NBA Player News

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.

Harden’s four turnovers in Game 6 matched his series-low, as efficiency remains an issue for the Cavaliers’ point guard. He struggled with his shot on Friday, going 1-of-4 from beyond the arc after entering Game 6 making 41 percent of his attempts. While Harden did finish one rebound and one assist shy of a triple-double, the Cavaliers need more from him if they’re to avoid a first-round exit. Game 7 is on Sunday.

Mobley recorded series-highs in points and rebounds in Game 6, finishing with his first double-double of the series. However, it wasn’t enough to give Cleveland the win that would have ended the series. One thing that Mobley and the Cavaliers can take solace in is that the road team has yet to win a game, and the Cavaliers will host Game 7 on Sunday. He’ll need to produce a similar performance to get Cleveland into the second round, especially if James Harden continues to struggle.

After making 39 percent of his three-point attempts in the first five games of this series, Mitchell shot 2-of-10 in Game 6. While that wasn’t the only reason for the Cavaliers’ inability to close out the series, his struggles did not help matters. For Cleveland to avoid becoming the first team in this series to lose a home game on Sunday, they’ll need a more efficient offensive performance from their All-Star backcourt. Mitchell and James Harden shot a combined 16-of-40 from the field in Game 6.

Murray-Boyles continues to come off the bench, but the rookie played starters’ minutes in Game 6. He logged 40 minutes on Friday, with the final stat line lacking only a three-pointer. Meanwhile, starting center Jakob Poeltl (2/4/1/2/1) logged 22 minutes as he continues to offer limited value in this matchup. Murray-Boyles should take on a similar workload in Game 7, and it’s easy to see why dynasty managers are so excited about his long-term fantasy potential.

Walter has come up big for the Raptors the last two games, totaling 44 points on 14-of-29 shooting from the field. With Brandon Ingram (heel) exiting Game 5 during the second quarter and sitting out Game 6, not to mention Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) missing the entire series, the second-year wing’s contributions have been much-needed. Walter should get another start in Game 7 on Sunday, and the Raptors will need a similar performance if they’re to advance.

Barrett didn’t have his best game on Friday, but he made the big shot that forced a Game 7. While it wasn’t as dramatic as Kawhi Leonard’s series-clincher against the 76ers in 2019, many fans held their breath as Barrett’s three-point attempt in the final seconds of overtime bounced high off the heel of the rim before falling through the hoop. Even with the poor shooting in Game 6, Barrett has been solid throughout this series. The Raptors will look to win Game 7 in Cleveland, with the home team having won each of the first six games of the series.

Barnes’ 14th assist of Game 6 was his most important, as a pass to RJ Barrett led to a three-pointer that gave Toronto a 112-110 lead with 1.2 seconds remaining in overtime. That shot would stand as the game-winner, sending the series back to Cleveland for a Game 7 on Sunday. Barnes, who finished Game 6 three rebounds shy of a triple-double, has been the best player in this series so far. And another performance like the one he produced on Friday will give Toronto a shot at advancing.

Suggs wasn’t the only Magic player to struggle in Game 6, especially after halftime, but the point guard had a rough Friday night. Not only did he shoot 1-of-6 from beyond the arc, but Suggs racked up five turnovers. To top things off, he was seen grabbing his left hamstring late in the fourth quarter, so there may be another concern for the Magic heading into Sunday’s Game 7.

One of the stars in Orlando’s home wins in Games 3 and 4, Bane has shot a combined 13-of-33 from the field over the last two games. While that isn’t necessarily a terrible percentage, Orlando’s margin for error is slim with Franz Wagner (calf) unavailable. And with the Magic scoring a total of 19 points in the second half of Game 6, they head back to Detroit to play Game 7 in a series that they once led by a 3-1 margin. Bane will have to be at his best on Sunday if Orlando is to avoid elimination.

After going off for 45 points in Game 5, Banchero had a miserable Game 6 as the Magic missed out on their second opportunity to close out the series. Missing all nine of his three-point attempts, the 6-foot-10 forward shot 4-of-20 from the field overall. A 9-of-12 night at the foul line resulted in Banchero producing a respectable point total, but there’s no denying that this was a bad effort from him. He and the Magic will look to redeem themselves in Game 7 on Sunday.