NBA Player News

Ware missed Tuesday’s record-setting game against the Wizards in which Bam Adebayo scored 83 points. It appears that Ware will return for this one and go back to his role with around 26-30 minutes per game. With Tyler Herro (quad/illness) questionable, Ware could be in for a bit of a bigger usage day if Herro does miss.

The Knicks will not have OG Anunoby for Game 3, as he is out with a strained right hamstring. They get a little smaller with the replacement, as McBride moves into the starting five. The other four starters are unchanged.

Right ankle and right hip injuries sidelined Embiid for Game 2, a defeat that dropped the 76ers into a 0-2 hole. He’ll take on his usual role as the starting center, but the rotation behind the former MVP is likely to be adjusted. Dominick Barlow, who played well in Game 2, may take on some backup center minutes because his defense is superior to Andre Drummond’s when switched onto a Knicks guard, most notably Jalen Brunson. Joining Embiid in the starting lineup are Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr.

Robinson is back after missing Wednesday’s Game 2 victory due to illness. With OG Anunoby (hamstring) out, it’s possible that he starts as part of a bigger lineup, but only if Philadelphia has Joel Embiid. Robinson’s return, whether he starts or comes off the bench, likely bounces Ariel Hukporti from the rotation entirely.

Injured during the second half of Wednesday’s Game 2 victory, Hart’s sprained left thumb will not keep him out for Game 3. He’ll occupy his usual place within the Knicks’ starting lineup, a role that takes on added importance with OG Anunoby (hamstring) sidelined.

While the strained right hamstring that Anunoby suffered during the fourth quarter of Game 2 is not believed to be serious, he will not play on Friday. His absence opens up a spot in the starting lineup, with Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson being potential replacements. Robinson would likely be an option only if Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) is available for the 76ers.

Merrill did not play in Thursday’s Game 2 defeat after logging seven minutes in the series opener. As a result, the Cavaliers essentially went with an eight-man rotation, with Keon Ellis logging six minutes as the ninth man. Regardless of Merrill’s status, Max Strus should log the majority of the bench minutes on the wing.

Huerter has not appeared in a game since Game 4 of the Pistons’ first-round series against the Magic, and that appears unlikely to change on Saturday. His continued absence means more minutes for Daniss Jenkins and Caris LeVert, with the former being especially impactful during Detroit’s Game 2 victory on Thursday.

Ingram had to exit Toronto’s first-round series against the Cavaliers during Game 5 due to right heel pain, and he did not play in Games 6 and 7. What first became an issue during the regular season, the veteran wing was found to be dealing with a bone spur that was removed via surgical procedure on Friday. According to the Raptors, Ingram is expected to be healthy and available when training camp opens in late September.

Hart sustained a sprained left thumb in Wednesday’s Game 2, but the injury won’t cost him any time. Hart has averaged 6.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists over 35 minutes across Games 1 and 2, and he’ll look to help New York take a commanding 3-0 series lead at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Despite not shooting the basketball well, particularly from beyond the arc, Smart was the lone Lakers starter to conclude with a positive plus-minus. He was impactful as a passer on the evening and played his usual strong defense, even though he only tallied one steal. Smart eventually knocking down some three-pointers would help the Lakers’ offense — he’s currently shooting 3-of-15 from deep over the first two games of the series. Perhaps the home floor and familiarity with the rims will help the veteran guard find his touch in Game 3.