RADIO
Tyrese Maxey Limited to 13 Points in Second-Round Opener
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey cooled off on Monday in Game 1 against the New York Knicks, settling for 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists in a 137-98 blowout loss. He had twice as many turnovers (4) as assists, going 3-for-9 from the field and 0-for-3 from three-point land. If it weren't for Maxey's perfect 7-for-7 effort at the charity stripe, his line could have looked even uglier. Maxey's drop in form was unexpected, as he finished the first-round series against Boston with back-to-back 30-point games and notched two double-doubles in the last three games. During the regular season, Maxey was a menace for the Knicks, averaging 30.0 points per game with 50.0 percent efficiency from deep. If he can get back to that level, this could still turn into a very competitive series.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Joel Embiid Stays Quiet in Game 1 Against Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid contributed only 14 points, four rebounds, and one assist in Monday's Game 1 blowout loss to the New York Knicks. Coming off a big Game 7 win over Boston on Saturday night, the 76ers lacked energy, and Embiid's performance perfectly summed up the entire team's effort. The former MVP made only three of 11 field-goal attempts and, for the second time in four games, failed to make a three-pointer. Most of Embiid's points came from the free-throw line, where he finished 8-for-9. Embiid leads Philadelphia with 25.2 points per game in the playoffs, but he has been limited to 42.4 percent field-goal efficiency, making just three of 22 attempts from deep. The Knicks could take down the 76ers quickly if Embiid's performance doesn't improve.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Brunson Torches 76ers With 35 Points Monday
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson had an explosive start to the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, leading all scorers with 35 points in 31 minutes. This was just nine points fewer than the total Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George combined for Philadelphia. 27 of Brunson's points came in the first half. He finished 12-for-18 from the field and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, while making all eight free-throw attempts. Brunson was busy scoring all night, so he had time for only three assists. He also recorded one rebound and two steals. Philadelphia limited Brunson to 23.0 points per game during the regular season, but he looks set to make a lot more noise in this playoff series, with a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals on the line.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dylan Harper Leads Spurs With 18 Points Monday
San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper led his team with 18 points in Monday's tough 104-102 Game 1 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With Stephon Castle battling foul trouble, Harper had a chance to play a prominent role and enjoyed one of the best games of his first postseason. The 20-year-old rookie went 7-for-13 from the field and had a 1-for-4 record from outside. He grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists. While Harper lacks experience, he has handled the pressure and intensity of the playoffs well. In six outings, Harper has amassed 13.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 26.0 minutes per game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Julius Randle Collects First Double-Double of Postseason
Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle bagged his first double-double of the 2026 postseason on Monday, contributing a team-high 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 104-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. He also had a pair of assists and one steal. Randle went 8-for-20 from the field, including 2-for-6 from downtown. So far, Randle's offensive efforts have steadily improved in the playoffs, but he's having trouble handling the ball. Monday's game marked the fourth consecutive outing for Randle with four or more turnovers. He accounted for half of the team's 10 turnovers in this game. Still, Randle has picked up positive momentum recently and has a key role to play against Victor Wembanyama's crew.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Anthony Edwards Tallies 18 Points in Comeback Game
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards returned from a knee injury with an 18-point effort in Monday's 104-102 road win over the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards logged 25 minutes off the bench and scored 11 points in the fourth quarter. He finished an efficient 8-for-13 from the field, including 2-for-3 from downtown. Minnesota's star man blocked one shot and had three rebounds and three assists. Efficiency from the field has been an issue for Edwards this postseason, and it's a great sign for the Timberwolves that he found his rhythm in the second-round opener. It remains to be seen whether the team will also utilize Edwards off the bench in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Terrence Shannon Jr. did a good job as a starter in Edwards' place on Monday, notching 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Victor Wembanyama Posts Unique Triple-Double
San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama opened the second-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a triple-double, finishing a 104-102 loss with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and a record-setting 12 blocks. No player in NBA history had recorded as many blocks in a playoff game. Wembanyama became only the third player to register a triple-double with blocks in the postseason. His spectacular defensive effort made up for his offensive shortcomings. Wembanyama missed all eight three-point attempts and finished 5-for-17 overall from the field. In 40 minutes on the floor, Wembanyama also tallied five assists. The French superstar should be determined to improve his offensive output in Game 2.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Masai Ujiri Hired as Mavericks Team President
According to Shams Charania, the Dallas Mavericks have hired Masai Ujiri as the franchise's new team president and alternate governor. Ujiri gives Dallas a proven roster builder after a 26-56 season and a front-office reset following the Luka Doncic trade fallout. For fantasy, the biggest ripple is long-term roster direction around Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and future draft assets. Ujiri's scouting background could matter quickly, with Dallas holding two first-round picks and looking to reshape a roster built for the next phase.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Anthony Edwards to Come Off Bench Monday
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (knee) will come off the bench Monday against San Antonio in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals after missing two games with a left knee bone bruise and hyperextension. He has been cleared to play but will operate under an undisclosed minutes restriction, lowering his DFS ceiling. Terrence Shannon Jr. will remain with the first unit after posting 24 points, six rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one three-pointer in 35 minutes against Denver. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels should also stay heavily involved.
