GSW • Guard • #30
12 days ago
Curry missed his first three shots on Sunday, possibly prompting some to recall the April 6 meeting in which the Rockets held him to just three points. That game was an outlier for the elite shooter, and he would make 12 of his final 16 shots in Sunday’s series opener. During his postseason career, Curry has scored 30 points or more on 59 occasions. With Jimmy Butler now in the fold, he’ll likely have the room to produce more efforts of Sunday’s caliber in this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
MIA • Guard • #45
12 days ago
While the move from Toronto to Miami did not significantly impact Mitchell’s fantasy prospects during the regular season, his value to his team did increase. “Off-Night” may have finished Game 1 with a minus-19 rating, but the stat line was solid. And it’s fair to question if there will be a point when Mitchell replaces Alec Burks (6/2/2 with two three-pointers in 15 minutes) in the starting lineup for defensive reasons. Add in Mitchell’s ability to set up teammates, and that change may be required to give the Heat a shot at winning this series. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
MIA • Center-Forward • #13
12 days ago
Miami’s frontcourt was solid in Game 1, with Adebayo recording a complete stat line and rookie Kel’el Ware (14/6/2/1 with two three-pointers in 38 minutes) providing solid contributions in his playoff debut. However, it wasn’t enough to counter what Cleveland’s guards were able to do, which may prove to be the prevailing storyline of this series. Adebayo should be able to put up quality lines on a nightly basis, despite having to deal with Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. However, the Heat are serious underdogs in this series due to their comparatively limited depth of productive players.
MIA • Guard • #14
12 days ago
Herro shot the ball well from beyond the arc on Sunday, making three of his six attempts. However, he was 4-of-12 from two, a far cry from the 56.5 percent clip he shot during the regular season. Cleveland’s defense, especially bigs Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the two-man game, had a lot to do with Herro’s two-point struggles in Game 1. Also, he finished with more turnovers (three) than assists. If Miami is to have any chance of pushing this series to its limit, much less win it, they’re going to need Herro to put up gaudy stat lines and be efficient in doing so. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
CLE • Center • #31
12 days ago
While Cleveland’s perimeter attack will grab the headlines due to their offensive production, the frontcourt did its job as rebounders and defenders in Game 1. Allen recorded a complete stat line, which included a double-double, while Evan Mobley added seven rebounds along with nine points, one assist and one three-pointer. Allen may be the most overlooked member of the “core four,” but his production as an efficient finisher who also rebounds and defends is essential. The Cavaliers will look to extend their series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
12 days ago
On the day he was named a finalist for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, Jerome showed why he was deserving of that distinction. Playing in his first playoff game, the Cavaliers guard finished with the fourth-most points scored off the bench in a postseason debut since 1971. Defending Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland was challenging enough for Miami; Jerome’s play was essentially the knockout blow in Game 1, scoring 16 points in the fourth quarter. He’ll look to build on this performance when the Cavaliers host Game 2 on Wednesday.
Source: NBA
CLE • Guard • #10
12 days ago
Cleveland’s backcourt was outstanding in Game 1, with Garland finishing one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. After averaging 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists and 2.5 three-pointers per game in two regular-season meetings with the Heat, he was far superior to those numbers on Sunday. Garland’s play prompted the Heat to play Davion Mitchell 34 minutes, as starter Alec Burks had no answer defensively. That will be something to watch in this series; if the Heat can’t slow down Garland and Donovan Mitchell, they’re in trouble. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
CLE • Guard • #45
12 days ago
Due to a lingering ankle injury, Mitchell did not play in Cleveland’s final four games of the regular season. That prompted the “rest vs. rust” question ahead of Sunday’s series opener, and “rest” won out for Spida. Seeing his first game action in two weeks, Mitchell looked healthy and refreshed against the Heat, dropping a robust stat line to lead the way for the team that recorded the best record in the Eastern Conference. Having a healthy Mitchell on the court will go a long way toward Cleveland being the championship contender they appeared to be during the regular season. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
ORL • Center-Forward • #34
12 days ago
Give Carter credit for his work on the boards and for being Kristaps Porzingis’ primary defender for most of Game 1. However, the offensive production was lackluster, a trend that also persisted during the regular season. Carter’s average of 9.1 per game was the lowest of his NBA career; this was the first season in which he failed to average double figures. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will do most of the heavy lifting offensively, but they’re going to need help in this series. Fellow starters Carter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (6/4/2/3 with two three-pointers) and Cory Joseph (zero points, two assists) combining to score 10 points on 4-of-12 shooting isn’t good enough. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
ORL • Forward • #22
12 days ago
Wagner did record a complete stat line in Sunday’s series opener, but the efficiency left something to be desired. Worse than the field goal percentage was the fact that he recorded as many turnovers as assists, finishing with five of each. Given the decided disadvantage the Magic are at offensively in this series, they’re going to need a consistently elite Wagner if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday.
