NBA News

Jamal Shead • PG • Raptors

Jamal Shead Joins Starting Lineup Friday

Toronto Raptors point guard Jamal Shead will start Game 6 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. He will take Brandon Ingram's (heel) place. Shead played well when Ingram exited Game 5 early and isn't a stranger to the first unit. During the regular season, he logged 12 starts, averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. The Raptors would love to get similar numbers from Shead on Friday night to boost their chances in the elimination game.

4 hours ago

Jayson Tatum • SF • Celtics

Jayson Tatum OK for Game 7 Against 76ers

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (calf) will play in Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night, Marc D'Amico of the Celtics' official site reports. Tatum sat out the fourth quarter of Game 6 due to apparent left calf discomfort. But the team has not listed him on the injury report for Saturday's game. "He'll play," Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla told reporters on Friday. The 28-year-old is averaging 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals in the first-round series. He has logged a double-double in all but one game.

5 hours ago

Joel Embiid • C • 76ers

Joel Embiid Probable for Game 7 Against Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (abdomen) is probable for Saturday's huge Game 7 matchup against the Boston Celtics. The star big man is expected to make his fourth consecutive appearance after recovering from an appendectomy. While Embiid's field-goal efficiency has been poor and he hasn't done much on the defensive end, his impact in the series has been noticeable. Across 35.7 minutes per game, he has averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. Boston should see a lot of Embiid on Saturday night as the two teams jostle for survival.

5 hours ago

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Downgraded to Out

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) will remain on the shelf in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons on Friday. His status has been downgraded from doubtful to out ahead of tip-off. Isaac has missed several weeks due to a left knee sprain, and it's unclear whether he will become an option in the postseason if Orlando takes down Detroit in the first round. Jamal Cain has benefited from Isaac's absence, but his production has been limited to 4.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

5 hours ago

Kevin Huerter • SG • Pistons

Kevin Huerter Misses Second Consecutive Game Friday

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) isn't available on Friday against the Orlando Magic. Due to a left adductor strain, he was tagged as questionable on the initial injury report, and the team has downgraded him to out ahead of tip-off. With Huerter out of commission, Caris LeVert and Daniss Jenkins will play leading roles off the bench. However, neither player has made a significant impact in the series and likely won't offer much value to DFS managers.

5 hours ago

Brandon Ingram • SF • Raptors

Brandon Ingram Out on Friday

Toronto Raptors guard/forward Brandon Ingram (heel) will miss Friday's elimination game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He sat out the second half of Game 5 due to right heel inflammation and won't be available Friday night, after initially being considered questionable for the contest. A.J. Lawson started the second half in Ingram's place in Game 5, but he was limited to just a couple of minutes. Ja'Kobe Walter and Jamal Shead are best positioned to benefit from Ingram's absence. There could also be additional playing time for Jamison Battle.

5 hours ago

Tobias Harris • SF • Pistons

Tobias Harris Cleared to Play Friday

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (ankle) will be available on Friday night against the Orlando Magic. The team has upgraded the veteran from questionable to available. Harris is dealing with a left ankle sprain, which might slow him down a bit in Game 6. So far in the series, Harris has been one of Detroit's best players, averaging 19.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. He has notched at least 20 points in three consecutive contests -- his longest such streak in the postseason since a seven-game run in 2021.

5 hours ago

Kevin Durant • PF • Rockets

Kevin Durant Officially Out for Game 6

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (ankle) has been officially ruled out for Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Initially, the team listed him as doubtful for the contest. However, media reports on Thursday already suggested that Durant won't be available on Friday night. His next chance to return will be on Sunday if Houston survives another elimination game. Reed Sheppard will continue to ride with the starters, while Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. have taken on extra work during Durant's absence.

5 hours ago

Terrence Shannon Jr. • SG • Timberwolves

Terrence Shannon Jr. Steps Up in Series Clincher

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Terrence Shannon Jr. recorded 24 points, six rebounds, two steals, and one three-pointer in 35 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win over Denver, helping close out the series 4-2. He entered the starting lineup with Ayo Dosunmu (calf) sidelined and delivered steady scoring despite inefficient shooting from deep. Shannon's role is tied to the health of Dosunmu and Anthony Edwards (knee), making him a situational DFS option. Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle continue to lead usage, while Shannon provides secondary scoring when given minutes.

15 hours ago

Jaden McDaniels • PF • Timberwolves

Jaden McDaniels Leads Timberwolves to Round 2

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels delivered 32 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and one three-pointer in 45 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win over Denver, sealing a 4-2 series victory. He took on more offensive responsibility and responded with efficient shooting while contributing across categories. McDaniels' workload and two-way impact boost his DFS appeal heading into the next round. Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert continue to hold things down up front, while McDaniels picks up added usage with Anthony Edwards (knee) out.

15 hours ago

Nikola Jokić • C • Nuggets

Nikola Jokic Finishes Strong Despite Series Exit

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic finished with 28 points, nine rebounds, 10 assists, and one block in 43 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 loss to Minnesota, ending Denver's season. He remained efficient from the field and orchestrated the offense, narrowly missing another triple-double. Jokic closes the year with elite all-around production, reinforcing his case as a top fantasy pick again next season. Jamal Murray struggled with 12 points on 17 shots, while Cameron Johnson added 27 points, highlighting the inconsistent support around Jokic.

