NBA Player News

After shining in the first two games of the NBA Finals, scoring 42 points on 15-of-26 shooting from the field, Vincent crashed back to earth in Game 3. The seven points are the fewest he’s scored in a game since Game 5 of the Heat’s second-round series with the Knicks when Vincent put up six on 3-of-10 shooting in a nine-point loss. With Miami still unsure if Tyler Herro (hand) will be healthy enough to play, they can ill afford off nights from secondary scorers like Vincent and Max Strus (3/4/5/1/1 with one 3-pointer in 24 minutes). The Heat will look to bounce back in Game 4 on Friday.

The continued absences of Mann and Minott free up additional minutes for Jalen Wilson and Malachi Smith. The latter started Friday’s loss to the Bucks and played 43 minutes, while Wilson logged 34 minutes off the bench.

The Nets will finish the season without their starting frontcourt, as Clowney and Claxton remain out. E.J. Liddell and Trevon Scott started Friday’s loss to the Bucks and should do the same on Sunday, with the latter logging 41 minutes.

Okongwu and Kuminga sitting out Sunday’s regular-season finale would free up rotation minutes for multiple players. That includes Zaccharie Risacher, whose playing time has decreased with Kuminga in the fold, Asa Newell and Mouhamed Gueye.

Johnson and McCollum may sit out Sunday’s regular-season finale, as the Hawks can finish no worse than sixth in the Eastern Conference standings, even with a loss. If available, Jonathan Kuminga is one player who may take on a heavier workload on Sunday, which makes him an intriguing option in active fantasy leagues.

Alexander-Walker and Daniels potentially sitting out Sunday’s game would free up rotation minutes for multiple players, including Gabe Vincent and Keaton Wallace. Neither is a particularly safe streaming option for managers in active fantasy leagues.

Both missed Friday’s loss to the Knicks, with Murray-Boyles’ absence having a greater impact on the Raptors’ rotation. Jonathan Mogbo played a few rotation minutes, while Sandro Mamukelashvili’s playing time also increased.

Barrett did not play in Friday’s loss to the Knicks, resulting in a spot start for Ja’Kobe Walter. Walter will head to the bench if Barrett returns on Sunday.

Quickley did not play in Friday’s loss to the Knicks, resulting in a spot start for Jamal Shead. The second-year guard will return to the bench with Quickley available. The Raptors need a win to avoid the possibility of falling into the Play-In Tournament.

Duren is the lone Pistons regular on the injury report for Sunday’s regular-season finale, even though Detroit’s playoff seeding won’t be affected by the outcome. Isaiah Stewart is available, but most of Duren’s minutes may be absorbed by Paul Reed, as Beef Stew only recently returned from a strained calf.

The Celtics, who secured the No. 2 seed in the East with Friday’s win over the Pelicans, will sit most of their key rotation players on Sunday. Pritchard and Hauser not playing would free up additional minutes for some of Boston’s rarely used perimeter reserves, including Ron Harper Jr. As for Vučević, his absence would open a spot in the rotation for Amari Williams.