
CLE • Guard • #5
7 months ago
A late addition to Cleveland’s injury report, Merrill will not be available for a game the Cavaliers need to keep their season alive. His absence leaves the East’s top seed down a rotation player, but they will have Donovan Mitchell (ankle) in the starting lineup.
Source: Serena Winters

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell did not play in the second half of Sunday’s Game 4 blowout loss after aggravating a left ankle injury. The good news is that he’ll be available for Tuesday’s game, and the Cavaliers will need all hands on deck as they trail three games to one. Cleveland will go with its regular starting lineup, with Darius Garland, Max Strus, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen joining Mitchell. According to TNT, an MRI on Monday revealed a sprain and showed that Mitchell did not suffer any additional damage.
Source: NBA Lineups

CLE • Guard • #5
7 months ago
Absent from the Cavaliers’ initial injury report for Game 5, Merrill has been added due to a strained neck. With Donovan Mitchell (ankle) a game-time decision, Cleveland could be down two rotation players with their season on the line. They would require more production from Darius Garland, Max Strus and Ty Jerome to keep their season alive.
Source: NBA Injury Report

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell didn’t return after halftime of Sunday’s blowout loss, and Ty Jerome started in his place for the second half. The Cavs were getting stomped 80-39, but apparently the injury is more serious than initially thought, and his absence in the second half was more than precautionary. If he’s unable to go, Jerome would likely get the starting nod as Cleveland faces elimination at home down 3-1 in the series.
Source: Pat McAfee Show

IND • Forward • #1
7 months ago
Toppin has been a solid reserve for Indiana all season, but he hadn’t been as productive in the postseason until Game 4. This was the second-highest scoring playoff game of Toppin’s career, narrowly finishing behind his 21-point game against the Bucks last season. Toppin will continue to play a large role off the bench, but the odds of him reaching 20 points again are slim.

IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
For the fourth time in Indiana’s last six games, Turner scored 20 points. This time, it only took him 22 minutes. Turner has been a big part of the offense recently, and the strategy is working; they are 4-0 when he scores at least 20 points during this postseason, and they’re 17-2 over the course of the entire season when he reaches 20 points. Turner will continue to feature heavily in the offense in Game 5 as the Pacers look to close out this series.

IND • Forward • #43
7 months ago
What a night it was for Siakam, who only missed one shot in the blowout win. He only played 21 minutes, but that was more than enough for Indiana to take complete control of this game. His dominant night has them just one win away from returning to the conference finals for a second straight season. Siakam hadn’t been a significant part of the offense in this series, but the strategy to get him going paid off on Sunday. He’ll look to stay hot in Game 5 on Tuesday with a chance to close out the series.

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
It didn’t have much of an impact on the final score, but Garland was much better in the second half. He had 12 points in the third quarter alone before sitting out the entire fourth quarter. At that point, the score was simply too lopsided for Garland to continue. Still, it was good to see him have a productive night after he struggled in Game 3 and missed Games 1 and 2. With Donovan Mitchell (ankle) set to have an MRI on Monday, a lot of responsibility may fall on Garland’s shoulders to keep Cleveland’s season alive in Game 5 on Tuesday.

CLE • Center • #31
7 months ago
Coming off two straight double-doubles, Allen was rendered ineffective in Sunday’s blowout loss. He was on the floor for 20 minutes, but he set a new season-low for rebounds and missed his only shot attempt. It was a game to forget for both Allen and the Cavaliers, and they’ll only have one day off before Game 5 on Tuesday. They’ll look to get back on track and keep their season alive with the series shifting back to Cleveland.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Mitchell exited from Game 4 at halftime, and it wasn’t clear at the time if the 41-point deficit was a factor. However, Mitchell will undergo more testing on Monday, which will give a better indication of his status ahead of Game 5 on Tuesday. With Cleveland facing a 3-1 deficit, it’s difficult to imagine Mitchell not playing through it if it’s only a minor injury. Ty Jerome started the second half in place of Mitchell and would likely start Game 5 if the injury is significant.
Source: Scott Agness