Source: Timberwolves PR
Source: Timberwolves PR
Bryson Graham Hired as Bulls Lead Executive
According to Shams Charania, the Chicago Bulls have hired Bryson Graham as executive vice president of basketball operations. Graham, 39, is known for his player evaluation work, with a draft record that includes Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. For fantasy managers, the move signals potential roster changes, especially given Chicago's multiple first-round picks and significant cap space. Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis could benefit if the front office prioritizes development, while the next coaching hire will help shape rotations and long-term fantasy value.
Source: Shams Charania
Source: Shams Charania
Jalen Williams Sidelined Tuesday vs Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 1 against the Lakers after suffering a Grade 1 strain and is expected to miss additional time. His absence opens a sizable usage gap, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set to carry an even heavier offensive load while Chet Holmgren takes on more frontcourt responsibility. Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace should see a bump in minutes, though their roles could shift from game to game. Oklahoma City will lean more heavily on its primary creators early in the series.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Carter Bryant Unavailable for Game 1 Against Minnesota
San Antonio Spurs forward Carter Bryant (foot) is out for Monday's Game 1 against Minnesota after suffering a foot sprain in practice. The rookie's absence is not expected to significantly alter the rotation, as he played a limited role in the first round, averaging 3.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 9.2 minutes. Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes are likely to absorb the available minutes, though usage should remain concentrated around Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox. Bryant's absence carries little to no fantasy impact.
Source: Matthew Tynan
Source: Matthew Tynan
Anthony Edwards Set to Return Monday with Restrictions
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (knee) is available for Monday's Game 1 against San Antonio but is expected to play limited minutes after missing time with a knee injury. Even with a restriction, Edwards remains the focal point offensively, though his ceiling may be capped early in the series. Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels could take on more scoring responsibility, while Mike Conley may see added playmaking duties. Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon Jr. could lose touches with Edwards back, tightening the rotation around Minnesota's primary options.
Source: Anthony Slater
Source: Anthony Slater
Joel Embiid is Cleared for Monday's Game 1
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (hip) is available to play ahead of Monday's Game 1 against the New York Knicks. As expected, Embiid is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. The oft-injured big man has been a frequent guest on the injury report, but is ready to play despite dealing with a minor hip injury. His presence in the rotation will mean minimal roles for Andre Drummond and Adem Bona. Neither player is worth a look as a DFS with Embiid healthy and taking on a full workload.
Source: Derek Bodner
Source: Derek Bodner
Kevin Huerter is Questionable for Tuesday's Contest
Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter (groin) holds a questionable tag ahead of Tuesday's Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Huerter missed the final three games of the first-round series against the Orlando Magic. He continues to deal with a lingering groin injury that could impact his availability for the beginning of this series. Daniss Jenkins and Javonte Green would likely continue to see more playing time if Huerter is unavailable on Tuesday. His absence has impacted Cade Cunningham the most, with him playing nearly 40 minutes during Sunday's victory over Orlando.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
