According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) will undergo a procedure in the next few days. He's expected to be sidelined for an "extended period of time." The reigning MVP appeared well on his way to capturing another, averaging a career-high 35.3 points with 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.1 steals. Unfortunately, he's been battling a meniscus injury, which is a tough blow for fantasy managers. It's also not good news for Philadelphia, a team that's lost 10 of 14 games without Embiid on the floor during the 2023-24 campaign. Per Wojnarowski, "the door isn't closed on an Embiid return this season." However, the medical staff will better understand his prognosis after the procedure. Of course, without Embiid in the lineup, Tyrese Maxey is expected to see a surge in scoring chances. It should also open up for minutes for Paul Reed, who has averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 12 starts this year.

Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (finger) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. As expected, Caldwell-Pope will play after being tagged as probable earlier in the day. The expectation is that Caldwell-Pope will resume his normal role in the starting unit. There is no reason to believe that the finger issue is going to impact his play. Fantasy managers who have Caldwell-Pope rostered can feel safe starting him on Sunday.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) will suit up for Sunday's game against the Utah Jazz. As expected, Antetokounmpo will play after being listed as probable coming into this game. The only reason there was any doubt about Antetokounmpo playing was the fact it is the second night of a back-to-back set. However, Antetokounmpo will start and resume his normal role in the rotation. Fantasy managers can feel safe plugging Antetokounmpo back into their lineups.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (ankle) will play against the Utah Jazz on Sunday. The superstar guard was listed as questionable coming into this game. Despite that, Lillard will suit up for the second night of this back-to-back set. He'll start alongside Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bobby Portis on Sunday. Lillard could be asked to do a little more on offense with Khris Middleton (rest) sitting out.

Portland Trail Blazers guard Malcolm Brogdon (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Denver Nuggets. This news comes after Brogdon was tagged as questionable coming into this game due to a right knee contusion. Jerami Grant (back) will join him on the sideline which will leave the Blazers shorthanded. Matisse Thybulle and Kris Murray will shift into the starting five to help fill the void. Although, Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara might be the better streaming choices even with them coming off the bench.