NBA News
Jamal Murray Explodes For 43 Points In Game 5
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray grabbed the headlines with a 43-point performance in Tuesday's 131-115 Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Although Murray made only five field goals and had 13 points in Game 4, he bounced back in style on Tuesday night, shooting 17-for-26 from the field, including 8-for-14 from downtown. It was a special scoring performance from the Canadian star, but Murray also took time to contribute in other areas. He completed his line with five rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block. Nikola Jokic, who produced a 13-10-12 triple-double on Tuesday, continues to lead the Nuggets, but Murray reminded everyone what he can do when he gets hot. The 28-year-old has averaged 24.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.6 steals in the series.
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Jayson Tatum Fires In 35 Points In Series-Clincher
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 35 points as the team moved into the second round of the playoffs with a 190-89 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night. He also stood out as the best passer in the game, logging 10 assists, while grabbing eight rebounds and recording one steal. The Celtics superstar shot 10-for-16 from the field, including 4-for-5 from three-point range, and finished 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. Tatum injured his right wrist in the series opener and sat out Game 2, but he returned to action as if nothing had happened. Over the final three games of the series, Tatum averaged 36.0 points. He finished the matchup with averages of 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo Logs Massive Triple-Double In Game 5
Milwaukee Bucks forward/center Giannis Antetokounmpo put together a special line in Tuesday's Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, but his team was eliminated from the playoffs with a 119-118 overtime defeat. Antetokounmpo posted his fourth career postseason triple-double with 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists, while collecting two steals and two blocks on the defensive end. He finished with 9-for-17 shooting and had an 11-for-17 record at the line. Throughout the entire postseason, Antetokounmpo averaged 33.0 points, 15.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists, but the Bucks were still dumped out in the first round for the third consecutive year. The team has won only one playoff series since its 2021 championship run, which must be very frustrating for Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP began to draw links with the San Antonio Spurs this week, and his partnership with Victor Wembanyama would certainly be something extremely unique.
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Maxi Kleber Listed As Questionable For Game 5
Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Maxi Kleber (foot) has picked up a questionable tag ahead of Wednesday's Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The German veteran seems to be finally close to making a comeback from foot surgery. He would be a new addition to the Lakers rotation, as Kleber last played in late January when he was still with the Dallas Mavericks. Lakers head coach JJ Redick may be in need of some additional options after playing the second half of Game 4 with the same five players. However, Kleber has never been a highly productive player, and it's unlikely that he will have a significant impact.
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Rob Dillingham Out On Wednesday
Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Rob Dillingham (ankle) will remain inactive on Wednesday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The rookie guard continues to nurse a right ankle sprain, which has delayed his postseason debut. Even when he returns to health, Minnesota is unlikely to include Dillingham in the regular rotation. Naz Reid, Donte DiVincenzo, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker operate as the key reserves for the Timberwolves, who have a chance to finish off the Lakers with a road victory on Wednesday night.
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Jae'Sean Tate Still Out On Wednesday
Houston Rockets forward Jae'Sean Tate (ankle) will remain unavailable on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors. He has yet to play in the postseason due to a right ankle impingement. Houston faces elimination on Wednesday, making it possible that Tate will not see any playoff action this year. He is currently the only absentee for the Rockets after Jock Landale returned to the lineup for Monday's Game 4. Despite his addition, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka still ran an eight-man rotation, which includes Steven Adams, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason off the bench.
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Jimmy Butler III Listed As Probable For Wednesday
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (pelvis) is listed as probable for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Houston Rockets. The veteran star missed Game 3 of the series due to a pelvic contusion but returned for Monday's Game 4, and it appears the Warriors will have Butler III available on Wednesday night. Butler III moved a bit gingerly at times on Monday, but the pelvic injury did not affect his performance, as the six-time All-Star led the Warriors with 27 points, adding five rebounds, six assists, and one block in 40 minutes.
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Aaron Nesmith Upgraded To Available
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (back) has been upgraded to available for Tuesday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. The team initially gave him a probable tag on the injury report, as Nesmith is dealing with a lower back bruise. Nesmith has sunk 10 triples over the last three games, averaging 16.0 points during that stretch. He has also been a significant presence on the glass, collecting 5.0 rebounds per game in the first-round series.
17 hours ago
Bennedict Mathurin Cleared For Game 5
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Bennedict Mathurin (abdomen) will be active for Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. He missed Game 4 of the series due to an abdominal contusion. Indiana initially listed Mathurin as questionable for Tuesday's tilt, but his status has been upgraded to available. Mathurin has been limited to 40 percent shooting in the playoffs but is still averaging 12.0 points and 3.0 rebounds against Milwaukee. Jarace Walker and Ben Sheppard, who both logged over 20 minutes of action in Game 4, will see reduced playing time with Mathurin's return.
18 hours ago
Alperen Sengun Records Third Consecutive Double-Double
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun posted a third consecutive double-double in a 109-106 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night, leading all scorers with 31 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. He completed his line with five assists and two steals in 42 minutes, but efficiency was once again an issue for Sengun in the game. After making 61 percent of his shots in the series opener, Sengun has been held to below 43 percent shooting in each subsequent game. He finished 12-for-28 from the field on Monday while going 7-for-10 with his free throws. The Turkish big man has led the Rockets in the postseason, averaging 22.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.8 steals. However, his efforts may not be enough for the team as Houston heads into Wednesday's Game 5 facing elimination.