15 hours ago

Mikal Bridges • SF • Knicks

Mikal Bridges Breaks Out in Series Clincher

New York Knicks guard/forward Mikal Bridges posted 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, one block, and two three-pointers in 27 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 blowout win over Atlanta, helping New York close the series 4-2. He shot efficiently and finally broke out after multiple quiet scoring outings earlier in the series. While his peripherals remain modest, this scoring uptick is a positive sign entering the next round. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns continue to drive the offense, while Bridges' scoring consistency will be key for his DFS viability.

15 hours ago

Karl-Anthony Towns • PF • Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns Posts Triple-Double to Close Series

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals, and one block in 28 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 blowout win over Atlanta, helping secure a 4-2 series victory. He controlled the game despite limited shot attempts, doing most of his scoring at the free-throw line while facilitating offense. Towns has delivered elite all-around production throughout the series and remains a strong DFS anchor. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby continue to lead scoring, while Towns' playmaking adds a different layer to the offense.

15 hours ago

Paul George • SF • 76ers

Paul George Heats Up From Deep in Game 6 Win

Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George tallied 23 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block, and five three-pointers in 40 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win over Boston, helping force a Game 7. He found his rhythm from beyond the arc, building on a strong shooting stretch over his last two outings. George's scoring surge adds needed balance alongside Tyrese Maxey, giving Philadelphia another reliable option in high-pressure spots. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Joel Embiid remain involved, but George's perimeter shooting boosts his DFS value entering the deciding game.

15 hours ago

Tyrese Maxey • PG • 76ers

Tyrese Maxey Drops 30 Points to Force Game 7

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey recorded 30 points, five assists, two steals, and three three-pointers in 40 minutes during Thursday's Game 6 win, pushing the series to a deciding Game 7. He bounced back from a cold shooting night in Game 5 with improved efficiency from deep and has now hit at least three triples in five straight outings. Maxey remains the clear offensive engine with high usage. Paul George and Joel Embiid remain steady scoring options alongside him, while Maxey stands out as a strong DFS target in a win-or-go-home Game 7.

16 hours ago

Devin Booker • SG • Suns

Suns Not Interested in Trading Devin Booker

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker remains a centerpiece for the franchise and won't be traded, according to team owner Mat Ishbia. "Devin Booker's going to lead us to a championship here in Phoenix," Ishbia said at his end-of-season availability on Thursday. "We're going to build the team around him, he's going to get better, just like I'm going to get better and everyone around the organization is going to get better." Booker has spent his entire 11-year NBA career with the Suns and has a contract through 2030. Still, there are questions about whether his future is in Phoenix, as the Suns haven't won a playoff series since 2023. Booker will turn 30 in October but should remain among the top fantasy producers in 2026-27. He finished this season with averages of 26.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, earning his fifth All-Star selection.

Yesterday

Terrence Shannon Jr. • SG • Timberwolves

Terrence Shannon Jr. Starting in Game 6

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Terrence Shannon Jr. will join the starting lineup in Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, filling in for Ayo Dosunmu (calf). Minnesota has lost a lot of bodies in this series, giving fringe players like Shannon Jr. more opportunities to showcase their talent. He will start in the backcourt alongside Mike Conley, while Bones Hyland is also likely to shoulder a heavier workload in Thursday's contest. Minnesota used Shannon Jr. as a starter twice during the regular season, and he looked outstanding in his most recent start, posting 26 points, four rebounds, five assists, and one steal in a 132-126 win over New Orleans on April 12.

Yesterday

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Unlikely to Return Friday

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is expected to remain out on Friday in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons, as he remains doubtful on the injury report. Isaac missed the end of the regular season and hasn't played in the playoffs due to a left knee sprain. Jamal Cain has emerged as his replacement in the rotation and even joined the first unit in Game 5 after Franz Wagner (calf) was ruled out. Wagner isn't playing on Friday either, putting Cain in a position to maintain his expanded role. However, he's a risky DFS option after managing just five points, four rebounds, and one steal in Game 5.

Yesterday

Kevin Huerter • SG • Pistons

Kevin Huerter Could Miss Another Game Friday

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is questionable for Game 6 against the Orlando Magic on Friday. He could be forced to sit out a second consecutive game due to a left adductor strain. Due to Huerter's health issues, Caris LeVert has logged 25 minutes in back-to-back games off the Pistons' bench. However, the veteran has made a limited impact, scoring just two points in both outings. Since the Pistons are in an elimination situation on Friday, the starters are likely to get extra burn, with Cade Cunningham leading the charge.

Yesterday

Aaron Gordon • PF • Nuggets

Aaron Gordon Remains Sidelined Thursday

Denver Nuggets forward/center Aaron Gordon (calf) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. He was listed as questionable on the initial injury report due to left calf tightness. With Gordon remaining on the shelf, Spencer Jones is likely to get the starting nod again. The 24-year-old sophomore had one of the best performances of his young career in Game 5, totaling 20 points, three rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and three steals. He has a lot to live up to on Thursday night, but Jones' task will be made easier by the fact that he will face a short-handed Timberwolves team.

Yesterday

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