NBA Player News

Brooks will play alongside new teammate Michael Beasley, who signed with Guangdong as well. Brooks played 29 games for the Grizzlies this season averaging 6.6 points before he was traded to the Bulls at the deadline. Chicago waived him after the transaction was completed.

Green shot 2-of-7 from beyond the arc in Game 1, with the complete stat line being countered in an inefficient day of shooting the basketball. Like Devin Booker (23/6/2 with two three-pointers), the Suns are going to need a much better showing from Green if they’re to have any chance of making the series competitive, much less harbor ambitions of winning it. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night.

Given what he brings to the table defensively, Brooks earns a certain level of freedom on the offensive end of the floor. However, there’s no reason why he should lead the Suns in shot attempts when Devin Booker and Jalen Green are available. In Game 1, Brooks put up 22 shots, with Booker next in line with 17 attempts and Green finishing with 16. That’s something to keep an eye on moving forward, beginning with Wednesday’s Game 2. If the Thunder defense can funnel things towards Brooks consistently, this series could be a sweep.

Of the three Suns players to score in double figures in Sunday’s blowout defeat, Booker was the only one to get close to shooting 50 percent from the field. Given the matchup, the Suns will need more from their star guard if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. With Phoenix having played on Wednesday and Friday in the Play-In Tournament before Sunday’s afternoon matchup, an extra day off ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday night may do Booker and the Suns some good.

Okongwu, who logged 37 minutes in Saturday’s series-opening defeat, is dealing with inflammation in his right knee. With Jock Landale (ankle) likely out for the series, the Hawks can ill afford to lose Okongwu. Mouhamed Gueye would see his minutes increase if Okongwu sits, and Tony Bradley may enter the rotation after being a DNP-CD in Game 1.

Bryant remains out with a strained left calf, with Monday’s game being the sixth that he has missed. His continued absence won’t have a significant impact on the Cavaliers’ frontcourt rotation, as all of the key contributors are healthy.

Goodwin played five first-half minutes before exiting with a sore left calf, and he has now been ruled out for the rest of the game. Royce O’Neale started the third quarter and will take on an important role, especially with Grayson Allen (hamstring) yet to play despite being listed as available.

Isaac remains out with a sprained left knee, and he has not appeared in a game since March 12. His continued absence will not have a significant impact on the Magic rotation.

Anunoby sprained his left ankle during the third quarter of Saturday’s series-opening win over the Hawks. The good news was that the Knicks’ wing returned to the game after a brief period on the bench, and Anunoby participated fully in Sunday’s practice. According to Knicks head coach Mike Brown, Anunoby is “good to go” for Game 2. If there are any issues, Landry Shamet and Miles McBride are potential replacements in the starting lineup.

Quickley suffered a strained right hamstring during the Raptors’ regular-season finale and did not play in Saturday’s series-opening loss to the Cavaliers. If he’s able to return for Game 2, Jamal Shead would be bumped to the bench. Quickley’s return would also be good news for Brandon Ingram, who only attempted nine shots in Game 1.

Bane is good to go after being added to the Magic injury report late Sunday morning. He’ll occupy his usual place in the starting lineup.