NBA Player News

Harden has tormented the Celtics over the years, but he was unable to get anything going in this one as Boston threw a combination of strong defenders at him including Derrick White, Jared Walsh and rookie standout Hugo González. The 36-year-old veteran point guard was held to less than 20 points for the first time in six games as Los Angeles’ extended win streak came to an unceremonious end. The Clippers have four games on tap next week including matchups against the Warriors, Knicks, Nets and Pistons.

Adebayo is good to go after being listed as probable initially. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center, with Kel’el Ware remaining with the reserves.

Powell was upgraded to probable on Sunday morning, so he was on track to be available. He’ll take on his usual role as Miami’s primary scoring option on the perimeter.

The Celtics are without Sam Hauser for Sunday’s game due to lower back spasms. Scheierman will fill the resulting void, but he offers limited streaming value in that role. Payton Pritchard and Nikola Vučević will anchor the bench unit.

Tatum has been out since rupturing his right Achilles tendon during Game 4 of the Celtics’ second-round series against the Knicks in May. While he has progressed faster than most returning from this severe of an injury, there is still no guarantee that Tatum will play this season. According to Charania, the forward still does not have a timeline to return.

Towns is back in the Knicks’ starting lineup after a one-game absence, pushing Mitchell Robinson to the bench. The other change to the lineup is Shamet, who replaces Mohamed Diawara. This is the second consecutive game that the Knicks will be without OG Anunoby (toe).

Hart aggravated his sprained left ankle during Friday’s loss to the Pistons, exiting during the third quarter. He’ll occupy his usual place within the Knicks’ starting lineup in Boston.

Towns did not play in Friday’s loss to the Pistons, having suffered a laceration above his right eye during Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets. His return could push Mitchell Robinson to the bench. However, with Boston having started Luka Garza and Neemias Queta the last two games, the Knicks could choose to go big. In that case, Mohamed Diawara would head to the bench.

Anuoby will miss a second consecutive game with a toe injury. Mohamed Diawara started Friday’s loss to the Pistons but offered little streaming value. If the Celtics stick with two bigs in their starting lineup, the Knicks could choose to start Mitchell Robinson alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, Robinson is valuable because of his rebounds and blocks.

Lower back spasms will keep Hauser out of Sunday’s matchup with the Knicks. The last time he missed a game, Wednesday’s win over the Rockets, the Celtics inserted Baylor Scheierman into the starting lineup. That could be the approach that Joe Mazzulla takes against the Knicks, but Scheierman is not a must-stream player in this spot.

Exum did not appear in a game this season, as he underwent season-ending knee surgery in November to address complications from an offseason procedure. The veteran guard, who was included in the Anthony Davis trade last week, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.