NBA Player News

Think Podziemski has earned Steve Kerr’s trust yet? The rookie out of Santa Clara logged 37 minutes on Saturday, and while the absences of Andrew Wiggins, Chris Paul, and Gary Payton II have impacted the playing time, it says a lot that Podziemski was on the court in crunch time. Also on the floor late was Moses Moody, who started for a second straight game and finished with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two 3-pointers in 22 minutes. Moody is the obvious fantasy choice for managers in search of streamers since he’s starting, but Podziemski shouldn’t be overlooked.

Shannon is good to go after being included on the injury report due to a head contusion. The second-year wing will provide depth off the bench, with the Timberwolves needing a win to extend the series.

A late addition to the Cavaliers’ injury report, Nance is now officially out. His absence does not affect the Cavaliers’ rotation, as he has not been a part of it during the postseason.

Nance is a late addition to the injury report, which is usually not a good sign for a player’s availability. The veteran forward/center has not been part of the Cavaliers’ rotation this postseason, so his absence would not have an in-game impact.

Huerter returned to action in Wednesday’s Game 5 after a seven-game absence, but he logged just three minutes in the overtime defeat. According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, Huerter aggravated his strained adductor during Game 5. He’s received a pain-killing injection and will give it a go on Friday. With Duncan Robinson (back) also available, Huerter is unlikely to get much playing time on Friday, if his name is called at all.

Once again, LeVert is available after being listed as questionable on the Pistons’ initial injury report. He’ll take on his usual reserve role and should surpass 20 minutes due to Detroit’s need for production from its bench.

After sitting out Game 5, Robinson is good to go for Friday’s potential series decider. However, his return will not push Daniss Jenkins to the bench. Robinson will be tasked with providing added spacing off the bench.

Due to their four-game sweep of the 76ers, the Knicks have not played since Sunday, May 10. Anunoby missed the final two games after straining his right hamstring late in Game 2, but there’s optimism that he’ll be ready for the Eastern Conference Finals. Friday’s practice participation is the latest bit of good news regarding the Knicks’ forward, who did everything without any restrictions. If Cleveland wins Game 6 against Detroit on Friday, the conference finals will begin on Sunday. However, if the Pistons force a decisive Game 7 that would be played on Sunday, Game 1 of the conference finals won’t be until Tuesday, May 19.

If Shannon Jr. is forced to sit out a win-or-go-home Game 6, Minnesota could shorten its rotation. Jaylen Clark may pick up a few extra minutes.

After sweeping Philadelphia in the conference semifinals, the earliest that the Knicks will play again is on Sunday, May 17. Anunoby has been out since suffering a minor strain of his right hamstring during the latter stages of Game 2 of the conference semifinals and has not played since. He has been limited to individual work in recent practices, but there’s reportedly optimism that the forward will be ready for Game 1. If Detroit can force a Game 7, the conference finals would not begin until May 19, which would mean 13 days to recover for Anunoby. Miles McBride has been the replacement in the starting lineup, and he made seven three-pointers in the series-clinching Game 4 rout of the 76ers.

After a seven-game absence due to a strained left adductor, Huerter returned to action in Wednesday’s Game 5. However, he logged just three minutes in the overtime defeat, even with Duncan Robinson (back) unavailable. It’s unlikely that Huerter’s role will change much in Game 6, especially if Robinson returns.