Player Notes

  • Goes for 26 points in Game 3 win
    Siakam logged 26 points (9-14 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 7-9 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block across 31 minutes during Friday's 111-106 win over the Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Siakam was remarkably efficient during Friday's win, and even though Tyrese Haliburton grabbed most of the headlines with his 35-point effort, Siakam's impact on offense can't be overlooked. The star big man could be in line for another solid showing in Game 4 of the series Sunday, as the Knicks are extremely depleted in the frontcourt while missing key defensive contributors such as Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and OG Anunoby (hamstring). Rotowire.com 11 minutes ago
  • Karl-Anthony Towns hits four 3-pointers, scores 14
    Karl-Anthony Towns accumulated 14 points (4-of-7 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, three assists, and four 3-pointers in 33 minutes in Friday’s Game 3 loss to the Nuggets.

    Advice: The good news for Towns is that he shot 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. The bad is that he attempted seven shots overall, which is inexcusable for an offensive talent of his caliber. Friday’s game was the first in which KAT failed to reach double figures since Game 2 of Minnesota’s first-round sweep of the Suns. While the Timberwolves could get away with that against Phoenix, the reigning champs are different. Towns needs to be more aggressive in Game 4 on Sunday night, with the Timberwolves still holding a 2-1 series lead. Rotoworld Yesterday, 9:43 pm
  • Michael Porter Jr. hits four 3-pointers in Game 3
    Michael Porter Jr. recorded a line of 21 points (6-of-10 FGs, 5-of-6 FTs), four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and four 3-pointers in 30 minutes in Friday’s Game 3 win over the Timberwolves.

    Advice: After scoring 20 points in Game 1, Porter had a brutal Game 2. He wasn’t the only Nuggets player who needed to redeem himself in Game 3, and MPJ came through with timely perimeter shooting. He’s scored at least 20 points in six of his last seven playoff games, and he finished Game 3 one blocked shot shy of his third straight full stat line. Also shooting the ball well from three for Denver was Aaron Gordon, who was 3-of-4 from deep and finished with 13 points, two rebounds, five assists, and two steals in 33 minutes. Given the amount of attention Minnesota has paid Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, there will be opportunities for Porter and Gordon to flourish. They took advantage on Friday and must do the same in Game 4 on Sunday. Rotoworld Yesterday, 9:18 pm
  • Back to bench
    Anderson will return to a reserve role in Friday's Game 3 against the Nuggets.

    Advice: No surprise here, as Rudy Gobert (personal) is back with the team. As a result, Anderson should take on his usual role providing depth at forward. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:03 pm
  • Gets starting nod
    Achiuwa is in the starting lineup for Friday's Game 3 against the Pacers, Steve Popper of Newsday reports.

    Advice: Achiuwa will replace OG Anunoby (hamstring) in the starting five Friday. Achiuwa averaged 12.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 36.5 minutes across his previous 18 starting appearances this season. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 3:41 pm
  • Another absence coming
    Prosper (ankle) is out for Saturday's Game 3 against the Thunder.

    Advice: Prosper will miss his eighth straight contest Saturday due to a left ankle sprain. The rookie forward's absence won't impact Dallas' rotation. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 2:33 pm
  • Dean Wade (knee) questionable Saturday vs. Celitcs
    Dean Wade (right knee sprain) is listed as questionable ahead of Saturday’s matchup between the Cavaliers and Celtics.

    Advice: Wade hasn’t played since the regular season so it’s unlikely that he’ll play a significant role if he’s cleared to play. He could cut into some of Tristan Thompson’s reserve minutes if made active, though. Rotoworld Yesterday, 2:07 pm
    Dean WadeCLE - SF,PF
  • Scores 20 points in Game 2 defeat
    Williams closed with 20 points (7-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), four rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 39 minutes during Thursday's 119-110 loss to the Mavericks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Williams was the Thunder's second-best scoring option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but his solid two-way contributions were not enough to lift Oklahoma City to a 2-0 series lead. Williams has been outstanding in the playoffs and has confirmed the improvements he evidenced during the regular season. Through six postseason appearances, he's averaging 20.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 49 percent from the field. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:28 am
    Jalen WilliamsOKC - SG,SF,PF
  • Struggles badly once again
    Giddey closed Thursday's 119-110 loss to the Mavericks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals with eight points (3-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and two rebounds over 11 minutes.

    Advice: Giddey's minutes continue to decrease with each passing game, and it wouldn't be surprising if he moves to a bench role ahead of Game 3 given how much he's struggled on both ends of the court. He delivered good numbers against the Pelicans, but in the two outings against Dallas, he's averaging 5.0 points while shooting 40 percent from the floor across 14 minutes. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 8:26 am
    Josh GiddeyOKC - SG,SF,PF