NBA News

Thomas Bryant • C • Cavaliers

Thomas Bryant Practices in Limited Capacity Wednesday

Cleveland Cavaliers center Thomas Bryant (calf) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Danny Cunningham of Locked On Cavs reports. The 28-year-old big man was the only player with limitations during the practice session. Bryant injured his left calf late in the regular season, missing four games. He's in a race to get healthy for the start of the postseason, with Cleveland kicking off its first-round series against Toronto on Saturday. Serving as the backup center, Bryant notched 6.2 points and 3.4 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game during the regular season. Cleveland could use Bryant's size against Jakob Poeltl, but he isn't expected to make a major impact in the series.

12 hours ago

Spencer Jones • PF • Nuggets

Spencer Jones Limited at Wednesday's Practice

Denver Nuggets guard/forward Spencer Jones (hamstring) was a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, Brendan Vogt of DNVR Sports reports. He took part only in the non-contact portions of the practice session. Jones sat out the final six regular-season games due to a right hamstring strain. It's uncertain whether he will be cleared to return to action for Saturday's Game 1 against Minnesota. Although Jones hasn't produced any outstanding numbers this season, he has done a solid job during his sophomore campaign, earning a starting spot in 37 of his 64 appearances. The 24-year-old averaged 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 22.1 minutes per game during the regular season. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown will play important roles off the bench against Minnesota if Jones and Peyton Watson (hamstring) remain out on Saturday.

12 hours ago

Peyton Watson • SF • Nuggets

Peyton Watson Limited to Non-Contact Work at Practice

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hamstring) practiced on Wednesday, but only in the non-contact portions, Brendan Vogt of DNVR Sports reports. Watson missed the last five regular-season games due to right hamstring tightness. He was labeled week-to-week at the start of the month. While Watson hasn't practiced fully, Nuggets head coach David Adelman still hopes he can play in Saturday's playoff opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Watson finished the regular season as Denver's fourth-highest scorer, putting up 14.6 points per game. Additionally, he tallied 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 29.6 minutes. If he can't play on the weekend, the Nuggets will look to get more production from Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.

13 hours ago

Bam Adebayo • C • Heat |

LaMelo Ball • PG • Hornets

NBA Investigating LaMelo Ball's Trip of Bam Adebayo

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is being investigated by the NBA for his trip of Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo (back) in Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game, ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk reports. The two collided in the second quarter, and Adebayo exited the game after the incident due to a lower-back injury. Sources have told ESPN's Shams Charania that the NBA has contacted both teams and will interview Ball. A ruling is expected before Friday's play-in game, in which the Hornets will face the loser of Wednesday's Philadelphia-Orlando matchup. It's possible the Ball play will be upgraded to a flagrant foul 1 or 2, but there likely won't be a suspension. Ball scored a game-winning layup in Tuesday's 127-126 overtime victory, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block.

13 hours ago

Isaiah Jackson • PF • Clippers

Isaiah Jackson Cleared for Wednesday

Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Jackson (ankle) will play on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors. He was upgraded to probable earlier on Wednesday and is now listed as available. Jackson couldn't help the Clippers in the final eight regular-season games due to a right ankle sprain. He has made 17 appearances with the Clippers since arriving from Indiana, posting averages of 7.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 15.9 minutes. Jackson's playing time has been fairly limited due to Brook Lopez's presence, so he doesn't offer much fantasy value.

13 hours ago

Immanuel Quickley • PG • Raptors

Immanuel Quickley Remains Day-to-Day After Workout

Toronto Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) was limited to an individual workout Tuesday and remains day-to-day ahead of Saturday's Game 1 against Cleveland. His status is trending toward questionable, creating some uncertainty in Toronto's backcourt rotation. If Quickley sits, Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead are the primary beneficiaries. Walter started April 10 and posted 15 points with four three-pointers in 30 minutes, offering streaming appeal for scoring and threes, while Shead logged 27 minutes but saw limited usage. Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett would also handle more playmaking duties.

