MIN • Forward-Center • #30
5 days ago
Randle has now put up back-to-back games with at least 22 points after scoring just 16 points in Game 1. After turning the ball over seven times in Game 1, he’s solved that issue as well with just three turnovers in the last two games combined. Given the Timberwolves’ tight eight-player rotation, Minnesota will continue to rely on Randle for scoring throughout the playoffs. The Timberwolves will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead with a win in Game 4 Sunday.
MIN • Forward • #3
5 days ago
McDaniels led the Timberwolves in scoring for the second time in the series. Perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but each time he’s led the team in scoring, they’ve won the game. McDaniels made just one three-pointer, but was 12-of-17 on two-point attempts and 3-of-4 from the free throw line. While McDaniels scored at least 20 points just 12 times in the regular season, he’s thrived so far in the highly competitive playoff environment. We’ll see if the Lakers defense adjusts or McDaniels turns back to his regular season form in Game 4 Sunday.
MIN • Guard • #5
5 days ago
While Edwards wasn’t very efficient overall with 29 points on 26 shots in Game 3 Friday, he closed the game with multiple clutch plays. With the score tied at 103 and four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, he hit a setback three-pointer to give the Timberwolves a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Edwards drove for a layup with two minutes left to extend the lead to seven points and then put the dagger in with a setback jumper to make it 113-104 with a minute left. The 23-year-old shooting guard who grew up idolizing LeBron James will have a chance to put his team up 3-1 in the series against LeBron in Game 4 Sunday.
IND • Guard • #0
5 days ago
Haliburton had a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists and was just three assists away from a triple-double. Still, the 25-year-old point guard was -23 in 32 minutes as the Pacers lost Game 3 by 16 points. Haliburton had most of his points come on his four made three-pointers. The Pacers will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 against the Bucks Sunday.
IND • Forward • #43
5 days ago
Siakam has scored at least 24 points in all three games of the series now. The 31-year-old power forward continues to be the primary offensive threat for Indiana. Siakam isn’t known for his three-point shooting, but has made multiple three-pointers in all three games of the series. Though the Pacers lost Game 3, he’ll look to keep up his scoring against the Bucks in Game 4 Sunday.
MIL • Guard • #0
5 days ago
Lillard returned from a calf injury and scored 14 points on 13 shots in Game 2. The 34-year-old point guard’s struggles continued in Game 3 as he had seven points on 12 shots. Lillard, who hadn’t played since March 18 prior to Game 2, played 32 minutes. Whether it’s rust or lingering effects of the injury, his play is clearly diminished. With just one off-day before Game 4 Sunday, Lillard isn’t in a great spot for a bounce-back.
MIL • Guard • #5
5 days ago
Trent Jr. went off and had his best game of the year when the Bucks absolutely needed it most. Facing what would’ve been a 3-0 series deficit with a loss and with Damian Lillard failing to score in double figures, Trent Jr. poured in 37 points and nine made three-pointers. Trent Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo became the only Bucks duo to have at least 35 points each in a playoff game. With Lillard struggling since returning from injury, Milwaukee might need to count on Trent Jr. for another big performance as they look to even the series in Game 4 Sunday.
MIL • Forward • #34
5 days ago
Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks Friday. He had 37 points on 19 shots and nine made free throws. The 30-year-old power forward had 12 rebounds to earn a double-double and was four assists away from a triple-double. Giannis’ domination of the Pacers is likely to continue for the rest of the series, though whether the Bucks can even up the series Sunday in Game 4 will largely depend on the support from his supporting cast.
BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
5 days ago
Brown followed up his 36-point explosion in Game 2 of the series with a subpar game Friday. The 28-year-old small forward had 19 points on 14 shots, but turned the ball over six times. He was -8 in 33 minutes in a two-point loss for the Celtics. Brown continues to deal with a knee issue that has bothered him down the stretch of the regular season. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 4 Sunday.
BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
5 days ago
Tatum came back from a nasty wrist injury that knocked him out of Game 1 and caused him to miss Game 2. The 27-year-old small forward led the way for the Celtics. Tatum had 36 points on 22 shots including four made three-pointers. He struggled to take care of the ball with seven turnovers, though. Overall, it was certainly encouraging that Tatum was able to play 39 minutes even though the Celtics ultimately lost the game.
ORL • Center-Forward • #34
5 days ago
Carter Jr.'s 10 points may not seem like much, but he was the only Magic player in double figures outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The 26-year-old center also added 12 rebounds to earn himself a double-double. He’ll continue to be a crucial piece of the Magic’s supporting cast as they look to even the series in Game 4 Sunday.
ORL • Forward • #22
5 days ago
Wagner was hardly efficient with 32 points on 27 shots in Game 3, but with neither team reaching 100 points his point total was plenty. Wagner was one of only three Magic players in double figures in Game 3. He’ll have to continue scoring at a high level if the Magic are going to have a chance to even the series against the Celtics Sunday.
ORL • Forward • #5
5 days ago
While the Magic won Game 3, Banchero’s game was much like the first games. The 22-year-old power forward was able to score seemingly at will, but his assist total took a hit with his supporting cast outside of Franz Wagner struggling to score. Banchero has 97 points through the first three games of the series. Orlando will look to even the series against the defending champion Celtics Sunday.
DEN • Forward • #1
5 days ago
Porter Jr. is dealing with a left shoulder sprain. He suffered the injured late in Game 2 and despite playing 35 minutes in Game 3, he was largely ineffective. Now Porter Jr. is questionable for Saturday. With injuries mounting for the Nuggets, he could opt to play through the injury. It is the playoffs after all.
Source: Nuggets
BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
5 days ago
Tatum is making a return from a nasty wrist injury that forced him to leave Game 1 and miss Game 2. With Jrue Holiday out with a hamstring injury, Horford will get another start for the defending champions as they look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.
