NBA Player News

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich shook things up on Wednesday, going with Vassell as the “point guard” while Jeremy Sochan came off the bench. The former produced a respectable point total, but he didn’t offer much as a playmaker. As for Sochan, the second-year guard/forward struggled, shooting 3-of-10 from the field and finishing with six points, two rebounds, and one block in 22 minutes. While the lineup change boosted Vassell’s scoring opportunities, managers looking for more assists were likely disappointed. The Spurs finish their Week 7 slate on Friday against the Bulls.

Kerr’s future with the Warriors was one of the major storylines for the franchise this season, and that has reportedly been addressed. The head coach has led the Warriors to four NBA championships, the most recent being won in 2022. Getting a healthy Jimmy Butler back in the mix will help matters, but he’s likely to miss the start of the 2026-27 season after suffering a torn ACL in mid-January. Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are under contract for next season, while Kristaps Porziņǵis will be an unrestricted free agent and De’Anthony Melton has a player option.

Initially questionable, Vanderbilt is back after sitting out Thursday’s Game 2 defeat. He’ll provide added frontcourt depth off the bench but is unlikely to get the run needed to be an impact player for manager in playoff fantasy leagues.

Robinson has provided the Pistons with consistent perimeter shooting in their second-round series, having knocked down 14 of his 24 three-point attempts through three games. In Game 3, he provided welcome bonuses in the form of four assists and five steals, with the latter number being a playoff career-high. While Robinson may not be a priority for the Cavaliers defensively, they certainly understand the need to account for his presence in the Pistons’ lineup. Detroit will look to extend its series lead with a win in Game 4 on Monday.

Harris continues to provide reliable scoring, having now scored 20 points or more in each of his last eight games. The Pistons’ forward shot the ball well in Game 3, making 50 percent of his attempts from the field overall. However, Harris recorded no assists or defensive stats after being responsible for two steals and two blocks in Detroit’s Game 2 victory. With Jalen Duren (11/4/1/2) and Ausar Thompson (nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and two blocks) continuing to underwhelm, this places more pressure on Harris to perform.

Cunningham finished Game 3 with the second triple-double of his postseason career. However, similar to the first, which was recorded in Game 4 of last year’s first-round series against the Knicks, turnovers were a problem. Cunningham racked up eight turnovers on Saturday, including two on consecutive possessions late in the fourth quarter. Detroit still had chances to win Game 3, a testament to the positives Cunningham brought to the table. However, they need to find a way to take some of the pressure off their playmaker, as inconsistent production from anyone other than Tobias Harris doesn’t do Cunningham any favors. Game 4 is on Monday night, with Detroit holding a 2-1 series lead.

James Harden wasn’t the only Cavaliers star heavily criticized for his play in the first two games of this series. After a decent showing in Game 1, the Cavaliers forward/center grabbed just one rebound in Game 2. While Mobley didn’t have the best afternoon scoring-wise, he was far more active defensively and on the boards. Jarrett Allen supplied the offense, tallying 18 points along with four rebounds, one assist, one steal and two blocked shots. Cleveland will look to even the series at two games apiece with a win in Game 4 on Monday.

Much-maligned for his play in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Harden stepped up when the Cavaliers needed him most in Game 3. The Beard scored seven of his 19 points in the final 1:29 of Saturday’s victory, cutting the Pistons’ series lead in half. However, even with Harden’s late-game heroics, the Cavaliers need a more consistent version of him if they’re to win the series. Game 4 is on Monday night in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are 5-0 this postseason.

Entering Saturday’s game in a 0-2 hole, the Cavaliers needed a win, and Mitchell led the way. After scoring 31 points in Game 2, Spida dropped an efficient 35 in Game 3 while recording his first points/rebounds postseason double-double since April 21, 2018. Mitchell’s production in this series has been consistent, one of the few Cavaliers who can make that claim. Despite others’ struggles, Mitchell and the Cavaliers can pull even in Game 4 on Monday night. Cleveland is now 5-0 at home in these playoffs.

With the 76ers’ season on the line, it’s unsurprising that Embiid is on track to play on Sunday afternoon. After missing Game 3 with ankle and hip injuries, the 76ers’ center logged 35 minutes in Game 3. Embiid should take on a similar workload in Game 4.

Injured during the fourth quarter of the Knicks’ Game 2 victory, Anunoby did not play in Friday’s win that gave New York a 3-0 series lead. Miles McBride moved into the starting lineup, and Anunoby’s absence also meant more opportunities for Landry Shamet, who scored 15 points off the bench. Look for those two to continue in those roles for Game 4 if Anunoby remains out.