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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.

While Maxey shot the ball well on Friday, he was far too deferential on offense in a game the 76ers needed to win. There were too many moments in which the point guard continued to swing the ball instead of attacking the closeout and getting downhill. While that may have been the “right play,” the 76ers need a more aggressive Maxey on offense to have any chance, especially when considering the team’s lack of depth. To force a Game 5, Philadelphia needs Maxey to be in “takeover mode” from the start of Sunday’s Game 4.

Despite dealing with ankle and hip injuries that sidelined him for Game 2, Embiid logged 35 minutes in Game 3. While the stat line was decent, the 7-footer is clearly playing at less than full strength. The Knicks continue to target Embiid in pick-and-roll situations, and with consistent success. And the quick turnaround won’t help either, as Game 4 is scheduled to tip off a little after 3:30 PM Eastern. Embiid and the 76ers need a win to avoid elimination.

For the second consecutive game, George got off to a hot start for the 76ers. Unfortunately, he provided nothing after scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting in the first frame. George would shoot 0-of-9 from the field the rest of the way, finishing with 15 points. Given Philadelphia’s lack of depth, they can ill afford to have PG go quiet after a hot start. However, the lack of depth is also why he and the other starters are being pushed farther than they should be minutes-wise. George and the 76ers will look to stave off elimination on Sunday afternoon.

Oubre’s offensive output has increased in each game of the 76ers’ second-round series, with the veteran wing doing his best to supplement Philadelphia’s stars. However, the team’s lack of depth has proven costly, with Oubre and the other starters seemingly running out of gas late in games. After producing a 12-point fourth quarter in Game 2, the 76ers scored 18 in the final quarter of Game 3. Oubre’s performances won’t do much for his fantasy value in 2026-27, but he has been one of the few bright spots for the 76ers in this series. Philadelphia will look to avoid the series sweep on Sunday afternoon.

For the second consecutive game, Towns got himself into early foul trouble, picking up three in the first quarter. However, the Knicks were able not only to hold serve with their starting center benched, but also to grab control of Game 3 during the second period. Mitchell Robinson (six points, six rebounds, one steal and one block) played 19 minutes off the bench, and Towns was still effective as a rebounder and playmaker when on the floor. It may not matter much for this series, but the Knicks will need Towns to avoid early foul trouble as the games grow more important.

On a night when the Knicks were without OG Anunoby (hamstring), Shamet stepped up with his most productive game of these playoffs. He didn’t start Game 3, with Miles McBride (three points, two assists, two blocks and one three-pointer) receiving the nod, but Shamet was more productive and logged 27 minutes to Deuce’s 21. With New York now leading the series three games to none, there’s little need for them to force anything regarding Anunoby’s hamstring. Don’t be surprised if they stick with the same rotation of McBride and Shamet for Game 4.

Bridges has scored at least 17 points in each of the first three games of this series, and on Friday, he produced his second 20-point game of the playoffs. Since the latter stages of Game 4 of New York’s first-round series against the Hawks, Bridges has looked far better than he did during the latter stages of the regular season. Not only will this version of the Knicks’ wing be required to close out the 76ers, but he’ll be of even greater value in the conference finals. New York goes for the series sweep on Sunday.

Despite getting off to a slow start, Brunson and the Knicks are now one win away from a second consecutive Eastern Conference Finals appearance. The Knicks’ point guard recorded his second 30-point game of the series, doing so on 50 percent shooting from the field. And over three games, Brunson has been responsible for 18 assists and seven turnovers. New York will look to close out the series on Sunday afternoon.

After coming off the bench in the first two games of this series, Edwards returns to the starting lineup for Game 3. The change pushes Terrence Shannon Jr. to the bench, but the second-year wing should remain in the rotation since Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles) is done for the season.

Dosunmu, who did not play in the series opener, was limited to 10 minutes in Game 2 due to a sore right heel. His return should give the Timberwolves a needed boost off the bench, but only if he’s able to play through the heel and calf issues.