NBA Player News

Barrett tallied 25 points (9-19 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 5-9 FT), 12 rebounds and five assists in 38 minutes during Wednesday's 125-120 loss to the Cavaliers in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Barrett was relatively efficient in this one, though he did struggle at the charity stripe. Still, the 25-year-old forward led the Raptors in scoring and has now reached the 20-point threshold in four of five first-round outings. He also recorded his first double-double of the season with a game- and season-best 12 rebounds. Barrett and the Raptors will aim to stave off elimination in Friday's Game 6 in Toronto, though they could be without Brandon Ingram, who left Wednesday's loss early due to right heel inflammation.

Harden produced 23 points (7-13 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in 40 minutes during Wednesday's Game 5 win over the Raptors in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

After dropping two straight games, the Cavaliers took care of business at home to reestablish their series lead. Harden has been solid through five games, posting averages of 22.0 points, 6.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 3.2 three-pointers.

Cunningham posted 45 points (13-23 FG, 5-8 3Pt, 14-14 FT), five assists, four rebounds and one steal across 44 minutes in Wednesday's 116-109 win over the Magic in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The star point guard turned in an efficient performance and tied Paolo Banchero for the game-high mark in points. Cunningham scored 20 points in the second quarter alone and finished one point away from tying his career high. His efficiency was also extremely encouraging, as he had shot just 32.6 percent from the floor in the previous two games. Cunningham and the Pistons will look to stave off elimination once again in Friday's Game 6 in Orlando.

Banchero registered 45 points (17-31 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 5-12 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 41 minutes during Wednesday's 116-109 loss to the Pistons in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Banchero matched Cade Cunningham's 45 points, but it wasn't enough as the Magic now hold a 3-2 series lead. With 45 points on the night, Banchero now holds the second-highest scoring total in Orlando's postseason history. If Franz Wagner (calf) continues to miss time, it's clear that Banchero is going to have the greenest of lights.

Reaves (oblique) won't start Wednesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Reaves has been cleared to return to action following an extended absence due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain, though he'll come off the bench and may have his minutes monitored. Still, his return will leave fewer minutes available for guys like Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James.

Reaves (oblique) is available for Wednesday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Reaves hasn't played since April 2 due to a Grade 2 left oblique strain, though he'll return to action as the Lakers attempt to close out this series. It's unclear whether the 27-year-old guard will operate under a minutes restriction, but his return will leave fewer minutes available for guys like Luke Kennard, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James.

Thompson briefly left Wednesday's Game 5 against the Magic and went back to the locker room, though he returned to the game moments later, Eric Vincent of ClutchPoints.com reports.

He landed awkwardly after a block attempt and was limping on his way to the back, but he has since returned and appears to be moving around fine.

Ingram will not return to Wednesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Cavaliers due to right heel inflammation, Kayla Grey of TSN reports. He'll finish with one point (0-2 FG, 1-2 FT), two assists, one rebound and one block across 11 minutes.

Ingram exited to the locker room to get his right heel checked out and has now been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. With the veteran swingman unavailable, Ja'Kobe Walter, Jamal Shead and Jamison Battle are candidates for increased playing time.

Strus will start Wednesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Raptors, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

After shooting 0-for-5 from the field across 21 minutes of action in Sunday's Game 4 loss, Strus will get the starting nod over Dean Wade on Wednesday. As a starter during the 2025-26 regular season (five games), Strus averaged 10.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 24.6 minutes per tilt.

Wade will come off the bench for Wednesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Raptors, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

With the Cavaliers dropping two straight games in this series, the team will shift Max Strus into the first unit. Wade is averaging 5.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 25.3 minutes through four postseason games.