RADIO
Jalen Duren Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren bagged an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double as the team opened the second-round series with an 111-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday. Duren had a pivotal role in the final five minutes after Cleveland had tied the game at 93. The first-year All-Star scored six points in the closing stages. Duren's night in a tough matchup against Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley also included four rebounds and two blocks. He went 4-for-11 from the field and 3-for-4 at the charity stripe. Initially, Duren struggled in the playoffs, but he has now started to show the form that earned him his first All-Star selection.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Sam Merrill's Status Unclear for Game 2
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill's (hamstring) status is in doubt for Game 2 against the Detroit Pistons. According to Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland, Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson didn't have a postgame update on Merrill after he exited the second-round series opener with a hamstring injury on Tuesday night. Merrill didn't return after the first quarter, finishing with one assist in seven minutes. He didn't have a single shot attempt. In the playoffs, Merrill has averaged 6.6 points in 18.5 minutes per game. His role has decreased significantly compared to the regular season, but the team will miss Merrill's three-point ability if he has to drop out of the lineup.
Source: Danny Cunningham
Source: Danny Cunningham
Jarred Vanderbilt Dislocates Finger in Game 1 Loss
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt sustained a full dislocation of his right pinky finger in Tuesday's Game 1 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. According to Charania, Vanderbilt needed stitches after the game because the bone in his dislocated finger broke the skin. He exited the game in the second quarter after slamming his finger on the backboard during a block attempt. Vanderbilt finished the night with two points and one rebound in six minutes. During the playoffs, Vanderbilt has averaged 12.0 minutes per game. The 27-year-old has seen regular rotation minutes, but his contributions have been limited to 3.3 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Jake LaRavia could see an uptick in minutes if Vanderbilt misses time, which seems likely.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Sam Merrill Heads to Locker Room in Game 1
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hamstring) exited Tuesday's Game 1 against Detroit after the first quarter and is questionable to return. He logged nearly seven minutes before heading to the locker room with a member of the medical staff, finishing with one assist and one turnover. Merrill's fantasy impact is mostly tied to threes, so his absence would matter more for Cleveland's bench spacing than usage. Max Strus and Dennis Schroder could pick up extra minutes, while Donovan Mitchell and James Harden should continue driving the offense.
Source: Danny Cunningham
Source: Danny Cunningham
Anthony Edwards Iffy for Game 2
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's Game 2 against San Antonio after returning from a two-game absence Monday. He came off the bench in Game 1 and produced 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 25 minutes. If active, Edwards could remain on a minutes restriction, which keeps some DFS risk attached despite his high-usage role. Terrence Shannon Jr. could lose minutes if Edwards ramps up, while Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels should remain steady scoring options.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Ayo Dosunmu Listed as Questionable Wednesday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is questionable for Wednesday's Game 2 against San Antonio after missing two straight playoff contests with right calf soreness. His return would give Minnesota another perimeter defender and secondary creator, but it would likely cut into Terrence Shannon Jr.'s workload after Shannon logged 35 minutes in back-to-back games and posted 16 points and five rebounds in Game 1. Dosunmu carries some DFS risk if active, especially with Anthony Edwards (knee) also questionable, while Shannon remains the main beneficiary if Dosunmu sits again.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Huerter Remains Out for Series Opener
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 1 against Cleveland, marking his fourth straight absence with a left adductor strain. His next chance to return comes Thursday in Game 2. Huerter's absence keeps Detroit's bench wing minutes open, with Daniss Jenkins the cleaner DFS angle after producing 16 points, four three-pointers, three rebounds, five assists, and one block in 29 minutes against Orlando. Javonte Green may also see spot minutes, but Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris should continue driving usage.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Carter Bryant Questionable for Game 2
San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (foot) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's Game 2 against Minnesota after missing Monday's series opener with a right foot sprain. The rookie has held a limited playoff role, averaging 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 9.2 minutes during the first round. Even if active, Bryant is unlikely to see enough run to matter in DFS. Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes could absorb a few wing minutes if he remains out, while usage stays centered on Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Joel Embiid Expected to Play Wednesday
