RADIO
Paul Reed Makes Big Impact Off the Bench Wednesday
Detroit Pistons forward/center Paul Reed was the team's most productive performer from the second unit in Wednesday's 117-113 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, tallying 10 points, eight rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 17 minutes. Reed didn't play a single minute before entering the action at the start of the fourth quarter, and his performance was so impactful that Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff kept Reed on the floor for the rest of the game. As a result, starting center Jalen Duren was limited to just 25 minutes, contributing nine points, five rebounds, and four assists. After being added to the rotation in Game 3, Reed has put up 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in 13.7 minutes per game. His workload has steadily increased, and it will be interesting to see how Bickerstaff manages the frontcourt rotation in Friday's elimination game.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Daniss Jenkins Contributes 19 Points As Starter
Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins finished as the team's second-highest scorer in Wednesday's clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers, notching 19 points with an 8-for-17 effort from the field in a 117-113 overtime loss. The 24-year-old moved into the starting unit after Duncan Robinson (back) was ruled out for the contest. Jenkins, who finished 2-for-8 with the three-ball, had a quiet start but ultimately put together a strong performance, capping off his line with two rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two blocks. Before Wednesday night, Jenkins had scored just two points in back-to-back games, so he'll enter Friday's Game 6 with renewed confidence, regardless of his role.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cade Cunningham Tallies 39 Points in Losing Effort
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham went for 39 points in Wednesday's Game 5 tilt against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but couldn't save his team from a 117-113 overtime loss. He fell one assist short of a double-double and also collected seven rebounds and two steals. Cunningham was a fantastic 6-for-10 with his three-point attempts and had a 13-for-27 overall record from the field. It was Cunningham's fifth postseason game of the year with 30-plus points, tying Isiah Thomas for the most in franchise history during a single playoff campaign. Facing elimination in Game 6 on Friday, the Pistons need another big performance from Cunningham.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Max Strus Notches 20 Points With Six Triples
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus sparked into life with a 20-point effort in Wednesday's 117-113 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons, finishing 6-for-8 from outside. Strus didn't have a single two-point attempt, adding two points to his tally at the free-throw line. He was Cleveland's third-highest scorer and among the best rebounders. Strus grabbed eight boards and made his presence felt on the defensive end with one steal and one block. Across the previous three games, Strus had managed only 15 points. His offensive production is a bonus for the Cavaliers, who will look to wrap up the second-round series at home on Friday night.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Evan Mobley Close to Triple-Double Wednesday
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley was close to his first career triple-double in Wednesday's 117-113 Game 5 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons, racking up 19 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and three blocks. He enjoyed his best scoring performance of the series with a 6-for-13 record from the field, making two triples with three attempts. Mobley hit a couple of clutch free throws late in regulation and finished 5-for-6 at the line. With Jalen Duren struggling, the Pistons' frontcourt has a tough time against Mobley, who has posted averages of 14.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.0 blocks, and 1.4 steals in the matchup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jarrett Allen Records Double-Double in Game 5 Win
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen recorded his second double-double of the 2026 postseason on Wednesday night, helping his team to a 117-113 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons. Allen has been inconsistent throughout the series, but made a positive impact in Game 5. He finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks. The 28-year-old big man had a 6-for-10 record from the field and made four of his five free-throw attempts. Allen has struggled to string together two strong performances in the playoffs, so it wouldn't be surprising to see him fall off the map in Friday's Game 6. He has averaged 13.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game against Detroit.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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
