NBA Player News

Duren racked up 11 points (4-10 FG, 3-5 FT), nine rebounds, four assists and one steal in 32 minutes during Wednesday's 98-83 victory over the Magic in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Duren reached double figures in scoring but fell one rebound shy of a double-double in the Pistons' blowout win to even the series at one apiece. Coming off a breakout regular season in which he averaged 19.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists on 65 percent shooting across 70 games, the 22-year-old has posted more modest numbers through two postseason contests, averaging 9.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 50 percent shooting. While a big effort wasn't needed in Wednesday's win, Duren will need to play closer to his regular-season level for Detroit to make a deep playoff run.

Williams (foot) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Game 2 against the Thunder, Kellan Olson of ArizonaSports.com reports.

Williams will miss a third consecutive contest due to a left foot issue, and his next opportunity to play will come in Saturday's Game 3 in Phoenix. With the big man sidelined, Oso Ighodaro is expected to get the starting nod, while Ryan Dunn and Khaman Maluach are also candidates to see increased playing time.

Bryant is questionable for Game 3 on Thursday against the Raptors due to a left calf strain.

Bryant is looking to end a six-game absence with the injury Thursday. The veteran big man would likely serve as depth at center if he's able to suit up for Game 3, though it's possible Max Strus would lose out on a couple of minutes if the Cavaliers occasionally opt to deploy bigger lineups.

Hayes accumulated six points (1-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-5 FT), four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 21 minutes during Tuesday's 101-94 win over the Rockets in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Hayes had missed the Lakers' final four contests of the regular season due to left foot soreness, but he's back to handling his typical role as the top backup center behind Deandre Ayton this postseason. As long as Ayton stays healthy, however, Hayes could have a hard time cracking the 20-minute plateau on a consistent basis.

Sengun finished Tuesday's 101-94 loss to the Lakers in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 20 points (9-20 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and four steals over 35 minutes.

Sengun put together a strong line in Tuesday's win, but it wasn't enough as Houston dropped to a 2-0 series deficit. Through two games, he's averaging 19.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 blocks and 2.5 steals.

Williams closed Tuesday's 106-103 victory over the Spurs in Game 2 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 11 points (5-6 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-1 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, two blocks and one steal in 23 minutes.

Donovan Clingan has struggled in this series, so Williams may be asked to do a bit more going forward after making a strong impression Tuesday. He will be tasked with slowing down Victor Wembanyama, although San Antonio's franchise player is now in jeopardy of missing time with a concussion.

Drummond closed with 10 points (4-4 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 1-2 FT), eight rebounds, two assists and one steal in 26 minutes during Tuesday's 111-97 win over the Celtics in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Adem Bona continues to struggle as the fill-in starting center, while Drummond bounced back Tuesday after a lackluster effort in Game 1. Joel Embiid (abdomen) started his post-appendectomy strength and conditioning program Monday, but his status for Game 3 looks iffy at best.

Vucevic provided nine points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and one assist over 18 minutes during Tuesday's 111-97 loss to the 76ers in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Vucevic continues to play a limited role off the bench, providing Boston with modest production on both ends of the floor. The fact that he is playing purely as a backup despite the fact that Neemias Queta has been struggling highlights just how unimpactful Vucevic has been.

Kornet tallied 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and two steals across 28 minutes in Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 loss to the Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs.

Victor Wembanyama went down early in the second quarter and did not return due to a concussion, opening the door for Kornet to see increased run. The big man finished second on the Spurs in rebounds and was one of five San Antonio players to record multiple steals. He also scored in double figures for a second straight game. If Wembanyama is unable to play in Game 3 on Friday, Kornet would likely get the starting nod and see a bump in minutes.

Wembanyama has been diagnosed with a concussion and will undergo further testing Wednesday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Wembanyama exited Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 loss to the Trail Blazers after falling face-first onto the court in the second quarter. The star big man could still return for Game 3 in Portland on Friday depending on the severity of the injury, but for now, he should be considered highly questionable. If the 22-year-old is unable to play Friday, Luke Kornet would likely get the starting nod at center.