RADIO
Peyton Watson to Remain Out Thursday
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hamstring) will remain out on Thursday in Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 23-year-old suffered a right hamstring strain on April 1. There have been no updates on Watson, so it's unclear whether he will be able to return if the Nuggets survive the first-round series against Minnesota. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown have seen a lot of action off the bench during Watson's absence. However, Denver relied heavily on its first unit in Monday's elimination game and will likely do the same on Thursday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Austin Reaves Cleared to Return Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) has been officially cleared to return to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Reaves has been nursing a Grade 2 left oblique strain since April 2. He joins a Lakers lineup that remains without Luka Doncic (hamstring), so Reaves will have a large role offensively, though he might not play his usual minutes after his multi-week absence. The fantasy outlook for Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart will suffer with Reaves rejoining the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Luka Doncic Remains Without Timetable for Return
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) remains without a timetable for his return, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. "There's still no clarity on the timetable for him," Charania said on Wednesday during an appearance on NBA Today. "He is starting some on-court movement. He's continuing to improve on that. There's still some ways to go, though, for him to have a full ramp-up of basketball activities." Charania added that Doncic is expected to remain sidelined at the start of the second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder if the Lakers advance past Houston. Doncic has been out since April 2 due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Brandon Ingram Won't Play in Second Half Wednesday
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (heel) will miss the remainder of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team ruled him out for the rest of the night before halftime due to right heel inflammation. It's an issue Ingram has been dealing with late in the season. On Wednesday, he played only 11 minutes and scored one point. A.J. Lawson started the second half in Ingram's place. Jamal Shead and Jamison Battle could also see more action for the rest of the game, while the offense will revolve around Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Ja'Kobe Walter.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Aaron Gordon Questionable for Game 6
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (calf) is questionable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 6 against Minnesota after missing multiple games and playing limited minutes in his last appearance. Even if he returns, his workload could be managed in a win-or-go-home setting. Spencer Jones stepped into a larger role in Game 5, producing 20 points with four three-pointers, three rebounds, and three steals in 37 minutes and would remain a strong DFS value if Gordon sits again. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray should continue handling the bulk of the offense.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Josh Hart Iffy for Game 6
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (back) is questionable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 6 against Atlanta due to a lower-back contusion, though he is still expected to push to play in a closeout spot. If he is limited or sits, Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado could see more run after combining for 21 points in 28 minutes off the bench in Game 5. Hart's all-around role makes him valuable in DFS if active, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns should continue carrying the offense.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Joel Embiid Likely to Play in Game 6
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) is probable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 6 against Boston as he continues to play through recovery from a recent procedure. He logged 39 minutes in Game 5 after 34 minutes in his initial return, and a similar workload is expected in this elimination setting. In two appearances, Embiid has averaged 29.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, maintaining elite production. He remains a top DFS anchor, while Tyrese Maxey and Paul George continue to play key offensive roles.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Bones Hyland Could Miss Game 6
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (knee) is questionable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 6 against Denver due to left knee soreness, adding another layer of uncertainty to a thin backcourt. With Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) already sidelined, Hyland has been in line for a larger role, making his status critical. If he sits, Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson would need to handle more playmaking, while Terrence Shannon Jr. could see a bump after scoring 15 points with two three-pointers in 14 minutes in Game 5. Shannon could be a strong DFS value if his minutes increase.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Kevin Huerter Not Available for Game 5
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Orlando, leaving the team short on perimeter shooting in a win-or-go-home spot. His absence should open up more minutes for Caris LeVert and Daniss Jenkins, though neither offers consistent scoring. Cade Cunningham is expected to handle even more offensive responsibility, increasing his DFS appeal, while Duncan Robinson may see added looks from deep. Huerter is not a factor until he returns, and Detroit will need secondary shooters to step up.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jonathan Isaac Remains Out for Game 5
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Detroit and has yet to appear in the playoffs. His absence is expected to continue into the next game as he works his way back, though there is still no clear timeline. Even with Franz Wagner (calf) also sidelined, Isaac's status does not meaningfully change Orlando's rotation. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. will continue to handle most frontcourt minutes, while Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain remain secondary options.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Franz Wagner Won't Play in Game 5
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Detroit after being diagnosed with a right calf strain. He was unable to participate in shootaround and could miss additional time as the series continues. Anthony Black is a strong candidate to move into a larger role, while Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain should see increased minutes after combining for 14 points and 13 rebounds in Game 4. Paolo Banchero should take on a bigger offensive role, making him a strong DFS option, while Black stands out as a value play.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Johnson Collects Second Playoff Double-Double
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson recorded his second career postseason double-double in Tuesday's Game 5 loss to the New York Knicks. He led his team with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in the contest. Additionally, Johnson managed two steals in 35 minutes. The first-year All-Star made himself useful on both ends of the floor, but Johnson's scoring efforts weren't good enough again. He went 1-for-5 from outside and 7-for-15 overall from the field. In the playoffs, Johnson has made only 42.9 percent of his field-goal attempts, and as a result, his scoring average has dipped to 19.5 points per game. Johnson's numbers in other areas have also declined compared with the regular season. The Hawks likely won't survive beyond six games in the series if Johnson can't regain his regular-season form.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Brunson Pours 39 Points on Hawks in Game 5
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson dominated against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, leading his team to a blowout win in Game 5 of the series with 39 points, three rebounds, and eight assists. Brunson had a 15-for-23 record from the field and made three of his five attempts from deep. With an average of 28.2 points per game, Brunson is the fourth-highest scorer in the 2026 playoffs. He has also contributed 2.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game, making 41.9 percent of his three-point attempts. The 2025 NBA Cup MVP will look to maintain his high level of performance as the Knicks try to finish off the Hawks in Game 6 on Thursday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jaylen Brown Struggles From the Field in Game 5
Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown finished only 9-for-23 from the field as he tallied 22 points in Tuesday's 113-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Boston had a chance to close out the series on home court, but most of the team struggled to score. Brown's efforts included a 1-for-4 record from downtown and a 3-for-5 success rate at the free-throw line. He picked up five rebounds and dished out five assists. On the defensive end, Brown recorded one steal. Missing a chance to finish the series in five games will haunt the Celtics, but Brown and his crew must refocus quickly with Game 6 on Thursday. The 2024 Finals MVP will enter the contest averaging a team-high 25.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.2 steals in the series.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jayson Tatum Picks Up Another Double-Double
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum finished Tuesday's Game 5 loss against the Philadelphia 76ers with 24 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. He led the Celtics in scoring and rebounding, recording his fourth double-double of the series. While this was another productive night for Tatum, his scoring efficiency was poor. The six-time All-Star was 8-for-19 from the field, including 4-for-12 from outside, and even struggled at the free-throw line, going 4-for-7. Overall, Tatum's percentages have improved in the playoffs, and he has been busy all over the court while averaging 37.8 minutes per game. Tatum leads his team in rebounding (10.6), assists (7.6), and steals (1.4), while sitting second in scoring (24.6).
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
