NBA Player News

Kornet will sit out the first leg of this back-to-back, which means he should be available against the Clippers on Thursday. Kelly Olynyk and Mason Plumlee should fill a few minutes down low off the bench.

Edwards is questionable for the third time already in the series. He’s ultimately been upgraded to available prior to each game so far, with that potentially being the case for Game 3. The superstar guard totaled 30 points and 10 rebounds in an impressive Game 2 victory for the Timberwolves, who will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage on Thursday. Should Edwards play, he’ll have a chance to put up more big numbers.

With Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) unavailable, Walter played 28 minutes off the bench in each of the first two games of this series. If the second-year guard can’t play in Game 3, his minutes would go to Quickley if the starting guard can return. However, if Quickley and Walter can’t play, the Raptors would have to turn to AJ Lawson, Jamison Battle or Gradey Dick to enter the rotation.

Quickley did not play in the first two games of this series, and the Raptors missed him dearly. Jamal Shead has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but Quickley’s presence helps unlock Brandon Ingram offensively. With Ingram struggling in the first two games, getting Quickley back on the floor could be huge for Toronto.

Bryant has missed Cleveland’s last six games, including the first two games of this series, with a strained left calf. His absence has not significantly affected the Cavaliers’ rotation, as all of the other frontcourt options have been healthy.

Acquired from the Timberwolves at the trade deadline, Dillingham struggled with a right wrist injury early in his arrival in the Windy City. However, the second-year guard made strides down the stretch, shooting just over 46 percent from the field in April. With Josh Giddey under contract for the next three seasons, Dillingham’s best opportunity at playing time in 2026-27 is likely to be as the backup point guard if he can win the job in training camp.

Isaac’s continued absence does not affect the Magic rotation, as he has not appeared in a game since March 12. At this point, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll play at all this series, given the time missed.

While Durant otherwise had a nice game offensively as he led the Rockets with 23 points on 12 attempts from the field, his nine turnovers in Game 2 were glaring. The 37-year-old small forward returned for Game 2 after missing the first game of the series with a knee tendon bruise. Durant and the Rockets will have to regroup and try to hold serve as the series shifts to Houston for Game 3 on Friday.

Kennard followed up his 27-point performance in Game 1 with 23 points in Game 2. The Lakers will certainly take this kind of production from Kennard while Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) are still out. Expect more of the same from Kennard until the Lakers get their stars back, though the Lakers will face a tough environment in Houston for Game 3 on Friday.

Smart had 15 points and one three-pointer in Game 1, but stepped up his offensive production significantly in Game 2, keying a Lakers win. The added scoring from the 32-year-old shooting guard was a welcomed sight for the Lakers with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) still sidelined. Smart and the Lakers will take on the Rockets in Game 3 on Friday as the series shifts to Houston.

James shocked everyone in the third quarter when a lane completely opened up and he took the opportunity to throw down a reverse jam. With a minute left in the fourth quarter, another dunk by James essentially sealed the game for the Lakers. In his 23rd season and at 41-years-old, he still managed to play excellent basketball for 38 minutes in each of the first two games of this series. James is now the only player in NBA history at least 40-years-old to have at least 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a playoff games and he’s done it three times. James will keep running the show with Luka Dončić (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) still sidelined.