NBA Player News

Lillard made it known after the start of free agency that he would like to be traded to a contender, with the Heat reportedly at the top of his list of preferred teams. However, while Portland would like to “do right” by its star guard, there’s also the desire to receive the best possible package in return as the franchise rebuilds. While Tyler Herro’s name has come up as a possible trade “piece,” it has been reported that Portland isn’t all that interested in adding him. With Anfernee Simons (who’s been the subject of trade rumors himself), Shaedon Sharpe, and Scoot Henderson all on the roster, the last thing Portland would need is another young guard siphoning playing time from that trio. As a result, if Herro is moved in a Lillard trade, it would likely be to a third team.

Fox returned after missing the first two games of the series with an ankle injury. He had a good game with 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Fox was +9 in 31 minutes despite the Spurs losing by 15 points. His three-point shot was off, though, as he went 1-of-6 from behind the arc. Fox and the Spurs will look to even the series in Game 4 on Sunday.

Wembanyama was effective on offense with 26 points on 15 attempts, but didn’t have the same impact on the boards as he did in the first two games of the series. After totaling 41 rebounds in the first two games of the series, Wembanyama had just four rebounds in Game 3. He’ll need to bounce back if the Spurs are going to avoid falling behind 3-1 in the series in Game 4 on Sunday.

While Jared McCain led the Thunder bench with 24 points, they also had contributions from Williams, Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace. Those four combined for 68 points. Williams made five three-pointers in 22 minutes and was +22. The Thunder’s depth continues to impress as they’ve bounced back after losing Game 1 to win the next two games with Jalen Williams (hamstring) only playing seven minutes.

With Jalen Williams (hamstring) out for Game 3, the Thunder bench stepped up in a big way and had 76 points in the victory. McCain led the way with 24 points and was +28 in 27 minutes as Oklahoma City took a 2-1 series lead. If Williams’ absence continues, McCain has already shown he can fill the void.

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder have bounced back nicely after losing Game 1 of the series. The 27-year-old point guard scored 30 and 26 points in the last two games as Oklahoma City has managed to take a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 is coming up on Sunday.

Fox is back after missing the first two games of the series with an ankle injury. Dylan Harper, who had 24 points in the Spurs’ Game 1 victory, will head back to the bench. There were no other changes to the Spurs’ lineup for Game 3.

Mitchell is moving into the starting lineup with Jalen Williams (hamstring) sidelined for Game 3. The 23-year-old shooting guard had 10 points in 28 minutes off the bench in the Thunder’s win over the Spurs in Game 2. Hartenstein, Isaiah Joe and Jaren McCain could also see increased minutes with Williams out.

Williams is set to miss Game 3 after leaving Wednesday’s Game 2 after playing just seven minutes due to a hamstring injury. The 25-year-old forward suffered the initial injury in the first round series against the Suns. In Williams’ absence, Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe and Isaiah Hartenstein all saw increased roles and that should be the case again in Game 3.

Harper started the first two games of the series with De’Aaron Fox (ankle) sidelined, but left Game 2 after 25 minutes with a sore right adductor. With both point guards cleared for Friday’s Game 3, we could see the veteran Fox return to the starting lineup while Harper returns to the bench.

Fox missed the first two games of the series with an ankle injury, though he was initially listed as probable for Game 1 of the series. Dylan Harper had a monster Game 1 in Fox’ absence, which helped the Spurs split the first two games in Oklahoma City. Fox is set to return to the starting lineup as the series shifts to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday.