NBA Player News

Caruso had a very good night coming off the bench for the Bulls, showing off the 3-point stroke while continuing to wreak havoc defensively. What he can do defensively is well-known, but consistent offensive production will be key this season. The better that reserves like Caruso, Ayo Dosunmu (eight points, two rebounds, and two 3-pointers in 15 minutes), and Andre Drummond (eight points, nine rebounds in 14 minutes) perform offensively, the easier it will be for Billy Donovan to get his main scoring options more rest. Coming off the bench would limit Caruso’s fantasy impact, but he still managed to provide solid late-round value last season despite not starting 31 of the 67 games he appeared in last season.

Anunoby had an injury scare during the third quarter of Saturday’s series opener, as he sprained his left ankle on a drive to the basket. While the Knicks forward exited the game immediately, he wasn’t on the bench for long before returning. Anunoby played 38 minutes, and the Knicks will likely need him to take on a similar workload in Game 2 on Monday. If Anunoby is limited or can’t play, Mikal Bridges (11/2/1/1 with one three-pointer) will have to bring more to the table offensively.

Towns started slowly on Saturday, attempting two shots during the first half. The 7-footer was far more impactful after halftime, helping the Knicks push their lead to as much as 18 before holding on. As was the case during the regular season, the Knicks need to keep Towns engaged offensively to reach their full potential. Backup Mitchell Robinson (three points, four rebounds, one assist and two blocks) played 15 minutes off the bench, and there was just one short segment in which he and Towns were on the floor together.

Brunson shot 6-of-18 from inside the arc in Game 1, but an efficient 3-of-4 day from three helped compensate for those struggles. Between Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks have two perimeter defenders capable of making things difficult for Brunson. However, he still managed to finish Game 1 with 28 points, and the seven assists were countered by just two turnovers. The Knicks will look to take a 2-0 series lead on Monday night.

Three of the four best players in this series won’t be available for Game 1, as Kevin Durant has joined the Lakers’ Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves on the sidelines due to a knee contusion. Sheppard returns to the starting lineup, and he’ll shoulder a heavy workload along with Thompson and Şengün as playmakers within the Rockets’ offense.

Initially questionable, Durant will miss Saturday’s series-opener due to a right knee contusion. During his pregame availability, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said that he hopes this is a one-game issue. With no Durant, Reed Sheppard will move into the starting lineup after coming off the bench the last time that Houston was close to full strength.