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Jamal Shead Joins Starting Lineup Friday
Toronto Raptors point guard Jamal Shead will start Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. He will take Brandon Ingram's (heel) place. Shead played well when Ingram exited Game 5 early and isn't a stranger to the first unit. During the regular season, he logged 12 starts, averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. The Raptors would love to get similar numbers from Shead on Friday night to boost their chances in the elimination game.
Source: Toronto Raptors
Source: Toronto Raptors
Jayson Tatum OK for Game 7 Against 76ers
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (calf) will play in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, Marc D'Amico of the Celtics' official site reports. Tatum sat out the fourth quarter of Game 6 due to apparent left calf discomfort. But the team has not listed him on the injury report for Saturday's game. "He'll play," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters on Friday. The 28-year-old is averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in the first-round series. He has logged a double-double in all but one game.
Source: Marc D'Amico
Source: Marc D'Amico
Joel Embiid Probable for Game 7 Against Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) is probable for Saturday's huge Game 7 matchup against the Boston Celtics. The star big man is expected to make his fourth consecutive appearance after recovering from an appendectomy. While Embiid's field-goal efficiency has been poor and he hasn't done much on the defensive end, his impact in the series has been noticeable. Across 35.7 minutes per game, he has averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. Boston should see a lot of Embiid on Saturday night as the two teams jostle for survival.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Jonathan Isaac Downgraded to Out
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) will remain on the shelf in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons on Friday. His status has been downgraded from doubtful to out ahead of tip-off. Isaac has missed several weeks due to a left knee sprain, and it's unclear whether he will become an option in the postseason if Orlando takes down Detroit in the first round. Jamal Cain has benefited from Isaac's absence, but his production has been limited to 4.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Huerter Misses Second Consecutive Game Friday
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) isn't available on Friday against the Orlando Magic. Due to a left adductor strain, he was tagged as questionable on the initial injury report, and the team has downgraded him to out ahead of tip-off. With Huerter out of commission, Caris LeVert and Daniss Jenkins will play leading roles off the bench. However, neither player has made a significant impact in the series and likely won't offer much value to DFS managers.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Brandon Ingram Out on Friday
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (heel) will miss Friday's elimination game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He sat out the second half of Game 5 due to right heel inflammation and won't be available Friday night, after initially being considered questionable for the contest. A.J. Lawson started the second half in Ingram's place in Game 5, but he was limited to just a couple of minutes. Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead are best positioned to benefit from Ingram's absence. There could also be additional playing time for Jamison Battle.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Tobias Harris Cleared to Play Friday
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (ankle) will be available on Friday night against the Orlando Magic. The team has upgraded the veteran from questionable to available. Harris is dealing with a left ankle sprain, which might slow him down a bit in Game 6. So far in the series, Harris has been one of Detroit's best players, averaging 19.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He has notched at least 20 points in three consecutive contests -- his longest such streak in the postseason since a seven-game run in 2021.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Kevin Durant Officially Out for Game 6
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Initially, the team listed him as doubtful for the contest. However, media reports on Thursday already suggested that Durant won't be available on Friday night. His next chance to return will be on Sunday if Houston survives another elimination game. Reed Sheppard will continue to ride with the starters, while Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. have taken on extra work during Durant's absence.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Terrence Shannon Jr. Steps Up in Series Clincher
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Terrence Shannon Jr. recorded 24 points, six rebounds, two steals, and one three-pointer in 35 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win over Denver, helping close out the series 4-2. He entered the starting lineup with Ayo Dosunmu (calf) sidelined and delivered steady scoring despite inefficient shooting from deep. Shannon's role is tied to the health of Dosunmu and Anthony Edwards (knee), making him a situational DFS option. Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle continue to lead usage, while Shannon provides secondary scoring when given minutes.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Jaden McDaniels Leads Timberwolves to Round 2
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels delivered 32 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and one three-pointer in 45 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win over Denver, sealing a 4-2 series victory. He took on more offensive responsibility and responded with efficient shooting while contributing across categories. McDaniels' workload and two-way impact boost his DFS appeal heading into the next round. Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert continue to hold things down up front, while McDaniels picks up added usage with Anthony Edwards (knee) out.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Nikola Jokic Finishes Strong Despite Series Exit
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, and one block in 43 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 loss to Minnesota, ending Denver's season. He remained efficient from the field and orchestrated the offense, narrowly missing another triple-double. Jokic closes the year with elite all-around production, reinforcing his case as a top fantasy pick again next season. Jamal Murray struggled with 12 points on 17 shots, while Cameron Johnson added 27 points, highlighting the inconsistent support around Jokic.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Mikal Bridges Breaks Out in Series Clincher
New York Knicks guard/forward Mikal Bridges posted 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, one block, and two three-pointers in 27 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 blowout win over Atlanta, helping New York close the series 4-2. He shot efficiently and finally broke out after multiple quiet scoring outings earlier in the series. While his peripherals remain modest, this scoring uptick is a positive sign entering the next round. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns continue to drive the offense, while Bridges' scoring consistency will be key for his DFS viability.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Karl-Anthony Towns Posts Triple-Double to Close Series
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and one block in 28 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 blowout win over Atlanta, helping secure a 4-2 series victory. He controlled the game despite limited shot attempts, doing most of his scoring at the free-throw line while facilitating offense. Towns has delivered elite all-around production throughout the series and remains a strong DFS anchor. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby continue to lead scoring, while Towns' playmaking adds a different layer to the offense.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Paul George Heats Up From Deep in Game 6 Win
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George tallied 23 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and five three-pointers in 40 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win over Boston, helping force a Game 7. He found his rhythm from beyond the arc, building on a strong shooting stretch over his last two outings. George's scoring surge adds needed balance alongside Tyrese Maxey, giving Philadelphia another reliable option in high-pressure spots. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Joel Embiid remain involved, but George's perimeter shooting boosts his DFS value entering the deciding game.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
Tyrese Maxey Drops 30 Points to Force Game 7
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey recorded 30 points, five assists, two steals, and three three-pointers in 40 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win, pushing the series to a deciding Game 7. He bounced back from a cold shooting night in Game 5 with improved efficiency from deep and has now hit at least three triples in five straight outings. Maxey remains the clear offensive engine with high usage. Paul George and Joel Embiid remain steady scoring options alongside him, while Maxey stands out as a strong DFS target in a win-or-go-home Game 7.
Source: NBA
Source: NBA