15 hours ago

Isaiah Jackson • PF • Clippers

Isaiah Jackson Probable to Return for Play-In Game

Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Jackson (ankle) is probable for Wednesday's Play-In Tournament matchup against Golden State after missing eight straight games with a right ankle sprain. Jackson last appeared March 27, logging four points and four rebounds in 15 minutes, and he should slot back into a limited backup role behind Brook Lopez. Across his appearances this season, Jackson has produced efficient scoring and defensive stats in short bursts, but his role caps his fantasy ceiling. Lopez should still handle most of the center minutes, while John Collins could give up a bit of his rotation time with Jackson back in the mix.

15 hours ago

Tyler Kolek • PG • Knicks

Tyler Kolek Returns to Practice Ahead of Playoffs

New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (oblique) returned to practice Wednesday after missing the final four regular-season games with a right oblique strain, putting him on track for Game 1 against Atlanta on Saturday. Kolek logged eight points, two three-pointers, two assists, and one steal in 12 minutes in his last outing, April 3, but he faces a crowded rotation. Miles McBride started the finale and hit four three-pointers in 24 minutes, while Jordan Clarkson remains in the mix. Kolek is a deep-league flier at best, with limited playoff role security behind Jalen Brunson.

15 hours ago

Trendon Watford • PF • 76ers

Trendon Watford Active on Wednesday

Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Trendon Watford (illness) is available for Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Orlando Magic. Watford was previously listed as probable due to an illness, but he has since been cleared to play in tonight's contest in Philadelphia. It's unclear where the 25-year-old will fit into the rotation, as he has been used sparingly in April, averaging 4.7 minutes across three outings. Joel Embiid (abdomen) remains sidelined, which could open up a limited frontcourt role for Watford, but he's still unlikely to see enough action to make a major fantasy impact.

15 hours ago

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Ruled Out for Play-In Game Wednesday

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) will not play in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament matchup against Philadelphia, extending his absence to over a month due to a left knee sprain. Isaac logged just one minute in his last appearance March 12 and has held a minimal role even when active, limiting his fantasy relevance. His absence keeps Tristan da Silva in a steady bench role after posting eight points, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 24 minutes Sunday. Da Silva remains a deep-league streamer, while Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner continue to anchor frontcourt usage.

15 hours ago

Dylan Harper • PG • Spurs

Dylan Harper Expected to Suit Up for Game 1 on Sunday

According to Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com, San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (thumb) is probable for Game 1 on Sunday against the Portland Trail Blazers. Harper sustained a left thumb injury during Sunday's regular-season finale loss to Denver, finishing with nine points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 18 minutes. With the Spurs entering the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the 20-year-old rookie is expected to maintain a steady role in the rotation. If Harper is active Sunday but experiences any setbacks, additional backcourt minutes will shift to De'Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin and Stephon Castle.

15 hours ago

Franz Wagner • SF • Magic

Franz Wagner to Remain on Minutes Restriction Wednesday

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner will remain limited in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against Philadelphia, though head coach Jamahl Mosley expects a slight increase in workload. Wagner logged 26 minutes Sunday, finishing with 20 points, two three-pointers, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, and he has averaged 20.7 points in 23.6 minutes over his last three outings with a 32.4 usage rate. The cap lowers his ceiling slightly, keeping him more in mid-round range, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs should continue seeing stable usage with Wagner not fully unleashed.

16 hours ago

Jett Howard • SG • Magic

Jett Howard Good to Go on Wednesday

Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard (ankle) will play in Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Howard missed the final five games of the regular season due to a sprained left ankle, but he has been cleared to return for tonight's matchup in Philadelphia. The 22-year-old averaged 5.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game this season, so his fantasy impact is expected to be minimal in this contest.

16 hours ago

OG Anunoby • SF • Knicks

OG Anunoby Practices on Wednesday

According to Jared Schwartz of the New York Post, New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (ankle) participated in practice on Wednesday. Anunoby sat out the Knicks' regular-season finale on Sunday after suffering a right ankle injury against Toronto on Friday. The 28-year-old is currently listed as questionable, but fantasy managers should expect him to be available for Game 1 against Atlanta on Saturday, as he still has time to rest.

