3 weeks agoLos Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) was present at the morning shootaround ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday versus the Dallas Mavericks. Dealing with inflammation in his right knee, Leonard hasn't played since March 31 and remains listed as questionable for the second game of the Western Conference quarterfinals. The 32-year-old two-way superstar's status is trending in the right direction but appears likely to come down to a game-time decision based on pregame warmups. Should Leonard remain out,
James Harden and
Paul George would dominate usage for the Clips as even more appealing DFS options on Tuesday's three-game slate. The sharpshooting
Amir Coffey would figure to remain in LA's starting lineup as well, but he averaged only 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.7 three-pointers in 28.9 minutes over 13 games as a starter in the regular season.
--Joseph Barbati - RotoBallerSource: Ohm Youngmisuk - ESPN
3 weeks agoDenver Nuggets center
Nikola Jokic cooked up a special line against the Lakers in Monday's 101-99 win, leading the team with 27 points and bagging 20 rebounds and 10 assists. It's his fourth career playoff game with at least 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. There have been only four other occasions in NBA playoff history when a player has managed to record these numbers. Jokic's night included a pair of steals in 41 minutes on the floor, as he shot 9-for-16 from the field and 2-for-4 from downtown. The reigning Finals MVP fills up the stat sheet with ease and should continue to do so as the series shifts to L.A. later in the week.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoDenver Nuggets point guard
Jamal Murray salvaged his bad night with a strong finish and the game-winning shot in Monday's 101-99 victory over the Lakers. Murray put the Nuggets 2-0 up in the series by hitting a tough step-back 15-foot shot over
Anthony Davis at the buzzer. Denver pulled off a 20-point comeback in the game, with Murray scoring 12 of his 20 points inside the final 7:15 of play. He failed to hit a single three-pointer with five attempts and finished 9-for-24 overall from the field. However, Murray also made a big impact defensively with a pair of blocks and registered three rebounds with five assists. Murray's shot has been off at the beginning of the series, but he's known as a very good postseason performer and should kick into gear soon.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoLos Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James had a vintage playoff performance in Game 2 against Denver on Monday in a 101-99 loss. He produced 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and totaled eight rebounds, 12 assists, two steals, and two blocks. James was 3-for-6 with the three-ball and shot 9-for-19 overall. The NBA-s all-time leading scorer has now lost nine consecutive games against a single opponent for the first time in his 21-year career. He will try to spark a comeback in the series on Thursday when the two teams meet up in Los Angeles.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoLos Angeles Lakers forward/center
Anthony Davis brought out all of his offensive moves to score a game-high 32 points in Monday's loss to Denver. Davis missed only five of his 19 shots and racked up 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block across 39 minutes. However, the Lakers needed one more swat from him, as
Jamal Murray hit a 101-99 game-winner at the buzzer over Davis. The Lakers are now 2-0 down in the series, but Davis has been in outstanding form. He's averaged 32.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks through the first couple of games.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoCleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen dominated the glass in Monday's Game 2 win against the Magic, becoming the third player in franchise history to record 20-plus rebounds in a playoff game. He joined
Kevin Love (21) and Brad Daugherty (20), gobbling up nine rebounds on the offensive end alone. The great work on the glass helped Allen to ease to a second consecutive double-double in the series, as he posted 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting. It was a productive night all around for the 28-year-old, with Allen completing his line with three assists, two steals, and two blocks. Allen also had 18 rebounds in Game 1, and Orlando clearly has to do better on the glass to have a chance in the series, which continues on Thursday.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoCleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell put together a full line in Monday's 96-86 Game 2 victory over Orlando, leading all scorers with 23 points and collecting eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. It was a busy night for the Cavaliers superstar, although Mitchell struggled from downtown with a 2-for-10 effort. It dragged his overall shooting numbers down badly, as Mitchell finished 9-for-22 from the field. Mitchell's three-point shooting for the series now stands at 27.8 percent, but he's still enjoyed a good start to the playoffs, averaging 26.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.0 steals.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoMinnesota Timberwolves forward
