NBA Player News

McConnell will be sidelined for the first time in a few weeks, and with Andrew Nembhard (back) also out, Indiana will be thin at point guard. Kam Jones and Taelon Peter should both play significant roles after not seeing the floor in the Pacers’ last game.

After coming off the bench in his first game back from a strained oblique, Reaves has returned to the Lakers’ starting lineup. He replaces Luke Kennard, who missed all four of his shot attempts in Game 5 and scored just one point. The Lakers are looking to avoid having to play a Game 7 on Sunday after winning the first three games of this series.

With their season on the line, the Raptors will play Game 6 without the injured Brandon Ingram (heel). He has been replaced in the lineup by Shead, who contributed 18 points and seven assists in Wednesday’s Game 5 defeat. At a minimum, the Raptors will need increased production from Shead and Walter if they’re to extend the series to a decisive Game 7 on Sunday.

Huerter will miss a second consecutive game as he deals with a strained left adductor. His continued absence means that the Pistons will lean even more on Cade Cunningham, who logged 44 minutes in Game 5. Daniss Jenkins’ playing time only increased slightly on Wednesday, as the Pistons managed to stave off elimination.

Initially questionable after spraining his left ankle during the Pistons’ Game 5 victory on Wednesday, Harris is good to go. He’ll take on his usual role within the starting lineup and has been one of the Pistons’ most consistent players in this series. Detroit will need a similar effort from Harris if they’re to force a decisive Game 7 on Sunday.

Ingram, who had to exit Game 5 during the second quarter with right heel inflammation, will miss what could be the Raptors’ final game of the season. A.J. Lawson started the second half of Game 5 but only played two minutes, with Jamal Shead receiving the lion’s share of the available playing time. Either one could find themselves in the starting lineup for Game 6.

Embiid is on the 76ers’ initial injury report for Game 7, but it would be stunning if the 7-footer were not on the court Saturday night. He finished Game 6 two assists shy of a triple-double as Philadelphia extended the series. Look for Embiid to take on his usual heavy workload as the 76ers look to beat the Celtics in a playoff series for the first time since 1982.

Isaac has been out for over a month, giving the Magic more than enough time to adjust to his absence. Goga Bitadze will continue to serve as the backup center, and this may be a better matchup for him than Isaac because of the Pistons’ physicality.

Mazzulla was quoted as saying, “He’ll play,” so Celtics fans should expect the superstar to be on the court for the winner-take-all matchup at TD Garden. In seven career Game 7’s, Tatum has averaged 26.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists across 41.5 minutes.

Ingram had to leave Game 5 early with heel inflammation, and the injury is serious enough that it will likely keep him sidelined for the do-or-die Game 6 at Scotiabank Arena. With Ingram expected to sit out on Friday, Jamal Shead could enter the starting lineup, and A.J. Lawson could pick up some additional minutes.

Murray struggled on Thursday on both ends of the floor. On offense, the length of Jaden McDaniels sure had an impact, as the veteran point guard had more missed shots than total points. He was also attacked as a one-on-one defender repeatedly down the stretch, ultimately allowing some key Minnesota baskets to close the game. While Murray had a tough time finding his rhythm throughout the series, he had a phenomenal regular season, averaging 25.4 points, 7.1 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.3 three-pointers, which were all career bests. He turned in one of his better fantasy seasons and should be able to perform at a high level again next season.