NBA Player News

Avdija finished the regular season with another excellent game in the win over the Kings on Sunday. The 25-year-old power forward was just four rebounds shy of a triple-double. Avdija also had 25 points and five three-pointers. He finished the season in the top-80 in per game value and will lead Portland as they head into the Play-In tournament.

The Knicks will have their do-it-all wing available for Thursday’s contest, as they attempt to close out the Hawks. Hart has played in all five games of the opening-round series, averaging 9.4 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He’ll likely start and play an important role on both ends of the floor.

Barnes played through a right quad contusion that he suffered during the second quarter of Wednesday’s Game 5 defeat. Following the game, he said that he’ll be fine for Game 6, and the Raptors have not even included Barnes on the initial injury report. With Toronto’s season on the line, Barnes will take on his usual workload, if not exceed it.

Isaac has yet to appear in a game this postseason, and it’s unlikely that will change in Game 6. His continued absence would not significantly affect the Magic rotation, as Isaac last appeared in a game on March 12.

Ingram exited Wednesday’s Game 5 defeat with a right heel injury that the Raptors are now describing as inflammation. While A.J. Lawson entered the lineup to begin the third quarter, he only played two minutes, with fellow reserve Jamal Shead logging 34 minutes. If Ingram can’t play on Friday, Lawson could start, but Shead stands to benefit more in terms of playing time.

Huerter did not play in Wednesday’s Game 5 victory, with his absence leading to a few more minutes for Daniss Jenkins. However, Jenkins did not receive too big a boost, as Cade Cunningham played 44 of a possible 48 minutes. Huerter’s return would give the Pistons another perimeter shooting option to play off of Cunningham.

Harris sprained his left ankle during Wednesday’s Game 5 victory over the Magic but remained in the game. The veteran forward has been one of Detroit’s most consistent players in this series, so not having him would make a major difference. If Harris can’t play, Javonte Green is a potential replacement in the starting lineup.

Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon during last season’s playoffs, missing the entire 2025-26 campaign as a result. The veteran guard, who turns 36 in July, appears to be on track to return to action next season, as he has resumed playing 5-on-5. Lillard also noted on Thursday that, while nothing was ever said about him possibly playing this season, he did think about the possibility. With Lillard back in the fold, the Trail Blazers should be in a position to take a step forward after earning the No. 7 seed in this year’s playoffs.

Injuries to Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) have made Hyland a more important player within the Timberwolves’ rotation, even if he continues to come off the bench. His availability is good news for Minnesota as it looks to close out the series, and Ayo Dosunmu (calf) is still considered questionable.

Already without Anthony Edwards (knee) and Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), the Timberwolves could be down two more guards for Thursday’s game. Dosunmu, who dropped a career-high 43 points in Game 4, is dealing with a sore right calf. He joins Bones Hyland (knee) as a Timberwolves guard who is questionable going into a game that Minnesota must win to avoid a Game 7. Terrence Shannon Jr. would see his playing time increase if Dosunmu or Hyland can’t play.

Having suffered a tendon bruise in his knee before the series, Durant has been out since Game 2 due to a bone bruise in his left ankle. His continued absence means another start for Reed Sheppard, while the Rockets will also require more production from Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson. Sheppard played 35 minutes in Wednesday’s Game 5 victory, finishing with 12 points, six assists, three steals and two three-pointers.