NBA Player News

Gobert posted three points (1-2 FG, 1-1 FT), seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in 29 minutes during Monday's 125-113 loss to the Nuggets in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Gobert pulled down seven rebounds, but he attempted only two shots and connected on one in the loss. A low point total isn't uncommon for the veteran, but his shot volume was conspicuously low. He's recorded fewer than three shot attempts just six times this season. Gobert has recorded a double-double during the series, so he has the ability to put the pieces together despite the imposing presence of Nikola Jokic.

Jokic produced 27 points (9-15 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 8-10 FT), 12 rebounds, 16 assists and two blocks in 38 minutes during Monday's 125-113 win over the Timberwolves in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Jokic was much improved from the field after hitting at a rate of 39.1 percent over the first four games of the series. The 31-year-old also impressed as a playmaker, which helped him record his second triple-double of the first round. The Nuggets will need this version of Jokic to show up again in Game 6 to help extend the series.

Reid (ankle) returned to Monday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against Denver during the fourth quarter, Jace Frederick of St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Reid went to the locker room after appearing to turn his ankle, but he was spotted back on the bench shortly after and was cleared to check back in during the final period. He'll presumably be a full go down the stretch of Monday's clash.

Reid left Monday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Nuggets with an apparent right ankle injury, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Tim Hardaway looked to step on Reid's foot, causing the LSU product to turn his ankle. He was down in pain immediately after the play but was later able to limp back to the locker room under his own power. Reid can be considered questionable to return until further notice.

Embiid (abdomen) is probable for Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Boston on Tuesday, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.

Embiid put together a strong final line in his Game 4 return, and the fact he's being considered probable for Tuesday's matchup is presumably a sign he managed to avoid any type of setback. The Sixers should have the final word on his availability for Game 5 closer to tipoff.

Sengun produced 19 points (6-12 FG, 7-13 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal over 33 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 win over the Lakers in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The Rockets were able to pull one game back in this series to stay alive after getting a balanced attack from all five starters in the absence of Kevin Durant (ankle). Through four games, Sengun holds averages of 22.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.3 blocks and 2.3 steals in 37.8 minutes per contest.

Queta closed Sunday's 128-96 victory over the 76ers in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with nine points (3-3 FG, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and one block across 17 minutes.

For the second straight game, Queta saw a reduced workload after picking up four fouls. That's been an issue all series, with the center averaging just 18.3 minutes through four games with 9.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.

Embiid contributed 26 points (9-21 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Sunday's 128-96 loss to Boston in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Embiid provided extra spark, but he wasn't enough to turn the tide against the Celtics. After a red-hot start, he missed seven consecutive shots down the stretch and looked visibly tired. He also reported pain during a postgame interview, indicating that he was still experiencing complications from his appendix surgery. The team desperately needs his output to stay in contention, but his participation is in doubt based on how tired he looked in the second half.

Clingan chipped in five points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3Pt), six rebounds and one block over 14 minutes during Sunday's 114-93 loss to the Spurs in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Clingan continues to provide modest production, seemingly no match for the newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Through four games, Clingan has averaged just 6.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks. If Portland is to force the series to a sixth game, Clingan is going to have to come up with some out-of-the-box solutions.

Ayton has been ejected from Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.

Ayton was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for a hit to the head while guarding Alperen Sengun. He concludes the contest with 19 points (9-12 FG, 1-1 FT) and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes. Jaxson Hayes figures to see more time with Ayton out.