BOS • Guard • #4
5 days ago
Holiday is out with a strained right hamstring. With Jayson Tatum returning after missing Game 2 with a wrist injury, the Celtics will only be down one starter. Al Horford and Sam Hauser are options to move into the starting lineup for Game 3 against the Magic Friday.
Source: Zach Cox
BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
5 days ago
Tatum is returning after missing Game 2 with a wrist injury. It’s a surprising turnaround after the 27-year-old small forward was initially listed as doubtful. Brown has been dealing with a knee injury for some time now, but is available again after his 36-point explosion in Game 2.
Source: Zach Cox
MEM • Guard • #10
5 days ago
Kennard could be in line to start with Ja Morant (hip) doubtful for Game 4, but the 28-year-old shooting guard is questionable with right Achilles soreness. While Morant’s is an injury the Grizzlies simply can’t afford in this series, Kennard’s injury certainly doesn’t help them. Santi Aldama could be in line for a significant role if Kennard misses Game 4.
Source: Matt Infield
GSW • Guard • #0
5 days ago
Payton II is known more for his defense, but he failed to score a point in 12 minutes in Game 2’s loss to the Rockets. The 32-year-old shooting guard is now in danger of missing Game 3 with a shoulder injury given his questionable listing. With Jimmy Butler hurting, the Warriors need all the help they can get, though Payton II is far from an essential player at this point of his career.
BOS • Forward-Guard • #0
5 days ago
Tatum’s status has been upgraded to questionable, giving him a chance to play, though he’s not out of the woods just yet. The 27-year-old small forward missed Game 2 with a right distal radius bone bruise. Al Horford would likely start for Tatum again if he’s ruled out while Payton Pritchard would see increased opportunities. The Celtics would like to lean heavily on Jaylen Brown, who is also questionable with a knee injury.
Source: Bobby Krivitsky
CLE • Guard • #10
5 days ago
Garland is officially questionable with a left great big toe sprain. He could end up being a game-time decision given the high stakes of the playoffs. Ty Jerome would be a candidate to move into the starting lineup and see additional minutes if Garland is ultimately ruled out Saturday.
Source: Danny Cunningham
GSW • • #
5 days ago
Kerr went on to say he thinks there’s a chance Butler plays. The 35-year-old small forward is officially listed as questionable with a pelvis and deep muscle contusion that forced him to leave Game 2 early. If Butler can’t go, Jonathan Kuminga will move into the rotation again in Game 3.
Source: Ohm Youngmisuk
MEM • Guard • #12
5 days ago
Morant exited early from Game 3 after a scary fall while attempting a layup. Memphis had a large lead when he exited, but they weren’t able to hold on, and they’ll now enter Game 4 without their star point guard and trailing 0-3 in the series. Scotty Pippen Jr. should take over point guard duties, while Luke Kennard will likely replace Morant in the starting unit after starting the second half in his place.
Source: Shams Charania
HOU • Forward • #8
5 days ago
Both reserves will miss another game of this series, but neither would likely have been part of the rotation in the postseason. Their continued absences will not have an impact on this series.
GSW • • #
5 days ago
Butler has officially been diagnosed with a pelvis and deep gluteal muscle contusion after undergoing an MRI. This lines up with ESPN’s Shams Charania’s report from Thursday night. Jonathan Kuminga returned to the rotation after Butler exited early and will likely play a significant role once again if Butler is sidelined on Saturday.
BOS • Guard-Forward • #7
5 days ago
Brown wasn’t listed on the initial injury report but now has a chance to miss this game. Jayson Tatum (wrist) is once again listed as doubtful, and Jrue Holiday (hamstring) is also questionable, so Boston could be very shorthanded on Friday. Both Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard would be in line to play significant roles if Brown is sidelined.
Source: NBA Injury Report
DEN • Guard • #4
5 days ago
Westbrook only played nine first-half minutes before heading to the locker room with an inflamed left foot. His exit resulted in second-half rotation minutes for Julian Strawther, who missed his lone shot attempt and finished with one rebound and one blocked shot in 11 minutes. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, the turnaround will be quick, as Game 4 is on Saturday. Strawther and Jalen Pickett will be asked to contribute more if Westbrook is unable to play.
DEN • Forward • #1
5 days ago
Porter was a game-time decision for Game 3 after injuring his left shoulder late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat. While he did play 35 minutes, the Nuggets forward was largely ineffective, shooting 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. Porter has a Grade 2 AC joint sprain, an injury that can sideline a player for multiple weeks. But, since it’s the postseason, he’s trying to play through the ailment. With Aaron Gordon (calf) and Russell Westbrook (foot) also dealing with injuries, the Nuggets will be in a tough spot for Saturday’s Game 4.
DEN • Forward • #32
5 days ago
Gordon got off to a hot start Thursday night, scoring 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field in the first quarter. Unfortunately for him, that was as good as it got in Game 3, and a lingering right calf injury could be a factor. During the game, the NBATV announcers reported that Nuggets interim coach David Adelman had informed them that Gordon would not be playing if it were the regular season. But it’s the postseason, so the veteran forward is doing his best to push through the injury. Game 4 is on Saturday in Los Angeles.
DEN • Guard • #27
5 days ago
Murray has scored 21 points or more in all three games of this series, shooting over 50 percent from the field in Games 2 and 3. Unfortunately for him and the Nuggets, Thursday’s stat line was recorded in a 34-point defeat. Murray has recorded at least three turnovers in all three games. While the lackluster performances from some of his teammates were more significant issues in Game 3, the Nuggets don’t have much margin for error in a series they now trail two games to one. Game 4 is on Saturday.
