NBA Player News

With Wendell Carter jr. (ankle) sidelined for this game, Bitadze will step in as a starter for just the second time this season. He had a double-double with five “stocks” in his other start this year and should be productive against a depleted Wizards lineup.

Bryant’s status for the series opener is uncertain. He was rarely used in the series against the Trail Blazers aside from Game 3 when Victor Wembanyama was sidelined with a concussion. If he is available on Monday, the rookie will provide energy off the bench and offer defense at the forward position.

Duren recorded his first double-double of the season on Sunday to help the Pistons win three straight games and complete the series comeback to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Sunday’s win marked the first-time All-Star’s highest scoring total of the series, and was also the first time he collected double-digit rebounds. He’ll look to have a much more consistent second round, but his performance in Game 7 should provide him with the necessary momentum to start off the next series productively.

Cunningham was sensational, once again, on Sunday. He logged a second consecutive 32-point outing, this time adding a series-best 12 assists to help the Pistons reel off three straight wins to save their season. The former first-overall pick averaged 36.3 points in the three elimination games and scored at least 30 points in more than half of the seven games. Cunningham’s versatility undoubtedly is the driving force of this Pistons offense — Detroit will count on him to lead the way offensively in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Harris spent much of the series punishing his former employer. His series-high 30-point outing on Sunday put the finishing touches on a seven-game showing in which he averaged a strong 21.6 points and 8.1 rebounds. He led Detroit in three-pointers in Game 7 and tied a team high with four stocks. The veteran forward often functioned as the Pistons’ second-best performer throughout the series. He’ll be counted on in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Like many of his teammates on Sunday, Black struggled to efficiently put the ball in the basket — his 0-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc being a major reason. Yet, the third-year guard had several positive moments on the defensive end, as reflected in the five steals he collected. He never consistently put together strong performances in the opening-round loss. However, Black took notable steps forward from a production standpoint during the regular season. He’ll have fantasy value next season.

Bane was one of the better Magic performers on Sunday, despite his counting stats not jumping off the page. On efficient shooting and solid production from the three-point line, he finished as Orlando’s second leading scorer and was one of only four players to reach double figures. Bane finished the series averaging fewer points per game and a much lower field goal percentage than he did during the regular season. His fantasy production dipped a bit during the 2025-26 campaign, but he should still be a reliable contributor next season.

Banchero recovered from a rough Game 6 to nearly total 40 points on Sunday. He shot well from beyond the arc and was efficient inside the three-point line, while functioning as Orlando’s best rebounder and playmaker. Yet, the outstanding individual performance was not enough to extend the Magic’s season. As Banchero’s fourth NBA season ends, fantasy managers will hope that the former first-overall pick can put forth a more productive and consistent fifth season to bounce back from an unspectacular 2025-26.

Edwards will reportedly miss the start of the series, but a return could be on the horizon. His questionable game status is a positive for a Minnesota team that had to overcome several key backcourt injuries to end the first-round series against the Nuggets. Until the superstar guard officially returns, Jaden McDaniels and Julius Randle should remain the primary scoring options for the Timberwolves. Ayo Dosunmu (calf), if available, would likely also see a heavy workload.

Ingram’s absence from the lineup leaves the Raptors in a similar situation to Game 6, needing to win without one of their best players to avoid elimination. The former Most Improved Player had struggled to score the ball efficiently, however, over the first five games of the series when he was available. Jamal Shead filled in for Ingram as a starter in Game 6’s victory, tallying seven points and six assists; he’s likely to occupy that starting spot again on Sunday.

Dosunmu’s latest injury update is positive, indicating a return to the floor may be near. He had a coming-out party in the first-round series against the Nuggets, which included a career-best 43-point Game 4 from him. Regardless of which other injured Timberwolves are available, his potential return to the lineup would be a big one for Minnesota. Dosunmu has been one of the team’s most reliable scorers this postseason.