play together.

"Tyrese loves Big Fella, but this is the elephant in the room," someone in the meeting told ESPN.


Veteran Kyle Lowry reportedly summoned the team and coaches to the meeting after Philadelphia's 106-89 loss to the Miami Heat.

Embiid apparently accepted the criticism from Maxey, with the pair described by ESPN as close friends. Embiid -- who was an All-NBA pick and the MVP in 2022-23 -- has played in just three games this season.

Coach Nick Nurse also heard from players that they want tougher coaching, while Nurse's staff expressed that players need to up their game in practice. Embiid, per ESPN, said he sometimes is confused by what's going on on the court.

Maxey, signed to a five-year, nearly $204 million offseason deal, strained his right hamstring on Nov. 6 and has been out since but is expected to return soon.

George, a nine-time All-Star, inked a four-year, $212 million deal as a free agent in the offseason. A bone bruise in his left knee has limited George to seven games.

Player Notes
Bradley Beal Tue Nov 19 8:50pm

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (calf) won't play against the Knicks on Wednesday night. The 31-year-old will now miss his fifth-straight contest, which is not ideal, considering the team is also without Kevin Durant (calf). Even worse, Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is questionable heading into Wednesday's game. At any rate, Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn should continue to start, although Grayson Allen, who had 17 points off the bench on Monday, is a much safer fantasy option.

Jusuf Nurkic Tue Nov 19 8:40pm

Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup with the New York Knicks. The veteran has been burdened by an ankle injury. While he's mostly played through it, it finally kept him off the floor for Monday's loss to the Orlando Magic. Mason Plumlee got the start in that one, ending the night with 11 boards, eight points, and six assists. With that said, Plumlee will retain streaming value if Nurkic can't get back on the floor for Wednesday's contest.

Anthony Davis Tue Nov 19 8:30pm

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) will play on Tuesday versus Utah. The 31-year-old has been dealing with a foot injury for a while, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect this to go away anytime soon. Fortunately, he should continue to play, barring a setback. Davis has had an MVP-caliber season thus far, averaging a career-high 31.1 points with 11.2 boards and 2.0 blocks while shooting 42.9% from deep. Of course, he needs to be in any fantasy lineup imaginable. Davis could also thrive even more with Walker Kessler (hip) sidelined.

Jalen Johnson Tue Nov 19 8:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (leg) is questionable for Wednesday's matchup versus the Warriors. Johnson has played well this season, averaging career-highs in points (19.4), rebounds (9.9), and assists (5.4). He missed Monday's one-point win over the Sacramento Kings on Monday because of left leg inflammation. If the 22-year-old can't suit up against Golden State, Garrison Mathews may remain in the starting lineup. However, Dyson Daniels and De'Andre Hunter are the players who could continue to benefit the most, with the duo combining for 38 points on Monday.

Stephen Curry Tue Nov 19 8:10pm

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) is probable heading into Wednesday's meeting with the visiting Hawks. The veteran sharpshooter is dealing with a case of left knee bursitis. He carried a questionable designation ahead of Monday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. However, Curry was out there, finishing with 26 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He also shot 40% from behind the arc. With that in mind, if Curry suffers a setback and doesn't play, it may mean more minutes and scoring opportunities for Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga, and Brandin Podziemski.

Ben Sheppard Tue Nov 19 7:10pm

Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (oblique) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. The 23-year-old missed Monday's contest due to a left oblique strain, but coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism that it won't turn into a long-term issue. If Sheppard is unavailable, Jarace Walker and Quenton Jackson could see an increase in playing time. Sheppard has been a consistent part of the Pacers' rotation, averaging 21.0 minutes and 5.8 points per game. Fantasy managers will want to check for updates closer to game time to see if Sheppard suits up.

Jalen Green Tue Nov 19 7:00pm

Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (illness) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Indiana Pacers, leaving his availability uncertain. The 22-year-old has had an up-and-down season, averaging 19.7 points per game and playing in every game thus far. In his most recent contest, he came close to a double-double with 21 points and 9 rebounds against the Milwaukee Bucks. Fantasy managers should check for updates later Wednesday to see if Green suits up. If he's unable to play, Reed Sheppard and Aaron Holiday could take on more responsibility in the Houston backcourt.

Myles Turner Tue Nov 19 6:50pm

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (calf) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Houston Rockets. The 28-year-old missed Monday's contest against the Raptors due to right calf soreness, but head coach Rick Carlisle expressed optimism that the big man could return for Wednesday's matchup. If Turner remains sidelined, Enrique Freeman would likely step in for additional minutes. A key contributor this season, Turner has averaged 17.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, making his potential return something fantasy managers will be eagerly watching.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Tue Nov 19 6:40pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (kneecap) is listed as probable for Wednesday's matchup against the Chicago Bulls as he continues to manage right patella tendinopathy. The former MVP is expected to play through the injury, but if he is ruled out, Bobby Portis would likely step into the starting lineup. Fantasy managers will be eager to see Antetokounmpo suit up, given his dominant season averages of 31.4 points and 12.4 rebounds per game. Earlier this season against Chicago, he delivered a stellar performance with 38 points and 11 rebounds.

