NBA Player News

Towns accumulated 21 points (9-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 17 rebounds, one assist and one block over 35 minutes during Wednesday's 91-90 win over Boston in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Towns delivered an improved performance, largely avoiding foul trouble, allowing him to end as the dominant big man. With Kristaps Porzingis limited due to an ongoing illness, Towns was primarily matched up against Al Horford. Although Horford is a proven commodity, he is at the backend of his career, a fact not lost on Towns. The Knicks will now head back to New York with a 2-0 series lead, only two wins away from advancing to the Conference Finals.

Porzingis will come off the bench during Wednesday's game against the Knicks, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Porzingis will be in the second unit Wednesday for the first time during these NBA playoffs. The veteran scorer played only 13 minutes during Game 1 due to an illness, which has resulted in Al Horford replacing him in the starting lineup for Game 2.

Horford will be in the starting lineup for Game 2 against the Knicks, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Horford will be a starter for the fifth time during this playoff run, as he will replace Kristaps Porzingis in the first unit. In the four previous starts, Horford has averaged 7.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, shooting 44.4 percent and 36.4 percent from beyond the arc.

Porzingis (illness) is available for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Knicks on Wednesday, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

Porzingis played 13 minutes in Monday's Game 1 loss to New York and didn't see the court in the second half and overtime due to an illness. He was able to participate in Wednesday morning's shootaround and has been cleared to return for Game 2, though he'll come off the bench while Al Horford shifts to the starting lineup. Porzingis averaged 12.0 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.8 steals over 27.4 minutes during the Celtics' first-round series against the Magic. However, he connected on just 35.2 percent of his field-goal attempts (including 11.8 percent from three on 3.4 3PA/G).

Looney accumulated two points (1-2 FG), six rebounds, one block and two steals across 14 minutes during Tuesday's 99-88 victory over the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

With coach Steve Kerr slowly moving away from Quinten Post, Looney's role could grow in this series as the team could use his size to match up with Rudy Gobert. And with Stephen Curry (hamstring) now ruled out through Game 4, the Warriors could potentially utilize some bigger lineups, which would benefit Looney.

Reid posted 19 points (8-14 FG, 3-7 3Pt), five rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Tuesday's 99-88 loss to the Warriors in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

Reid was one of the standout players for the Timberwolves. In a game where the frontcourt struggled badly, the big man stepped up and made his presence felt on both ends of the court. Even though he had to leave the game in the latter stages of the second quarter due to an apparent hamstring problem, he didn't show any effects in the second half and should be ready to continue playing his sizable role off the bench going forward.

Porzingis (illness) was present at Wednesday's morning shootaround, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

After missing the final 2.5 quarters of Game 1 against the Knicks, Porzingis appears on track to give it a go for Game 2 -- he's currently listed as probable on the official injury report. The Celtics aren't likely to be at full strength, however, as Sam Hauser (ankle) is doubtful.

Turner racked up 23 points (8-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), eight rebounds, one assist, five blocks and one steal in 35 minutes during Tuesday's 120-119 victory over Cleveland in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

According to StatMuse, Turner joined Jermaine O'Neal as the only Pacers to record 23 points, eight rebounds and five blocks in a postseason game. Siakam has been excellent for Indiana, posting averages of 17.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 2.6 blocks across seven playoff outings.

Allen contributed 22 points (7-9 FG, 8-8 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks across 38 minutes during Tuesday's 120-119 loss to the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Allen recorded his fourth double-double of the playoffs while adding at least three blocks for just the third time all season. With Evan Mobley sidelined due to an ankle injury, Allen played as the lone big, affording him an opportunity to play closer to the basket. There is no word on whether Mobley will return for Game 3, although given the Cavaliers now trail 2-0, he will likely be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.

Reid (hamstring) is available to return in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Warriors on Tuesday, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Reid sustained an apparent left hamstring injury during the second quarter and exited to the locker room. However, the big man went through his halftime warmup and should be able to shoulder his usual workload the rest of the way.