RADIO
James Harden Leads the Way for Cavaliers in Game 5 Victory
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden led his team to a 117-113 overtime victory in Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. He scored a team-high 30 points with an 8-for-21 effort from the field, adding eight rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three blocks. Harden was 3-for-10 from downtown and 11-for-14 at the charity stripe. The former MVP struggled with efficiency and committed six turnovers, but he made a big mark in the contest. It was only his third 30-point game as a Cavalier. Cleveland has come back from a 2-0 series deficit and can advance to the Conference Finals on Friday night. Harden is averaging 21.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.4 steals in the series.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kevin Huerter is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter (adductor) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Huerter is back in the mix for the first time since Game 4 of the first-round series against the Orlando Magic. His return to the rotation comes at a good time with Duncan Robinson (back) ruled out for this game. The absence of Robinson could mean that Huerter is given significant playing time right away. Daniss Jenkins will draw the start in place of Robinson, with Caris LeVert playing a significant role off the bench. Huerter might have the lowest floor of all three guards, but still could be a solid source of three-pointers without Robinson on the court.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Caris LeVert is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Detroit Pistons guard Caris LeVert (heel) is available to play ahead of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is good news for the Pistons, with Duncan Robinson (back) ruled out for this game. LeVert figures to be asked to take on a larger role offensively with Robinson sitting out on Wednesday. LeVert finished with 24 points during Monday's Game 4 loss. The veteran guard should be a fairly safe DFS option without Robinson on the floor. Daniss Jenkins will move into the starting five, but LeVert is expected to still play a significant role off the bench.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Duncan Robinson is Out for Game 5
Detroit Pistons guard Duncan Robinson (back) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is a tough blow to the Pistons. He was questionable coming into this game, but will ultimately sit out due to lower back soreness. His absence should mean larger roles for Daniss Jenkins, Caris LeVert, and Kevin Huerter on Wednesday. Among the trio, LeVert is probably the best DFS option after dropping 24 minutes during Monday's Game 4 defeat. Jenkins will draw the start in place of Robinson, so he could also be an interesting option for Wednesday's slate.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Keegan Murray Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) underwent an arthroscopic procedure to remove loose bodies in his left ankle, according to James Ham. Murray suffered multiple ankle issues throughout the season, so hopefully this will help him moving forward. This procedure will keep him sidelined for roughly 6-8 weeks, so it shouldn't impact his availability for training camp. Last season, Murray averaged 14.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists across 34.5 minutes per game in a career-low 23 contests. The hope is that these ankle issues are resolved and Murray can be a more consistent contributor next season.
Source: James Ham
Source: James Ham
Josh Giddey Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) recently underwent a successful right ankle arthroscopy, according to the organization on Wednesday. Giddey will be shut down from basketball activities for quite some time. He's expected to resume activities in roughly three months. This timetable should mean that Giddey is ready to go in time for training camp. This injury shouldn't impact his fantasy value for next season. Giddey averaged 17.0 points, 9.1 assists, and 8.3 rebounds across 32.1 minutes in 54 games with the Bulls last season. He's expected to have a similar role on the team next season.
Source: Chicago Bulls
Source: Chicago Bulls
Ayo Dosunmu Has Busy Night in Game 5
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu enjoyed a good all-around performance in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, finishing a 126-97 loss with 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, three steals, and two blocks. He went 50% from the field with a 7-for-14 effort but made only one of four attempts from three-point range. Dosunmu has had a productive postseason campaign, adding valuable depth to Minnesota at both ends of the floor. Across nine playoff outings, Dosunmu has posted 16.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jaden McDaniels Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels finished Tuesday's 126-97 Game 5 loss to the San Antonio Spurs with 17 points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal. After finishing three of the first four games in the series without a made three-pointer, McDaniels had a 3-for-7 record from deep and went 6-for-13 overall from the field. McDaniels has been an effective player for the Timberwolves throughout the playoffs, but he's struggled to avoid fouls. On Tuesday, he picked up five fouls for the third time against San Antonio. Speaking to reporters after the game, Timberwolves leader Anthony Edwards noted the team's success hinges on keeping McDaniels out of foul trouble.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Julius Randle Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle recorded a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double in Tuesday's 126-97 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, adding one assist in 36 minutes of play. This was only Randle's second double-double of the postseason, as he has failed to match his regular-season form. Randle's efficiency from the field has been especially woeful. In Tuesday's game, he finished 6-for-17 from the floor, missing all four three-point attempts. Overall, Randle has gone just 36.6% from the field and 21.1% from downtown against the Spurs, recording 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. If Randle can't boost his productivity, the Timberwolves are unlikely to survive Friday's Game 6.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Anthony Edwards Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards led his team with 20 points in Tuesday's 126-97 loss in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards did decent work on offense, finishing with a 46.2 field-goal percentage, but he had only 13 attempts. For just the third time this postseason, Edwards was limited to one three-pointer. His overall production was disappointing, as he recorded only two rebounds and two assists in 39 minutes. Minnesota needs much more from its leader in Game 6 on Friday night. Across eight career elimination games, Edwards has averaged 26.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Keldon Johnson Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
San Antonio Spurs forward Keldon Johnson had the second-most points among all scorers in Tuesday's 126-97 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, putting up 21 points with an 8-for-11 effort from the field. In 22 minutes off the bench, he also picked up a pair of rebounds and steals, along with one block. It was a long wait for the Spurs, but Johnson finally showed why he was named the 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year. Prior to Tuesday night, he had finished seven of nine postseason outings with single-digit points and hadn't scored more than 11 points in a single game. Johnson's numbers in other areas have also dipped during the playoffs. Yet the Spurs find themselves one win away from the Western Conference Finals, and Johnson should now at least have some momentum heading into Game 6 against Minnesota.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Stephon Castle Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle made himself useful in all areas in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, notching 17 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block in 27 minutes. He also committed four turnovers, but they didn't really affect the game, as the Spurs won 126-97. Castle missed his lone three-point attempt but went a superb 7-for-11 overall from the field. In the series, Castle has made over 50% of his field-goal attempts, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.0 steals. He and De'Aaron Fox have been the perfect sidekicks to Victor Wembanyama, bringing San Antonio within reach of the Western Conference Finals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Victor Wembanyama Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama was once again unstoppable for the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 on Tuesday night, stuffing the stat sheet with 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in a big 126-97 win. Wembanyama finished 9-for-16 from the field and 2-for-5 from downtown, becoming only the third Spurs player in history to post a 20-point, 10-rebound half in a playoff contest. The French superstar was clearly playing with a chip on his shoulder after being ejected early in Game 4 for a flagrant 2 foul. Aside from Game 4, Wembanyama has recorded a double-double in each game of the series, averaging 24.0 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 5.5 blocks.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Daryl Morey won't continue as the president of basketball operations with the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. He will leave the franchise after six years in Philadelphia. During Morey's tenure, the 76ers made the playoffs five times, winning four series. The team posted a 270-212 regular-season record but failed to advance beyond the second round. Named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2018 for his work with the Houston Rockets, Morey should have several teams interested in his services. At the same time, Charania reported that Philadelphia will retain head coach Nick Nurse for a fourth season.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Kevin Huerter Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) remains on the injury report with a questionable tag ahead of Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Huerter hasn't seen any action since Game 4 of the first-round series against Orlando, missing seven games due to a left adductor strain. His absence has created additional playing time for Caris LeVert (heel), but he isn't 100% either. Meanwhile, Duncan Robinson (back) is a new addition to the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game, which could mean several tweaks to the Pistons' rotation.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
