NBA Player News

Raynaud recorded his fourth double-double since the All-Star break and 12th of the season, but this was not the best night overall for the rookie. The points, rebounds and field-goal percentage categories were good, but he was also responsible for six turnovers. Add in the lack of defensive stats, and Sunday wasn’t the best night to rely on Raynaud in nine-cat formats. That said, his current role with Domantas Sabonis (knee) done for the season makes Raynaud worth the risk in some 12-team leagues.

Johnson struggled mightily in Game 4 on Saturday, and while he was more effective in this one, it wasn’t enough to get the Hawks on the right side of the scoreboard. He was better, but he hasn’t played to the level that Atlanta needs their All-Star to play at. He’ll need to make more of an impact on both ends of the floor in Game 6 on Thursday for the Hawks to avoid elimination.

Queta has had an awesome season, but he hasn’t done much in this series. However, he reached double-digit rebounds for the first time in the series, though it wasn’t enough for the Celtics to close it out. Queta will continue to start and play a significant role, but his impact will likely continue to be limited.

Brown continues to pour in the points, but the efficiency simply wasn’t there in this game. This was the first time this series he shot below 40 percent from the floor. Brown has had a fantastic season, and he should be able to bounce back in Game 6 on Thursday, which will be their next opportunity to advance to the second round.

Though it was a subpar shooting night for him, Tatum was still able to make a big impact in this game. He had a point-assist double-double in Game 4, but he got his double-double on the glass in this one. Tatum has shot at least 50 percent in the Celtics’ three wins during this series and below 50 percent in the two losses. If they want to close this series out in Game 6 on Thursday, Tatum will have to shoot the ball better than he did in this game.

George hasn’t had a big scoring night in this series, but he has been a consistent contributor on offense. That continued in this game, as he provided a well-rounded line in the win. George has been productive since returning from a 25-game suspension, and he has been able to impact the game on both ends of the floor, despite being past the point of his career where he needs to lead the team in scoring. The 76ers will need him to continue to play like this in Game 6 on Thursday.

Grimes didn’t do much during the first three games of this series, but after contributing 12 points and six assists in Game 4, he was able to make an even larger impact in this one. That contributed heavily to the 76ers securing the upset win in Boston to extend the series. Grimes was able to make an impact on both ends of the floor, and if he’s able to continue to contribute in Game 6, there is a strong chance this series will shift back to Boston for a Game 7.

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.