DEN • Center • #15
6 days ago
Jokic recorded another triple-double on Thursday, his second of the series, but the Nuggets have lost both games. While Kawhi Leonard’s excellence was a key factor in the Game 2 defeat, Denver’s supporting cast failed to show up in Game 3. With Jokic having to deal with Ivica Zubac for most of the night, Denver’s “others” must be better if they’re to win the series. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon, with the Nuggets aiming to avoid a 3-1 deficit.
LAC • Center • #40
6 days ago
Zubac finished one rebound shy of a double-double in the 34-point victory, but he continues to give Nikola Jokic a hard time defensively. While the three-time MVP recorded another triple-double on Thursday, Zubac’s ability to make things difficult for Jokic has allowed the Clippers to avoid gambling too much defensively. Zubac is a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, and for good reason. His performance in this series has shown why that’s the case. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.
LAC • Center • #40
6 days ago
Zubac finished one rebound shy of a double-double in the 34-point victory, but he continues to give Nikola Jokic a hard time defensively. While the three-time MVP recorded another triple-double on Thursday, Zubac’s ability to make things difficult for Jokic has allowed the Clippers to avoid gambling too much defensively. Zubac is a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, and for good reason. His performance in this series has shown why that’s the case. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.
LAC • Forward • #2
6 days ago
After going off for 39 points in Game 2, Leonard did cool off some in Game 3. The Nuggets devoted more attention to him defensively, but the Klaw had plenty of help in the 117-84 demolition. Four starters scored at least 19 points, and two reserves also reached double figures. And with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon playing through injuries, Denver’s task of slowing Leonard may be more difficult moving forward. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.
LAC • Guard • #24
6 days ago
After scoring 25 points on 10-of-26 shooting in the Clippers’ two games in Denver, Powell was much better in Game 3. Not only did he shoot over 50 percent from the field, but the Clippers’ guard finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, with the Clippers aiming to take a 3-1 series lead.
LAC • Guard • #1
6 days ago
Harden’s scoring has decreased since he dropped 32 in the Clippers’ series-opening defeat, but it has not negatively impacted the team’s success. In Game 3, The Beard was one of four starters to score at least 19 points, but the Clippers holding Denver to 83 points was the biggest reason why they won the first-ever playoff game at Intuit Dome by 34. Harden and the Clippers will look to take a 3-1 lead when they host Game 4 on Saturday.
MEM • Guard • #22
6 days ago
Bane has not been able to get untracked offensively, which is a credit to the Oklahoma City defense. After shooting 10-of-29 from the field in the first two games, the Grizzlies’ guard did not benefit from a return to the friendly confines of FedEx Forum. Add in Ja Morant’s hip injury, and Bane has hit a rough patch at the worst possible time. He did record a complete stat line, but that shooting line isn’t enough for a player of Bane’s caliber. The Grizzlies will look to extend their season on Saturday when they host Game 4 of the series.
MEM • Forward-Center • #13
6 days ago
After a brutal performance in Sunday’s series opener, Jackson has shown up offensively in the two games since. However, it hasn’t been enough to secure a win for the Grizzlies, and the team will be staring down elimination on Saturday. And with Ja Morant (hip) potentially missing Game 4, even more production will be needed from Jackson on both ends of the floor. Through three games, Jackson has recorded two steals and one blocked shot. While those categories aren’t the only way to measure a player’s defensive impact, JJJ averaged 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game during the regular season.
MEM • Guard • #1
6 days ago
After totaling 15 points on 5-of-21 shooting in the first two games of this series, Pippen recorded one of his best stat lines of the season in Game 3. However, much of his offensive production occurred before halftime, as Memphis was on a roll. Pippen shot 7-of-10 from the field in the first half, but the Grizzlies’ offense would grind to a halt once Ja Morant exited with a hip injury. Pippen’s final stat line was impressive, and he’ll need a similar effort in Saturday’s Game 4, especially if Morant is unable to play.
OKC • Guard • #9
6 days ago
Caruso’s stat line may not jump off the page, but his play was critical in Thursday’s Game 3 victory. Acquired from the Bulls last summer for games like this, the veteran guard was highly impactful defensively as Oklahoma City rallied from a 29-point deficit. Additionally, the Thunder employed a closing lineup that included Caruso and Luguentz Dort (two points, six rebounds, one steal, and one blocked shot), which made life difficult for a Grizzlies squad that played the second half without Ja Morant due to a hip injury. Oklahoma City will look to close out the series on Saturday.
