NBA News

Brandin Podziemski • SG • Warriors

Brandin Podziemski Wants to Stay With Warriors Long-Term

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski wants to remain with the franchise for the foreseeable future, Danny Emerman of The San Francisco Standard reports. Having finished his third NBA campaign, Podziemski will be eligible to sign a rookie-scale contract extension this offseason. "I want to be here for the long term," said Podziemski. "It's always special having the team that drafted you, so hopefully we can get something done." The 23-year-old has developed well over his three seasons in the league, averaging 13.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 steals in 2025-26. Podziemski was one of only 18 players in the Association to play in all 82 regular-season games. But he came off the bench in nearly half of his appearances (43). While Podziemski has performed well, his fantasy potential is capped unless he earns a regular starting role.

Apr 21

Jordan McLaughlin • PG • Spurs

Jordan McLaughlin Ruled Out for Game 2

San Antonio Spurs guard Jordan McLaughlin (ankle) has been ruled out for Tuesday's tilt against the Portland Trail Blazers. He sat out the series opener due to a left ankle sprain and hasn't been cleared to return. McLaughlin hasn't played a significant role for the Spurs this season, so his absence isn't a big deal for the team. Across 44 regular-season appearances, McLaughlin averaged only 6.4 minutes per game. De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle will continue to lead the backcourt, with Dylan Harper providing support off the bench.

Apr 20

Ron Harper Jr. • SF • Celtics

Ron Harper Jr. Probable for Game 2

Boston Celtics guard/forward Ron Harper Jr. (ankle) is on the injury report ahead of Tuesday's Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers, carrying a probable designation. The 26-year-old has injured his right ankle, but he is expected to be in the lineup on Tuesday night. That said, Harper Jr. saw only four minutes of garbage time in Boston's dominant 123-91 Game 1 victory, and it wouldn't be surprising if he didn't hit the court on Tuesday night, even if he's active. Payton Pritchard, Nikola Vucevic, and Baylor Scheierman will remain the primary contributors off the bench.

Apr 20

Austin Reaves • SG • Lakers

Austin Reaves to Remain Out Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (oblique) will miss a seventh consecutive game on Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets. He continues to rehab a left oblique strain, and it still isn't clear when Reaves can return. On Monday, he was spotted at practice, taking part in light activities, so there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for Reaves. The Lakers have started the postseason without two key performers, as Luka Doncic (hamstring) hasn't been able to contribute either. With the star guards sidelined, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart combined for 42 points in Saturday's Game 1 victory. Additionally, LeBron James made sure to balance scoring with playmaking, recording a 19-point, 13-assist double-double.

Apr 20

Luka Dončić • PG • Lakers

Luka Doncic Still Out Tuesday

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) will remain sidelined on Tuesday against the Houston Rockets. The six-time All-Star remains out indefinitely with a left hamstring strain. However, he took part in light activities during Monday's practice, a sign that Doncic is progressing in his recovery. With Austin Reaves (oblique) also out, Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart have more responsibilities in the Lakers' backcourt. Kennard was fantastic in Saturday's series-opening 107-98 win with a game-high 27 points, nailing all five attempts from behind the arc. Meanwhile, Smart contributed in all areas of the game, finishing with 15 points, two rebounds, eight assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Apr 20

Anthony Edwards • SG • Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards Active on Monday Night

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) will play on Monday against the Denver Nuggets. His status for the game was up in the air after the team initially listed Edwards as questionable on the injury report. The Timberwolves star is managing a right knee injury and was also questionable for the series opener. Eventually, Edwards shed the questionable tag and logged 38 minutes in an 116-105 loss. He filled the stat sheet with 22 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks. However, Edwards finished just 7-for-19 from the field and missed seven of his nine three-point attempts. For the team to stay competitive in this matchup, Minnesota needs him to be more efficient.

Apr 20

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant a Game-Time Decision on Tuesday

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (knee) will be a game-time decision on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The two-time Finals MVP missed Saturday's Game 1 in the series due to a bruised right knee. According to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Durant participated in about half of Monday's practice. Houston has officially listed him as questionable for Tuesday's contest. On Saturday night, the Rockets struggled to score without Durant, losing 107-98. Josh Okogie and Tari Eason played more important roles in his absence. Eason was one of the team's top performers with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and three steals off the bench.

Apr 20

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid is Officially Ruled Out for Game 2

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) has been officially ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2 against the Boston Celtics. As expected, Embiid will remain sidelined after undergoing an appendectomy on April 10. The big man was able to begin a strength and conditioning program on Monday. It remains unclear if Embiid will be available to play at all during this series. The absence of Embiid should mean larger roles for Adem Bona and Andre Drummond. Neither player did much on the stat sheet during Game 1, and remain shaky DFS options for Game 2.

Apr 20

Victor Wembanyama • PF • Spurs

Victor Wembanyama Wins Defensive Player of the Year

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been named the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year on Monday. The 22-year-old becomes the first unanimous selection in league history. A well-deserved award after Wembanyama averaged a league-leading 3.1 blocks per game with 1.0 steals across 64 games. He's also the first player to win it in San Antonio since Kawhi Leonard in 2016. Wembanyama became the youngest player to win the award since its creation in 1983. The 7'4 foot superstar is going to be a threat to win this award every year and possibly MVPs in the near future.

