RADIO
Cade Cunningham Playing Without Minutes Restriction Sunday
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (lung) will shed his minutes restriction for Sunday's playoff opener against the Orlando Magic, Eric Rutter of Roundtable reports. After returning from a collapsed lung late in the regular season, Cunningham was limited to just 25.3 minutes per game across three contests. On Sunday, he should be ready for a full workload of 30-plus minutes. Cunningham has been a nightmare for the Magic this season, averaging 32.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1.7 steals in 37.7 minutes per game against them.
Source: Eric Rutter
Source: Eric Rutter
OG Anunoby Tagged as Probable for Monday
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (ankle) is listed as probable on the injury report before Monday's Game 2 clash against the Atlanta Hawks. Anunoby hurt his left ankle in Saturday's Game 1 win, but the injury isn't expected to keep him sidelined on Monday night. On Saturday, Anunoby enjoyed a strong start to this first-round matchup, amassing 18 points, eight rebounds, and one steal in 38 minutes. He knocked down two triples with three attempts and had a 6-for-9 record overall from the field. If Anunoby has a setback and is forced to sit out Monday's action, the Knicks' bench, led by Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, will have a larger role.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Onyeka Okongwu Might Miss Game 2 Against Knicks
Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Game 2 against the New York Knicks on Monday. He's been added to the injury report with right knee inflammation. Onyeka played 37 minutes in Saturday's series-opening 113-102 loss, contributing 19 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one block. The Hawks are already missing Jock Landale (ankle) from their center rotation, so losing Okongwu would be a bitter pill to swallow. Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley would need to step up if Okongwu isn't cleared for Monday's game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Immanuel Quickley Questionable for Game 2
Toronto Raptors point guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's in danger of missing a second consecutive game due to a right hamstring strain. If Quickley can't return on Monday night, Jamal Shead would likely remain in the starting lineup. He impressed with a 5-for-6 effort from deep in Game 1, scoring 17 points. Ja'Kobe Walter also has a heavier workload without Quickley. Both Shead and Walter logged 28 minutes in Saturday's loss, but Walter's impact on the game was far less significant, as the 21-year-old finished with seven points, two rebounds, and two assists.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jordan Goodwin Ruled Out for Rest of Game 1
Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (calf) won't return to Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Goodsin started the matchup but logged only five minutes before leaving the action due to left calf soreness. Royce O'Neale started the second half in Goodwin's place. Ryan Dunn will also help to cover for Goodwin's absence. Grayson Allen (hamstring) is an option to fill in as well, though he appears set to be a DNP-CD for a second consecutive contest despite shaking off a questionable before tip-off.
Source: Phoenix Suns
Source: Phoenix Suns
Jonathan Isaac Ruled Out for Sunday
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. He was initially listed as questionable due to a left knee sprain. Combined with the Play-In Tournament games, Isaac's absence will extend to 20 contests. Isaac averaged barely 10 minutes per game during the regular season, so his unavailability doesn't significantly impact the team. Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva will continue to lead the second unit on Sunday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Desmond Bane Available for Game 1
Orlando Magic guard/forward Desmond Bane (illness) will play in Sunday's Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. He missed the morning shootaround due to illness, but the team has upgraded Bane's status from probable to available. The 27-year-old will make his third appearance of the week. After erupting for 34 points in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament opener against Philadelphia, Bane was limited to just 13 points by Charlotte on Friday, finishing 4-for-14 from the field. He must do a lot better for the Magic to have a chance of taking down the Eastern Conference's first seed. Bane produced 22.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game during the regular-season series against Detroit.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Grayson Allen is Available for Game 1 on Sunday
Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (hamstring) is available to play ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen is back in the mix following a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. It's unclear if Allen will have his minutes monitored or if he'll be a full-go for this one. Regardless, his presence on the court should mean reduced roles for Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie, and Haywood Highsmith. Allen is a hit-and-miss fantasy option, so he won't be the most trustworthy DFS option for Sunday's slate. His return to the court will make Goodwin a less attractive option as well.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kristaps Porzingis Unsure About Returning to Golden State
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis is unsure about his future with the organization. Porzingis is an unrestricted free agent, which allows him to sign with any organization. The 30-year-old admitted to enjoying his time with the Warriors, but he wants to take time to look at the whole picture. He wants to prioritize his health, which has been a problem for Porzingis throughout his career. In 15 games with the Warriors, Porzingis averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists across 23.7 minutes per game. Given his injury history, it's going to be tough for any organization to give him a long-term deal. A return to Golden State makes sense, but the oft-injured center will likely take his time deciding on his future plans.