OKC • Guard-Forward • #8
6 days ago
Williams has scored 20 points or more in all three games thus far, with his consistent production factoring into Oklahoma City holding a 3-0 lead. The status of Ja Morant (hip) for Saturday’s Game 4 will be a key storyline, but the Thunder’s depth has been a primary reason for the top seed’s success. Williams and company have helped pick up the slack for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose efficiency has taken a slight hit in this series.
OKC • Guard-Forward • #8
6 days ago
Williams has scored 20 points or more in all three games thus far, with his consistent production factoring into Oklahoma City holding a 3-0 lead. The status of Ja Morant (hip) for Saturday’s Game 4 will be a key storyline, but the Thunder’s depth has been a primary reason for the top seed’s success. Williams and company have helped pick up the slack for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose efficiency has taken a slight hit in this series.
OKC • Guard • #2
6 days ago
Give the Grizzlies credit for making Gilgeous-Alexander work for his points, but he had his best game of the series on Thursday. Three-point shooting has been an issue through the first three games, with SGA being 6-of-24, but he was 9-of-9 from the foul line in Game 3 to boost the point total. Add in the other stats, and this was a good night to have Gilgeous-Alexander in your playoff DFS lineups. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, with the Thunder aiming to complete the sweep.
OKC • Center-Forward • #7
6 days ago
While Memphis losing Ja Morant to a hip injury during the second quarter certainly factored into the home team blowing a 29-point lead, so did Holmgren waking up from his first-half slumber. Having scored one point on 0-of-4 shooting, things could not get much worse for the Thunder forward/center. He was outstanding during the second half, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and scoring 23 points. The comeback is the largest in a playoff game since 1997, and Oklahoma City takes a commanding 3-0 lead into Saturday’s Game 4.
DEN • Guard • #4
6 days ago
Due to an inflamed left foot, Westbrook’s availability for the remainder of Thursday’s game is uncertain. He played nine minutes in the first half, scoring three points (1-of-5 FGs) with one rebound, one assist and one three-pointer. Julian Strawther entered the rotation during the third quarter after not playing in either of the first two games. While he can provide three-point shooting, Strawther is not the defender that Westbrook is.
Source: Denver Nuggets
MEM • Guard • #12
6 days ago
Morant suffered a left hip contusion when he was inadvertently undercut by Thunder wing Luguentz Dort while attempting a layup. The Grizzlies’ point guard stayed in the game long enough to try his free throws, which he needed to do to have any chance of returning. However, Morant walked to the locker room slowly immediately after those free throws and has been ruled out for the rest of the game. Luke Kennard moved into the lineup to begin the third quarter. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.
Source: Memphis Grizzlies
GSW • • #
6 days ago
The good news is that the MRI Butler underwent on Thursday did not reveal a fracture or any structural damage due to the hard fall he took during Wednesday’s Game 2 loss to the Rockets. However, Charania reports the veteran forward’s status for Saturday’s Game 3 is in some doubt. Butler’s exit led to Jonathan Kuminga entering the rotation after being a DNP-CD in the three games prior. He should see action if Jimmy is unable to play.
Source: Shams Charania
DET • Guard • #71
6 days ago
Schroder’s play on both ends of the floor is one reason why the Pistons have been highly competitive in their first postseason appearance since 2019. After scoring eight points in Game 1, he totaled 38 in Games 2 and 3, making plays on and off the ball. Also, Schroder has done a good job of defending Jalen Brunson when his name has been called, even if the Knicks point guard made some big plays down the stretch on Thursday. Schroder and the Pistons will look to even the series on Sunday when they host Game 4.
DET • Guard • #2
6 days ago
Cunningham recorded a complete stat line in Game 3, but the Knicks did a better job of making him work for his offense than in Game 2. He shot 40 percent from the field, which isn’t terrible, but he also had six turnovers on the night. To avoid falling into a 3-1 hole on Sunday, the Pistons will need Cunningham to be at his best. And overall, he’s played exceptionally well in his first postseason appearance.
DET • Center • #0
6 days ago
Duren’s stat line was not as robust as it was in Detroit’s Game 2 victory, but the third-year center has played well thus far. Foul trouble cut into Duren’s minutes slightly during the second half. Paul Reed once again assumed the backup center role with Isaiah Stewart (knee) out, and he recorded four points, eight rebounds and one block in 16 minutes. Duren and Reed will remain in Detroit’s big man rotation if Stewart is unable to play in Game 4 on Sunday.
