NBA Player News

Ayton ended with two points (1-3 FG), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal in 33 minutes during Friday's 112-108 overtime win over the Rockets in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Ayton failed to have a meaningful impact for a second straight game, recording just two points despite playing heavy minutes. Although the Lakers now lead the series 3-0, Ayton's questionable defensive efforts cannot be unseen. While advancing to the next round feels like a very real possibility for Los Angeles, a potential matchup with the Thunder is cause for concern given Oklahoma City's sizable interior.

Sengun supplied 33 points (15-27 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 16 rebounds, six assists, three steals and one block across 47 minutes in Friday's 112-108 overtime loss to the Lakers in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs.

Sengun struggled from downtown but was efficient from two-point range en route to a game-high 33 points. The star big man also led all players in rebounds and finished second on the Rockets in assists, taking on increased responsibilities with Kevin Durant (ankle) sidelined. Sengun and the Rockets will now attempt to stave off elimination at home in Sunday's Game 4.

Kornet will start Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Trail Blazers, Danny Marang of 1080 The Fan Portland reports.

With Victor Wembanyama (concussion) sidelined, Kornet will get the starting nod as San Antonio looks to retake the series lead. The big man averaged 7.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 blocks in 25.8 minutes per contest over 25 regular-season starts.

Wembanyama (concussion) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Trail Blazers, Sean Highkin of Rip City Radio 620 Portland reports.

Wembanyama sustained a concussion in Tuesday's Game 2 loss and will be held out of Friday's contest after going through San Antonio's morning shootaround. The star big man's next chance to play will come in Portland on Sunday. With Wembanyama out, Luke Kornet will likely get the starting nod, while Carter Bryant and Harrison Barnes could also see increased burn.

Embiid (abdomen) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 against the Celtics, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

As expected, Embiid will remain on the shelf after undergoing an appendectomy April 10. However, it's an encouraging sign that he was initially upgraded to doubtful, and his next opportunity to play will come in Sunday's Game 4. Adem Bona will likely continue to start in Embiid's stead.

Williams (foot) won't play in Game 3 on Saturday against the Thunder, per Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.

The fourth-year big man is sidelined for a fourth consecutive contest due to a left foot issue. His next and potentially final chance to return in 2025-26 arrives during Game 4 on Monday. Oso Ighodaro should draw a fourth straight start at center for the Suns, while Khaman Maluach should handle the backup role once again.

Wembanyama (concussion) went through morning shootaround Friday, per Jared Weiss of The Athletic.

The superstar big man is trending in the right direction for Game 3 on Friday in Portland, though it remains to be seen if he'll be able to pass each step of the league's concussion protocol. Luke Kornet would figure to draw the start at center for the Spurs if Wembanyama is unable to get the green light, and Harrison Barnes would also be in line for a boost in playing time in the frontcourt.

Jokic posted 27 points (7-26 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 11-11 FT), 15 rebounds, three assists and two steals across 35 minutes during Thursday's 113-96 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Although his counting stats were great, Jokic had a nightmare shooting the ball with Rudy Gobert making his life difficult. Through the opening three games, Jokic is averaging 25.3 points on 40.0 percent shooting with 14.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.0 steals.

Gobert notched 10 points (3-7 FG, 4-5 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks across 36 minutes during Thursday's 113-96 win over the Nuggets in Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Gobert was solid on both ends of the floor as he once again made life difficult for Nikola Jokic. Denver's franchise player shot 7-for-26 from the field. Through three playoff games, Gobert is averaging 9.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals.

Allen closed with 12 points (5-7 FG, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist, three blocks and two steals across 26 minutes during Thursday's 126-104 loss to the Raptors in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Allen actually had some solid success in this contest but picked up four fouls along the way. Through three games in this series, Allen holds averages of 10.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 26.7 minutes per contest.