Yesterday
Brandin Podziemski Hits Six Treys During 26-Point Performance
Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski scored 26 points on 6-for-11 three-point shooting in Monday's 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets. He nailed two triples early on and provided efficient scoring throughout the night, finishing 9-for-18 from the field. In 40 minutes of action, Podziemski also had five rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. After battling food poisoning during Game 2 of the series, Podziemski has quickly returned to form and has emerged as a crucial player for the Warriors in this series. The 22-year-old is Golden State's third-highest scorer in the postseason, trailing only superstars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler III. He has averaged 16.7 points in the three games he has played while healthy.
Yesterday
Jimmy Butler III Leads Warriors In Scoring Monday Night
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III netted a team-high 27 points on 7-for-12 shooting in Monday's 109-106 win over the Houston Rockets. After returning to the lineup from a pelvic contusion, Butler needed some time to get going, scoring only four points in the first quarter. But he turned out to be a key figure in the contest, finishing 12-for-12 from the free-throw line and picking up five rebounds, six assists, and one block with zero turnovers in 40 minutes. With Playoff Jimmy in top form, the Warriors are well-placed to end the series in five games on Wednesday.
Yesterday
Jarrett Allen Has Double-Double, Six Steals In Blowout Win
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen was highly efficient against the Miami Heat on Monday, finishing a 138-83 win with 14 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and six steals. He went 5-for-5 from the field and made all four of his free throws, achieving a game-high plus-42 over 25 minutes of play. Cleveland made quick work of the Heat in the first round, with Allen performing as a walking double-double. He recorded three double-doubles in four games, averaging 14.3 points and 10.3 rebounds. It promises to be more challenging for Allen going forward, but he appears to be in outstanding form for the playoffs.
Yesterday
Brandon Boston Jr. Recovering From Ankle Surgery
New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Brandon Boston Jr. underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle last week, as announced by the team. His recovery timetable is approximately 3-4 months. With many Pelicans struggling to remain healthy, Boston Jr. earned an expanded role this season and demonstrated good upside. He averaged 10.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in 23.6 minutes. However, the 23-year-old made only one appearance after February, as the ankle injury derailed his second half of the season. He should be fully healed for the start of the 2025-26 campaign and may continue to have a regular role in the rotation after the Pelicans converted his two-way deal into a standard two-year contract in the middle of the season.
Yesterday
Kelly Olynyk Undergoes Heel Procedure
New Orleans Pelicans forward/center Kelly Olynyk has undergone a minimally invasive surgery on his left heel and ultrasound-guided tendon debridement, the team announced. He had the procedure performed on Friday and is expected to be out for around 3-4 months. Olynyk should be ready for the start of the 2025-26 campaign, but the surgery will certainly impact his offseason work. The veteran big man will enter a contract year next season. His numbers dropped across the board this season, but Olynyk should have some extra motivation in 2025-26 as he approaches his 35th birthday. He finished this season with averages of 8.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 20.3 minutes over 44 games with the Pelicans and Toronto Raptors.
Yesterday
Aaron Nesmith Probable For Tuesday's Action
Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (back) is listed as probable for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Milwaukee Bucks. The 25-year-old is carrying a lower back bruise, but this is not expected to keep him off the floor. Nesmith has had a highly successful series, averaging 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals. He has scored at least 14 points in three out of four games, primarily due to his impressive 52.4 percent success rate from three-point range. Nesmith has averaged 27.5 minutes a night, so there will be a considerable gap to fill in the rotation if he suffers a setback and can't play.
Yesterday
Jimmy Butler III Officially Active For Game 4
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (pelvis) is officially active for Monday's meeting with the Rockets. He also won't be on a minutes restriction. The veteran had 25 points and five steals in Game 1. Yet, he suffered a pelvic contusion the following contest, limiting him to only seven minutes and keeping him off the floor for Game 3. With Butler back in the lineup, Jonathan Kuminga will likely head back to the bench, possibly even falling out of the rotation altogether.
Yesterday
Isaiah Stewart Uncertain For Game 5
Detroit Pistons forward/center Isaiah Stewart (knee) is questionable for Tuesday's clash with the Knicks. He was on the floor for Game 1, finishing with two points, five boards, and two blocks. However, the veteran has missed the last three games. If Stewart is unavailable for a fourth-straight contest, Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley should see more action from off the bench, with the duo combining for 19 points in Game 4.
Yesterday
Michael Porter Jr. Expected To Play In Game 5
Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder) is probable for Tuesday's postseason matchup with the Clippers. The 2018 No. 14 overall pick injured his shoulder earlier in the series. Fortunately, it hasn't kept him off the floor. Russell Westbrook (foot) is questionable for this one after missing Game 4 on Saturday night. While that could keep the door open for Porter to see at least 40 minutes of work, he has only averaged 10.5 points in four playoff meetings against Los Angeles.
Yesterday
Russell Westbrook Questionable For Tuesday Night
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (foot) is questionable for Tuesday's game against the Clippers. The 36-year-old was limited to only eight minutes in Game 3 because of foot inflammation, an injury that caused him to miss Game 4 on Saturday. However, Westbrook's absence didn't allow anyone else to see more action, with Peyton Watson the only player to see over 10 minutes from off the bench. Instead, all five starters logged at least 42 minutes. If Westbrook remains out, the starting lineup should continue to get all the work they can handle, assuming Michael Porter Jr. (shoulder), who is probable, gets the green light to suit up.
Yesterday
Jamal Murray
• PG
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Nuggets
