NBA Player News
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Paul Reed C | DET
Pistons' Paul Reed: Makes first appearance of series
Reed tallied 11 points (4-4 FG, 3-3 FT) and three rebounds over 10 minutes during the Pistons' 116-109 loss to the Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Saturday.
Reed was a healthy DNP for the first two games of the series, but the veteran big man checked in during the third quarter of Saturday's game. He made an immediate impact off the bench, connecting on all of his shots from both the field and charity stripe, and his plus-11 point differential was second-best on the Pistons behind Ausar Thompson (plus-12). Given his solid play off the bench in Game 3, Reed should be part of Detroit's rotation for Game 4 on Monday.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Likely to play in Game 4
Embiid (hip) is listed as probable for Sunday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks.
Embiid was unable to play in Game 2 due to an ankle injury. He returned for Game 3 on Friday and played 35 minutes in a 108-94 loss, and while he's now dealing with a hip issue, the injury doesn't appear to be severe enough for him to miss Sunday's do-or-die contest. Embiid has averaged 24.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.0 blocks over 34.3 minutes per game across six postseason contests.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Logs 34 minutes in return
Embiid accumulated 18 points (7-17 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT), six rebounds, five assists and three blocks across 35 minutes during Friday's 108-94 loss to New York in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
After missing Game 2 due to injury, Embiid returned to action Friday. While his numbers have been fine since returning in Game 4 against the Celtics, it is clear that Embiid is functioning at well below 100 percent. In six postseason appearances, he has recorded just six blocks while grabbing double-digit boards on only three occasions. Philadelphia now trails 3-0, with Game 4 scheduled for Sunday.
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Karl-Anthony Towns C | NY
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns: Limited by foul trouble again
Towns posted eight points (3-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 12 rebounds, seven assists and one block over 26 minutes during Friday's 108-94 victory over the 76ers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Towns was limited to fewer than 29 minutes for the fourth straight game, picking up his third foul midway through the second quarter. Despite some ongoing issues on the defensive end. Towns has been rock solid for the Knicks during the postseason. As per usual, his rebound numbers have been elite; however, his assist numbers have been the real talking point. Through nine games, he is averaging 6.1 assists per game, well up on his season average of 3.4.
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Victor Wembanyama C | SA
Spurs' Victor Wembanyama: Erupts for 39 points with 15 boards
Wembanyama chipped in 39 points (13-18 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 10-12 FT), 15 rebounds, one assist, five blocks and one steal across 37 minutes during Friday's 115-108 victory over Minnesota in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.
Wembanyama had the hot hand early for San Antonio, and with his three-point shot falling, there wasn't much Minnesota could do to stop him. He became just the fifth player in NBA history to double-double with two-plus swats in five of his first seven postseason games and joined Hakeem Olajuwon as the only other player in NBA history to put up 35 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks in a road playoff game.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Available for Game 3
Embiid (ankle) is available for Friday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against New York, Tim Bontemps of ESPN.com reports.
Embiid didn't suit up for Game 2 and was considered day-to-day. However, he was spotted on the court during warmups and now officially has the green light to suit up. The 32-year-old struggled in Game 1, finishing with 14 points, four rebounds and one assist in 25 minutes. With Embiid available, Andre Drummond will head back to the bench after starting Wednesday night.
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Andre Drummond C | PHI
76ers' Andre Drummond: Headed to bench Friday
Drummond will come off the bench in Friday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.
Joel Embiid (ankle) is back and starting, so Drummond will shift back to the second unit. As a reserve this postseason, Drummond owns averages of 4.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Going through warmups Friday
Embiid (ankle) was spotted going through warmups ahead of Friday's Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks, Paul Hudrick of Liberty Ballers reports.
Embiid is still listed as questionable. However, his presence during warmups is an encouraging sign regarding his availability for Game 3. If Embiid suffers a setback and can't get on the floor, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona would likely continue to share time at the five.
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Mitchell Robinson C | NY
Knicks' Mitchell Robinson: Will play in Game 3
Robinson (illness) will play in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the 76ers on Friday, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.
Robinson missed Wednesday's Game 2 win with an illness, but he'll be back in action Friday and should see his usual minutes behind Karl-Anthony Towns. Robinson is averaging 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game this postseason.
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Jarrett Allen C | CLE
Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen: Drops 22 points in Game 2 loss
Allen notched 22 points (7-9 FG, 8-10 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 31 minutes during Thursday's 107-97 loss to the Pistons in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Allen turned things around after a disappointing effort in Game 1, scoring 22 points for the second time in the past three games. Although he continues to battle foul trouble, Allen was at least able to push back over 30 minutes, albeit in a losing effort. With the series now headed to Cleveland, Allen will be hoping to repeat his efforts as the Cavaliers look to build some much-needed momentum.