NBA Player News

Giddey missed Wednesday’s loss to the Pacers with a hamstring injury. Collin Sexton started and had 18 points in 26 minutes. Sexton would likely draw another start if Giddey is out again, but he’s a reliable scoring option regardless of Giddey’s availability.

Holiday logged 38 minutes in the win and provided much-needed scoring for the Blazers. The two-time NBA champion drained four three-pointers, including a big one down the stretch of the fourth quarter, to help keep Portland within striking distance. He didn’t compile many other counting stats, yet his veteran presence in clutch time helped Portland come from behind and secure a playoff spot. The Trail Blazers will face San Antonio in the opening round.

Avdija was everything the Blazers needed down the stretch to mount a come-from-behind win. The first-time All-Star repeatedly got to the rim throughout the fourth quarter and ultimately scored the go-ahead layup with 16.1 seconds remaining. He finished with game-highs in points and assists while leading the Blazers from 11 points down midway through the final frame to mount a comeback that would secure them the seventh seed in the playoffs. Portland will face San Antonio in the opening round.

Herro struggled with his shot on Tuesday during his 34 minutes on the floor. Specifically, his inability to finish efficiently inside the three-point line led to the low field-goal percentage. Yet, he sank three triples and produced at the free-throw line to end as one of Miami’s three players with at least 20 points on the night. Herro also turned out a solid outing as a facilitator in the team’s season-ending loss. He battled injuries throughout the season and only logged 33 regular-season games, leaving him with little fantasy basketball value in his seventh NBA season.

Mitchell logged a game-high 48 minutes on Tuesday and did just about everything the Heat could have hoped for. He shot the ball well en route to leading the team in scoring, was one of Miami’s top facilitators, and was the Heat’s only player with at least one block and steal apiece. Unfortunately for Mitchell, his blocked game-winning layup attempt will be the lasting memory of what was a very strong performance. Mitchell played 70 games this season and made a big step as a passer. Yet he wasn’t a reliable option when it came to fantasy basketball.

Wiggins was one of several Heat players to make positive contributions on the offensive end of the floor. His 27 points trailed only Davion Mitchell’s 28, as the veteran forward had production across all three scoring levels. Wiggins was also one of the Heat’s best rebounders on the night during his 42 minutes of game action. He finished the season as a fairly comparable fantasy basketball performer as he was a season ago, albeit on fewer points per game. If Wiggins remains on the Heat going forward, he could be in for a similar season.

In his first taste of the postseason, Miller delivered a well-rounded performance to help Charlotte keep its playoff hopes alive. The third-year forward was one of three Hornets players to score at least 20 points in the night, as he tied a team-high five three-pointers. Miller also made contributions on the glass and as a passer, while recording a couple of blocks to round out a very balanced effort. He’ll get a chance to dial up another strong performance on Friday when the Hornets face the winner of Wednesday’s Sixers-Magic game.

Bridges was exceptional on both ends of the floor during Tuesday’s contest. In his team-high 43 minutes, he did lots of damage from beyond the arc, but also had his share of buckets inside the three-point line. The veteran forward also battled on the glass and nearly amassed a double-double. But perhaps his biggest moment came in the closing moments of the game when he went up and blocked Davion Mitchell’s game-winning shot attempt to keep the Hornets’ season alive. Bridges totaled four stocks and will try to land another impactful two-way performance on Friday against the winner of Sixers-Magic.

Ball struggled from the field on Tuesday but made the shot that counted the most. Down by one point with under nine seconds to play, he caught the ball at the top of the arc, drove right, and finished a contested layup to give the Hornets the lead and ultimately the win. Ball had missed 19 of his 30 shot attempts prior to the go-ahead bucket that will keep Charlotte’s season alive. The sixth-year point guard tallied double-digit assists to go along with his 30 points. He’ll have a chance to record another double-double in the final elimination game on Friday, when they face the loser of Wednesday’s Philadelphia-Orlando matchup.

Booker is back after missing the final two regular-season games. His return gives Phoenix its leader and clear-cut No. 1 scoring option. The Suns have played well this season and could earn a playoff spot with a win over the Trail Blazers on Tuesday, whom they had a 2-1 record against during the regular season.

Adebayo fell hard on his back during the second quarter of Tuesday’s Play-In Tournament game while trying to save a loose ball. He was subbed out at the ensuing deadball, taken to the locker room, and never returned. He was eventually ruled out for the remainder of the game during the third quarter, leaving Miami without one of its best players. Jaime Jaquez Jr. started in Adebayo’s place to begin the second half and could see more minutes if the team advances, depending on Adebayo’s status.