NBA Player News

The veteran will look to get his legs back under him after missing most of the last two seasons with knee troubles. He’ll eventually work his way back up to the NBA where he’ll come off the bench for Dallas.

After coming off the bench in the first two games of this series, Edwards returns to the starting lineup for Game 3. The change pushes Terrence Shannon Jr. to the bench, but the second-year wing should remain in the rotation since Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) is done for the season.

Dosunmu, who did not play in the series opener, was limited to 10 minutes in Game 2 due to a sore right heel. His return should give the Timberwolves a needed boost off the bench, but only if he’s able to play through the heel and calf issues.

Vanderbilt, who dislocated his right pinky finger during Game 1, did not play in Thursday’s Game 2 defeat. His absence factored into Adou Thiero playing six minutes off the bench, but that was not enough to affect the action on either end of the floor.

Initially questionable, Edwards is good to go as the Timberwolves’ series with the Spurs shifts to Minneapolis. His minutes were restricted in the first two games, with the All-Star guard logging 25 and 24 minutes. It’s unknown if the Timberwolves will continue to limit Edwards’ playing time.

The Knicks will not have OG Anunoby for Game 3, as he is out with a strained right hamstring. They get a little smaller with the replacement, as McBride moves into the starting five. The other four starters are unchanged.

Right ankle and right hip injuries sidelined Embiid for Game 2, a defeat that dropped the 76ers into a 0-2 hole. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center, but the rotation behind the former MVP is likely to be adjusted. Dominick Barlow, who played well in Game 2, may take on some backup center minutes because his defense is superior to Andre Drummond’s when switched onto a Knicks guard, most notably Jalen Brunson. Joining Embiid in the starting lineup are Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Robinson is back after missing Wednesday’s Game 2 victory due to illness. With OG Anunoby (hamstring) out, it’s possible that he starts as part of a bigger lineup, but only if Philadelphia has Joel Embiid. Robinson’s return, whether he starts or comes off the bench, likely bounces Ariel Hukporti from the rotation entirely.

Injured during the second half of Wednesday’s Game 2 victory, Hart’s sprained left thumb will not keep him out for Game 3. He’ll occupy his usual place within the Knicks’ starting lineup, a role that takes on added importance with OG Anunoby (hamstring) sidelined.

While the strained right hamstring that Anunoby suffered during the fourth quarter of Game 2 is not believed to be serious, he will not play on Friday. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson being potential replacements. Robinson would likely be an option only if Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) is available for the 76ers.

Merrill did not play in Thursday’s Game 2 defeat after logging seven minutes in the series opener. As a result, the Cavaliers essentially went with an eight-man rotation, with Keon Ellis logging six minutes as the ninth man. Regardless of Merrill’s status, Max Strus should log the majority of the bench minutes on the wing.