CLE • Forward-Guard • #35
7 months ago
Okoro hasn’t seen the floor much during the playoffs, but the former top-five pick took on extra minutes in this game due to the lopsided score. He took advantage of the opportunity and helped turn a 41-point halftime deficit into only a 20-point loss. Okoro likely won’t play as much in Game 5 as Cleveland battles to keep its season alive, though he was one of the few bright spots in an ugly loss on Sunday.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
While the 41-point halftime deficit may have been a factor in this decision, it certainly isn’t a good sign. Mitchell dealt with a left ankle injury at the end of the regular season and is now dealing with an injury to the same ankle. The extent isn’t clear, but Cleveland won’t be able to win this series without their superstar. Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter have also been limited by injuries in this series. Ty Jerome started the second half in place of Mitchell, who was the team’s leading scorer at halftime with 12 points.
Source: Serena Winters

IND • Guard-Forward • #00
7 months ago
Mathurin has been getting into it with De’Andre Hunter all series, and more of the same resulted in an early departure for Mathurin, who scored 23 points in Game 3. Mathurin gave Hunter a shot to the chest, and Hunter retaliated by pushing Mathurin on the ground. Myles Turner gave Hunter a shoulder to defend Mathurin, and both Hunter and Turner were assessed technicals. However, Mathurin, who stood over Hunter after he dislocated his thumb in Game 1, was assessed a Flagrant 2. Ben Sheppard will likely take on extra minutes after Mathurin’s night lasted only one minute.
Source: Scott Agness

IND • Guard-Forward • #00
7 months ago
On Friday, Mathurin was Indiana’s most effective scorer, shooting over 50 percent from the field and reaching double figures for the third straight game. The negative for those viewing his performance through a fantasy lens is that Mathurin did not provide much beyond points, three-pointers and percentages. That was an issue for him in previous seasons, but Mathurin was slightly better during this past regular season. His production will be key in this series regardless of the fantasy implications. Game 4 is on Sunday, with the Pacers holding a 2-1 lead.

IND • Guard • #0
7 months ago
After playing well in the Pacers’ two wins in Cleveland, there’s no sugarcoating that Haliburton was ineffective on Friday. Pestered by Max Strus for most of Game 3, the Pacers’ point guard shot 25 percent from the field and committed three turnovers. While Indiana won’t be too concerned about Haliburton, given the overall body of work, he’ll need to be much better in Sunday’s Game 4, especially with the Cavaliers back to full strength.

IND • Forward • #43
7 months ago
After shooting 1-of-6 from the field in the first half, Siakam was more productive in the second half of Game 3. However, it was a case of “too little, too late,” as the Cavaliers built a big lead and did not allow it to slip away, as they did in Game 2. Siakam has been relatively quiet through the first three games of this series, with Friday’s point total being his best. With Cleveland returning to full strength on Friday, more production will be needed from “Spicy P” moving forward. Game 4 is on Sunday.

IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
While Turner had a decent night in the points and blocked shot categories, the rebounding left something to be desired. Aaron Nesmith (7/7/1 with one three-pointer) and T.J. McConnell (12/6/7) both recorded more rebounds than the Pacers’ starting center, and Indiana gave up 18 offensive boards on the night. That doesn’t all fall on Turner’s shoulders, but Indiana needs him to be more impactful on the glass, especially with Evan Mobley returning in the Cavaliers’ lineup. He’ll look to rebound when the Pacers host Game 4 on Sunday.

CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
7 months ago
While Donovan Mitchell’s masterclass and the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter were the biggest storylines of Game 3, Strus’ performance should not be overlooked. After tallying 23 points in Game 2, the sharpshooter shot 4-of-8 from three and recorded his second straight 20-point stat line. Also, Strus was the primary defender on Tyrese Haliburton for most of the night, with the Pacers’ point guard only scoring four points. Cleveland will hope for a similar performance from Strus as they look to even the series at two games apiece on Sunday.

CLE • Center • #31
7 months ago
Allen has double-doubles in his last two outings, grabbing 12 rebounds in Games 2 and 3. With frontcourt sidekick Evan Mobley returning to the lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Allen had a little more room to do what he needed offensively on Friday. The Cavaliers will look to even the series at two games apiece when they visit the Pacers in Game 4 on Sunday.

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Back in the Cavaliers’ lineup after missing Game 2 with a sprained ankle, Mobley was impactful on Friday. While he shot the ball reasonably well, the NBA Defensive Player of the Year was a menace defensively. Mobley recorded six “stocks,” which doesn’t tell the whole story of his impact in Game 3. Keeping him healthy will be paramount for the Cavaliers if they’re to rebound and win this series. The Cavaliers and Pacers meet in Game 4 on Sunday.