Marcus Smart Tue Nov 19 6:30pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (illness) has been ruled out for Tuesday's tilt against Denver. He missed a clash with the Nuggets on Sunday and was already listed as questionable for Tuesday's game. Health issues have limited Smart to only seven appearances in 2024-25, and he's been way off his game even when he has been on the court, posting 7.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Vince Williams Jr. and Luke Kennard have a chance to play more with Smart out of commission, but they haven't exactly set the world alight this season.

Anfernee Simons Tue Nov 19 6:20pm

Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (illness) is regarded as questionable for Wednesday's meeting with Oklahoma City. An illness has already knocked him out for a couple of games, and he might miss another one. Scoot Henderson has rolled with the starters during Simons' absence. He's been inconsistent all year and doesn't look like a good fantasy option at present. Dalano Banton's minutes have also been on the up lately, and he's coming off a 23-point performance against Atlanta. Banton has averaged 13.3 points for the month, but his scoring form faces a big test on Wednesday, as the Thunder own the league's best defensive rating (102.4).

Tyrese Maxey Tue Nov 19 6:10pm

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (hamstring) has been upgraded from out to questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Maxey has missed the last six games due to a right hamstring strain. It sounds like he's on the verge of returning which is great news for this Sixers team. Fellow guard Kyle Lowry (hip) has been ruled out for at least the next three games. That means, Jared McCain should see heavy minutes if Maxey and Lowry are both out. McCain has been excellent lately and is someone who needs to be rostered in most formats. Reggie Jackson and Eric Gordon figure to gain minutes as well if Maxey remains out. If active, Maxey might be on a minutes limit during his first game back, so fantasy managers should be mindful of that.

Kyle Lowry Tue Nov 19 6:10pm

Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry (hip) has been ruled out for the next three games. It appears Lowry suffered a right hip strain during Monday's scoreless outing against the Miami Heat. Now, Lowry will be shut down and re-evaluated next week. The Sixers are also without Tyrese Maxey (hamstring), but he's currently listed as questionable for Wednesday's contest. If he sits, Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, and Reggie Jackson would all continue seeing significant roles in the rotation. McCain is by far the best option out of the bunch in terms of fantasy production.

Deandre Ayton Tue Nov 19 6:10pm

Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (finger) has been listed as doubtful on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's matchup against Oklahoma City. He's dealing with a right index finger injury, and it looks like the Trail Blazers will be without Ayton for a fourth consecutive game. If that's the case, Donovan Clingan should continue to start. The seven-foot-two rookie produced a monster effort with a double-double and eight blocks against Minnesota last week but has been inconsistent. Robert Williams III also benefits from Ayton's absence.

Tre Mann Tue Nov 19 6:00pm

Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (back) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Tuesday's game against Brooklyn. He's returning to the lineup after sitting out one game. Mann has enjoyed a good start to the campaign, averaging 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 24.7 minutes off the bench. However, he might have a difficult time on Tuesday, as only nine teams allow fewer bench points than the Nets. Mann's return will likely push Vasilije Micic out of the rotation.

Ja Morant Tue Nov 19 6:00pm

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (hip) has already missed the last five games due to injury and it doesn't sound like he's on the verge of returning. Head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Tuesday that Morant's imaging on his hip came back positive. Despite that, Morant is still considered week-to-week, so this isn't great news for fantasy managers. The assumption is that Morant will be out until at least early December. Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells have been picking up the slack with Morant being sidelined. Both players are worth looking at while the Grizzlies are shorthanded in the backcourt.

Luka Doncic Tue Nov 19 6:00pm

Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic (knee) will play against New Orleans on Tuesday. He returns to the lineup after missing one game. Doncic produced a rare dud in his last outing and should be amped up to get back to his best against the Pelicans. Quentin Grimes will land back on the bench with Doncic's return. Grimes has had a couple of good outings recently, but he's been a starter on these occasions. The 24-year-old doesn't have fantasy value as a reserve.

Sam Merrill Tue Nov 19 5:50pm

Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Sam Merrill (ankle) will be back in the lineup as a starter on Tuesday against Boston. He's been sidelined for three games with ankle inflammation. Merrill makes his return at a good time because the Cavaliers have lost some rotational pieces for Tuesday's game. This should guarantee him plenty of playing time. The 28-year-old has averaged 6.8 points in 19.7 minutes this season but might get past the 25-minute mark on Tuesday, with Caris LeVert (knee) and Isaac Okoro (ankle) missing.

Zach Edey Tue Nov 19 5:50pm

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle) suffered an injury during Sunday's win over the Denver Nuggets. Since then, Edey underwent imaging that looked promising, according to head coach Taylor Jenkins. However, the rookie center is currently being listed as week-to-week by the organization. That's a shame considering Edey was putting together a promising start to his rookie campaign. The loss of Edey means more playing time for Jay Huff, Brandon Clarke and Santi Aldama in the rotation going forward. Between the trio, Aldama might be the best streaming choice given he's scored double digits in four of his last six games.

Isaac Okoro Tue Nov 19 5:40pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Isaac Okoro (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics. Okoro has been downgraded from questionable to out after he suffered a sprained left ankle during Sunday's game. The Cavs are also without Caris LeVert (knee), so that could mean big minutes for Georges Niang. The expectation is that Niang will play minutes in the mid or high 20s with the Cavs shorthanded. He has finished with double digit scoring in three of his last four games. Fantasy managers should consider Niang as a possible streaming option without Okoro available.


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