NBA Player News

Gobert closed Friday's 109-108 loss to the Mavericks in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals with 16 points (6-10 FG, 4-6 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists, one block and two steals in 38 minutes.

Gobert will probably be remembered for being unable to defend Luka Doncic on the play that gave Dallas the victory late in the fourth quarter, but the towering Frenchman was having a solid game before that. He has recorded three double-doubles over his last six playoff contests while scoring in double digits five times in that span.

Reid logged 23 points (8-13 FG, 7-9 3Pt), two rebounds, one block and two steals over 32 minutes during Friday's 109-108 loss to Dallas in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Reid had a chance to win it for the Timberwolves with the final shot of the fourth quarter, but his three-pointer bounced off the inside of the rim. The big man delivered an impressive performance and was Minnesota's offensive catalyst in a game during which the team's two biggest stars, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, delivered subpar scoring performances. Reid has scored in double digits in five of his last six postseason appearances.

Lively logged 14 points (6-6 FG, 2-2 FT), nine rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes during Friday's 109-108 win over the Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Lively was perfect from the field, and he continues to benefit from his close-range finishing ability by playing alongside two of the best passers in the league, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Lively is making his presence felt as an effective two-way threat in Dallas' postseason run, averaging 8.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 63.9 percent from the field across 14 playoff contests.

Gafford amassed 16 points (8-10 FG, 0-2 FT), five rebounds and five blocks over 21 minutes during Friday's 109-108 win over the Timberwolves in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Gafford was nearly perfect from the field and made his presence felt defensively, recording three or more blocks for the third time across his last eight playoff contests and tying his postseason-best mark in that category. Gafford's two-way play has been massive for Dallas against a frontcourt loaded with size. He's averaging 11.0 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game over his last five contests.

Kornet (wrist) won't play Saturday in Game 3 of the Celtics' Eastern Conference Finals series versus the Pacers.

Kornet was previously carrying a doubtful designation into Sunday, so his absence from Game 3 comes as little surprise. Oshae Brissett is likely to pick up a handful of reserve minutes as the primary backup to starting center Al Horford while Kornet is in street clothes.

Kleber (shoulder) won't play Sunday in Game 3 of the Mavericks' Western Conference Finals series with the Timberwolves.

Kleber is dealing with a right AC joint separation and remains without a clear timetable to return. His next chance to play will be Tuesday for Game 4.

Kornet (wrist) is doubtful for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Saturday, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Kornet exited Thursday's Game 2 due to a left wrist sprain and will likely be unavailable for at least one matchup. Assuming Kornet is sidelined, Oshae Brissett could see additional run for Boston.

Turner had eight points (3-7 FG, 2-4 3Pt), four rebounds and one steal over 24 minutes during Thursday's 126-110 loss to the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Turner had issues with foul trouble all game long, and that was the main reason why he was limited to just 24 minutes -- his second-lowest mark in the current playoff run. Turner also snapped his streak of games with double-digit points at six, and he'll aim to bounce back in Game 3 on Saturday.

Kornet didn't return to Thursday's 126-110 win over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals after suffering a sprained left wrist in the first quarter. He finished with two rebounds and one turnover in five minutes.

After Kornet's early exit, Oshae Brissett (12 minutes) ended up serving as the Celtics' primary reserve big man behind frontcourt starters Al Horford and Jayson Tatum. With Kristaps Porzingis (calf) not expected to be ready to play until Game 4, Kornet's status for Saturday's Game 3 gains added import. The Celtics would likely once again lean more heavily on small-ball lineups featuring Horford, Tatum and Brissett as their main frontcourt options if Kornet joins Porzingis in street clothes.

Kornet is questionable to return to Thursday's Game 2 against the Pacers due to a left wrist sprain.

The potential absence of Kornet will hurt the team's frontcourt depth, as the Celtics are already missing Kristaps Porzingis (calf). If Kornet can't return, then Xavier Tillman would be in line to absorb minutes as Al Horford's backup.