3 days agoBoston Celtics guard
Jrue Holiday had by far the best offensive outing of the 2024 postseason on Tuesday, finishing a 133-128 overtime victory against Indiana in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals with 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting. Entering Tuesday, Holiday hasn't managed more than 18 points in any playoff game this year, finishing with less than 10 points in four of 10 games, but he looked like a different man on the court Tuesday night. As usual, Holiday, who finished 4-for-8 with the three-ball, also made his mark defensively, snagging three steals, and he capped off his line with seven rebounds and eight assists. This could be another quick series for Boston if Holiday can keep up his form for the rest of the week.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoBoston Celtics forward
Jayson Tatum had a big double-double in Tuesday's Eastern Conference Finals opener against Indiana, scoring a game-high 36 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to help the team to a 133-128 overtime win. He scored 11 of Boston's 16 points in overtime after
Jaylen Brown had hit a tough three-pointer to extend the game. With him shooting 12-for-26 from the field, Tatum wasn't very efficient with his scoring, but his overall work, which included four assists and three steals, resulted in a game-best plus-20 rating. It's scary what he could do if he shoots better in Game 2. Tatum will enter Thursday's contest with a four-game double-double streak.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoBoston Celtics guard/forward
Jaylen Brown kicked off the Eastern Conference Finals in style, playing a massive role in a 133-128 overtime win in Game 1 on Tuesday. Brown hit a tough contested corner triple to take the game into the extra frame and stood out at the other end in overtime, stealing the ball with 37 seconds remaining, which helped Boston to get over the finish line. The three-time All-Star had three total steals in the game and added a block at the defensive end while scoring 26 points on 10-for-20 shooting. It was a full line from Brown in Game 1, as he also recorded seven rebounds and five assists. Brown has been very potent in these playoffs, reaching the 25-point plateau in five of the last seven games.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
3 days agoAccording to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Los Angeles Lakers guard
D'Angelo Russell is drawing interest from the Orlando Magic. The 28-year-old is coming off a quality season, averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. He also shot a career-high 41.5% from deep. He can earn nearly $19 million if he accepts his player option. But if Russell wants to test the market, the Magic could look to add some stability to their backcourt, something the team desperately needs. From a fantasy standpoint, he's expected to remain a reliable option no matter where he ends up, although injuries have sometimes overshadowed his play throughout his career.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Kelly Iko
3 days agoMinnesota Timberwolves guard
Mike Conley (calf) is questionable for Wednesday's postseason battle with the Mavericks. The 36-year-old suffered a right Soleus strain during the Western Conference semifinals against OKC. While the injury cost him Game 5, he was available for the series' final two contests. Conley averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and shot 52.9% from deep in four regular-season meetings versus Dallas. However, he's not always reliable for DFS purposes, and he may be even less dependable due to the injury.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoDallas Mavericks guard
Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is probable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The multi-time All-Star continues to battle knee and ankle soreness. However, these ailments aren't new, so he'll be on the floor on Wednesday evening, barring a setback. Doncic went crazy in two meetings with Minnesota during the regular season, averaging 36.5 points, 10.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. But he might have a difficult time remaining as productive, considering his multiple injuries have impacted his scoring ability throughout the postseason.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoAccording to Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, guard
Ja Morant (shoulder) is progressing in rehab from a torn labrum suffered back in January. "Everything is going well," said Jenkins while speaking to the media at an event. "He's going to be pretty close to full go on the court." The multi-time All-Star began last season serving a 25-game suspension before averaging 25.1 points and 8.1 assists in nine appearances. Unfortunately, he sustained a torn labrum and had to undergo season-ending surgery. Without a doubt, Morant is one of the best players in the National Basketball Association. However, he's had issues staying healthy over the years while being involved in several off-the-court incidents. But he's an excellent bounce-back candidate for 2024-25, although category participants haven't appreciated his career 31.8% shooting from deep.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: DaMichael Cole
3 days agoAccording to The Athletic's Shams Charania, speaking on FanDuel TV's Up and Adams, there is a "growing belief" that
Paul George will remain with the Clippers. The veteran could become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he doesn't sign an extension and declines his $48.8 million option. While he has interest from several clubs, it appears he may remain in Los Angeles. George isn't the player he once was. However, the 34-year-old still averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 74 regular-season appearances for the Clippers. He also shot a career-high 41.3% from behind the three-point line. With that said, George will remain a coveted fantasy option for all formats heading into the 2024-25 campaign. But his inability to stay healthy during his career is something fantasy managers should keep in mind when drafting.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
3 days agoAccording to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, speaking on NBA Countdown ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Boston Celtics center
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) could be back for Game 4 on Monday. Wojnarowski indicated the team won't rush him back, which is understandable if the C's build a decisive lead in the series with Indiana. However, if anything, the update means that Boston could have him back for the NBA Finals, assuming the Celtics advance. The 28-year-old averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks during the regular season. But Porzingis hasn't been on the floor in nearly a month, meaning he could be limited once he's cleared to return. In the meantime, DFS managers should expect
Al Horford to absorb most of the minutes in the middle, with
Luke Kornet coming in for relief.