Source: Melissa Rohlin
Source: Melissa Rohlin
Mark Williams is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Sunday
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (foot) has been downgraded to out ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams missed Friday's Play-In victory over the Golden State Warriors due to a lingering foot issue. Now, Williams is set to miss the beginning of this series. Oso Ighodaro figures to see an increased role in the rotation with Williams unable to go. He finished with 10 points and six rebounds across 26 minutes of action on Friday. He'll likely play a similar role on Sunday, which could make him an interesting low-cost DFS option. Khaman Maluach could see more minutes off the bench, but it won't be enough to warrant looking at him as a DFS option.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Hornets Want to Bring Back Coby White
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White is set to test the open market this offseason. Although Charlotte will look into bringing back White on a long-term deal. After trading for White at the deadline, Charlotte inherited his Bird rights. That means Charlotte could technically exceed the salary cap to retain White. Given the Hornets' current financial situation, they shouldn't need to do that to re-sign White to a long-term deal. In 21 games with the Hornets, White averaged 15.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists with nearly a 40 percent shooting performance from deep. It's unclear what kind of role White would have on this team long-term, but his presence could certainly be an asset. White is from the North Carolina area and appears to have enjoyed his time with the organization. It sounds like a reunion could happen, but it depends on what kind of deal White is seeking in free agency.
Source: Bobby Marks
Source: Bobby Marks
Desmond Bane Considered Probable for Game 1
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (illness) is listed as probable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Detroit Pistons. Bane is a new addition to the injury report due to what is being considered a minor illness. Barring any setbacks, Bane should be good to go for Sunday's contest. If he's unable to play, Anthony Black would likely be asked to step up on Sunday. Black could be an interesting DFS option if he is given an expanded role. Bane finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, and three steals across 35 minutes of action during Friday's win over the Charlotte Hornets. He struggled from the floor, going 4-for-14, so he hopes for better results on Sunday.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Dylan Harper is Ready for Sunday's Game
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (thumb) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. Harper was forced to exit the regular-season finale due to a left thumb injury. It doesn't appear to be serious enough to force Harper to miss the beginning of the playoffs. Harper should resume his role as the backup guard to De'Aaron Fox. The rookie guard averaged 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists across 22.6 minutes per game during the regular season. He won't be an ideal DFS option with Fox and Stephon Castle healthy. The 20-year-old is an important part of the Spurs rotation, so they'll be glad to have him back for the beginning of this series.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Grayson Allen is Questionable for Sunday's Game
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Grayson Allen (hamstring) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Allen has been dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, but was available for Friday's game against the Golden State Warriors. Despite being available, Allen didn't suit up for Friday's Play-In victory. Jordan Goodwin, Collin Gillespie, and Haywood Highsmith stand to gain the most value if Allen remains on the sideline for Sunday's contest. Goodwin is by far the best streaming choice between the three players, but he could lose value if Allen does end up playing.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mark Williams is Questionable for Game 1 on Sunday
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (foot) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Williams was able to play 22 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The big man was unable to suit up for Friday's win over the Golden State Warriors due to a lingering foot issue. Oso Ighodaro finished with 10 points and six rebounds across 26 minutes of action on Friday. He figures to play a similar role once again if Williams misses a second straight game. Khaman Maluach could see an expanded role as well, but Ighodaro is the better streaming option if Williams gets downgraded.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
