Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (ankle) is expected to play during Friday's game, according to head coach Rick Carlisle. Sabonis has missed each of the last four games, but it sounds like he'll return against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. However, the Pacers are likely going to wait until pregame warmups before officially committing to Sabonis suiting up. His return should mean a decrease in value for Goga Bitadze. Although, Myles Turner (foot) is still out, so Bitadze should still have a role. It's uncertain if Sabonis is going to be limited or not during his first game back. Fantasy managers in season long formats should feel safe sliding him back into their lineups. Although, he could be a risky DFS option for Friday's slate.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum finished with 30 points, but it wasn't enough during Friday's Game 6 loss to the Miami Heat. He was very efficient in this one, while knocking down 9-of-12 shots from the floor. Tatum scored 30 points with nine rebounds, and four assists in the loss. The seven turnovers certainly hurt Tatum, but his teammates failed to pick up the slack. The Celtics will look to move onto the NBA Finals during Sunday's Game 7.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White gave a performance to remember during Friday's Game 6 loss to the Miami Heat. He was great on both ends and nearly helped his team escape with the victory. White finished with 22 points, five assists, and three steals in the loss on Friday. That 22-point performance was the most White has scored in one game since being acquired by Boston. He is stepping up and playing well at the perfect time. Hopefully he can keep it going for Sunday's Game 7 matchup.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler refused to lose during Friday's Game 6 against the Boston Celtics. The All-Star forward knocked down 16-of-29 shots for 47 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in the victory. Butler was making some ridiculous shots and showed no fear in this one. This performance his fourth 40-point performance of his career, which is the most in the NBA. Now, the Heat will get a chance to head to the NBA Finals with Game 7 on Sunday.
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.
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