Kyle Anderson (hip) has been listed as questionable for Tuesday's Game 2 against Phoenix. Anderson hurt his right hip in the series opener at the weekend, playing only five minutes.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker earned extra trust off the bench and had an outstanding day at the office on Saturday with 18 points, four rebounds, two assists, and four steals. Everybody's favorite sixth man,
Naz Reid, should also eat up a few more minutes on Tuesday if Anderson can't play.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 weeks agoNew York Knicks forward
Josh Hart had another big game on Monday night in the postseason win over the 76ers. He played all 48 minutes and finished with a double-double, amassing 21 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. The 29-year-old also got after it defensively by ending the evening with two steals and two blocks. Hart has been one of New York's top contributors, combining for 43 points and 28 rebounds in the series' first two games. With the Knicks now up two games to none, both clubs will meet again on Thursday in Philadelphia. DFS managers should expect the 2017 No. 30 overall pick to get all the work he can handle and remain heavily involved on both sides of the floor.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoNew York Knicks center
Mitchell Robinson cooled off in the Game 2 win over the Sixers. The big man logged 30 minutes in Game 1 to finish with eight points, 12 rebounds, four blocks, and one steal. However, he played only 18 minutes on Monday night and wasn't nearly as productive. Robinson could bounce back at some point in this series. Yet, with
Isaiah Hartenstein in the equation, Robinson will remain a risky DFS option for Game 3 on Thursday evening.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoNew York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson scored a team-high 24 points in Monday's win over Philly. He added eight rebounds and six assists. While the 27-year-old led the way on the scoring end, he still had trouble shooting the ball, going 8-for-29 from the field and 1-for-6 from deep. He posted similar shooting percentages in Game 1, so it's apparent the Sixers will continue to make him a focal point defensively. However, Brunson can get it done in multiple ways, keeping him on the radar as a top DFS option for any lineup when these clubs meet for Game 3 on Thursday night in Philadelphia.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) had a double-double in Monday's loss to the Knicks. He tweaked his surgically repaired left knee in Game 1 on Saturday and was listed as questionable heading into this one. However, the reigning MVP logged 39 minutes and finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. With the Sixers trailing two games, the series will head back to Philadelphia for Game 3. DFS managers should expect Embiid to appear on the injury report, just like he has since returning from his lengthy layoff. With that in mind, Embiid will remain one of the best fantasy options available, even though he's not fully healthy and has had issues shooting the ball in this series.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard
Tyrese Maxey (illness) shed his questionable designation to suit up for Monday's postseason meeting with the Knicks. After scoring 33 points in Game 1, Maxey played even better in this one, scoring 35 points and adding 10 assists and nine rebounds. The 23-year-old had a lower DFS rostering cost entering Game 2, at least compared to some of the other potent guards on the slate. However, he certainly produced well beyond expectations. With the Sixers down two games to New York, the series will head back to Philly for Game 3 on Thursday night. Expect Maxey to continue to play heavy minutes and get a bulk of the scoring chances.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 weeks agoOrlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (knee) returned to Monday's contest against the Cavs. The 22-year-old suffered a left knee strain in the first quarter and needed assistance to the locker room. It appeared his night was over. However, Suggs managed to return to start the second half. Without question, DFS managers who have him in their lineups are thrilled he's back on the floor. However, Suggs will likely appear on the injury report heading into Game 3.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: TV Broadcast
3 weeks agoLos Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's postseason clash with the Mavericks. He has started practicing, although it's unknown how involved he actually was. With that in mind, DFS managers likely won't see him on Tuesday night. However, it appears there's at least a chance Leonard could return during the series with Dallas. Nonetheless,
Paul George,
Ivica Zubac, and
James Harden should lead the way offensively while Leonard is out. At the same time, there's room for
Russell Westbrook,
Norman Powell, and
Terance Mann to benefit on the scoring end.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Michael Scotto
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