--Dennis Clausen - RotoBallerSource: Adrian Wojnarowski
3 days agoOn Tuesday, Minnesota Timberwolves center
Rudy Gobert was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Gobert has been named to the All-Defensive first team seven times during his 11-year career. Minnesota's big man has been a critical factor in the Timberwolves' postseason run to the Western Conference Finals, starting Wednesday against Dallas. The Defensive Player of the Year has suited up for 10 playoff games, averaging 12.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals across 34.3 minutes on the court per game.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
3 days agoSan Antonio Spurs center
Victor Wembanyama is the first rookie to be selected to the NBA All-Defensive first team. The National Basketball Association has named an All-Defensive first and second team since the 1968-69 season. Wembanyama was also awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year earlier in the month. In 71 regular season contests, the 20-year-old rookie averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals during 29.7 minutes per game.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
3 days agoOn Tuesday, Boston Celtics forward
Xavier Tillman Sr. (personal) was ruled out for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers. Both Tillman and
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) are listed as unavailable. The 25-year-old's absence won't impact DFS play, as he has only seen action in three of 10 Celtics' postseason games, averaging 1.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.7 steals in 8.3 minutes per contest.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: NBA Injury Report
3 days agoNew York Knicks point guard
Jalen Brunson is expected to sign a massive four-year, $156 million contract extension this summer, according to Steve Popper of Newsday Sports. Brunson fractured his left hand during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Indiana. Across 13 postseason contests, the 27-year-old was phenomenal, averaging 32.4 points, 7.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 39.8 minutes per contest.
--Andrew Lennox - RotoBallerSource: Steve Popper
4 days agoCleveland Cavaliers center
Jarrett Allen could be a popular man this offseason if the team decides to move him. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Allen has "numerous admirers" in rival front offices. Allen, who turned 26 in April, signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Cavaliers in 2021. He averaged a career-high 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks during a successful 2023-24 season. But Allen's future in Cleveland is murky after reports suggested that he refused to take a pain-killing injection to play through a rib contusion in the playoffs. He missed the team's final eight postseason games as Cleveland's campaign ended with a 4-1 defeat to Boston in the second round.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Marc Stein
4 days agoAccording to NBA insider Marc Stein, Atlanta Hawks center
Clint Capela is "likely bound for the trade market" with a year remaining on his contract. The Swiss big man, who has just turned 30, will be carrying a $22.3 million expiring contract next season. The Pelicans and Rockets are seen as potential landing spots for Capela after the Mavericks also showed big interest in him at the trade deadline. Capela has proven himself as a very capable center in the Association, averaging a double-double for seven consecutive seasons. While splitting time with
Onyeka Okongwu, Capela posted 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds with 1.5 blocks across 25.8 minutes this term. His exit from Atlanta could provide a big boost to Okongwu's fantasy stock.
--Taavi Pailk - RotoBallerSource: Marc Stein
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