Guest of the League
Double Double
Slam Dunk - $ - 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
Dorian Finney-Smith Tue Nov 19 4:50pm

Brooklyn Nets forwardDorian Finney-Smith(ankle) is suiting up for Tuesday's game versus the Hornets. The 31-year-old has a left ankle sprain but will play through it. After missing two games, Finney-Smith returned to the starting lineup on Friday and has played well in his last two outings, scoring at least 15 points in both games against the New York Knicks. As a vital part of the Nets' rotation, he averages nearly 30 minutes per game, contributing 10.9 points and 4.8 rebounds during this year's campaign.

Patrick Williams Tue Nov 19 4:50pm

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (feet) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 23-year-old hasn't missed a game this season, which is good news, considering he missed time during the 2023-24 campaign because of a foot injury. It's unknown if his surgically-repaired foot is giving him trouble. But for now, fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about bilateral foot soreness. Williams has played as well as expected this season, averaging 9.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 39.4% shooting from deep. Unfortunately, that type of production won't earn him a consistent place in some fantasy lineups. If he's sidelined on Wednesday, Jalen Smith could be in line for more work.

Payton Pritchard Tue Nov 19 4:40pm

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (thumb) will play in Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 26-year-old was questionable heading into this contest because of a sprained thumb. Luckily, the C's will have him out there for a touch matchup with the undefeated Cavs. While Pritchard comes off the bench, he has averaged 15.5 points and shot 41.9% from behind the arc, making him a welcome addition to any fantasy lineup.

Wendell Carter Jr. Tue Nov 19 4:40pm

Orlando Magic centerWendell Carter Jr.(foot) is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Clippers, perDan Savage of the Magic's official site. Carter was able to practice Tuesday after missing eight straight contests due to left plantar fasciitis. The 25-year-old has consistently contributed when on the floor, averaging 8.3 points and 8.8 rebounds this season. If the big man can go, he will likely see limited minutes, and Moritz Wagner,Jonathan Isaac, andGoga Bitadze will continue to see expanded roles in the frontcourt.

Devin Vassell Tue Nov 19 4:20pm

According to independent NBA writer Matthew Tynan, San Antonio Spurs guard Devin Vassell (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's game versus the Thunder due to left knee soreness. Vassell didn't play the second half of San Antonio's back-to-back Saturday against Dallas for rest purposes. However, the 24-year-old's late addition to the injury could cause some concern. If Vassell cannot suit up, Stephon Castle, Malaki Branham, and Tre Jones could see an uptick in minutes on the court.

Zion Williamson Tue Nov 19 4:10pm

On Tuesday, ESPN's Shams Charania said on the Pat McAfee show that New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) will be out for a "considerable amount of time." The Pelicans had already announced Saturday that the 24-year-old would be out indefinitely. Williamson has averaged 22.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks this regular season. However, he's been limited to only six games. With Williamson out moving forward,Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, averaging 12.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in two starts this season, can hopefully continue to fill the void in the rotation.

Nikola Jokic Tue Nov 19 3:40pm

Denver Nuggets centerNikola Jokic(personal) has been ruled out for Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. This is Jokic's third consecutive contest that he missed for personal reasons. ExpectDario Saricto be back in the starting lineup with the 29-year-old sidelined. Saric has started both games that Jokic has missed and has been a solid fantasy option rebounding-wise as he collected eight and 10 boards in his two starts.

Victor Wembanyama Tue Nov 19 3:20pm

According to independent NBA writer Matthew Tynan, San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama (knee) has been ruled for Tuesday's matchup with the Oklahoma Thunder. Wembayama's being sidelined was not surprising after he was listed as doubtful on the Spurs injury report on Monday. With the 20-year-old out, Zach Collins will likely start. During Collins's last outing, he registered 20 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and one steal across 26 minutes against the Mavs on Saturday.

Bronny James Tue Nov 19 11:10am

Los Angeles Lakers guard Bronny James Jr. (heel) is on the injury report as doubtful ahead of Tuesday's game against Utah. James last saw NBA action on Nov. 10 versus Toronto, and it looks like he will have to sit out this one due to a bruised heel. In five NBA appearances, James has scored four total points in 16 minutes. He's logged a lot more action in the G League, averaging 28.5 minutes across two outings. Shooting woes have limited him to 5.0 points per game, while James has notched 2.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks in the G League.

Bogdan Bogdanovic Tue Nov 19 9:00am

Atlanta Hawks guard/forward Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) spent 18 minutes on the floor as he returned to action against Sacramento in Monday's 109-108 win. He made only his second appearance of the season after being sidelined for three weeks due to a hamstring injury. Bogdanovic finished the contest with six points on 2-for-7 shooting, adding three rebounds and three assists to his tally. The Serbian veteran clearly has to shake off some rust, and fantasy managers must be patient with him. Garrison Mathews' role in the rotation is under threat following Bogdanovic's return.

