-
Nikola Jokic C | DEN
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic: Carries Denver to even series
Jokic ended Sunday's 115-107 win over the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals with 35 points (15-26 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, one block and three steals in 39 minutes.
Aaron Gordon had an excellent showing and Jamal Murray made some clutch buckets throughout the game, but Jokic was the engine that kept the team going. For the second game in a row, he came through whenever Denver needed him the most. Jokic is expected to lead the Nuggets as the series returns to Denver for a pivotal Game 5 on Tuesday, and he's averaging 26.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game in the series.
-
Jarrett Allen C | CLE
Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen: Present for shootaround
Allen (ribs) was spotted taking part in the Cavaliers' morning shootaround but remains questionable for Monday's Game 4 matchup with the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals round, Carly Mascitti of News 5 Cleveland reports.
Allen has missed the past six games for Cleveland with a right rib contusion. He was mostly doing stationary shooting during his time on the court Monday, making it unclear if he'll be ready to put an end to his absence when the Cavaliers face the Celtics in Game 4. More clarity on Allen's status should arrive closer to the 7 p.m. ET tipoff.
-
Isaiah Jackson C | LAC
Pacers' Isaiah Jackson: Increased role Sunday
Jackson registered 10 points (4-8 FG, 2-2 FT), six rebounds and two steals in 19 minutes during Sunday's 121-89 win over New York in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Jackson played a substantial role Sunday in reaching double digits in points for the first time in the playoffs, as the Pacers easily accounted for the Knicks, leveling the series at 2-2. This was an ugly loss for New York, while Indiana fans had the time of their lives at the Knicks' expense. Given the grit and grind attitude in New York, expect to see a much-improved performance when the series continues Tuesday.
-
Isaiah Hartenstein C | OKC
Knicks' Isaiah Hartenstein: Suffers minor injury in loss
Hartenstein suffered a minor shoulder injury in Sunday's Game 4 loss to the Pacers, but he should be good to go for Game 5 on Tuesday, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.
Hartenstein was in clear discomfort after taking a fall during Sunday's 121-89 loss to the Pacers, but he was able to continue playing. Following the game, Hartenstein stated he may have pinched a nerve in his shoulder, but reassured that he is fine. The 26-year-old pro finished Sunday's contest with a meager four points (2-3 FG) and five rebounds across 21 minutes.
-
Jarrett Allen C | CLE
Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen: Questionable once more
Allen (ribs) is questionable for Monday's Game 4 against the Celtics, Chris Fedor of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Allen has missed six consecutive contests with bruised ribs despite being listed as questionable leading up to each contest. While he's been sidelined, Evan Mobley has slid to the center spot and Isaac Okoro has entered the starting lineup. Should that trend continue, Tristan Thompson would be lined up to fill the backup center role.
-
Luke Kornet C | SA
Celtics' Luke Kornet: Nabs probable tag
Kornet (right calf tightness) is listed as probable for Monday's Game 4 against the Cavaliers, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.
Kornet sustained a calf strain in late April but has suited up for each of the last six games for Boston. If he were to end up missing Monday's tilt, Xavier Tillman would likely work behind Al Horford at the five.
-
Chet Holmgren PF | OKC
Thunder's Chet Holmgren: Records 13/8/3 line in loss
Holmgren finished Saturday's 105-101 loss to Dallas in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals with 13 points (5-9 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-5 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, four blocks and one steal in 35 minutes.
Holmgren has struggled a bit against Dallas' defensive front through three games after averaging 15.5 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocked shots over four games against the Pelicans. The Mavericks have been able to stay fresh in the paint with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively platooning at the five, and Jaylin Williams hasn't offered the same kind of secondary support. Holmgren has also failed to keep Luka Doncic off the glass, and he'll need to improve in several areas to keep the Thunder in the series.
-
Jarrett Allen C | CLE
Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen: Ruled out for Game 3
Allen (ribs) is out for Saturday's Game 3 against the Celtics, Evan Dammarell of Right Down Euclid reports.
Allen has yet to see the court in the series against the Celtics, but he'll aim to be available for the Game 4 matchup on Monday. This means Evan Mobley will remain at center Saturday, while Isaac Okoro should also remain in the starting lineup.
-
Daniel Gafford C | DAL
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Starts second half
Gafford (shoulder) has returned for the second half of Saturday's Game 3 against the Thunder, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.
Gafford briefly went to the locker room in the second quarter grabbing at his left shoulder but was able to take the floor for the second half. If he's restricted due to the injury, Dereck Lively would be next in line for minutes.
-
Daniel Gafford C | DAL
Mavericks' Daniel Gafford: Heads to locker room
Gafford exited in the second quarter of Game 3 against Oklahoma City on Saturday with a left shoulder injury, Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com reports.
An injury to Gafford could be devastating for the Mavericks, as he's been a solid contributor down low for Dallas. If he's unable to return, then Dereck Lively would be in line for a bigger role.