NBA Player News

Booker struggled in his return to the lineup on Tuesday, and while he still was inefficient in this game, he was more effective. He led the Suns in scoring in what was his highest-scoring outing since January. It has been a disappointing season overall for Booker, but Phoenix has still had success as a team. Booker has a chance to get back on track as a scorer to close out this season, which would bode well for both the Suns and fantasy managers.

Schröder popped up on the injury report as questionable with an illness just hours before game-time and was subsequently ruled out. It’s a difficult development for the Cavaliers to weather while already trailing 3-0 in the series. It’s unclear who will step into Schröder’s vacated bench minutes, though Keon Ellis is a likely candidate.

Mitchell moved into the starting lineup for Game 3 of the series with Jalen Williams (hamstring) sidelined. He suffered a right calf strain and was ruled out for Game 4 and Game 5. Cason Wallace started Game 4 and might have to start Game 5 too with Williams listed as questionable.

Williams hasn’t played since he re-aggravated a left hamstring injury in Game 2. The 25-year-old is listed as questionable for Game 5 on Tuesday and the Thunder could use him with Ajay Mitchell (ankle) already ruled out. Cason Wallace started in Williams’ place and had five points in 21 minutes in Game 4.

Schröder popped up on the injury report as questionable just hours before tip-off on Monday. The 32-year-old point guard had just three points in nine minutes off the bench in Game 3 on Saturday. Keon Ellis could enter the Cavaliers’ rotation if Schröder is ruled out.

With Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf) unavailable, the Thunder turned to Wallace to fill the resulting void in the starting lineup. He struggled with his shot in Game 4, but the third-year guard wasn’t the only one who failed to show up. Jared McCain (four points, two rebounds) shot 1-of-10 from the field and Alex Caruso (two rebounds, one assist and two blocks) missed his lone shot attempt. Regardless of what happens with J-Dub and Mitchell for Tuesday’s Game 5, the Thunder need more from Wallace, McCain and Caruso if they’re to defend home court.

Named third-team All-NBA on Sunday, Holmgren produced another underwhelming showing in Game 4. If there’s a positive, it’s that his nine rebounds were two more than the 7-foot-1 forward/center’s total in Games 3 and 4. However, with San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama’s consistent excellence, the Thunder need more from Holmgren if they’re to win this series, especially if Jalen Williams (hamstring) remains out after missing both games in San Antonio.

Hartenstein reached double figures for the second time this series, but his defensive efforts weren’t enough to keep Victor Wembanyama from dominating Game 4. And it doesn’t help that Chet Holmgren has been largely underwhelming, with Sunday’s defeat evening the series at two games apiece going into Tuesday’s Game 5. Hartenstein logged 17 minutes in Game 4, due partly to things getting out of hand during the latter stages of the third quarter. His playing time should crack the twenties on Tuesday if things are competitive throughout.

The absences of Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Ajay Mitchell (calf) left the Thunder light on players capable of making things happen off the bounce in Game 4. That factored into San Antonio’s ability to pressure Gilgeous-Alexander more, but not with double teams as some may assume. The Spurs’ guards assigned to defend the two-time league MVP were more aggressive, forcing Oklahoma City’s “others” to do more offensively. They couldn’t answer the call, resulting in a 103-82 defeat. Game 5 is on Tuesday night, with the series tied at two games apiece.

While he still has not looked 100 percent after returning from a sprained right ankle that sidelined him for Games 1 and 2, Fox’s presence on the court has paid dividends. Stephon Castle totaled two turnovers in Games 3 and 4 after committing 20 in the first two games, and Fox contributed a game-high 10 rebounds on Sunday. Victor Wembanyama’s dominance and the Spurs’ defense were the stories of Sunday’s blowout victory. Still, Fox’s return is one reason why San Antonio has a realistic shot at dethroning the reigning champs. Game 5 is on Tuesday night.

Castle was one of four Spurs’ starters to record a complete stat line in Game 4, with Julian Champagnie being the exception. The second-year guard was once again a pest defensively, but he was also far more efficient on offense. After totaling 20 turnovers in the first two games of the Western Conference Finals, Castle has been responsible for one each in Games 3 and 4. Getting De’Aaron Fox back has helped immensely, even if the veteran point guard has not looked as explosive as usual due to his right ankle injury.