Isaac Okoro Tue Nov 19 8:50am

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Isaac Okoro (ankle) is considered questionable for Tuesday's fascinating matchup against Boston. He suffered an ankle sprain against Charlotte on Sunday and might be forced to miss his first game of the season. Dean Wade (ankle) is already ruled out, and question marks are hanging over Caris LeVert (knee) and Sam Merrill (ankle), meaning Cleveland's rotation could have a very different look on Tuesday. The long list of injuries might give further opportunities to Ty Jerome, who impressed on Sunday with a 24-point, eight-assist effort.

Walker Kessler Tue Nov 19 8:40am

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (hip) will sit out a fifth consecutive game on Tuesday versus the Lakers. He has missed a week of action with a hip problem, and it's not fully clear when Kessler will be able to make a comeback. His injury has allowed John Collins to put together a strong stretch, while Kyle Filipowski also benefits from his absence. The two are in a strong position to continue their recent success on Tuesday, as the Lakers are ranked 26th in defensive efficiency and 23rd in rebounding rate.

Dean Wade Tue Nov 19 8:40am

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (ankle) will not take the floor on Tuesday versus Boston. He will miss his third game of the season after spraining his left ankle against Charlotte over the weekend. Wade's fantasy impact is minimal, with the 27-year-old averaging 5.5 points and 4.2 rebounds, but he's been a valuable member of the rotation and certainly will be missed as Cleveland tries to defend its unbeaten record against the defending champs. Wade's absence opens up around 20 minutes of action. Georges Niang, Caris LeVert (knee), Isaac Okoro (ankle), and Sam Merrill (ankle) can all potentially benefit from his absence, but the latter three are battling injuries themselves and might join Wade on the sidelines Tuesday.

Cam Reddish Tue Nov 19 8:30am

Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Cam Reddish (leg) is not on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's clash with Utah. Reddish sat out Saturday's 104-99 win over New Orleans due to a strained tendon in his lower right leg. However, he returned to practice on Monday and appears ready to jump back into action. Reddish has averaged 4.7 points and 3.0 rebounds in 21.0 minutes for the season. He hasn't been relevant in fantasy basketball, but his return will be significant, as Max Christie's minutes will take a hit, and Dalton Knecht might also lose some momentum. Reddish made four consecutive starts before injuring himself on Friday versus San Antonio.

Rui Hachimura Tue Nov 19 8:20am

Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Tuesday's meeting with Utah. He didn't practice on Monday, meaning it's unlikely Hachimura will be able to play, but Lakers head coach JJ Redick hasn't fully ruled him out just yet. Hachimura has been sidelined for two games already, giving Dalton Knecht and Max Christie larger roles. The two have looked good at times, but their inexperience at this level makes them fairly inconsistent performers.

Keon Ellis Tue Nov 19 1:30am

Sacramento Kings' G Keon Ellis scored 33 points on 9-of-17 shooting in a 108-109 loss to the Hawks on Monday, Nov. 18. Ellis is owned in only 2.8% leagues.

Anthony Davis Mon Nov 18 9:30pm

Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis (foot) is listed as probable ahead of Tuesday's game against the Utah Jazz. The foot injury is nothing new, so fantasy managers should expect to see his name on the injury report moving ahead. With that in mind, Davis has missed just one game so far this season after appearing in 76 during the 2023-24 campaign. He's played well, too, averaging a career-high 31.1 points with 11.2 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, and 42.9% shooting from behind the arc. As always, AD is a must-start, although his ceiling could be higher against the Jazz with Walker Kessler (hip) out again.

Stephen Curry Mon Nov 18 9:20pm

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (knee) will play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Clippers. The multi-time All-Star was questionable heading into this contest. But fantasy managers were encouraged after head coach Steve Kerr indirectly indicated he'd be good to go. Curry missed three games this season because of an ankle injury. However, he's still playing well despite being in the league for well over a decade, averaging 22.7 points and shooting 43.2% from behind the arc. With that in mind, Curry can be safely added back to fantasy lineups, although his presence will likely mean less work and scoring opportunities for Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody.

Jalen Johnson Mon Nov 18 9:10pm

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (leg) has been ruled out of Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The team announced that Johnson is dealing with left lateral lower leg inflammation. The 22-year-old has been an integral part of the Hawks' lineup, averaging 19.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG and 5.4 APG. Garrison Mathews is starting in Johnson's place, though Johnson's absence should mean more expected points production from rookie Zaccarie Risacher and more rebounding production from Clint Capela. Fantasy managers and DFS managers may find more value in Risacher than Capela.

Nikola Jokic Mon Nov 18 9:00pm

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (personal) is listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against the Memphis Grizzlies. If he's unable to play it will be his third straight game missed. Expect Dario Saric to be back in the lineup on Tuesday if the 29-year-old doesn't play. Saric has started both games that Jokic has missed and has provided decent fantasy value from a rebounding perspective, grabbing eight and 10 boards in his two starts. He's been much less productive scoring, notching only nine and 10 points in his two starts. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues may find more value in starting Saric but other fantasy managers and DFS players may be able to find better options.


Rotate for more data.