NBA Player News

Unfortunately, it seems that the 30-year-old will have to undergo a follow-up surgery on the same knee. It’s been a difficult career for Exum after being taken fifth overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. He appeared in 82 games in his rookie season, but then missed the following year with an injury and only appeared in more than 42 games once over the remaining five years before leaving the NBA to continue playing overseas. He came back to the league with the Mavericks last season and averaged 7.8 points, 2.9 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game.

For the third time in this series, the Nuggets will be without their starting power forward. The versatile two-way forward has struggled with injuries throughout his 12th NBA season, and has played in only three of the five playoff games so far, averaging 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. Without Gordon, Spencer Jones should fill in again as the fifth starter. Jones scored 20 points and made four three-pointers in Denver’s Game 5 victory.

Robinson and Daniels got tangled up as OG Anunoby attempted a free throw during the second quarter of Thursday’s game. Shoving ensued from multiple players on each team as the situation briefly escalated. Both players were eventually ejected for their roles, leaving each team without key defenders.

Dosunmu’s absence on Thursday is undoubtedly a major blow for the Timberwolves, who are already playing without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles). Since being acquired ahead of February’s trade deadline, the fifth-year guard has been stellar for Minnesota on both ends of the floor. He’s become one of the team’s best and most reliable scorers during the postseason. Without Dosunmu, Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle will likely be counted on for more offensive production.

On the heels of a 39-minute outing, in which he scored 33 points in Philadelphia’s win, the former league MVP will take the floor on Thursday with a chance for another strong performance. Embiid has battled injuries throughout the season, but his late arrival to this opening-round series has been difference-making. He’ll likely carry a heavy workload, as the Sixers try to avoid elimination.

The Knicks will have their do-it-all wing available for Thursday’s contest, as they attempt to close out the Hawks. Hart has played in all five games of the opening-round series, averaging 9.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He’ll likely start and play an important role on both ends of the floor.

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.