RADIO
Joel Embiid is Downgraded to Out for Game 2
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) has been downgraded to out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. He came into this game with a probable tag, but will ultimately sit out due to two nagging injuries. The Sixers were blown out in Game 1, and that was with Embiid on the court. It's going to be an uphill battle to win Game 2 without the big man available. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will be asked to split up the minutes at the center spot. Neither player is an ideal DFS option, even with an expanded role. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will be asked to do the heavy lifting on offense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Chet Holmgren Leads Thunder to Victory in Game 1 Against Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren took on a leading role in Tuesday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, racking up 24 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks in a 108-90 win. The former second-overall pick led his squad in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quiet night on the offensive end with 18 points. Holmgren also finished the first-round matchup against Phoenix with a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double. He has picked up a lot of momentum and looks to be a tough player to stop for the Lakers, whose frontcourt must also contend with Isaiah Hartenstein, who missed a double-double on Tuesday night by two points and one rebound.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
LeBron James Scores Game-High 27 Points in Tuesday's Loss
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James led all scorers with 27 points in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night but ended up on the losing side. James had a superb 12-for-17 record from the field and finished 3-for-6 with the three-ball. But Austin Reaves was limited to just eight points, and the Lakers were no match for the defending champions in a 108-90 defeat. James completed his line with four rebounds, six assists, and one steal. The Lakers were impressive in the first-round series against Houston, but they will need everyone, including James, to elevate their game to match the Thunder. In his 19th postseason campaign, James is averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
James Harden Finishes Game 1 Loss With 22 Points
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden recorded 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block in Tuesday's Game 1 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The former MVP came alive late in the game, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter. His efforts helped Cleveland tie the game with five minutes to go, but Kenny Atkinson's team ran out of gas, losing 111-101. Although Harden produced a full line, he was once again careless with the ball, committing seven turnovers. His field-goal efficiency also left a lot to be desired, as Harden went 6-for-15 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three-point range. He was a perfect 9-for-9 at the free-throw line. Harden averages 5.4 turnovers per game this postseason and must improve his ball-handling to make himself more impactful on the offensive end.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cade Cunningham Posts 23 Points in Game 1 Win
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham scored a team-high 23 points in Tuesday's 111-101 Game 1 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was his lowest-scoring postseason game of the year, as Cunningham was limited to 6-for-19 from the field. He went 2-for-5 from beyond the arc and 9-for-11 at the line. In 42 minutes on the floor, Cunningham also contributed three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. The Pistons' superstar has shouldered a heavy workload in the playoffs. As a result, he could face a few more tough nights scoring. Across eight appearances, Cunningham has averaged 40.6 minutes, posting 31.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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
