NBA Player News

The length of the extension has yet to be announced, but it’s starting to sound like the 11th pick in the 2005 NBA Draft may never play in the NBA. Vazquez is 31 years old and only averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds with Unicaja Malaga last season anyway, so his fantasy prospects would be limited even if he hadn’t signed this extension.

After scoring 23 points in Saturday’s Game 7 victory over the Celtics, Edgecombe’s point total in Monday’s series opener was nearly half that. He wasn’t the only 76ers player held in check, as Philadelphia looked tired and shot 41.1 percent from the field. By comparison, the Knicks made 63.1 percent of their attempts in the 137-98 rout. Edgecombe and the 76ers will look to even the series at one game apiece when the teams meet again on Wednesday.

George and Kelly Oubre Jr. (12/5/1/1/1 with one three-pointer) were the only 76ers’ starters to make more than 50 percent of their shot attempts in Game 1. Given how hard the 76ers had to work to get out of the first round, erasing a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Celtics, it was no surprise that they looked fatigued in Game 1. Since Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid will be the focus of New York’s defense, George’s ability to have a big series could be a deciding factor in the 76ers’ favor.

The Knicks were able to keep Maxey in check on Monday, but the quick turnaround from Philadelphia’s Game 7 win over the Celtics was also a factor. The 76ers point guard missed all three of his three-point attempts and recorded twice as many turnovers (four) as assists (two). One can safely assume that Maxey will put forth a better performance in Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Having just finished their seven-game series with the Celtics on Saturday, Embiid and the 76ers did not have the “juice” on Monday. While it’s never good to get blown out, the 7-footer played just 25 minutes in Game 1, getting some valuable rest ahead of Wednesday’s Game 2. Embiid did take a shot to the midsection during the second quarter, which is a concern given the fact that he underwent an appendectomy late in the regular season. However, he remained in the game, so this may not be a major concern heading into Game 2.

The three-pointer that Bridges hit with 4:10 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ Game 5 win over the Hawks on April 28 may not have seemed like much to most observers. However, his efficiency has improved immensely since that shot. After scoring 24 points in the Game 6 rout of the Hawks, Bridges got his second round off to a good start, shooting 70 percent from the field overall and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Given the amount of attention that Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will receive from Philadelphia’s defense, Bridges’ ability to hit open shots will be a key factor in this series.

Due to early foul trouble and the game getting out of hand by halftime, Towns only played 20 minutes in Game 1. The ability of him and Mitchell Robinson (two points, four rebounds and one assist in 12 minutes) to defend Joel Embiid without fouling will be a key factor in this series. Both teams getting into early foul trouble on Monday didn’t matter much, but the Knicks can’t expect to dodge that bullet consistently. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.

Dominant for most of the Knicks’ first-round series against the Hawks, Anunoby only missed one shot from the field in Monday’s series opener. His efficiency as a scorer makes the Knicks a formidable team, regardless of who they’re matched up with. Anunoby played 30 minutes in Game 1, as the outcome was not in doubt after halftime. The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead when they host Game 2 on Wednesday.

Brunson’s three-pointer with three-tenths of a second remaining in the second quarter capped a 74-point half for the Knicks, removing any potential post-halftime drama. Playing against a 76ers team that appeared fatigued after going the distance in its first-round series, Brunson did most of what he wanted offensively while not having his defensive chops challenged very often. He and the Knicks are likely expecting a much tougher challenge in Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Anthony Edwards (knee) is available for Game 1, but he’s on a minutes restriction and will come off the bench. As a result, Shannon will get another start after coming up big in the Timberwolves’ series-clinching win over the Nuggets on Thursday.

Edwards is officially good to go for Monday’s series opener, having missed two games after hyperextending his left knee during Game 4 of the Denver series. While the playing time could be limited, the Timberwolves will need production from Edwards regardless of his role in Game 1.