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Luke Kennard Tagged as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (neck) has picked up a questionable tag on the injury report before Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. After recording seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 29 minutes off the bench in Game 1, Kennard is dealing with neck soreness. The second unit already lost Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) to injury in Tuesday's series-opening loss, so the starters could face a massive workload on Thursday night if Kennard is also out. Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James Jr., and Dalton Knecht will be the primary bench options, but they can't be relied on for fantasy production.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jarred Vanderbilt Considered Doubtful for Thursday
Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) is listed as doubtful for Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The 27-year-old sustained a gruesome finger injury in Tuesday's series opener. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Vanderbilt is day-to-day, so he could still be an option in the series. Vanderbilt is averaging 3.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game this postseason. We will likely see Jake LaRavia handle a heavier workload if Vanderbilt misses time, but his fantasy value will remain limited.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jalen Williams Still Out Thursday
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been listed as out for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. He injured his left hamstring early in the playoffs and will be unavailable for a fourth consecutive game. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault mentioned on Monday that Williams remains week-to-week, adding that he is "progressing according to plan." Ajay Mitchell has broken into the starting lineup during Williams' absence, averaging 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists over the last three games. At the same time, Chet Holmgren has taken on a larger role on offense, posting back-to-back 24-point, 12-rebound double-doubles.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Carter Bryant Available Wednesday Night
San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (foot) is available on Wednesday night for Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 20-year-old rookie is dealing with a foot injury and didn't play in the series opener. Fortunately for the Spurs, they will have an extra option available off the bench in Game 2 after Bryant shook off a questionable tag. Bryant has averaged 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 9.2 minutes per game in his first postseason campaign, making five appearances.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Luka Doncic Reveals Recovery Timeline
Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) revealed on Wednesday that he was initially given an eight-week recovery timeline, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. "The day I did the MRI on the hamstring, the doctor told me eight weeks [recovery] at the beginning," Doncic said. "I'm doing everything I can in the process, and I think we're on a good way. But at the beginning, he told me eight weeks." Thursday will mark five weeks to the day since Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Based on the initial timeline, Doncic still appears far from returning, but he has progressed to running. In an effort to speed up his recovery, Doncic underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) while overseas.
Source: Dave McMenamin
Source: Dave McMenamin
Anthony Edwards Cleared for Game 2 Against Spurs
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) will play in Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The team initially listed Edwards as questionable for Wednesday night, then upgraded him to available. Edwards returned from a knee injury in Game 1, amassing 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 25 minutes. Before Game 2, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch told reporters that Edwards "might be able to play a few more minutes." Minnesota also has Ayo Dosunmu back in the mix, so Terrence Shannon Jr.'s playing time will probably decrease substantially. Mike Conley's workload will likely be affected as well.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Mitchell Robinson is Ruled Out for Game 2 on Wednesday
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He was questionable coming into this game due to an illness, but the Knicks have ultimately decided to hold him out. His absence won't have a huge impact on the rotation, with Karl-Anthony Towns playing a majority of the minutes at center. Ariel Hukporti could pick up some additional playing time, but he won't be someone worth targeting in DFS contests.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Huerter is Doubtful for Game 2 on Thursday
Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter (adductor) is currently considered doubtful ahead of Thursday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Huerter remains uncertain to play after already missing four straight games due to a lingering adductor injury. Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, and Duncan Robinson have all seen increased roles with Huerter on the sideline. The expectation is that it will continue to happen unless Huerter gets upgraded before tip-off on Thursday night. Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris should continue to do the heavy lifting on offense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Brandon Miller has Successful Shoulder Surgery
Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (shoulder) is out indefinitely after he underwent shoulder surgery to address a left shoulder issue. The Hornets aren't in the playoffs, so Miller will have plenty of time to recover before next season. He injured his shoulder early this season, but managed to play through the issue. He finished with an average of 20.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game in 65 contests. He wore a wrap on his shoulder throughout most of this season, but should no longer need that after having successful surgery on Wednesday.
Source: Charlotte Hornets
Source: Charlotte Hornets
Ayo Dosunmu is Cleared to Play in Game 2
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) has been upgraded to available ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs. He's back in action after missing each of the last two games due to a lingering calf injury. The return of Dosunmu is a welcoming sight for Minnesota, as he has been electric since joining the team. Terrence Shannon Jr. should see a reduced role after playing over 30 minutes in each of the last two games. Shannon won't be an appealing DFS option with Dosunmu back in the rotation for Wednesday's game.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Joel Embiid is Downgraded to Out for Game 2
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) has been downgraded to out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. He came into this game with a probable tag, but will ultimately sit out due to two nagging injuries. The Sixers were blown out in Game 1, and that was with Embiid on the court. It's going to be an uphill battle to win Game 2 without the big man available. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will be asked to split up the minutes at the center spot. Neither player is an ideal DFS option, even with an expanded role. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will be asked to do the heavy lifting on offense.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Chet Holmgren Leads Thunder to Victory in Game 1 Against Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren took on a leading role in Tuesday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, racking up 24 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks in a 108-90 win. The former second-overall pick led his squad in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quiet night on the offensive end with 18 points. Holmgren also finished the first-round matchup against Phoenix with a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double. He has picked up a lot of momentum and looks to be a tough player to stop for the Lakers, whose frontcourt must also contend with Isaiah Hartenstein, who missed a double-double on Tuesday night by two points and one rebound.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
LeBron James Scores Game-High 27 Points in Tuesday's Loss
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James led all scorers with 27 points in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night but ended up on the losing side. James had a superb 12-for-17 record from the field and finished 3-for-6 with the three-ball. But Austin Reaves was limited to just eight points, and the Lakers were no match for the defending champions in a 108-90 defeat. James completed his line with four rebounds, six assists, and one steal. The Lakers were impressive in the first-round series against Houston, but they will need everyone, including James, to elevate their game to match the Thunder. In his 19th postseason campaign, James is averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
James Harden Finishes Game 1 Loss With 22 Points
Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden recorded 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block in Tuesday's Game 1 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The former MVP came alive late in the game, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter. His efforts helped Cleveland tie the game with five minutes to go, but Kenny Atkinson's team ran out of gas, losing 111-101. Although Harden produced a full line, he was once again careless with the ball, committing seven turnovers. His field-goal efficiency also left a lot to be desired, as Harden went 6-for-15 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three-point range. He was a perfect 9-for-9 at the free-throw line. Harden averages 5.4 turnovers per game this postseason and must improve his ball-handling to make himself more impactful on the offensive end.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cade Cunningham Posts 23 Points in Game 1 Win
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham scored a team-high 23 points in Tuesday's 111-101 Game 1 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was his lowest-scoring postseason game of the year, as Cunningham was limited to 6-for-19 from the field. He went 2-for-5 from beyond the arc and 9-for-11 at the line. In 42 minutes on the floor, Cunningham also contributed three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. The Pistons' superstar has shouldered a heavy workload in the playoffs. As a result, he could face a few more tough nights scoring. Across eight appearances, Cunningham has averaged 40.6 minutes, posting 31.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
