NBA Player News

Topic had to undergo a testicular procedure in the offseason, and Presti revealed that the procedure was a biopsy to determine if the 20-year-old had cancer. Unfortunately, the results came back that Topic was indeed dealing with testicular cancer. Topic has begun chemotherapy treatment, and Presti said that the medical team is confident that he will make a recovery. Obviously, there has been no discussion about his timeline to return to the court, and the main goal is simply to ensure his health and well-being.

Over his last seven games, Bridges has averaged 18.7 points on 68 percent shooting from the field. To say that he’s rebounded from his slow start to the postseason would be an understatement. Bridges has remained aggressive, and the improved approach has paid dividends. The Knicks, who have won nine consecutive games, will take a 2-0 series lead to Cleveland for Saturday’s Game 3.

After struggling to the point where he watched most of the fourth quarter and overtime of Game 1 from the bench, Hart bounced back in a major way. After missing his first four shot attempts, the Knicks’ wing did not lose his confidence, and his faith was rewarded. Hart recorded playoff career-highs in points and three-pointers while also providing secondary playmaking. Cleveland may look to dare Hart to knock down shots again in Saturday’s Game 3, but he showed in Game 2 that he’s capable of making them play. New York will take a 2-0 lead to Cleveland.

Harper, who started the first two games of the Western Conference Finals for the injured De’Aaron Fox (ankle), exited Game 2 after playing 25 minutes due to a sore right adductor. How impactful his absence would be in Game 3 depends on Fox; if the veteran point guard can return, the Spurs will be able to compensate for Harper’s absence. However, if both sit, Keldon Johnson could move into the starting lineup, with Jordan McLaughlin’s playing time increasing.

Fox was also listed as questionable ahead of Games 1 and 2 before being ruled out for both. Dylan Harper has filled the void in the starting lineup, but the rookie exited Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat due to a sore right adductor. If both can’t play, Jordan McLaughlin could remain in the rotation after picking up minutes on Wednesday.