New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (ankle) and center Jonas Valanciunas (illness) have been ruled out for Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets. Ingram will miss his third game in a row here as he continues to deal with a right ankle sprain. Valanciunas will miss his second game in a row due to a non-COVID related illness. Willy Hernangomez is expected to start at center. He'll have strong streaming appeal and sneaky DFS value after his solid outing on Thursday. Herbert Jones and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will continue to have increased roles with Ingram out. Both are possible streaming choices or DFS candidates for Friday's slate.
Miami Heat guard Gabe Vincent (hamstring) is good to go for Friday's postseason matchup versus the Boston Celtics. The 25-year-old wasn't in any real danger of missing this one, so he'll be available to provide support for Kyle Lowry (hamstring). However, with Lowry still not 100%, Vincent, who had 15 points in Game 5 on Wednesday, should continue to garner attention from DFS enthusiasts.
Miami Heat forward P.J. Tucker (knee) will play against the Boston Celtics. With Miami just one loss away from elimination, the veteran will be in the lineup on Friday night and holding things down at the four spot. Tucker has averaged only 6.8 points and 6.2 rebounds during this series. However, the 37-year-old has been known to get hot occasionally, especially if he can get open for his infamous three-point shot from the corner.
Miami Heat guard Max Strus (hamstring) will play on Friday against Boston. There wasn't really any doubt the 26-year-old wouldn't be available, so he'll be in the starting lineup for the pivotal playoff battle. Strus had played well throughout the postseason, but his production has dwindled during this series, with averages of 7.4 points, 3.0 boards, and 1.8 assists. However, with Kyle Lowry (hamstring) not 100% and Tyler Herro (groin) out, Strus' upside is higher than usual.
Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (ankle) is available for Friday's playoff showdown with the Miami Heat. The Defensive Player of the Year didn't play in Game 4 because of a sprained ankle but managed to suit on Wednesday. However, Smart was obviously still bothered by the ailment, mainly since he logged only 24 minutes and scored just five points on 1-for-5 shooting from the field. It's doubtful the 28-year-old has progressed much from a health standpoint since Game 5, so Derrick White, who had 14 points in that one, remains in play for DFS managers.
Boston Celtics center Robert Williams III (knee) will suit up for Friday's playoff outing against Miami. The 24-year-old has been dealing with left knee soreness for weeks now but has been in the lineup as of late. However, despite the big man's availability, his potential workload is always a mystery from game to game. Still, Williams finished with 10 boards, six points, three assists, and a steal during Game 5 on Wednesday, so it appears more likely than not he'll get some meaningful action in Game 6 while also remaining a suitable DFS option for those looking to take a chance.
Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (hamstring) will play on Friday night for the pivotal postseason meeting with the Boston Celtics. Despite the veteran's availability over the last few games, he hasn't received his usual minute's allowance while also struggling offensively, so it's quite apparent his ailing left hamstring is still bothering him. Gabe Vincent, who had been starting for Lowry while he was out, had 15 points in 23 minutes off the bench during Game 6 on Wednesday. DFS managers should keep Vincent in mind, primarily since he could also get some extra opportunities on the scoring end with Tyler Herro (groin) declared out.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (groin) won't play on Friday night versus the Boston Celtics. Herro will now miss his third consecutive outing as he battles with a left groin strain. However, with the Heat only one game away from elimination, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year may have already played his final game this season. Nevertheless, DFS managers looking for value should consider Duncan Robinson, who had 11 points, four rebounds, and one steal in Game 5 on Wednesday night.
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson lit up the box score during Thursday's Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks. The All-Star guard finished with 32 points and knocked down eight triples in the victory. This shouldn't come as a surprise considering Thompson has been solid throughout the postseason. He helped his team close out the Mavericks and will head to the NBA Finals.
Golden State Warriors center Kevon Looney has been tremendous over the last few games. In fact, he has posted three double-doubles in his last four games. He finished with 10 points and 18 rebounds in Thursday's Game 5 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The play of Looney has been huge for the Warriors during this series. We'll see if he can keep it going during the NBA Finals.
Dallas Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie was one of two reliable scoring options for this team during Thursday's loss to the Golden State Warriors. He finished with 26 points, four assists, and five triples in the Game 5 loss. Dinwiddie has put together some great performances during the postseason, but sadly it wasn't enough. Dinwiddie and Luka Doncic were the only reliable contributors during this game. The Mavericks will need to add a few pieces in the offseason to be legitimate contenders.
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