NBA Player News

Merrill recorded four points (1-8 FG, 0-7 3Pt, 2-4 FT) across 23 minutes during Thursday's 109-93 loss to the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Merrill failed to land a single three-pointer for the first time in the past seven games, despite a number of good looks, particularly in the opening quarter. After scoring double digits in three straight games, Merrill simply couldn't find his rhythm, contributing to an underwhelming performance by Cleveland. Now trailing the series 2-0, the Cavaliers will head home for what is a must-win game Saturday.

Mitchell finished with 26 points (8-18 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 8-9 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one block over 39 minutes in Thursday's 109-93 loss to New York in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Mitchell hasn't been the most efficient shooter during the first two games of the series, going 6-for-18 from behind the arc. He managed to take better care of the ball Thursday after committing four turnovers in Game 1. Still, the 29-year-old couldn't do enough to lift the Cavaliers to a win to tie the series up at one game each. There were rumblings that Mitchell might have sustained a leg injury in the 115-104 overtime loss to the Knicks to begin the Eastern Conference Finals. However, nothing has been confirmed. The clubs will meet for Game 3 on Saturday, and it will be interesting to see if Mitchell pops up on the injury report heading into that contest.

Hart recorded 26 points (10-21 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 1-2 FT), four rebounds, seven assists and two steals in 33 minutes during Thursday's 109-93 win in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Cleveland.

Hart paced the Knicks in the scoring column, and while he temporarily exited the game in the third quarter after tweaking his ankle, he was cleared to return for the final period to help close out Game 2. The Villanova product enjoyed the majority of his scoring success from beyond the arc Thursday, and his five made treys marks his best effort of the postseason. Hart also excelled as a playmaker and on the defensive end, where he accounted for two of New York's five swipes.

Hart (ankle) returned to Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Cavaliers, per the television broadcast.

Hart tweaked his ankle after an awkward landing in the third quarter. He was observed limping after it happened and exited to the locker room. However, it's apparent Hart felt well enough to get back on the floor, although it wouldn't be surprising to see him added to the injury report ahead of Game 3 on Saturday.

Hart (ankle) exited Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Cleveland, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.

Hart has played well throughout the contest, amassing a game-high 24 points with five assists, two rebounds and two steals. He injured his ankle in the third quarter and was observed walking gingerly. If Hart can't return Thursday, Miles McBride and Landry Shamet will presumably absorb most of his minutes the rest of the way.

Harper is questionable for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Thunder on Friday due to right adductor soreness, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Harper picked up the injury during Wednesday's Game 2 and was ultimately shut down for the night. His availability for Friday's clash will likely hinge on how he feels during shootaround and warmups.

Williams (hamstring) is questionable for Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals versus San Antonio, per Clemente Almanza of USA Today.

Williams is battling another left hamstring injury in the aftermath of Wednesday's Game 2 win, and his status could be determined by his ability to make it through Friday's pregame warmups with no setbacks. If the star forward is out or limited in any capacity, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and especially Ajay Mitchell would all be options for expanded roles.

Williams (hamstring) is considered day-to-day, per Shams Charania of ESPN.

The star forward left Wednesday's Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals versus San Antonio due to a left hamstring injury, and he's set to undergo treatment. It sounds like Williams has a chance to be available for Game 3 on Friday, but it's still unclear if he's dealing only with soreness or another strain. If he's unable to gut it out Friday, Isaiah Joe, Jared McCain and especially Ajay Mitchell would all be candidates for increased roles.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Thursday on NBA Today that Fox (ankle) will be a game-time decision for Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals versus Oklahoma City,

Fox has missed each of the Spurs' past two contests due to right ankle soreness, and he'll presumably go through Friday's pregame warmups before San Antonio decides if he's able to play. With Dylan Harper's (leg) status also up in the air, both Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes might be thrust into significant roles Friday.

Castle totaled 25 points (10-17 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, eight assists and one steal across 38 minutes during Wednesday's 122-113 loss to the Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals.

Castle was in attack mode from the jump, throwing down some highlight-reel jams and scoring most of his points in the paint. However, he struggled from beyond the arc, finished with a game-high nine turnovers and was a minus-11 in the nine-point loss. He'll need to do a better job of taking care of the rock when the series returns to San Antonio for Game 3 on Friday.