4 weeks agoNew York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson led his team to the win over the 76ers on Saturday. Brunson had trouble shooting the ball, going 8-for-26 from the field. But he still finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. The 22-year-old didn't have his best showing in Game 1. However, he played well enough to help his team take the series opener. Both clubs will meet for Game 2 on Monday evening. While Brunson hasn't had the easiest time dealing with Philly throughout the 2023-24 campaign, he will likely spend most of the game on the floor, which is always good for anyone's DFS potential.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) finished with 29 points, eight boards, six assists, and two steals in Saturday's playoff loss to the Knicks. The reigning MVP had trouble shooting the ball, going 8-for-22 from the field and 2-for-8 from deep. But more importantly, he came down hard on his left knee after a dunk late in the second quarter and exited the contest. Fortunately, he returned to start the third quarter and finished the contest. However, Embiid should undergo more tests ahead of Game 2 on Monday night. But it's possible he won't be out there for that one, opening the door for
Mo Bamba and
Paul Reed to take over in the middle.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 weeks agoPhoenix Suns guard/forward
Grayson Allen (ankle) exited Saturday's postseason loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The former Duke Blue Devil tweaked his ankle, so he'd finish the day with four points, five rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes of work. Luckily, X-rays were negative, and the team will now take things day by day before deciding his availability for Game 2 on Tuesday evening. If he can't suit up,
Royce O'Neale, finishing with 14 points in Game 1, would likely slide into the starting lineup and immediately become an enticing DFS option for any contest.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Donnie Druin
4 weeks agoMiami Heat guard/forward
Duncan Robinson (back) is questionable for Sunday's playoff matchup versus the Celtics. The 29-year-old is on the injury report again because of Left Facet Syndrome, something he's battled for weeks. While Robinson was available for Wednesday's Play-In loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, he remained on the bench. However, he saw 12 minutes in Friday's victory over the Chicago Bulls and ended the night by amassing eight points, three boards, and one assist. With
Jimmy Butler (knee) and
Terry Rozier (neck) out for Game 1, Robinson should get on the floor. Yet, he's likely not fully healthy, making him hard to trust for DFS contests.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoBoston Celtics center
Luke Kornet (calf) won't play in Sunday's postseason showdown with the Miami Heat. Kornet holds a semi-regular spot in the rotation, averaging 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks this season. But he's sidelined because of a strained calf, meaning the 28-year-old could miss more time beyond Sunday's contest. Fortunately,
Kristaps Porzingis and
Al Horford are available, so they should absorb most of the minutes at the five.
Xavier Tillman Sr. could potentially see the floor. However, Tillman won't play enough to warrant DFS consideration.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoDallas Mavericks guard/forward
Tim Hardaway Jr. (illness) is questionable for Sunday's postseason clash with the Clippers. He's not feeling well. As a result, Hardaway has missed practice time over the last few days. With that in mind, the 32-year-old has posted double-digit scoring performances in just two of his eight appearances in April, meaning he'll be hard to trust from a DFS standpoint if he's healthy enough to get on the floor.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoMilwaukee Bucks guard
Damian Lillard (groin) isn't listed on the league's official injury report ahead of Sunday's postseason opener versus the Pacers. The former Trail Blazer has been burdened by a groin strain over the last week or so. However, he practiced over the last few days, so DFS managers had a feeling things were moving in this direction. With
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) unlikely to suit up, Lillard will be a popular fantasy option on Sunday.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoLos Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (ankle) will play on Saturday against the Nuggets. There wasn't much doubt regarding his availability for the series opener, especially since he's battled a nagging ankle injury for months. James is coming off a few potent performances. That trend could continue, with the multi-time All-Star averaging 24.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in three meetings with the champs throughout the 2023-24 campaign.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoLos Angeles Lakers forward/center
Anthony Davis (back) will play in Saturday's game versus the Denver Nuggets. He was listed as questionable because of a back issue, although there wasn't any doubt regarding his availability for Game 1. With that in mind, AD has had trouble in three meetings with the champs this season, at least compared to his encounters with other clubs, averaging 22.0 points, 9.3 boards, and 3.0 blocks. He's also shot 47.4% from the field in those contests, much lower than his seasonal average.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoMilwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful ahead of Sunday's postseason battle with the Indiana Pacers. Although the injury report suggests he has a chance to play, he likely won't be out there for Game 1. In fact, his absence could extend beyond Sunday's contest. Fortunately,
Damian Lillard (groin) is off the injury report, so his presence will help lessen the blow.
Khris Middleton,
Bobby Portis, and
Brook Lopez should pick up the rest of the surplus opportunities on the offensive end.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
4 weeks agoPhiladelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (knee) exited Saturday's postseason meeting with the Knicks. The reigning MVP went up for a dunk late in the second quarter. Unfortunately, he came down hard on his surgically repaired left knee and immediately fell to the court in obvious pain. There hasn't been an official update on his status. However, the team likely won't take chances with Embiid, so
Paul Reed and
Mo Bamba may handle things in the middle for the remainder of Game 1.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 weeks agoMiami Heat guard
Terry Rozier (neck) has progressed since going on the shelf. However, he's still not healthy enough to play. Fortunately, the issue isn't expected to jeopardize his career. But there haven't been any updates on when the Heat can expect to get him back on the floor. One thing is for sure; the team needs him, considering
Jimmy Butler (knee) is also out for at least a few weeks. With that in mind, until Rozier is cleared to suit up,
Tyler Herro should continue to hold things down at the one, with
Delon Wright playing the support role.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Barry Jackson
4 weeks agoAccording to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there is "increasing doubt" regarding the availability of Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (knee) for Sunday's postseason meeting with the Mavericks. The multi-time All-Star still hasn't gone through contact at practice since going on the shelf with another knee injury. There also haven't been any concrete updates regarding the nature of his ailment. But things don't look good for Leonard, who has battled knee injuries throughout his career. While it's too early to speculate, his absence could extend beyond Game 1. As expected,
James Harden and
Paul George should be the team's top offensive contributors while Leonard is out. Guys like
Russell Westbrook,
Norman Powell, and
Ivica Zubac could also benefit from a production standpoint.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adrian Wojnarowski
4 weeks agoChicago Bulls forward
DeMar DeRozan scored a team-high 22 points in Friday's Play-In loss to the Miami Heat. Despite the veteran's solid showing, the Bulls lost to a Miami team that didn't have
Jimmy Butler (knee) or
Terry Rozier (neck). With another season in the books, DeRozan will hit the open market this summer. But he's still productive as ever, ending the 2023-24 campaign with averages of 24.0 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds. The 34-year-old also played more minutes this season than anyone in the National Basketball Association. However, DeRozan has made it known he wants to win, so he may have played his final game with the Bulls.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
4 weeks agoMiami Heat guard
Tyler Herro scored a game-high 24 points in Friday's Play-In win over the Chicago Bulls. The 24-year-old nearly had a triple-double, adding 10 boards and nine assists to his scoring total. While he still had issues taking care of the ball, he shot better than he did in Wednesday's loss to the 76ers. With that said, Herro should continue to benefit from a production standpoint while
Jimmy Butler (knee) and
Terry Rozier (neck) remain sidelined. Unfortunately, the Heat will advance to meet the Celtics in the opening round, which is never an easy matchup for anyone.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
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