ORL • Forward • #5
12 days ago
Banchero was excellent in Game 1, scoring 19 points in the first half and another 17 after the halftime break. Unfortunately for the Magic, he was the only player who could consistently create opportunities offensively. A difficult matchup for most teams due to his combination of size, athleticism and skill set, this could be a big series for Banchero individually. However, the prevailing question is whether or not Orlando will be able to generate enough offense collectively to have a chance of beating the reigning champions. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
BOS • Guard • #11
12 days ago
Pritchard has been the favorite to win Sixth Man of the Year honors for most of this season, and he showed why on Sunday. With some of Boston’s stars having slow days at the office, Pritchard provided excellent offensive value off the bench. Add in Derrick White’s 30 points and Jrue Holiday (9/3/5/3 with three three-pointers) hitting three timely third-quarter threes while playing stifling defense, and the Celtics were able to take care of business in Game 1. Pritchard’s ability to provide scoring in quick bursts will be important in this series, especially if the Magic can slow down star wings Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Source: Bobby Manning
BOS • Guard • #9
12 days ago
White was one of the Celtics who stepped up to lead the reigning champions to a win in Sunday’s series opener. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis (5/6/2/4/1 in 26 minutes) combining to score 38 points on 15-of-44 shooting, White came up huge, making at least two shots in all four quarters. He had one 30-point game during last season’s run to the title, Boston’s Game 4 win over the Heat in the first round of the playoffs. Given the strength of Orlando’s wing defenders, this may be a series in which the Celtics’ guards are difference-makers, as was the case in Game 1. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
12 days ago
In addition to the victory, the good news for the Celtics on Sunday was that Brown’s right knee did not appear to give him any trouble. The time off, with the Celtics’ guard having missed the team’s final three regular-season games, appeared to do Brown some good health-wise. He didn’t have the best afternoon from a scoring standpoint. Still, the improved production offered by Derrick White and Payton Pritchard helped the reigning champs compensate for their three primary scorers having lackluster days. Game 2 is on Wednesday.
BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
12 days ago
Tatum got his 2025 playoffs off to a slow start, and that was before he landed hard on a drive to the basket during the fourth quarter. The Celtics star landed on his already-injured right wrist, and although he stayed in the game, the injury was a concern. Tatum would eventually get the wrist taped, but he never looked comfortable, even after exiting for good with a little over two minutes remaining. Game 2 of the series is on Wednesday; hopefully, the extra day off does Tatum some good regarding his right wrist.
DEN • Forward • #32
12 days ago
Gordon played 46 of a possible 53 minutes in Saturday’s overtime victory to open the series. He’s on the injury report for injury management reasons, and the probable tag suggests Gordon will be available in the end. Peyton Watson, who logged 14 minutes in Game 1, will take on additional playing time if the Nuggets’ starting power forward is limited in any way.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DET • Forward-Center • #28
12 days ago
Stewart has been dealing with right knee inflammation for a while now, including during Saturday’s loss to the Knicks in the series opener. While “Beef Stew” played for 19 minutes, he appeared to struggle with his movements and was not as impactful as he could have been. If Stewart cannot play on Monday, Paul Reed would likely move into the rotation; however, he is not as impactful, especially defensively.
Source: NBA Injury Report
OKC • Guard • #2
12 days ago
Gilgeous-Alexander was the only Thunder player to show any signs of rust in Sunday’s playoff opener, as the team with the NBA’s best record rolled to a 51-point victory. SGA shot 1-of-7 from three and only scored 15 points, but it didn’t matter with five other Thunder players scoring in double figures. Among the others was Aaron Wiggins, who hit four three-pointers and tallied 21 points, four rebounds and three assists in 26 minutes off the bench. Oklahoma City’s depth was a difference-maker throughout the regular season, and that was also the case in Game 1. The Thunder host Game 2 on Tuesday.
MEM • Forward-Center • #13
12 days ago
There’s no sugar-coating Jackson’s performance in Memphis’s 51-point loss: he was abysmal in Oklahoma City. This effort was surprising, as JJJ averaged 19.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 0.7 steals, 1.0 blocks and 2.3 three-pointers in three regular-season meetings with the Thunder. It doesn’t need to be said that Jackson must be better. If “Trip” plays at the level he did on Sunday, this series will likely be a short one. Game 2 is on Tuesday.
