NBA Player News

Clingan totaled four points (2-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt), seven rebounds and one assist in 22 minutes during Sunday's 111-98 loss to San Antonio in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The second-year center had recorded double-doubles in his last two regular-season matchups with the Spurs, but Clingan simply couldn't handle Victor Wembanyama in the latter's playoff debut. Through seven contests in April, Clingan is averaging 10.0 points, 10.4 boards, 2.1 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.4 threes over 26.1 minutes, and he'll need to raise his game if Portland is going to avoid a quick exit.

Duren notched eight points (3-4 FG, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds, one assist and one block in 33 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 loss to Orlando in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Duren was unable to make a significant impact, turning in one of his worst performances of the season. Despite playing 33 minutes, it was simply a rough night for Duren, who played a passive role on both ends of the floor and posted his worst scoring output since March 5. Based on the season he has put together, Duren will almost certainly be better when the two teams face off again in Game 2.

Carter recorded 17 points (8-9 FG, 1-2 3Pt), seven rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals over 37 minutes during Sunday's 112-101 victory over the Pistons in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Carter was at his best in the win, chipping in across all major categories as Orlando came out of the blocks with a bang. While his production has been a little up and down throughout the season, Carter has been a consistent part of the rotation. After having limited Jalen Duren to just eight points and seven rebounds, Carter should expect a tougher go of things when the two teams meet again in Game 2.

Maluach closed with zero points (0-2 FG) and three rebounds in 15 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Maluach played a handful of extra minutes, as Phoenix was never really in the game against Oklahoma City. With Mark Williams (foot) still sidelined, the Suns' center depth is going to be tested. Based on what we saw in Game 1, there is a chance this series could be over sooner rather than later.

Ighodaro recorded zero points (0-3 FG), nine rebounds and three assists across 26 minutes during Sunday's 119-84 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Ighodaro remained in the starting lineup after Mark Williams was once again ruled out due to a foot concern. However, the good news ends there, with Ighodaro failing to score despite playing 26 minutes. Phoenix was completely outplayed on both ends of the floor, a trend that is going to be hard to buck. If Williams is to miss further time, Ighodaro will certainly need to provide more, should the Suns have any hope against the rampaging Thunder.

Reed will come off the bench for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Magic on Sunday, Eric Vincent of ClutchPoints.com reports.

This is an expected development with Jalen Duren healthy again. Reed was sharp in a spot start for the regular-season finale with 26 points (11-11 FG, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks in 21 minutes.

Okongwu is questionable for Monday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Knicks due to right knee inflammation.

Okongwu put together a solid performance in Game 1, logging 19 points and seven rebounds, but he appears to have picked up a right knee injury during the game, putting his status in question for Monday. If he is unable to go, Mouhamed Gueye and Tony Bradley would be candidates for increased roles.

Bryant (calf) is out for Monday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Raptors.

Bryant will remain sidelined for his sixth straight game, though head coach Kenny Atkinson did indicate he's trending in the right direction. For now, he can be considered questionable for Game 3 on Thursday.

Queta posted 13 points (5-5 FG, 3-4 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one block over 15 minutes during the Celtics' 123-91 win over the 76ers in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs Sunday.

Both Queta and Nikola Vucevic found themselves in foul trouble in the first half, which prompted head coach Joe Mazulla to deploy Luka Garza more than anticipated. Queta still scored in double digits despite the lack of playing time, and if he can avoid foul trouble, he could have some productive stat lines in Round 1 while going up against Andre Drummond and Adem Bona, though Queta would have his hands full on the defensive end of the floor if Joel Embiid (appendectomy) is cleared to return.

Carlson is not in the Thunder's starting lineup for Sunday's Game 1 of their Western Conference first-round series on Sunday, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports.

Carlson started in the Thunder's final two games of the regular season and averaged 24.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 3.0 blocks and 1.0 steals over 39.5 minutes per game. He'll revert to the bench for the Thunder's playoff opener, and he's unlikely to see much playing time in the postseason outside of garbage time.