NBA Player News

While solid in Saturday’s series-opener, Mobley was considerably better in Game 2. He only missed two shot attempts from the field, and the tandem of him and Jarrett Allen (10/3/1/2/3) effectively played Raptors’ starting center Jakob Poeltl off the floor. Cleveland won the first two games by 13 and 10 points, and neither appeared to be that close. Mobley and the Cavaliers will look to take a 3-0 series lead on Thursday in Toronto.

Maxey shot the ball well in Game 4 and committed just one turnover, but the 76ers did not have enough firepower to run with the Celtics. Backcourt sidekick VJ Edgecombe (6/4/1/1) and wing Kelly Oubre Jr. (two points, four rebounds, one assist and one block) shot a combined 2-of-15 from the field, and the 76ers could not overcome those struggles, even with Joel Embiid back in the lineup. Maxey and the 76ers now head to Boston for Game 5 on Tuesday, needing a win to stave off elimination.

Just 17 days removed from undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Embiid was back in the 76ers’ starting lineup on Sunday. While his return did not result in a 76ers victory, as the Celtics had too much firepower, the 7-footer deserves credit for gutting out 34 minutes. And Embiid was effective overall, recording a double-double with six assists. With Philadelphia’s season on the line, Embiid will likely take on a similar workload in Game 5 on Tuesday.

Brown’s 20 points in Game 4 were the fewest he’s scored in a game this series, having produced 25 or more in each of the first three. He and Jayson Tatum were at their best in the third quarter of Game 4, combining to score 25 of the Celtics’ 39 points. Their production helped Boston withstand a 36-point third quarter for the 76ers, who could not offer up a counterpunch in the fourth. Brown and the Celtics will look to close out the series on Tuesday night.

Tatum has recorded a double-double in three of the four games in this series, and he notched his first 30-point game in Game 4. The Celtics’ star finished three rebounds shy of a triple-double, with the lone complaint being his five turnovers. Overall, Tatum has gotten sharper by the game, which makes the Celtics a serious threat to win an NBA title. The first order of business for Boston is to close out the 76ers, with Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday at TD Garden.

On a day when starter Derrick White (6/6/3/1/2 with two three-pointers) attempted just five shots, Pritchard stepped up with one of the best outings of his postseason career. The 32 points, a playoff career-high for Pritchard, were two shy of the Celtics franchise record for most in a playoff game by a reserve, which Kevin McHale still holds. While he made too many starts to qualify for NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors, Pritchard remains one of the best reserve scorers in the league. And he reminded Philadelphia of that in Game 4. The Celtics will look to close out the series on Tuesday night.

While there was hope that Reaves would be available for Game 4, the Lakers’ 3-0 series lead may have factored into the decision to keep him out. Luke Kennard will remain in the starting lineup, and he has been productive throughout this series.

Joe has rejoined the Thunder after missing Saturday’s Game 3 victory for personal reasons. He’ll provide additional depth on the wings as Oklahoma City continues without the injured Jalen Williams (hamstring).

Watson has yet to play in a game this series, and that won’t change on Monday. With Aaron Gordon (calf) questionable, the Nuggets will continue to rely more on Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown. Denver needs a win to extend the series, which Minnesota leads three games to one.

Gordon, who played 23 minutes in Game 3, did not return after a third-quarter trip to the locker room despite the Nuggets saying that he was available. With the Nuggets’ backs against the wall, it would be unsurprising if he gave it a go on Monday. If Gordon can’t play, Spencer Jones is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup, but he offers little value on the offensive end.