NBA Player News

Despite dealing with a more active Miami defense and foul trouble, Jokic still managed to record a gaudy stat line. While the two-time MVP didn’t post another triple-double, he did make some history. Jokic is the first player in league history to account for at least 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single postseason. Simply put, the Heat haven’t had an answer for Jokic. But we can say that about the entire NBA at this point. Jokic and the Nuggets will look to close out the series on Monday, with a win giving the franchise its first NBA title.

Sochan is good to go after initially being listed as probable due to tightness in his left hamstring. He was not in the rotation for the Knicks’ first-round series against the Hawks, and that’s unlikely to change in Round 2.

On April 29, it was reported that Dončić, who strained his left hamstring in an April 2 loss to the Thunder, had no return timeline. He’ll remain out at the start of the second-round series, with the hope that the Lakers will get Dončić back at some point. Marcus Smart and Rui Hachimura will continue to play significant minutes until Dončić can play.

Huerter missed the final three games of the Pistons’ first-round series against the Magic. His absence factored into Cade Cunningham’s playing time increasing, but Detroit was also looking to erase a 3-1 deficit. If Huerter can’t play on Tuesday, it’s possible that Daniss Jenkins and Javonte Green are asked to play more.

Dosunmu sat out the decisive Game 6 victory over Denver in the first round, and he’ll be out for at least one game of the second-round series with San Antonio. Minnesota is expected to get Anthony Edwards (knee) back, but Terrence Shannon Jr. should still see increased run with Dosunmu sidelined.

Edwards has been medically cleared to play, and Shams notes that he will get “final sign-off” after going through his pregame routine. An earlier update was optimistic that he would get back on the court, and barring an unforeseen setback, that is what will happen. The Wolves are heavy underdogs against the Spurs, but Edwards’ availability gives Minnesota a puncher’s chance.

Shams notes that Minnesota’s medical staff will make a decision about Edwards’ availability closer to tip-off, but it sounds like the superstar is doing everything he can to get back on the court. If Edwards is sidelined again, Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels would see increased scoring responsibilities, while Ayo Dosunmu (calf) could enjoy a boost in usage if available.

The Mavs have been without a Team President since Nico Harrison was fired in November, and the former Raptors executive will look to guide a rebuilding Dallas team centered around Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg.

Mosley spent five seasons with Orlando and made the playoffs in each of the last three. Orlando lost in the first round of each of those postseason berths, including the most recent exit after surrendering a 3-1 series lead against the Pistons. Orlando will look for a new coach to guide an oft-injured Magic team that features a young core of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.

Harden did the bulk of his scoring at the charity stripe in Game 7, which helped offset some inefficient shooting during his 37 minutes. And with the shooting struggles also came a lack of playmaking — he finished with his lowest assist total of the series. Yet, there were positives. The former league MVP recorded fewer than four turnovers for the first time in the series and remained active with his hands on defense. Still, he’ll likely need to perform better in the Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the top-seeded Pistons for the Cavaliers to advance.

Mitchell wasn’t at his best on Sunday, but he did enough to be effective. He was one of Cleveland’s most impactful starters, and despite struggles from three-point range, he still tied for a team high in points. Without any stocks, a single assist, and just a few boards, Mitchell’s contributions mostly came as a scorer in Game 7; he’ll hope to land greater counting stats beginning in Game 1 against the Knicks.