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's Game 2 against New York due to a right ankle sprain. The issue is not expected to keep him out, though it adds some DFS risk after he logged only 25 minutes in the Game 1 blowout. Embiid has still averaged 25 points, eight rebounds, and nearly six assists this postseason, keeping him firmly in play if active. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George remain key scoring options, while Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would benefit if Embiid is limited.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tyrese Maxey Limited to 13 Points in Second-Round Opener
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey cooled off on Monday in Game 1 against the New York Knicks, settling for 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists in a 137-98 blowout loss. He had twice as many turnovers (4) as assists, going 3-for-9 from the field and 0-for-3 from three-point land. If it weren't for Maxey's perfect 7-for-7 effort at the charity stripe, his line could have looked even uglier. Maxey's drop in form was unexpected, as he finished the first-round series against Boston with back-to-back 30-point games and notched two double-doubles in the last three games. During the regular season, Maxey was a menace for the Knicks, averaging 30.0 points per game with 50.0 percent efficiency from deep. If he can get back to that level, this could still turn into a very competitive series.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Joel Embiid Stays Quiet in Game 1 Against Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid contributed only 14 points, four rebounds, and one assist in Monday's Game 1 blowout loss to the New York Knicks. Coming off a big Game 7 win over Boston on Saturday night, the 76ers lacked energy, and Embiid's performance perfectly summed up the entire team's effort. The former MVP made only three of 11 field-goal attempts and, for the second time in four games, failed to make a three-pointer. Most of Embiid's points came from the free-throw line, where he finished 8-for-9. Embiid leads Philadelphia with 25.2 points per game in the playoffs, but he has been limited to 42.4 percent field-goal efficiency, making just three of 22 attempts from deep. The Knicks could take down the 76ers quickly if Embiid's performance doesn't improve.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Brunson Torches 76ers With 35 Points Monday
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson had an explosive start to the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, leading all scorers with 35 points in 31 minutes. This was just nine points fewer than the total Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George combined for Philadelphia. 27 of Brunson's points came in the first half. He finished 12-for-18 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, while making all eight free-throw attempts. Brunson was busy scoring all night, so he had time for only three assists. He also recorded one rebound and two steals. Philadelphia limited Brunson to 23.0 points per game during the regular season, but he looks set to make a lot more noise in this playoff series, with a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals on the line.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dylan Harper Leads Spurs With 18 Points Monday
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper led his team with 18 points in Monday's tough 104-102 Game 1 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Stephon Castle battling foul trouble, Harper had a chance to play a prominent role and enjoyed one of the best games of his first postseason. The 20-year-old rookie went 7-for-13 from the field and had a 1-for-4 record from outside. He grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists. While Harper lacks experience, he has handled the pressure and intensity of the playoffs well. In six outings, Harper has amassed 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.0 minutes per game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Julius Randle Collects First Double-Double of Postseason
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle bagged his first double-double of the 2026 postseason on Monday, contributing a team-high 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 104-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. He also had a pair of assists and one steal. Randle went 8-for-20 from the field, including 2-for-6 from downtown. So far, Randle's offensive efforts have steadily improved in the playoffs, but he's having trouble handling the ball. Monday's game marked the fourth consecutive outing for Randle with four or more turnovers. He accounted for half of the team's 10 turnovers in this game. Still, Randle has picked up positive momentum recently and has a key role to play against Victor Wembanyama's crew.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Anthony Edwards Tallies 18 Points in Comeback Game
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards returned from a knee injury with an 18-point effort in Monday's 104-102 road win over the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards logged 25 minutes off the bench and scored 11 points in the fourth quarter. He finished an efficient 8-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-3 from downtown. Minnesota's star man blocked one shot and had three rebounds and three assists. Efficiency from the field has been an issue for Edwards this postseason, and it's a great sign for the Timberwolves that he found his rhythm in the second-round opener. It remains to be seen whether the team will also utilize Edwards off the bench in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Terrence Shannon Jr. did a good job as a starter in Edwards' place on Monday, notching 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
