NBA Player News

Gobert recorded two points (1-2 FG), six rebounds, one assist and one block over 24 minutes during Saturday's 117-95 win over the Lakers in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Gobert took a back seat, playing limited minutes against a Lakers team renowned for going small. While it was a disappointing effort, the fact that Los Angeles doesn't have an impactful center is likely to see Gobert used sporadically throughout the series. Both teams will remain in Los Angeles for Game 2, with the Timberwolves looking to take a stranglehold on the series.

Jokic contributed 29 points (12-24 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT), nine rebounds, 12 assists, one block and three steals in 46 minutes during Saturday's 112-110 overtime victory over the Clippers in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The three-time MVP came up big as expected for the Nuggets, with his two free throws late in OT providing the winning margin. Jokic fell just short of his 19th career playoff triple-double, and he's been an even bigger defensive asset than usual of late, recording multiple steals in eight straight appearances dating back to March 28.

Zubac closed Saturday's 112-110 overtime loss to Denver in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 21 points (10-15 FG, 1-4 FT), 13 rebounds, two assists and one steal over 39 minutes.

The 28-year-old center wrapped up the regular season with a double-double in 15 straight games, and Zubac picked up where he left off to begin the postseason. During those 16 contests, he's averaging 19.3 points, 13.4 boards, 3.3 assists and 0.9 blocks, and even getting matched up against Nikola Jokic doesn't seem to be able to slow him down.

Turner totaled 19 points (7-12 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, two assists, four blocks and one steal in 31 minutes during Saturday's 117-98 victory over Milwaukee in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The 29-year-old center dominated at the rim, recording multiple rejections for the sixth time in seven April appearances. Turner is averaging 17.1 points, 6.0 boards, 3.6 blocks, 2.4 threes and 1.3 assists on the month, and his defensive presence will likely be a difference-maker for Indiana if the team advances to the next round.

Sims (thumb) played 10 minutes Saturday in the Bucks' 117-98 loss to the Pacers in Game 1 of the first-round playoff series, finishing with two rebounds and one block.

After requiring surgery March 17 to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb and missing the final 15 games of the regular season, Sims showed enough improvement over the past week to gain clearance for the Bucks' postseason opener. Though Bobby Portis returned from his 25-game suspension at the tail end of the regular season to bolster the Bucks' frontcourt depth, head coach Doc Rivers was still able to find a spot in the rotation for Sims, who handled a light role off the bench while starting center Brook Lopez was limited to 21 minutes. Unless a 20-to-25-minute role becomes the norm for Lopez, Sims likely won't see his role increase as the series unfolds, and he could even be at risk of falling out of the rotation entirely. Damian Lillard has been cleared to resume on-court work after he had been diagnosed in March with a blood clot in his right calf, and if he's back in action for Game 2 on Tuesday, he would likely poach minutes from Sims and a few other supporting players.

Len is not in the starting lineup for Game 1 against the Timberwolves on Saturday, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Lakers rested most of their regulars for the regular-season finale against the Trail Blazers on April 13, so Len got the start at center, but that won't be the case for this postseason opener. Jaxson Hayes will start at center, meaning Len will be limited to a secondary role off the bench.

Hartenstein (Achilles) is available Sunday for Game 1 of the Thunder's first-round playoff series with the Grizzlies.

Hartenstein missed the final three games of the regular season due to left Achilles tendinitis, but his absences were likely a result of Oklahoma City having already secured the NBA's top record. During his first season in Oklahoma City, Hartenstein averaged 11.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.8 steals in 57 appearances.

Holmgren (back) has been upgraded to available for Game 1 against the Grizzlies on Sunday.

Holmgren missed the final two games of the regular season, but it was only because the Thunder were extremely cautious with the big man since OKC had already secured the top seed in the Western Conference. However, Holmgren should be ready to handle his regular two-way workload. The second-year big man was limited to only 32 appearances in the regular season, but he still averaged 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 2.0 assists per game.

Hukporti (knee) is available for Saturday's Game 1 against the Pistons.

The big man will be available for the series opener, although don't expect him to play meaningful minutes in the rotation. With Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson available, Hukporti will be the third-string center in the rotation.

Edey contributed 15 points (7-9 FG, 1-3 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 32 minutes during Friday's 120-106 Play-In Game win over Dallas.

Edey continues to play his best basketball of the season, recording his second straight double-double. He has now logged at least 30 minutes in five consecutive games, playing typical starters minutes after consistency had been an issue throughout his rookie campaign. With Brandon Clarke (knee) unavailable for the remainder of the season, Edey has been thrust into a more sizeable role. In 13 games over the past month, he has averaged 10.3 points, 11.8 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 26.4 minutes per game. He should continue to play a crucial role when the Grizzlies take on the Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, a team that has the ability to play big, with the likes of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.