NBA Player News

Shead will start Friday's Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Cavaliers, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Brandon Ingram (heel) won't play in Friday's do-or-die matchup, opening the door for Shead to enter the starting five. The second-year guard started Games 1 and 2, during which he averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting 43.8 percent from the field in 33.0 minutes per tilt.

Harris (ankle) is available for Friday's Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Magic.

Harris will shed his questionable tag due to a left ankle sprain and suit up for this win-or-go-home matchup. The veteran forward has reached the 20-point threshold in three straight games, and across five first-round outings, he has averaged 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.4 assists and 1.0 blocks in 34.6 minutes per showing.

Huerter (adductor) is out for Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs Friday against the Magic, per Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.

The Pistons won't have Huerter available for a second straight win-or-go-home contest, so the team will have to turn elsewhere to fill out the reserve minutes. Daniss Jenkins, Caris LeVert and Javonte Green are all candidates for increased playing time Friday.

Ingram (heel) is out for Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs Friday against Cleveland, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca.

After exiting Wednesday's Game 5 loss due to right heel inflammation, Ingram will not give it a go Friday. The Raptors will be hoping the likes of Ja'Kobe Walter, Collin Murray-Boyles and Jamal Shead step up Friday and help force a Game 7 back in Cleveland.

Embiid (abdomen) is listed as probable for Saturday's Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics.

Embiid has played in each of Philadelphia's last three games and is expected to suit up for Saturday's win-or-go-home matchup in Boston. The star big man has averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.4 combined steals-plus-blocks in 35.7 minutes per contest through three first-round appearances.

Isaac (knee) is out for Friday's Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Detroit.

As expected, the Magic have downgraded Isaac from doubtful to out for Game 6 due to a left knee sprain. If the Pistons survive Friday and force a Game 7, Isaac wouldn't appear to be in line to be available for that contest either.

Nnaji ended with no counting stats across three minutes during Thursday's 110-98 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Playing in his sixth NBA season, Nnaji was once again used very sparingly by the Nuggets. He made just 52 regular-season appearances, posting averages of 3.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 12.0 minutes per contest.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Tatum is good to go for Saturday's Game 7 against the 76ers, Brian Robb of MassLive.com reports.

Tatum briefly went to the locker room during the second half of Game 6, but he downplayed it after the loss, saying they played it safe with the score out of hand. Additionally, Mazzulla said he has no concerns about Tatum's leg ahead of Game 7.

Valanciunas posted two points (1-3 FG) and two rebounds over four minutes during Thursday's 110-98 loss to Minnesota in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Valanciunas was essentially a non-factor in this playoff series with 6.3 minutes per night across four contests. He played a minimal role in the regular season as well, averaging 13.4 minutes per night across 65 contests with 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists.

Jones closed with four points (2-4 FG), three assists and one steal in 12 minutes during Thursday's 110-98 loss to Minnesota in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Jones logged just three postseason appearances for the Nuggets for an average of 10.0 minutes per contest. Denver picked up Jones after he was waived by Dallas, but he was used sparingly with 11 regular-season appearances and 8.4 minutes per contest.