OKC • Center-Forward • #7
12 days ago
Holmgren excelled as a rim protector and stretched the floor by only missing one of his attempts from deep. The Thunder big man’s return to health after an early injury has helped OKC ascend to another level. Holmgren’s pairing with Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt and OKC’s assortment of capable wing defenders seem likely to give Memphis a tough time for the remainder of the series.
OKC • Center-Forward • #7
12 days ago
Holmgren excelled as a rim protector and stretched the floor by only missing one of his attempts from deep. The Thunder big man’s return to health after an early injury has helped OKC ascend to another level. Holmgren’s pairing with Isaiah Hartenstein in the frontcourt and OKC’s assortment of capable wing defenders seem likely to give Memphis a tough time for the remainder of the series.
OKC • Guard-Forward • #8
12 days ago
Williams did everything for the Thunder in Game 1. Only Aaron Wiggins scored more points (21) and Williams led OKC in assists and steals in the contest. He was a game-high plus-44 in plus-minus. The No. 1 seed in the West certainly played like it on Sunday and will look to keep rolling against the Grizzlies on Tuesday in Game 2.
MEM • Forward • #35
12 days ago
Bagley was the Grizzlies’ only bright spot on offense in Game 1. The reserve big was perfect from the field and got plenty of burn in a game that was out of reach for his team early on. Whether he can earn more minutes moving forward remains to be seen. He’ll likely get less of an opportunity if Game 2 is closer.
MEM • Guard • #12
12 days ago
Morant was inefficient in Game 1, like many of his teammates. The long ball was not falling for him or anyone else. The star point guard shot 34.1 percent against OKC during the regular season and things could get ugly (uglier?) for Memphis if their stout defense continues to stifle him.
MEM • Guard • #12
12 days ago
Morant was very inefficient in Game 1 like many of his teammates. The long ball was not falling for him or anyone else. The star point guard shot 34.1% against OKC during the regular season and things could get ugly for Memphis if their stout defense continues to stifle him.
LAL • Guard • #15
13 days ago
While Luka Doncic went off for 37 points, Reaves and LeBron James combined to score 35 in Saturday’s Game 1 defeat. And this wasn’t the easiest matchup for Reaves during the regular season. In three meetings with the Timberwolves, he averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.0 three-pointers while shooting 42.5 percent from the field. Reaves is one of many Lakers who will need to bring more to the table if they’re to win this series. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday, with the Lakers aiming to even the series before it shifts to Minneapolis.
LAL • Forward • #23
13 days ago
Saturday’s game was the 288th of James’s playoff career, and he finished with a complete stat line. However, this was the first in which he failed to score at least 20 points since Game 5 of the Lakers’ 2023 first-round series against the Grizzlies. Based on what the Timberwolves were able to do in the final three quarters of Game 1, the Lakers are going to need more from LeBron moving forward. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.
LAL • Forward-Guard • #77
13 days ago
Playing in the postseason as a Laker for the first time, Doncic recorded a gaudy stat line in Saturday’s series opener. Unfortunately, he was also responsible for five turnovers, and the Lakers were unable to keep the Timberwolves under wraps after getting off to a solid start. The turnover count wasn’t out of the ordinary for Doncic, but his efficiency will be of heightened importance in this series. Especially if the Lakers have as much trouble defensively as they did in Game 1. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night.
MIN • Forward-Center • #30
13 days ago
While Randle shot the ball well and recorded a decent stat line, he was also responsible for seven of the Timberwolves’ 10 turnovers in Game 1. That’s an area he’ll need to clean up moving forward, and he’s certainly capable of doing that. Randle’s high during the regular season was eight, which he recorded in a December 23 loss to the Hawks. The Timberwolves’ forward only had eight games with at least five turnovers, so Saturday’s performance can be considered an outlier. Minnesota will look to extend its series lead in Game 2 on Wednesday.
MIN • Center-Forward • #11
13 days ago
Reid took a Jarred Vanderbilt elbow to the mouth during the second half of Saturday’s series opener, and that was all that slowed him down. The Timberwolves’ backup big scored 17 in the first half and finished the game one steal shy of a complete stat line. Since scoring 20 points in a March 24 loss to the Pacers, Reid surpassed 15 points once in his final eight appearances of the regular season. The Lakers utilized a “boxes and elbows” defensive strategy in an attempt to keep Anthony Edwards out of the lane, which resulted in players like Reid getting cleaner looks. His play (and that of Jaden McDaniels) could force the Lakers to alter their approach for Wednesday’s Game 2.