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Friday’s game was Garland’s first since Game 2 of the Cavaliers’ first-round series against the Heat. He did look rusty, but the more concerning moment occurred during the third quarter. Garland appeared to have tweaked the toe injury that sidelined him for four games, but he was able to return later in the contest. Cleveland holding onto its gaudy lead ensured that Garland would not be extended too far in his first game back from injury. He’ll now rest up for Game 4 on Sunday night.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Of course, the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter increased the Cavaliers’ chances of getting a win on Friday. But superstars need to step up in spots like the one Cleveland found itself in after losing the first two games. Mitchell did that in Game 3, surpassing the 40-point mark for the second straight game. He’s scored 33 or more in all three games, with efficiency only being an issue in Game 1. It’s become clear that the Pacers don’t have a good defensive matchup for Mitchell, which should continue to result in gaudy stat lines for the Cavaliers’ star guard. Game 4 is on Sunday.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
Of course, the returns of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter increased the Cavaliers’ chances of getting a win on Friday. But superstars need to step up in spots like the one Cleveland found itself in after losing the first two games. Mitchell did that in Game 3, surpassing the 40-point mark for the second straight game. He’s scored 33 or more in all three games, with efficiency only being an issue in Game 1. It’s become clear that the Pacers don’t have a good defensive matchup for Mitchell, which should continue to result in gaudy stat lines for the Cavaliers’ star guard. Game 4 is on Sunday.

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley and Hunter are back after sitting out Cleveland’s Game 2 defeat on Tuesday, a contest in which the Cavaliers blew a big lead due primarily to a lack of depth. While the former will return to the starting lineup, the latter will be one of Cleveland’s key options off the bench. Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade will likely play fewer minutes with Mobley and Hunter in the rotation.
Source: Shams Charania

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Garland is available after missing four games with a sprained left big toe. Given the stakes, with Cleveland trailing two games to none, the point guard will likely take on his usual workload in Game 3. Sam Merrill’s playing time will likely decrease with Garland in the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Shams is quoted as saying, “To my knowledge Garland, Mobley, and Hunter are all aiming to play in this pivotal game three.” Mobley and Hunter sat out Game 2, and their return - along with Garland’s - will provide a much-needed boost for Cleveland on both ends of the court. Assuming Mobley and Hunter get the green light, Dean Wade and Isaac Okoro will presumably see a decrease in playing time.
Source: Pat McAfee Show

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
The news couldn’t come at a better time, as Shams also expects Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter to take the court. Cleveland fell behind 2-0 in the series with a wild final minute of Game 2 that culminated in a Tyrese Haliburton game-winning three-pointer. Teams down 3-0 in a series have never come back to win, so a victory on Friday is crucial in keeping the Cavs’ season alive. With Garland expected back, Ty Jerome will retreat back to the bench.
Source: Pat McAfee Show

CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
7 months ago
Hunter, who dislocated the thumb on his shooting (right) hand during Game 1, was one of three Cavaliers’ rotation players to miss Game 2, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley being the others. Hunter’s absence led to more rotation minutes for Isaac Okoro, who logged 30 minutes in Game 2 and finished with five points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. How much Okoro plays in Game 3 will also depend on the status of Evan Mobley (ankle), who did not play in Game 2.
Source: Evan Dammarell

CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
7 months ago
Hunter, who dislocated the thumb on his shooting (right) hand during Game 1, was one of three Cavaliers’ rotation players to miss Game 2, with Darius Garland and Evan Mobley being the others. Hunter’s absence led to more rotation minutes for Isaac Okoro, who logged 30 minutes in Game 2 and finished with five points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. How much Okoro plays in Game 3 will also depend on the status of Evan Mobley (ankle), who did not play in Game 2.
Source: Evan Dammarell

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley sprained his ankle during Cleveland’s Game 1 loss to the Pacers, which kept him out of Game 2 on Tuesday. Dean Wade moved into the starting lineup but offered minimal value, finishing with three points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 30 minutes. He’ll likely retain his spot in the starting lineup if Mobley cannot play. However, with Cleveland in a 0-2 hole, look for the Defensive Player of the Year to do all he can to be available.
Source: Evan Dammarell

CLE • Center • #4
7 months ago
Mobley sprained his ankle during Cleveland’s Game 1 loss to the Pacers, which kept him out of Game 2 on Tuesday. Dean Wade moved into the starting lineup but offered minimal value, finishing with three points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one three-pointer in 30 minutes. He’ll likely retain his spot in the starting lineup if Mobley cannot play. However, with Cleveland in a 0-2 hole, look for the Defensive Player of the Year to do all he can to be available.
Source: Evan Dammarell

