NBA Player News

The Clippers weren’t going to put any of their stars in harm’s way on Sunday, exercising caution in the preseason opener despite all three being healthy. While Russell Westbrook (rest) was given the night off, Leonard and Paul George (8/5/2/2 with two 3-pointers) played 15 minutes apiece. Both suffered season-ending knee injuries last season and were highly effective fantasy players when on the court. But as we all know, availability has been an issue for Leonard and George since they joined forces in Los Angeles ahead of the 2019-20 season. Due to the availability concerns, both have been going in the third round of drafts based on early ADP data. Of the two, Leonard can offer a little more in the way of fantasy value due to a higher field goal percentage and better turnover numbers.

LeVert was part of a Pistons reserve unit that performed well on Monday. In his 31 minutes off the bench, the veteran guard shot the ball efficiently and led all Detroit players in scoring. LeVert had yet to have a big scoring night during the playoffs before Game 4, having totaled just 27 points across nine games. The Pistons would likely benefit from him having a similar impact in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Harris scored in double figures on Monday, but did so on inefficient shooting. The veteran forward did most of his scoring damage in the first half, which played a part in Detroit’s success through the first two quarters. He scored just two points in the second half, while the Cavaliers’ offense woke up and overpowered Detroit. Harris will have a chance to bounce back in Game 5, which the Pistons need to win to avoid falling behind in the series.

Cunningham logged his least impressive stat line of the series on Monday. In his 39 minutes, he tallied five or more assists for the third consecutive game and was held under 20 points for the first time this postseason. Cunningham’s six assists were unspectacular, more than insignificant. However, he didn’t have his usual impact in Monday’s loss. Detroit will be counting on its All-Star guard to lead the way in Game 5.

Mobley had a monster performance on Monday to help the Cavaliers record a second straight victory. He mixed things up on offense by showcasing his skill to score the ball both inside and outside the arc, and also finished as one of Cleveland’s top passers. But arguably his biggest impact came on defense. Mobley totaled eight stocks in his 39 minutes, completely controlling the interior on the defensive end of the floor. He was sensational in Game 4 and will have a chance to put together back-to-back strong performances in Game 5.

All five of Harden’s field goals came from beyond the arc on Monday, with nearly double-digit free throws filling the remainder of his scoring total. He also contributed double-digit assists for only the second time this postseason, while tying a playoff-low in assists in the process. The former league MVP is still struggling with his shot, but if he can put in more performances like Monday’s, Cleveland could find itself in great spots the rest of the way.

The veteran shooting guard put on a show in Monday’s victory, doing nearly all of his damage after halftime to help even the series at two games apiece. Mitchell had logged just four points on 1-of-8 shooting in the first half, which factored into Cleveland’s four-point deficit at that time. But he got going in the second half and followed a 21-point third period with 18 more in the final frame to bring the Cavaliers the victory. Mitchell now ranks second in Cavaliers history for most 40-point playoff games, with his four total trailing just LeBron James’s 24.

Huerter will miss his seventh straight game, leaving the Pistons without a key reserve scorer and shooter. Caris LeVert is healthy for Game 4 and should see more minutes off the bench as a result of Huerter’s absence.

LeVert’s upgraded status will provide the Pistons with more scoring off the bench. Despite inefficient shooting and a lack of any big scoring outputs during this postseason, the veteran wing has proven throughout his career to be able to string together points in bunches. If nothing else, he’ll serve as a threat off the bench in however many minutes he totals on Monday.

Bryant’s availability adds more frontcourt depth for the Cavaliers ahead of Game 4. The veteran center has only logged 35 total minutes this postseason across four games, totaling seven points and three rebounds. Cleveland will try to even the series up before heading to Detroit for Game 5.

Fox’s ankle injury came during the third quarter of Game 4 when Minnesota’s Ayo Dosunmu dove for a loose ball and crashed into Fox’s foot. Fox was subbed out but eventually returned to finish the game. He’s struggled with his shooting through four games thus far and hasn’t been a major factor in terms of making plays for others. Still, his injury status is a big one to monitor ahead of Tuesday’s contest.