NBA Player News

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Wainright has now been ruled out. He’s played five minutes in two appearances for the Trail Blazers, so his absence will not impact fantasy basketball.

Hachimura shot the ball well in Game 4, making 60 percent of his attempts. However, it wasn’t enough on a night when the Lakers’ high scorer, Deandre Ayton, was ejected halfway through the third quarter and only three starters finished in double figures. Hachimura and the Lakers will look to close out the series on Wednesday when they host Game 5.

As well as James played in the first three games of this series, he struggled mightily in Game 4. The Rockets were far more effective defensively on Sunday, harassing James into eight turnovers and a 2-of-9 night from the field. LeBron and the Lakers head home for Game 5 on Wednesday, which may be enough time for Austin Reaves to return from his oblique injury. If so, that would be of immense help to James and the Lakers as they look to close out the series.

Eason was one of four Rockets to record at least three steals in Game 4, and the team finished with a staggering 19 on the night. His five steals were a playoff career-high for the Rockets forward, who also rebounded nicely from poor shooting in Games 2 and 3. In those defeats, Eason totaled 15 points on 6-of-23 shooting from the field. And with Kevin Durant (ankle) injured, Houston can’t afford to have Eason struggling with his shot. They’ll hope that he can carry his Game 4 performance into Game 5 on Wednesday.

While Game 4 was the third time in this series that Sheppard finished with 17 points, he was far more efficient than in Games 1 and 3. The second-year guard shot 50 percent from the field on Sunday, compared to 6-of-20 in Game 1 and 6-of-21 in Game 3. Add in the assists, three-pointers and steals, and Sheppard had a good night when the Rockets needed him most. Sheppard has recorded three steals in back-to-back games, and he kept the turnovers in check in Game 4 after racking up five in the Rockets’ Game 3 defeat. How much he’ll play in Game 5 on Wednesday depends on the availability of Kevin Durant (ankle), who did not play in Games 3 or 4.

Şengün was one of five Rockets starters to finish the Game 4 victory in double figures, and he’s scored at least 19 points in all four games. The Rockets’ center was not as productive as he was in Game 3, but Şengün’s receiving help from multiple teammates factored into Houston’s ability to extend the series to Game 5. Over the last two games, he has shot a combined 21-of-39 from the field, totaling 52 points, while also accounting for 22 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocked shots.

Thompson and the Rockets avoided the sweep with a commanding victory in Game 4, with their defense leading the way. Houston forced 23 turnovers on the night, leading to 30 points off turnovers. Add in 23 fast break points, and the Rockets were able to coast to a 19-point victory. Thompson, who logged 41 minutes, led the way offensively in both points and assists, and he has totaled 49 points over the last two games. The Rockets will need similar production in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Ayton was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for a forearm that he delivered to the head of Rockets center Alperen Şengün. The Lakers center played 25 minutes, finishing with 19 points (9-of-12 FGs, 1-of-1 FTs), 10 rebounds and one blocked shot. Ayton’s early exit, the first of his NBA career, means more playing time for Jaxson Hayes.

Through four games, George still has not recorded a 20-point game in this series. While the 76ers had Joel Embiid back in the lineup for Game 4, they need more scoring from George to have a chance of extending the series to Game 6 on Thursday. George recorded a complete stat line in Game 4, but the career résumé strongly suggests that he is capable of doing more. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Boston.

Maxey shot the ball well in Game 4 and committed just one turnover, but the 76ers did not have enough firepower to run with the Celtics. Backcourt sidekick VJ Edgecombe (6/4/1/1) and wing Kelly Oubre Jr. (two points, four rebounds, one assist and one block) shot a combined 2-of-15 from the field, and the 76ers could not overcome those struggles, even with Joel Embiid back in the lineup. Maxey and the 76ers now head to Boston for Game 5 on Tuesday, needing a win to stave off elimination.

Just 17 days removed from undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Embiid was back in the 76ers’ starting lineup on Sunday. While his return did not result in a 76ers victory, as the Celtics had too much firepower, the 7-footer deserves credit for gutting out 34 minutes. And Embiid was effective overall, recording a double-double with six assists. With Philadelphia’s season on the line, Embiid will likely take on a similar workload in Game 5 on Tuesday.