NBA Player News

Before Wednesday’s win over Charlotte, Vucevic scored single digits in four of his last five games. The 33-year-old is averaging his lowest points per game numbers since the 2016-17 season. He consistently provides exceptional rebounding stats so he is still a valued fantasy option. If the Bulls move DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine, Vucevic’s stock should rise significantly.

Barnes played through a right quad contusion that he suffered during the second quarter of Wednesday’s Game 5 defeat. Following the game, he said that he’ll be fine for Game 6, and the Raptors have not even included Barnes on the initial injury report. With Toronto’s season on the line, Barnes will take on his usual workload, if not exceed it.

Isaac has yet to appear in a game this postseason, and it’s unlikely that will change in Game 6. His continued absence would not significantly affect the Magic rotation, as Isaac last appeared in a game on March 12.

Ingram exited Wednesday’s Game 5 defeat with a right heel injury that the Raptors are now describing as inflammation. While A.J. Lawson entered the lineup to begin the third quarter, he only played two minutes, with fellow reserve Jamal Shead logging 34 minutes. If Ingram can’t play on Friday, Lawson could start, but Shead stands to benefit more in terms of playing time.

Huerter did not play in Wednesday’s Game 5 victory, with his absence leading to a few more minutes for Daniss Jenkins. However, Jenkins did not receive too big a boost, as Cade Cunningham played 44 of a possible 48 minutes. Huerter’s return would give the Pistons another perimeter shooting option to play off of Cunningham.

Harris sprained his left ankle during Wednesday’s Game 5 victory over the Magic but remained in the game. The veteran forward has been one of Detroit’s most consistent players in this series, so not having him would make a major difference. If Harris can’t play, Javonte Green is a potential replacement in the starting lineup.

Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon during last season’s playoffs, missing the entire 2025-26 campaign as a result. The veteran guard, who turns 36 in July, appears to be on track to return to action next season, as he has resumed playing 5-on-5. Lillard also noted on Thursday that, while nothing was ever said about him possibly playing this season, he did think about the possibility. With Lillard back in the fold, the Trail Blazers should be in a position to take a step forward after earning the No. 7 seed in this year’s playoffs.

Injuries to Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) have made Hyland a more important player within the Timberwolves’ rotation, even if he continues to come off the bench. His availability is good news for Minnesota as it looks to close out the series, and Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is still considered questionable.

Already without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), the Timberwolves could be down two more guards for Thursday’s game. Dosunmu, who dropped a career-high 43 points in Game 4, is dealing with a sore right calf. He joins Bones Hyland (knee) as a Timberwolves guard who is questionable going into a game that Minnesota must win to avoid a Game 7. Terrence Shannon Jr. would see his playing time increase if Dosunmu or Hyland can’t play.

Having suffered a tendon bruise in his knee before the series, Durant has been out since Game 2 due to a bone bruise in his left ankle. His continued absence means another start for Reed Sheppard, while the Rockets will also require more production from Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson. Sheppard played 35 minutes in Wednesday’s Game 5 victory, finishing with 12 points, six assists, three steals and two three-pointers.

With Wednesday’s game being the first for Reaves since April 2, he was used in a reserve role. There were no restrictions for the Lakers’ guard, who logged 34 minutes. Reaves did not shoot the ball well from the field, but a 12-of-13 night at the foul line boosted the point total. Reaves may return to the starting lineup for Game 6 on Friday, especially when considering how poorly Luke Kennard played. Missing all four of his field-goal attempts, Kennard finished Game 5 with one point, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one blocked shot. Whether he continues to start or gets bumped to the bench by Reaves, the Lakers need more from Kennard.