NBA Player News

While he finished with 31 points, Durant’s biggest play on Sunday was an assist. His pass to Alperen Şengün led to the game-winning layup with 11.6 seconds remaining. The Rockets have won their last six games, and KD has averaged eight helpers per game during the run. In Sunday’s victory, Durant also provided solid value in rebounds and blocked shots, which fantasy managers were undoubtedly pleased with. For managers whose leagues run through Week 24, the Rockets play four games, starting with the Suns on Tuesday.

Watford lands on the injury report due to an illness, but the good news is that he’s probable to play on Wednesday. With the 76ers healthy aside from Joel Embiid (appendicitis), they should have the bodies needed to account for Watford’s absence if his condition worsens.

Despite being limited to non-contact work during Tuesday’s practice, there’s a chance that Isaac is available for the first time in a month. While having another option to call on in the frontcourt would help the Magic, Isaac’s unlikely to have a major impact, given the time missed.

While Howard did not go through any contact work during Tuesday’s practice, his status has been upgraded to questionable. He’s been out since April 3, and a return to action would have minimal impact on Orlando’s wing rotation, so don’t expect too much from Howard if he’s available.

Jackson has been out since spraining his ankle during a March 27 win over the Pacers, leaving the Clippers without a legitimate backup center. John Collins has filled the void in Jackson’s absence and would continue to do so if he can’t return for Wednesday’s Play-In Tournament game against the Warriors.

Howard and Isaac have made progress in their respective recoveries, but neither has reached the point where they’ll be available for games. Given the lack of contact during Tuesday’s practice, the Magic may not have either player at their disposal until the playoffs if Orlando qualifies. Both are out for Wednesday’s Play-In Tournament game against the 76ers.

Larsson is good to go after being listed as questionable on the injury report initially released by the Heat on Monday evening. He’ll figure prominently in the Heat wing rotation, whether he starts or comes off the bench. In four games against the Hornets during the regular season, Larsson averaged 15.3 points on 55.6 percent shooting from the field.

Kerr made the comments following Sunday’s regular-season finale, a loss to the Clippers in the first of two meetings between the teams over four days. None will surpass 40 minutes, but the question is how far beyond 30 minutes the veterans will go. Curry’s 29 minutes on Sunday were the most for him since returning from a case of runner’s knee, and Porziņǵis has logged 29 minutes just twice since joining the Warriors. As for Horford, he has exceeded 30 minutes just twice this season, most recently March 10 against the Bulls.

Allen suffered a left hamstring injury during Friday’s loss to the Lakers and hasn’t played since. The 30-year-old small forward was replaced in the lineup by Royce O’Neale, which could be the case again if Allen is ruled out on Tuesday.

Grant hasn’t played since March 27 as he’s dealt with a calf strain. The 32-year-old power forward is questionable, which at least gives him a chance of suiting up for Tuesday’s game against the Suns. If Grant is out again, Scoot Henderson should start again for the Trail Blazers.

Larsson is listed as questionable with a right lower leg contusion. Nikola Jovic (ankle) and Dru Smith (foot) are out, but otherwise the Heat have a healthy roster heading into the Play-In Tournament.