RADIO
LeBron James Regains Scoring Touch Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James scored a game-high 25 points on Wednesday night in a 99-93 Game 5 loss to the Houston Rockets. The veteran superstar rebounded well from his 10-point outing in Game 4, although James missed all six attempts from three-point land. Overall, he was 9-for-20 from the field and 7-for-10 at the charity stripe. The 22-time All-Star dished out a team-high seven assists, grabbed three rebounds, and snagged a pair of steals. In 39 minutes, James posted only two turnovers -- a major improvement from the previous two games, when he had eight turnovers in each. James is experiencing some efficiency issues in his 19th postseason campaign, but he has still improved upon his regular-season averages. Across 39.0 minutes per game, James has notched 22.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.6 steals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Paolo Banchero Scores 45 Points in Game 5 Loss
Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero had a special night with 45 points on Wednesday, but he couldn't save his team from a 116-109 Game 5 loss against the Detroit Pistons. Only two players in franchise history -- Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady -- have been more prolific in a playoff game, sharing the Magic record with 46 points. Banchero did the damage with a 17-for-31 effort from the field. After averaging only one made three-pointer per game across the first four games of the season, Banchero was 6-for-11 from downtown. The 2024 All-Star also led his team with nine rebounds and seven assists, adding two steals. Having this version of Banchero on the court is a huge bonus for Orlando, especially if Franz Wagner's (calf) absence extends beyond a single game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cade Cunningham Helps Pistons Survive With 45-Point Effort
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham scored a playoff career-high 45 points as the team staved off elimination with a 116-109 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Cunningham got rolling early and showcased his full offensive arsenal, finishing 13-for-23 from the field and 14-for-14 at the free-throw line. He made five of eight triples, capping off his line with four rebounds, five assists, and one steal. With six turnovers, Cunningham yet again struggled to handle the ball, but he more than made up for it with his massive offensive contribution. The Pistons will need a similar performance from him in Game 6.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jock Landale to Remain Unavailable in Game 6
Atlanta Hawks center Jock Landale (ankle) will remain sidelined on Thursday in Game 6 against the New York Knicks. On April 16, the team announced Landale would be re-evaluated "in approximately two weeks." It looks like the Australian big man isn't close to returning from a high ankle sprain. Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley have split backup center duties during Landale's absence, but the two have been anonymous in the first-round series. Starting center Onyeka Okongwu is likely to face a heavy workload in Thursday's elimination game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Peyton Watson to Remain Out Thursday
Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hamstring) will remain out on Thursday in Game 6 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 23-year-old suffered a right hamstring strain on April 1. There have been no updates on Watson, so it's unclear whether he will be able to return if the Nuggets survive the first-round series against Minnesota. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown have seen a lot of action off the bench during Watson's absence. However, Denver relied heavily on its first unit in Monday's elimination game and will likely do the same on Thursday night.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Austin Reaves Cleared to Return Wednesday
Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) has been officially cleared to return to action in Game 5 against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. Reaves has been nursing a Grade 2 left oblique strain since April 2. He joins a Lakers lineup that remains without Luka Doncic (hamstring), so Reaves will have a large role offensively, though he might not play his usual minutes after his multi-week absence. The fantasy outlook for Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart will suffer with Reaves rejoining the lineup.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Luka Doncic Remains Without Timetable for Return
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) remains without a timetable for his return, ESPN's Shams Charania reports. "There's still no clarity on the timetable for him," Charania said on Wednesday during an appearance on NBA Today. "He is starting some on-court movement. He's continuing to improve on that. There's still some ways to go, though, for him to have a full ramp-up of basketball activities." Charania added that Doncic is expected to remain sidelined at the start of the second-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder if the Lakers advance past Houston. Doncic has been out since April 2 due to a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Brandon Ingram Won't Play in Second Half Wednesday
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (heel) will miss the remainder of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team ruled him out for the rest of the night before halftime due to right heel inflammation. It's an issue Ingram has been dealing with late in the season. On Wednesday, he played only 11 minutes and scored one point. A.J. Lawson started the second half in Ingram's place. Jamal Shead and Jamison Battle could also see more action for the rest of the game, while the offense will revolve around Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Ja'Kobe Walter.
Source: Sportsnet
Source: Sportsnet
Aaron Gordon Questionable for Game 6
Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (calf) is questionable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 6 against Minnesota after missing multiple games and playing limited minutes in his last appearance. Even if he returns, his workload could be managed in a win-or-go-home setting. Spencer Jones stepped into a larger role in Game 5, producing 20 points with four three-pointers, three rebounds, and three steals in 37 minutes and would remain a strong DFS value if Gordon sits again. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray should continue handling the bulk of the offense.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Josh Hart Iffy for Game 6
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (back) is questionable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 6 against Atlanta due to a lower-back contusion, though he is still expected to push to play in a closeout spot. If he is limited or sits, Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado could see more run after combining for 21 points in 28 minutes off the bench in Game 5. Hart's all-around role makes him valuable in DFS if active, while Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns should continue carrying the offense.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Joel Embiid Likely to Play in Game 6
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) is probable for Thursday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 6 against Boston as he continues to play through recovery from a recent procedure. He logged 39 minutes in Game 5 after 34 minutes in his initial return, and a similar workload is expected in this elimination setting. In two appearances, Embiid has averaged 29.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, maintaining elite production. He remains a top DFS anchor, while Tyrese Maxey and Paul George continue to play key offensive roles.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Bones Hyland Could Miss Game 6
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland (knee) is questionable for Thursday's Western Conference first-round Game 6 against Denver due to left knee soreness, adding another layer of uncertainty to a thin backcourt. With Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) already sidelined, Hyland has been in line for a larger role, making his status critical. If he sits, Mike Conley and Kyle Anderson would need to handle more playmaking, while Terrence Shannon Jr. could see a bump after scoring 15 points with two three-pointers in 14 minutes in Game 5. Shannon could be a strong DFS value if his minutes increase.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Kevin Huerter Not Available for Game 5
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Orlando, leaving the team short on perimeter shooting in a win-or-go-home spot. His absence should open up more minutes for Caris LeVert and Daniss Jenkins, though neither offers consistent scoring. Cade Cunningham is expected to handle even more offensive responsibility, increasing his DFS appeal, while Duncan Robinson may see added looks from deep. Huerter is not a factor until he returns, and Detroit will need secondary shooters to step up.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jonathan Isaac Remains Out for Game 5
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Detroit and has yet to appear in the playoffs. His absence is expected to continue into the next game as he works his way back, though there is still no clear timeline. Even with Franz Wagner (calf) also sidelined, Isaac's status does not meaningfully change Orlando's rotation. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. will continue to handle most frontcourt minutes, while Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain remain secondary options.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Franz Wagner Won't Play in Game 5
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Detroit after being diagnosed with a right calf strain. He was unable to participate in shootaround and could miss additional time as the series continues. Anthony Black is a strong candidate to move into a larger role, while Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain should see increased minutes after combining for 14 points and 13 rebounds in Game 4. Paolo Banchero should take on a bigger offensive role, making him a strong DFS option, while Black stands out as a value play.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