Apr 20

OG Anunoby • SF • Knicks

OG Anunoby is Available to Play for Monday's Game 2

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (ankle) is available to play ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the Atlanta Hawks. As expected, Anunoby is cleared to play after being listed as probable on the injury report. He has been dealing with an ankle issue, but it's not serious enough to keep him out of action in this important playoff game. He should take on his usual role in the rotation during Monday's game. He finished with 18 points and eight rebounds across 38 minutes of action during Saturday's win. He's looking like a decent DFS option after nearly posting a double-double on Saturday.

Apr 20

Onyeka Okongwu • C • Hawks

Onyeka Okongwu is Cleared to Play During Game 2 on Monday

Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu (knee) is available to play ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. Okongwu has been dealing with right knee inflammation, but it won't be serious enough to hold him out of this game. He finished with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists across 37 minutes during Saturday's loss. There's a chance that Okongwu sees a lighter workload due to the ongoing knee problem. If that does happen, Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley would likely take on larger roles. Neither of the two big man are worth a look as DFS options with Okongwu healthy on Monday.

Apr 20

Immanuel Quickley • PG • Raptors

Immanuel Quickley is Ruled Out for Game 2

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Monday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Quickley is set to miss his second straight playoff game while he recovers from a hamstring injury. Jamal Shead started in his place during Saturday's series opener. Shead finished with 17 points and two assists across 26 minutes of action in the loss. He figures to play a similar role against on Monday. Ja'Kobe Walter could also see more playing time, but isn't an ideal DFS option. Brandon Ingram will be asked to do more offensively with Quickley on the sideline.

Apr 20

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Posts 30-Point Double-Double in Loss

Portland Trail Blazers guard/forward Deni Avdija posted 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal, one block, and two three-pointers in 39 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round loss to San Antonio. He carried the offense early and remained the team's most consistent option, finishing as the lone player to surpass 20 points. Avdija's high usage and all-around production boost his DFS ceiling, especially with limited scoring support. Scoot Henderson provided secondary scoring, while Jrue Holiday handled playmaking duties but struggled to convert efficiently.

Apr 20

Paolo Banchero • PF • Magic

Paolo Banchero Leads Magic in Game 1 Win

Orlando Magic forward/center Paolo Banchero recorded 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two three-pointers in 37 minutes during Sunday's Eastern Conference first-round win over Detroit. He set the tone early and handled the scoring load, with most of his production coming before the fourth quarter as Orlando stayed in control. Banchero continues to anchor the offense with steady usage, giving him a reliable DFS ceiling. Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane round out the offense, while Banchero's all-around role keeps his production consistent.

Apr 20

Jalen Duren • C • Pistons

Jalen Duren Posts Quiet Line in Series Opener

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren finished with eight points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one block in 33 minutes during Sunday's Eastern Conference first-round loss to Orlando. He played solid minutes but had limited involvement, attempting just four shots and failing to make a consistent impact offensively. Duren's role remains secure, but his DFS value depends on increased usage and activity on the glass. Cade Cunningham continues to dominate touches, while Tobias Harris may take on more scoring responsibility if Duren remains a low-usage option.

Apr 20

Cade Cunningham • PG • Pistons

Cade Cunningham Erupts for 39 Points in Playoff Opener

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham poured in 39 points with five rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers in 40 minutes during Sunday's loss to Orlando. He handled the bulk of the offense, scoring consistently and drawing fouls, but had limited support as the Pistons struggled to find efficient offense. Cunningham's high usage gives him a strong DFS ceiling, though assists may be inconsistent if shots aren't falling around him. Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren need to provide more consistent scoring to ease the burden.

Apr 20

Jalen Williams • SF • Thunder

Jalen Williams Posts All-Around Line in Game 1

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams recorded 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round win over Phoenix. He contributed across the board and stayed efficient, helping Oklahoma City maintain control in a one-sided game. The blowout limited his minutes, but Williams' balanced production keeps his DFS appeal strong, especially in competitive matchups. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the primary option, while Chet Holmgren continues to provide secondary scoring and defensive support alongside Williams.

Apr 20

Devin Booker • SG • Suns

Devin Booker Delivers in Tough Game 1 Loss

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker finished with 23 points, six rebounds, and two assists in 33 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round loss to Oklahoma City. He led the team in scoring and shot efficiently compared to his teammates, but the offense struggled to generate consistent support in a lopsided defeat. Booker remains the focal point with elite usage, keeping his DFS floor stable despite the blowout risk. Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks continue to handle secondary scoring roles, though both need improved efficiency to ease the pressure on Booker.

Apr 20

Victor Wembanyama • PF • Spurs

Victor Wembanyama Drops 35 Points in Playoff Debut

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama finished with 35 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 33 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round win over Portland. He led the offense, knocking down five triples while converting efficiently inside and at the line. His peripheral stats were lighter than usual, but the scoring output carried DFS value. De'Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle handled secondary playmaking, while Wembanyama's usage remains elite, giving him one of the highest ceilings on the slate even if his rebounds and defensive stats don't always follow.

Apr 20

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander • PG • Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Posts 25 Points in Series Opener

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced 25 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and two blocks in 29 minutes during Sunday's Western Conference first-round win over Phoenix. His shot did not fall consistently, but he controlled the game by drawing fouls and creating offense, finishing with heavy free-throw production. The blowout limited his minutes, slightly capping his DFS ceiling despite strong usage. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren remain key secondary options, while SGA's ability to generate points at the line keeps his floor stable in all formats.

Apr 19

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