The NBA has nearly a full slate of games on college football conference championship Saturday. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers kick off the action at 4 p.m. (ET), while the Minnesota Timberwolves face the Charlotte Hornets at 5 p.m. Thus, leaving 10 games for the NBA main docket. The following is some news and rumors surrounding Victor Wembanyama, and Lauri Markkanen, plus more.
NBA Rumors: Victor Wembanyama, Lauri Markkanen, Jarred Vanderbilt and Luka Doncic
Victor Wembanyama Misses First Game As Spurs’ Losing Streak Extends to 14
Wembanyama sat out his first NBA game in San Antonio’s 121-106 setback to New Orleans on Friday. Wembanyama has been dealing with right hip tightness and considers himself “day-to-day,” wrote Andrew Lopez of ESPN. The good news is that the injury doesn’t seem too serious and the Spurs are off until December 6th when they head to Minnesota. So, the 7-4 rookie will have plenty of time to rest up.
Justin Champaignie started in place of Wembanyama at power forward, moving Zach Collins over to center. Champaignie produced 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists in 22 minutes of action. It has was Champaignie’s fifth start of the season for the Spurs who have dropped 14 straight games
Trey Murphy III Solid In Season Debut
Trey Murphy III made his season debut for the Pelicans on Friday night after missing the first 19 games while rehabilitating from arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. Murphy scored 18 points on 7 of 13 shooting, including 4 of 10 from the 3-point line. He also grabbed three rebounds and doled out one assist, one steal, and one block in 22 minutes off the bench. The Pelicans improved to 11-9 on the season with the win.
On a two-game winning streak, New Orleans faces the Chicago Bulls at the United Center tonight at 8 p.m. (ET). While Murphy is expected to be available for the second back-to-back game, the Pelicans won’t have CJ McCollum. McCollum, who has appeared in the Pels’ last two games, will sit out tonight as part of his recovery plan after missing 12 straight contests due to a collapsed lung. Christian Clark of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, McCollum is expected to rejoin the team when New Orleans faces Sacramento on Monday night.
Clark also reported that Pelicans coach Willie Green said that Zion Williamson, who normally sits out the second of back-t0-back affairs, is also expected to play tonight.
Willie Green said he expects Zion Williamson to play tomorrow on the second night of a back-to-back in Chicago. Said that could change though.
— Christian Clark (@cclark_13) December 1, 2023
Meanwhile, Jose Alvarado, who made his season debut six games ago, is questionable tonight after sitting out last night. Alvarado injured his ankle against Philadelphia on Wednesday. Matt Ryan sat out his seventh straight game with a calf injury against the Spurs and is a game-time decision tonight.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago will be without starter Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan (ankle) could also sit out tonight. LaVine is out for at least a week, according to the team. LaVine initially sat out the Bulls’ game on November 22 due to what was listed on the injury report as right foot soreness. The issue flared up again during Tuesday’s loss to Boston, forcing him out of action for Thursday’s contest vs. Milwaukee.
DeRozan is in danger of missing his second straight game, as he is questionable for tonight. KC Johnson of NBC Chicago spoke to Bulls’ coach Billy Donovan about DeRozan’s injury.
Billy Donovan said DeMar DeRozan did more today than yesterday, will likely be listed as questionable vs. Pelicans. Schedule lightens up after Saturday as Bulls don’t play again until Wednesday. His ankle situation isn’t as serious as LaVine’s foot.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 1, 2023
Lauri Markkanen Remains Out
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen will miss his fifth straight game tonight against Portland with a hamstring issue. According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, Markkanen “continues to make progress” and will be re-evaluated sometime next week.
Jazz announce Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, and Kris Dunn all remain out vs. POR on Saturday. Kelly Olynyk is questionable.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) December 2, 2023
Jordan Clarkson (thigh) and Kris Dunn (personal reasons) will also be out on Saturday, per Larsen. It will be Clarkson’s second straight missed game, while Dunn will miss his fourth consecutive contest.
After tonight, Utah is off until Wednesday.
Other Tidbits
Kristaps Porzingis has missed the Boston Celtics last three games due to a calf injury. While the 7-2 big man has not practiced with the Celtics, he has been on the court, according to Jared Weiss of The Athletic. Weiss said Porzingis’ status for Monday’s game against Indiana is up in the air.
Kristaps Porziņģis has not practiced but has been on the court, per Joe Mazzulla. Status still up in the air for the IST quarterfinals game Monday at the Pacers.
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) December 1, 2023
The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without Caris LeVert against Detroit tonight due to a left knee injury, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Fedor said it is the same issue that cost LeVert back-to-back games nearly two weeks ago. Fedor added that there was no definitive timetable for his return. The Cavaliers will also be without Dean Wade (ankle) for a sixth straight contest and Ty Jerome, who will miss his 18th consecutive contest.
Speaking of Detroit, Bojan Bogdanovic (calf) is expected to make his season debut, as he is listed as probable on the NBA’s official injury report. Ausar Thompson is also listed as probable after suffering a facial fracture against the Knicks on Thursday. Joe Harris (shoulder) and Monte Morris (quadriceps) remain unavailable for the Pistons, who have lost 16 straight games.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt will debut tonight against Houston via The Athletic’s Jovan Buha. Vanderbilt had missed the Lakers’ first 20 games with left heel bursitis.
Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura are both available for tomorrow’s game against Houston, per the Lakers.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) December 1, 2023
Rui Hachimura, who sat out the past four games following surgery to repair a nasal fracture, will also return to action. Meanwhile, Cam Reddish (groin), who has missed four of the Lakers’ past five games, is listed as probable for tonight.
The Lakers full injury report for tomorrow's game. pic.twitter.com/TJdSGA4197
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) December 2, 2023
