NBA Player News

With Grayson Allen doubtful, a Highsmith absence would free up more playing time for Amir Coffey. Coffey isn’t worth a look in most fantasy leagues due to his low usage.

After a pedestrian 10-point, seven-rebound effort in Game 1, Allen recorded his first double-double since Game 5 of the Detroit series on Thursday. He was also reasonably productive as a defender, recording three defensive contributions. However, Cleveland’s inability to knock down shots eliminated their chances of winning, especially as the Knicks went on an 18-0 run in the third quarter. Allen and the Cavaliers will look to rebound when they host Game 3 on Saturday.

Overall, Mobley was effective when he got the ball in Game 2. His lack of touches in the second half was a major issue for the Cavaliers. Somehow, Mobley did not attempt a shot after halftime, which cannot happen, even with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden on the floor. If there’s any player in the Cavaliers’ starting lineup capable of being a game-changer, it may be Mobley, especially with the Knicks playing one big at most times. But that can’t happen if he isn’t getting the ball. The Cavaliers will look to cut their series deficit in half with a win in Game 3 on Saturday.

After racking up six turnovers and getting torched defensively by Jalen Brunson in Game 1, Harden recorded a better stat line on Thursday. While the field-goal percentage remained low, The Beard did not commit a turnover in 32 minutes. However, he had just two assists, a byproduct of the Cavaliers’ shooting 38.8 percent from the field and 9-of-35 from three. The Cavaliers will hope that Harden can find his groove in Game 3 on Saturday, as they sit in a 0-2 hole.

After blowing Game 1, the Cavaliers could not find their stroke in Game 2. Mitchell, who scored 19 points in the second half, was the exception, as Cleveland shot 38.8 percent from the field as a team. New York, which erased a 22-point deficit in the opener, grabbed control of Game 2 with an 18-0 run during the third quarter. Mitchell did what he could to pull the Cavaliers to as close as seven, but the hole was too deep to climb out of completely. While there have been some concerns that he may have tweaked something in his lower body during Game 1, Mitchell said after Thursday’s defeat that he’s fine. The usual explosiveness was not there, but it’s clear that he isn’t going to make any excuses. Cleveland will look to defend home court when it hosts Game 3 on Saturday.

After a modest scoring effort in Game 1, Towns was a bit better in Thursday’s Game 2 victory. He hasn’t been able to facilitate as much as he did in the first two playoff series, but KAT has been dominant on the glass against the Cavaliers. Through two games, Towns has 26 rebounds, and unlike Game 1, he kept the turnovers in check on Thursday. The Knicks center did not commit any after coughing up the ball seven times in Game 1. Game 3 is on Saturday in Cleveland, with New York looking to take a 3-0 lead.

After going off for 38 points in a wild series-opening victory, Brunson was more playmaker than scorer in Game 2. The Knicks’ point guard recorded a playoff career-high 14 assists while committing three turnovers, compensating for a 1-of-7 night from beyond the arc. Regardless of Cleveland’s defensive approach, Brunson has been able to do what he wants, whether that’s score or assist. He and the Knicks will look to tighten their grip on the series with a win in Game 3 on Saturday.

Over his last seven games, Bridges has averaged 18.7 points on 68 percent shooting from the field. To say that he’s rebounded from his slow start to the postseason would be an understatement. Bridges has remained aggressive, and the improved approach has paid dividends. The Knicks, who have won nine consecutive games, will take a 2-0 series lead to Cleveland for Saturday’s Game 3.

After struggling to the point where he watched most of the fourth quarter and overtime of Game 1 from the bench, Hart bounced back in a major way. After missing his first four shot attempts, the Knicks’ wing did not lose his confidence, and his faith was rewarded. Hart recorded playoff career-highs in points and three-pointers while also providing secondary playmaking. Cleveland may look to dare Hart to knock down shots again in Saturday’s Game 3, but he showed in Game 2 that he’s capable of making them play. New York will take a 2-0 lead to Cleveland.

Harper, who started the first two games of the Western Conference Finals for the injured De’Aaron Fox (ankle), exited Game 2 after playing 25 minutes due to a sore right adductor. How impactful his absence would be in Game 3 depends on Fox; if the veteran point guard can return, the Spurs will be able to compensate for Harper’s absence. However, if both sit, Keldon Johnson could move into the starting lineup, with Jordan McLaughlin’s playing time increasing.

Fox was also listed as questionable ahead of Games 1 and 2 before being ruled out for both. Dylan Harper has filled the void in the starting lineup, but the rookie exited Wednesday’s Game 2 defeat due to a sore right adductor. If both can’t play, Jordan McLaughlin could remain in the rotation after picking up minutes on Wednesday.