NBA Player News

Haliburton slipped on the court and appeared to sustain a serious injury to his lower right leg. He went down immediately and began banging the court in anguish. It was a near carbon copy of the Achilles injury suffered earlier this postseason by Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum. The 25-year-old point guard was unable to put any weight on his leg while being helped to the locker room and we don’t need official confirmation to know that his night is over. Haliburton was off to his best first quarter of the Finals, nailing three of four triples in just seven minutes. In his stead, expect big minutes from T.J. McConnell and additional playing time for the likes of Ben Sheppard and Obi Toppin. In the longterm, if the injury is indeed an Achilles, Hali could be forced to miss most, if not all, of next season.

Reath’s status is up in the air after not seeing the floor during the first leg of this back-to-back. Robert Williams (knee) is questionable, and while there is a chance he plays, it is far more likely he sits out. Reath should fill the backup center minutes if he is available, though the responsibility will fall to Yang Hansen if Reath is out.

Williams played on Thursday, and while there appears to be a chance he plays against Toronto, Williams hasn’t played both legs of a back-to-back this season. He will likely sit this out, which means Duop Reath (foot) or Yang Hansen will be tasked with the backup center minutes.

Avdija is now expected to miss this game despite confidence from head coach Tiago Splitter that he would be able to suit up after exiting early on Thursday. Even if it isn’t serious, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Sidy Cissoko should return to the starting lineup, though he shouldn’t be streamed in as a result.

Wiggins will sit out a second straight game, and with Ajay Mitchell (abdominal strain) ruled out too, Isaiah Joe could be in line for a spot start against a favorable Pacers defense.

If Trent Jr. and Green are forced to sit this one out, Gary Harris and Cole Anthony could see additional playing time in the backcourt, with Ryan Rollins taking on a major workload.

Gafford is set to return following a four-game absence. According to head coach Jason Kidd on Friday, “Gaff did shootaround. He did everything. He’ll be ready to go tomorrow.” Gafford’s return should send Dwight Powell back to the bench and eliminate the streaming appeal of he and Moussa Cissé.

Valančiūnas returned to the lineup on Thursday and posted a 16/9 line across 22 minutes. After multiple weeks on the shelf, it’s understandable that he’s questionable for the second leg of the Nuggets’ back-to-back set. If JV sits this one out, Zeke Nnaji and DaRon Holmes II could handle additional playing time.

Watson has been electric as of late, culminating with a career-high 35 points in Thursday’s win over Washington. The severity of his injury is unknown, but it’s possible he’s getting a maintenance day on the second leg of Denver’s back-to-back set. If Watson is ultimately ruled out, Julian Strawther, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Spencer Jones are all candidates for additional playing time.

Murray is dealing with right hamstring inflammation and left hip inflammation. With Christian Braun (ankle) out, Denver’s backcourt could be shorthanded if Murray is ultimately sidelined. Jalen Pickett and Bruce Brown could be in line for additional playing time against Milwaukee.

Landale started Wednesday’s loss to the Hawks, but his potential absence could open up more playing time for John Konchar, with GG Jackson potentially moving into the starting five. With Zach Edey and Santi Aldama both out, Memphis’ frontcourt rotation is razor thin.