17 hours ago

Jalen Green • SG • Suns

Jalen Green Scores Team-High 35 Points During Play-In Loss

Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green bagged 35 points in 39 minutes during Tuesday's 114-110 Play-In Tournament loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. However, he went quiet late in the game as Phoenix blew a 100-89 lead inside the final six minutes of play. Green had a couple of costly turnovers down the stretch and finished with five turnovers overall. His line also included five rebounds, two assists, and one block. While he managed only two makes on seven attempts from beyond the arc, Green's scoring was efficient overall at 14-for-29 from the field. Tuesday's loss is a setback for the Suns, but they can still make the postseason if they beat the winner of Wednesday's Clippers-Warriors matchup. Devin Booker must be sharper on Friday night after settling for 22 points on a 7-for-17 effort against Portland.

Yesterday

Jrue Holiday • PG • Trail Blazers

Jrue Holiday Nets 21 Points in Playoff Clincher

Portland Trail Blazers guard Jrue Holiday tallied 21 points with a 7-for-18 effort from the field during Tuesday's 114-110 Play-In Tournament victory over the Phoenix Suns. Holiday scored five consecutive points to spark a Portland comeback from a 100-89 deficit midway through the fourth quarter. The veteran finished 4-for-11 from downtown and completed his line with four rebounds and four assists across 38 minutes. Holiday has a lot of postseason pedigree and will be expected to be one of the leaders during the playoffs on a team that will have many postseason debutants. The two-time NBA champion has averaged 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.4 steals in 97 career playoff appearances.

Yesterday

Deni Avdija • SF • Trail Blazers

Deni Avdija Helps Trail Blazers Into Playoffs With 41-Point Effort

Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija was sensational on Tuesday night against the Phoenix Suns as the team secured a playoff spot with a 114-110 win in the Play-In Tournament. He produced a double-double with 41 points and 12 assists, becoming the fifth player to score 40-plus points in a play-in game. Avdija, who finished 15-for-22 from the floor, made several key buckets late in the game. He also tallied seven rebounds and two blocks in 38 minutes. After overcoming a back issue, Avdija has returned to top form in recent weeks, and the Israeli star should thrive in the playoffs as he makes his postseason debut. The Trail Blazers are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2021, where they face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.

Yesterday

Miles Bridges • SF • Hornets

Miles Bridges Caps Off Big Night With Game-Winning Block

Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges had one of his best performances of the season in Tuesday's play-in game against the Miami Heat, contributing 28 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal, and three blocks in a 127-126 overtime win. Bridges' last block of the night came at the buzzer in overtime when Davion Mitchell attempted to win the game for Miami. Early in the contest, Bridges stood out on the offensive end, scoring 10 first-quarter points. He went 10-for-18 from the floor and 5-for-10 from outside during the game. Bridges has averaged fewer than 30 minutes per game since February, but he led the Hornets with 43 minutes on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old will look to make a similar impact in Friday's play-in game, where Charlotte meets the loser of Wednesday's matchup between Orlando and Philadelphia.

Yesterday

LaMelo Ball • PG • Hornets

LaMelo Ball Leads Hornets to Victory Versus Heat

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball played a key role in Tuesday's 127-126 overtime victory in the Play-In Tournament against the Miami Heat. He capped off the big performance with a game-winning layup 4.7 seconds from the end of overtime. Ball ended the contest with 30 points, five rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and one block. He became the fourth player with at least 30 points and 10 assists in a play-in game. However, Ball's scoring was inefficient during the night due to his poor 2-for-16 effort from three-point land. He finished 12-for-31 overall from the field. The Hornets star has now finished three consecutive outings with below 40 percent efficiency from the field. Still, he's done a good job leading his team into Friday's final play-in game and will certainly be heavily involved in the action again on Friday night.

Yesterday

Isaiah Jackson • PF • Clippers

Isaiah Jackson Questionable Wednesday

Los Angeles Clippers center Isaiah Jackson (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's play-in contest against the Golden State Warriors. The former Pacer hurt his right ankle in late March and sat out the final eight regular-season games. According to Law Murray of The Athletic, Jackson was a full participant in Tuesday's practice. This indicates that the big man is ready to return to action on Wednesday night. However, he hasn't yet received official clearance. If Jackson remains out, the Clippers will continue to rely on Brook Lopez and John Collins at the center position.

Yesterday

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