RADIO
Paul George Cleared to Play Saturday
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (illness) has received the green light to play in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics on Saturday, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports. On Saturday afternoon, Philadelphia added George to the injury report due to illness, though a probable tag indicated he was likely to play. It's George's 36th birthday, and he will look to make himself the perfect birthday present by helping the 76ers advance to the next round. George has averaged 18.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals in the first-round series.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Jonathan Isaac Remains Doubtful on Injury Report
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is listed as doubtful for Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. He has regularly carried the doubtful designation during the postseason due to a sprained knee and hasn't yet suited up for any games. Isaac is likely to remain out on Sunday as well. Jamal Cain will continue to pick up a few extra minutes without Isaac, but he has been quiet in the series. Across 16.5 minutes per game, Cain has tallied 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. The 27-year-old has snagged only two steals in the series and hadn't managed a single block before recording one in Friday's Game 6 loss.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Huerter Uncertain for Sunday
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) could be sidelined for a third consecutive game on Sunday against the Orlando Magic, as the team has listed him as questionable on the injury report. Huerter sustained a left adductor strain earlier in the series and has been questionable on a couple of occasions before being ruled out. Before the injury, Huerter scored just six points in the first four games of the first-round series. The rest of the second unit hasn't been productive either, leaving the starting group to shoulder a heavy workload.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Brandon Ingram Listed as Questionable for Sunday's Game 7
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (heel) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Game 7 clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Due to right heel pain, Ingram wasn't able to complete Game 5 and sat out Game 6. He was seen wearing a walking boot on Friday, a bad sign for his potential comeback on Sunday. Jamal Shead replaced Ingram in the starting unit on Friday night, producing seven points, six assists, one rebound, and one steal in 33 minutes. He will have a more important role again if Ingram isn't ready to play in Sunday's do-or-die contest.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Franz Wagner Won't Be Available for Game 7
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) won't suit up for Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. He'll be out for a third consecutive game after sustaining a calf strain earlier in the series. Wagner landed on the shelf after averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 steals in four playoff games. His absence has elevated the fantasy value of Anthony Black and Jamal Cain, with the latter moving into the starting lineup. However, Black has seen significantly more playing time than Cain, making him the better fantasy option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jayson Tatum Won't Play in Saturday's Game 7
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports. He was a late addition to the injury report Saturday afternoon due to a knee issue, and the team has officially ruled him out ahead of tip-off. "He just came in today with knee discomfort," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said during his pregame press conference. "And we decided, the medical staff and myself, that he would not play." With Tatum out, Boston must lean on Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard on offense. Meanwhile, Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Jordan Walsh could see larger roles in the rotation.
Source: Tim Bontemps
Source: Tim Bontemps
Jayson Tatum Added to Injury Report as Questionable
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (knee) has been downgraded to questionable ahead of Saturday's Game 7 matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports. Tatum reportedly dealt with a left calf issue during Game 6, sitting out the entire fourth quarter. On Saturday afternoon, he was added to the injury report due to left knee stiffness. Across his career, Tatum has averaged 26.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists in Game 7s. He would be a massive loss for the Celtics, who have suffered two straight defeats after taking a 3-1 lead in the series. Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Baylor Scheierman will all be asked to contribute more if Tatum is ultimately ruled out Saturday.
Source: Tim Bontemps
Source: Tim Bontemps
Alperen Sengun Finishes Series with Double-Double Effort
Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun recorded 17 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, and one assist in 38 minutes during Friday's Game 6 loss to the Lakers, as Houston was eliminated 4-2. He struggled to convert efficiently but still led the team on the glass and finished near the top in scoring, notching his third double-double of the series. Sengun remains a high-usage centerpiece heading into next season, offering strong multi-category value. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. should continue in key roles, though Houston's offense will still lean heavily on Sengun's playmaking and interior presence.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
LeBron James Leads Lakers Past Rockets in Game 6
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James recorded 28 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in 37 minutes during Friday's Game 6 win over Houston, helping clinch the series 4-2. He bounced back from recent perimeter struggles by hitting two three-pointers and limiting mistakes after a turnover-heavy stretch earlier in the series. James remains the offensive hub heading into the second round, providing elite all-around production. Rui Hachimura has stepped up as a scorer, and Austin Reaves continues to hold a steady role, but everything still flows through James, keeping him firmly in play for DFS despite a tougher matchup ahead.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Scottie Barnes Anchors Both Ends in Game 6 Victory
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Scottie Barnes finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, 14 assists, three steals, and three blocks in 48 minutes during Friday's Game 6 overtime win over Cleveland. He fell just short of a triple-double while delivering his most complete performance of the series. With Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) sidelined and Brandon Ingram (heel) uncertain, Barnes has taken on primary playmaking duties. Toronto is leaning on Barnes to run the offense, with his passing setting things up and his defense filling the box score as they head into Game 7.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Evan Mobley Shines Despite Game 6 Overtime Loss
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley recorded 26 points, 14 rebounds, and three assists in 41 minutes during Friday's Game 6 overtime loss to Toronto. He shot an efficient 9-for-15 from the field and added three three-pointers, delivering his strongest outing of the series and his first double-double this round. Mobley has now scored at least 20 points in back-to-back games, trending up at the right time. Cleveland's Game 7 outlook will hinge on whether he can maintain this level of efficiency and two-way impact.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
RJ Barrett Hits Clutch Three to Force Game 7
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett scored 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists in 43 minutes during Friday's Game 6 overtime win over Cleveland, knocking down a go-ahead three in the final seconds to force a Game 7. He shot just 8-for-21 overall but stayed aggressive, continuing a strong series with consistent scoring volume. Barrett remains a high-usage option heading into the deciding game. Scottie Barnes and Ja'Kobe Walter helped carry the load, but the ball still finds Barrett when Toronto needs a bucket, especially in crunch time.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Paolo Banchero Struggles with Shot in Game 6 Loss
Orlando Magic forward/center Paolo Banchero finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 41 minutes during Friday's Game 6 loss to Detroit, shooting just 4-for-20 from the field and 0-for-9 from deep. After a dominant Game 5, he cooled off sharply, though steady free-throw production kept his line afloat. Banchero remains the clear offensive focal point heading into Game 7, especially if Franz Wagner (calf) remains limited. Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs should continue in their usual roles, but how far Orlando goes will depend on Banchero finding his rhythm and knocking down shots.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Cade Cunningham Carries Pistons to Decisive Game 7
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham recorded 32 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block in 42 minutes during Friday's Game 6 win over Orlando, forcing a Game 7. He took over after a slow first half, carrying the offense with a dominant second-half surge and steady production at the line. Cunningham has topped 25 points in every game this series, maintaining elite usage. Tobias Harris and Ausar Thompson chipped in around him, but Detroit continues to lean on Cunningham to create most of the offense, keeping him firmly in play as a top DFS option.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Hawks Plan to Bring Back CJ McCollum
Atlanta Hawks guard CJ McCollum appears set to remain with the team next season. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, coming off a two-year, $64 million contract. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on Thursday that the Hawks plan to bring back McCollum. After arriving from Washington midseason, McCollum proved to be a solid fit for Atlanta, averaging 18.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals in 28.8 minutes per game. He will turn 35 before next season starts, but McCollum's game has aged well. If he stays healthy, fantasy managers could get a couple more productive years from McCollum.
Source: Jake Fischer
Source: Jake Fischer