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Due to a sprained left big toe, Garland has not appeared in a game since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Heat. While Sam Merrill started Game 1, he was moved to the bench for Game 2, with Ty Jerome taking over as the starter alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers were also without Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter for Game 2, which impacted the lineup overall.
Source: Evan Dammarell

CLE • Guard • #10
7 months ago
Due to a sprained left big toe, Garland has not appeared in a game since Game 2 of Cleveland’s first-round series against the Heat. While Sam Merrill started Game 1, he was moved to the bench for Game 2, with Ty Jerome taking over as the starter alongside Donovan Mitchell. The Cavaliers were also without Evan Mobley and De’Andre Hunter for Game 2, which impacted the lineup overall.
Source: Evan Dammarell

CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
7 months ago
Strus stepped up in Game 2. With Darius Garland (toe), Evan Mobley (ankle) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb) out and the Cavaliers in need of scoring, Strus had 23 points on 18 shots including five made three-pointers. Strus hit his last three with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, which gave the Cavs a seven-point lead. Unfortunately, Cleveland would squander that lead and fall behind 2-0 in the series. Strus will continue to be counted on for increased scoring unless the Cavaliers can get healthy for Game 3.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
With the Cavaliers down Evan Mobley (ankle), Darius Garland (toe) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb), Mitchell took on a huge scoring workload in Game 2, but it still wasn’t enough. He poured in a staggering 48 points, despite only going 1-of-7 from behind the three-point line. Mitchell was also getting others involved in the offense as he led the Cavaliers with nine assists. The 28-year-old shooting guard was able to get to the free throw often as he was 17-of-21 on free throws. Mitchell and the Cavaliers will have to regroup after dropping the first two games of the series at home. If the Cavaliers don’t get some of their injured players back for Game 3, the onus will fall on Mitchell again to provide most of the offense.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
With the Cavaliers down Evan Mobley (ankle), Darius Garland (toe) and De’Andre Hunter (thumb), Mitchell took on a huge scoring workload in Game 2. He scored 48 points while only going 1-of-7 from behind the three-point line. Mitchell was also getting others involved in the offense as he led the Cavaliers with nine assists. The 28-year-old shooting guard was able to get to the free throw often as he was 17-of-21 on free throws. Mitchell and the Cavaliers will have to regroup after dropping the first two games of the series at home. If the Cavaliers don’t get some of their injured players back for Game 3, the onus will fall on Mitchell again to provide most of the offense.

IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
While Turner had 23 points on 17 shots in Game 2, his biggest impact came on the defensive end as a rim protector. The 29-year-old center had five blocks and made things difficult on the Cavaliers when they opted to drive into the paint. Turner had an easier time down low on the offensive end with Evan Mobley (ankle) out for Game 2, though he still stepped out and hit two three-pointers. He’ll continue to be counted on a key player for the Pacers as they head home with a 2-0 series lead.

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
7 months ago
Nesmith continues to step up his game in the playoffs. After the first two games of the second round, the 25-year-old small forward has 40 points and nine three-pointers in the series. He saw his minutes go up from 25 to 33 from Game 1 to Game 2. It seems the Pacers are increasingly comfortable relying on their starters including Nesmith, despite him being in a timeshare with Bennedict Mathurin during the regular season.

IND • Guard • #0
7 months ago
Haliburton and the Pacers pulled off a 14-point comeback despite trailing by seven points with less than a minute left. With the Pacers still down three near the end of regulation, Haliburton went to free throw line for two shots. After making the first, he missed the second free throw, got his own rebound and hit a game-winning three-pointer. It was an incredible sequence as the second round of these playoffs has been filled clutch moments from underdog teams on the road. Haliburton and the Pacers are up 2-0 as the series heads to Indiana for Games 3 and 4.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
With Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter all ruled out, the Cavaliers are down three of their top six players for Game 2. It’s a tough blow, especially considering Cleveland already dropped Game 1 of the series at home. The Cavs figure to rely heavily on Jerome and Strus to provide some scoring to support what will undoubtedly be a massive workload for Mitchell.