DET • Guard-Forward • #8
6 days ago
This series has been a roller coaster of sorts for Hardaway, who’s facing the franchise that selected him in the first round of the 2013 draft. After scoring 19 points in Game 1, he was scoreless on 0-of-8 shooting in Monday’s Game 2 victory. Returning home worked wonders for Hardaway, even if his performance was not part of a Pistons’ victory. Inconsistent shooting was an issue for him throughout the regular season, so it would be unsurprising if THJ struggled in Game 4 on Sunday. That said, the Pistons need him to be at his best if they’re to even the series.
NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
6 days ago
After scoring eight points in New York’s series-opening victory, Bridges totaled 39 in Games 2 and 3. He did a bit of everything on Thursday, recording a complete stat line while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With the Knicks looking to give Jalen Brunson the occasional respite while on the court, Bridges has done a little more in the way of playmaking in this series. That has not resulted in an explosion in the assist category, but it has ensured that Bridges remains involved offensively. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.
NYK • Guard-Forward • #25
6 days ago
After scoring eight points in New York’s series-opening victory, Bridges totaled 39 in Games 2 and 3. He did a bit of everything on Thursday, recording a complete stat line while shooting over 50 percent from the field. With the Knicks looking to give Jalen Brunson the occasional respite while on the court, Bridges has done a little more in the way of playmaking in this series. That has not resulted in an explosion in the assist category, but it has ensured that Bridges remains involved offensively. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon in Detroit.
NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
6 days ago
Like Karl-Anthony Towns, Anunoby’s ability to rebound from a poor Game 2 was a reason why New York took a 2-1 series lead on Thursday. Having attempted just ten shots on Monday, the Knicks’ wing put up 17 in Game 3 and also attempted six free throws. When the Knicks make a concerted effort to share the offensive workload, they’re a difficult team to defend. In addition to the improved offensive output, Anunoby was also responsible for two steals, bringing his total to nine through three games. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon.
NYK • Forward-Guard • #8
6 days ago
Like Karl-Anthony Towns, Anunoby’s ability to rebound from a poor Game 2 was a reason why New York took a 2-1 series lead on Thursday. Having attempted just ten shots on Monday, the Knicks’ wing put up 17 in Game 3 and also attempted six free throws. When the Knicks make a concerted effort to share the offensive workload, they’re a difficult team to defend. In addition to the improved offensive output, Anunoby was also responsible for two steals, bringing his total to nine through three games. Game 4 is on Sunday afternoon.
NYK • Guard • #11
6 days ago
Brunson struggled from beyond the arc on Thursday, making just one of his seven attempts. However, he was 8-of-13 from two and attempted 13 free throws, finishing with his third straight 30-point game. Brunson and the Knicks did a much better job of distributing the offensive workload in Game 3, resulting in four starters scoring at least 20 points. New York will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead on Sunday afternoon.
NYK • Center-Forward • #32
6 days ago
After attempting just three shots after halftime in Monday’s Game 2 defeat, Towns was far more involved in the Knicks’ offense Thursday night. He shot 3-of-7 from the field in the first quarter and generally punished whichever Piston was tasked with guarding him throughout the night. As a result of the Game 3 win, the Knicks hold a 2-1 lead in a series they could very well trail by a 3-0 margin. Towns will need to remain aggressive in Sunday’s Game 4 if the Knicks are to strengthen their grip on the series.
DEN • Forward • #1
6 days ago
Injured late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat, Porter was cleared to play on Thursday after successfully going through his pregame routine. He’ll occupy his usual place within the starting lineup, while Peyton Watson or Russell Westbrook will miss out on the opportunity to start.
Source: Vinny Benedetto
DEN • Forward • #1
6 days ago
Injured late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat, Porter was cleared to play on Thursday after successfully going through his pregame routine. He’ll occupy his usual place within the starting lineup, while Peyton Watson or Russell Westbrook will miss out on the opportunity to start.
Source: Vinny Benedetto
MIN • Guard • #4
6 days ago
Dillingham last appeared in a game on April 11, but the rookie had fallen out of the Timberwolves’ rotation well before then. Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will continue to play whatever minutes are available among Minnesota’s reserve guards.
Source: NBA Injury Report
