NBA Player News

Sheppard will start Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Lakers, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

After coming off the bench and playing just 11 minutes in Tuesday's Game 2 loss, Sheppard will return to the first unit. The second-year guard started Saturday's Game 1 loss, during which he posted 17 points, eight assists, one rebound, one steal and one block in 36 minutes.

Eason will start Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Lakers, Lachard Binkley of SI.com reports.

With Kevin Durant (ankle) sidelined, Eason and Reed Sheppard will slide back into the starting lineup, while Josh Okogie heads to the bench. As a starter this season (34 games), Eason averaged 10.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 28.4 minutes.

Durant (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Lakers, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.

Durant missed Game 1 due to a knee tendon bruise he suffered in practice but returned for Game 2, posting 23 points (7-12 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 8-9 FT), six rebounds, four assists, one block and one steal across 41 minutes. However, the veteran superstar sprained his left ankle during the loss and won't be available for Game 3, as the series shifts to Houston. Per Charania, the Rockets are expected to start Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason, Jabari Smith and Alperen Sengun on Friday. Durant's next, and perhaps final, chance to suit up this season will come in Sunday's Game 4.

Watson is out for Game 4 on Saturday against Minnesota.

Watson will be on the sidelines for a ninth consecutive contest Saturday due to a left hamstring strain, and it doesn't appear that the fourth-year forward is close to returning. The Nuggets should continue to depend more heavily on Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson on the wing Saturday.

Gordon (calf) is listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 4 against the Timberwolves.

Gordon is in danger of missing a second straight game due to left calf tightness. If the veteran forward is not cleared to play, Spencer Jones, Tim Hardaway and Zeke Nnaji would be candidates for increased playing time.

Clark (illness) is off the injury report for Game 4 on Saturday versus Denver.

After sitting out Minnesota's Game 3 win over the Nuggets on Thursday, Clark has recovered from an illness. However, he's unlikely to see meaningful playing time off the bench Saturday.

Shannon (illness) is off the injury report for Game 4 on Saturday versus Denver.

Shannon wasn't available for Game 3 on Thursday due to an illness, but he's feeling better and ready to go for Game 4. That said, Shannon's presence is unlikely to affect Minnesota's rotation Saturday.

Edwards (undisclosed) isn't listed on the injury report for Saturday's Game 4 against the Nuggets.

Edwards exited to the locker room in the fourth quarter of Thursday's Game 3 win due to undisclosed reasons, though he's set to play in Game 4. The superstar guard has averaged 23.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 blocks in 34.0 minutes per contest through three first-round games.

Embiid (abdomen) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 3 against the Celtics, Kyle Neubeck of AllPHLY.com reports.

As expected, Embiid will remain on the shelf after undergoing an appendectomy April 10. However, it's an encouraging sign that he was initially upgraded to doubtful, and his next opportunity to play will come in Sunday's Game 4. Adem Bona will likely continue to start in Embiid's stead.

Quickley (hamstring) is out for the remainder of Toronto's first-round series against Cleveland, per NBA reporter Marc Stein.

Quickley has suffered a setback with his right hamstring strain amid the rehab process and won't be available at any point during the quarterfinals. The sixth-year guard would now need the Raptors to advance to the second round of the playoffs in order to have a chance to return in 2025-26. With Quickley on the shelf, Jamal Shead should continue to start at point guard while Ja'Kobe Walter sees a boost in usage in the backcourt.