CLE • Guard • #45
7 months ago
With Evan Mobley, Darius Garland and De’Andre Hunter all ruled out, the Cavaliers are down three of their top six players for Game 2. It’s a tough blow, especially considering Cleveland already dropped Game 1 of the series at home. The Cavs figure to rely heavily on Jerome and Strus to provide some scoring to support what will undoubtedly be a massive workload for Mitchell.

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
7 months ago
After scoring at least 14 points in the final four games of Indiana’s first-round win over Milwaukee, Nesmith got his second round off to an excellent start. He shot 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, with only Andrew Nembhard making more three-pointers for the Pacers in this one. In a timeshare with Bennedict Mathurin (11/5/1/0/1 with three three-pointers in 23 minutes), Nesmith provided more value than many may have expected in Game 1. The Pacers will need more performances like this to eliminate the team with the best record in the East.

IND • Center-Forward • #33
7 months ago
After failing to record a double-double during the Pacers’ first-round series against the Bucks, Turner accomplished that feat on Sunday. He recorded a complete stat line, holding his own against Cleveland’s tandem of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Turner’s rebounds will be key in this series, as will his ability to step away from the basket and hit perimeter shots. Game 2 is on Tuesday night in Cleveland.

IND • Guard • #0
7 months ago
Due to injury, Haliburton only played in two of the four regular-season meetings with the Cavaliers, recording modest averages. There were no such concerns in Game 1, with the Pacers’ point guard shooting 66.7 percent from the field and committing just one turnover. When Haliburton is as efficient as he was on Sunday, Indiana is incredibly tough to beat. And the Pacers have the fourth-best record in the NBA since January 1. Game 2 is on Tuesday night.

IND • Guard-Forward • #2
7 months ago
Indiana’s offensive balance and superior perimeter shooting won Game 1, with the Pacers snatching away home-court advantage. Nembhard shot 5-of-6 from beyond the arc, and Indiana outscored Cleveland by 33 points on three-pointers. Nembhard was also impactful defensively on Sunday. While Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, he was inefficient, and the pesky Pacers guard had much to do with that. Nembhard and company will look to take a 2-0 series lead in Game 2 on Tuesday.

IND • Guard • #9
8 months ago
McConnell was a bright spot off the bench, electrifying the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd as he took over in the second half with his scoring and facilitating. He finished the game with more points than the rest of the Pacers’ bench combined. Expect McConnell to play an important role in the Pacers’ second-round series against the first-seeded Cavaliers.

IND • Center-Forward • #33
8 months ago
Turner tallied at least 20 points for the second time in as many games as the Pacers finished off the Bucks. The sharp-shooting center came up big on the offensive end and finished as Indiana’s second-leading scorer for the game, falling just one rebound shy of a double-double. Turner failed to record a block or a steal but will have another chance to fill up the stat sheet when Indiana heads to Cleveland for a second-round battle with the Cavaliers.

IND • Forward • #43
8 months ago
Siakam recorded a low-scoring output for a second-straight game. After turning in just 12 points in Indiana’s Game 4 win, the 2019 NBA Most Improved Player scored even fewer points on Tuesday. Siakam did come alive late, where he scored key fourth-quarter points down the stretch. As the Pacers move on to a second-round matchup against the Cavaliers, they’ll hope to get the version of Siakam that tallied three consecutive 20-point games to begin the postseason.

IND • Guard • #0
8 months ago
Haliburton started slow as a scorer but found his rhythm late in the game for the Pacers. He repeatedly drove past Bucks defenders and found production at the rim, and at one point scored nine consecutive points for Indiana between the fourth quarter and overtime before later delivering the game-winning layup. Haliburton remained productive as a facilitator along the way and will look to keep up the production in the second round against the Cavaliers.
Source: NBA

IND • Guard-Forward • #23
8 months ago
Nesmith suffered a lower back bruise during the Pacers’ Game 4 victory in Milwaukee, but he was able to return after a brief exit. He’s been upgraded to available for Game 5 and will occupy his usual place in the starting lineup. With Bennedict Mathurin (abdominals) also available, the Pacers will have their full rotation as they look to close out the Damian Lillard-less Bucks.
Source: Indiana Pacers

IND • Guard-Forward • #00
8 months ago
Mathurin is available after sitting out Indiana’s Game 4 victory in Milwaukee. His return will likely result in fewer minutes for fellow reserve Ben Sheppard. Sheppard, who re-entered the Pacers’ rotation in Game 3 after Andrew Nembhard landed in early foul trouble, played 22 minutes in Game 4.
Source: Indiana Pacers