NBA Player News

After shooting 8-of-26 from the field in the two games prior, Thompson was considerably better on Friday. He’s scored 20 or more in five of his last eight games, which represents progress, given Klay’s slow start to the season. He’s still ranked well outside the top 150 in 9-cat per-game value, well below his Yahoo ADP of 75. Given the slow start, it will be difficult for Thompson to hit that number, but he can still be a valuable option for managers needing 3-pointers. Meanwhile, Moses Moody (two points and four rebounds in 16 minutes) crashed back to earth after a solid run earlier this month.

Maxey took a backseat to Joel Embiid once again, but he still got enough touches and shots to stuff the stat sheet in the Game 5 win. He has scored at least 20 points in every game this series, which is a trend that will need to continue for the 76eres to have a chance to win. Game 6 will be in Philadelphia on Thursday, where Maxey will look to keep up the scoring. This was also his best rebounding performance of the season, which is a trend that will hopefully continue.

Embiid returned to the lineup in Game 4, and while the box score stats were strong, he wasn’t efficient as a scorer. He was much better in that regard in this game, which led to the 76ers getting their second win of the series in Boston. Embiid missed the first three games, but if he’s rolling like this with the series shifting back to Philadelphia, they could have enough momentum to come back from down 3-1, though they’ll need to win in Boston a third time. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday

Despite it being another elimination game for the Rockets, Durant still won’t be available to suit up. Reed Sheppard should continue to start after scoring 17 points in Houston’s Game 4 victory. If they’re able to extend the series, there is a chance Durant is able to make a return to the court, which would help the Rockets’ chances of making history by coming back from down 0-3.

Embiid played 34 minutes in Game 4 on Sunday, and he should play a similar role in what is a win-or-go-home game for the 76ers. He contributed 26 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in Game 4’s blowout loss. Embiid will need to be far more efficient for the 76ers to keep their season alive.

Isaac has not played in the first-round series against Detroit, and his availability likely won’t change for a potential closeout game at Little Caesar’s Arena. Isaac’s continued absences haven’t impacted Orlando’s frontcourt rotation.

Huerter has been dealing with a hip injury, but an adductor issue has landed him on the injury report ahead of Game 5. Huerter’s vacated minutes may largely be absorbed by Duncan Robinson, who can also provide floor spacing and knock down triples.

Wagner left Game 4 after only 24 minutes and didn’t return, and Shams notes that his availability will depend on his response to treatment. Wagner’s absence opened the door for Jamal Cain to log meaningful minutes, and Cain played a vital, fourth-quarter role in the Magic’s close victory. If Wagner is unable to take the court, Cain will likely be in line for expanded run, but Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva would be candidates for extra minutes, too.

Reaves was a game-time decision in Games 3 and 4, but this latest update from Shams bodes well for Reaves’ return. With the Lakers looking to close out the series and move on to face the Thunder, Reaves’ return could come at just the right time.

With the Timberwolves missing multiple starters, Randle stepped up with 27 points and six assists in Game 5. Still, it wasn’t enough to close out the Nuggets on their home floor Monday. Randle and the Timberwolves will head home for Game 6 on Thursday, which could be their best chance to win the series.

Jones averaged just 5.5 points during the regular season and was yet to make his mark on these playoffs. In Games 3 and 4, he had six points in 53 minutes combined. With Aaron Gordon (calf) out for Game 5, Jones moved into the starting lineup and had 20 points in 37 minutes. Regardless of Gordon’s status, if Jones can somehow sustain this level of play, it would be a huge development for the Nuggets.