NBA Player News

Barnes is good to go after initially being questionable for Wednesday’s game. He’ll occupy his usual place in the Raptors’ starting lineup, so fantasy managers need to ensure that he isn’t sitting on their bench.

Duren played 25 minutes, but was -16. The 22-year-old center sat on the bench for most of the fourth quarter and overtime in favor of Paul Reed. Reed had 10 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in 17 minutes. The Pistons have stuck with Duren for the entire playoffs up to this point. With Detroit on the brink of elimination, it’s entirely possible Reed draws the start in Game 6 in Cleveland on Friday.

Jenkins moved into the starting lineup with Duncan Robinson (back) out for Game 5. The 24-year-old point guard played 41 minutes and was -9. Jenkins was -28 in 18 minutes in Game 3 of this series as well. It’s unlikely Jenkins would’ve played as much if Robinson was available, but he’ll also need to play better if the Pistons are going to comeback in this series.

Harris had scored at least 20 points in eight consecutive playoff games and the Pistons were 5-3 in those games. His streak came to an end with 16 points in Monday’s loss in Game 4 and points were even tougher to come by for Harris in Game 5. The 33-year-old power forward had just 13 points on 19 attempts from the field. Harris’ off-game came at the wrong time for the Pistons as Duncan Robinson (back) was out, which only heightened the need for more scoring.

The Pistons led by nine with three minutes left in regulation, but blew that lead and lost by four in overtime. Cunningham dropped 39 points in Game 5, but it wasn’t enough as the Pistons fell behind 3-2 in the series. After a Donovan Mitchell three-pointer gave the Cavaliers a five-point lead in overtime, Cunningham committed one of his six turnovers. Max Strus picked his pocket in the backcourt and found Mitchell streaking in for a layup to put the Cavs up by seven, effectively putting the game on ice.

Harden had six turnovers, but was otherwise excellent in leading the Cavaliers to a 3-2 series lead over the Pistons. The 36-year-old point guard had 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Harden was +11 in 43 minutes. The win has put the Cavaliers on the brink of reaching the Eastern Conference finals. They’ll have their first chance to close out the Pistons in Game 6 on Friday.

Huerter hasn’t played since Game 4 of the Pistons’ first-round series against the Magic, but he could be returning at the perfect time. With Duncan Robinson (back) out, the Pistons might need Huerter’s shooting off the bench in a crucial Game 5 at home.

Duncan Robinson (back) was ruled out for Game 5. Despite Caris LeVert scoring 24 points in Game 4 on Monday, the Pistons have elected to go with Daniss Jenkins in the starting lineup in place of Robinson. LeVert should still have a significant role off the bench.

With Duncan Robinson (back) ruled out for Game 5, LeVert should take on a bigger against the Cavaliers on Wednesday. LeVert is dealing with a heel injury, but was ultimately ruled in. The 31-year-old shooting guard had 24 points in the Pistons’ Game 4 loss on Monday.

A massive blow for the Pistons. Robinson was initially listed as questionable with lower back soreness, but after participating in shootaround Wednesday, his absence for Game 5 comes as somewhat of a surprise. Without Robinson, Caris LeVert will take on added importance and potentially even move into the starting lineup after scoring 24 points in Game 4 on Monday.

While he finished with a respectable point total, most of Randle’s work was done after the outcome was no longer in doubt. Shooting 4-of-4 from the field, the Timberwolves forward scored nine points in the fourth quarter. The first three quarters are a concern, especially with Randle offering limited production since scoring 21 points in Game 1. With the Timberwolves’ season on the line in Friday’s Game 6, they’ll need more consistent energy and production from Randle.