NBA Player News

Mobley, who is Evan’s older brother, had 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a 3-pointer. Six of his boards were offensive and he’ll be playing on a two-way contract for the Cavs this season. Travers had 14 points, five boards and a couple threes but will be playing overseas this season. R.J. Nembhard wrapped up a strong summer with 16 points, six assists and five boards, and Cam Young added 15 points, scoring in double figures in all five SL games.

Mazzulla also noted that Porzingis is feeling better, though the status of both players ahead of Game 2 on Wednesday isn’t fully clear. There should be a better indication in the injury report that will come out Tuesday evening. Al Horford would likely start and take on extra minutes if Porzingis is forced to miss Game 2.

Payton II is still listed as questionable after missing Game 7 against the Rockets on Sunday. However, he wasn’t at shootaround ahead of that game, so this is a good sign for his chances of playing. Jonathan Kuminga logged seven scoreless minutes in Game 7 and would likely be pushed back out of the rotation if Payton II is back.

After scoring 13 points or less in all four games of Oklahoma City’s first-round series, Caruso hit the ground running in Round 2. His improved production did not result in a victory for the home team, but Caruso shooting 5-of-9 from three was an encouraging development. Against the Grizzlies, he shot 5-of-13 from beyond the arc. Add in the overall stat line, and this may be a series in which Caruso can have an added impact on both ends of the floor. Game 2 is on Wednesday night, with the Thunder needing a win to even the series.

Hartenstein was solid as a scorer and rebounder, but Monday’s game was another instance in which the Thunder decided to go small in crunch time. Hartenstein was an observer from the bench, while Oklahoma City decided to use Chet Holmgren (12/6/2/1/4) as the center with Alex Caruso entering the lineup. Holmgren had a chance to extend Oklahoma City’s lead to three with 9.5 seconds remaining, but his two misses were followed by Aaron Gordon’s game-winning three. Hartenstein’s playing time will be fine, but the way he’s used in this series will be worth watching, especially when Nikola Jokic is as dominant as he was in Game 1. The Thunder host Game 2 on Wednesday.

While Williams recorded a complete stat line and provided solid value as a rebounder and defender, he did not shoot the ball well. After making 54.2 percent of his attempts in the first round, JDub shot 25 percent from the field in Game 1. While Oklahoma City still had a chance to win the game, they will need more efficient scoring from Williams to win this series. He’ll look to get untracked when the Thunder host Game 2 on Wednesday.

Gilgeous-Alexander had a big night at the office, recording a complete stat line and surpassing the 30-point mark for the third straight game. Unfortunately for him and the Thunder, the MVP favorite’s performance was not good enough to get Oklahoma City the victory. While SGA has not been a prolific three-point shooter, he’s struggled during the postseason. After shooting 7-of-28 from beyond the arc in four games against the Grizzlies, he was only 2-of-6 in Monday’s series opener. Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will attempt to even the series at one game all on Wednesday.

Playing against the franchise that drafted him, Westbrook was excellent in Game 1. He was efficient offensively, and while he only had two assists, one was the biggest of the game. Westbrook found Aaron Gordon on the left wing in the final seconds, and AG’s three-pointer was the difference in Denver’s 121-119 victory. Westbrook’s performance helped Denver compensate for Michael Porter Jr. (2/4/0/1/1) shooting 1-of-8 from the field. Game 2 is on Wednesday night.

Murray was a bit off in Game 1, but he provided solid value in the rebound and assist categories to help Denver steal the win. While he averaged 21.0 points in three games against the Thunder during the regular season, the Nuggets guard shot just 40.4 percent from the field. Given the perimeter defenders at Oklahoma City’s disposal, Murray’s efficiency may be lower than it has been on most nights this season. He’s good enough to still provide solid value and contribute to winning. Game 2 is on Wednesday.

Jokic may have recorded seven turnovers on Monday, but he still did something few have done in postseason history. He’s the fourth player to record a stat line of at least 40 points, 20 rebounds and five assists, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. Few teams have an answer for the three-time MVP, so there’s little shame in giving up a gaudy stat line to The Joker. He and the Nuggets will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Wednesday.

For the second time this postseason, the Nuggets won a game thanks to Gordon’s heroics. While it was a dunk that sealed Denver’s Game 4 win over the Clippers, the veteran forward hit a three-pointer with 2.9 seconds remaining to knock off the Thunder. Gordon shot 3-of-6 from three, and his confidence as a shooter has improved substantially this season. During the regular season, he shot a career-high 43.6 percent on 3.4 attempts per game. Gordon and the Nuggets will look to extend their series lead on Wednesday.