NBA Player News
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Nikola Vucevic C | BOS
Celtics' Nikola Vucevic: Limited production in loss
Vucevic provided nine points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and one assist over 18 minutes during Tuesday's 111-97 loss to the 76ers in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Vucevic continues to play a limited role off the bench, providing Boston with modest production on both ends of the floor. The fact that he is playing purely as a backup despite the fact that Neemias Queta has been struggling highlights just how unimpactful Vucevic has been.
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Kelly Oubre Jr. SF | PHI
76ers' Kelly Oubre: Modest performance in win
Oubre registered 12 points (5-10 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 0-1 FT) and five rebounds across 32 minutes during Tuesday's 111-97 victory over the Celtics in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Oubre scored double digits for the sixth straight game, although he offered very little in terms of peripheral production. He continues to play a major role for the 76ers, logging in excess of 30 minutes on most nights. With Tuesday's win, Philadelphia will now head home with the series tied at 1-1.
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Adem Bona PF | PHI
76ers' Adem Bona: Invisible despite start
Bona notched zero points (0-4 FG), three rebounds and one block over 22 minutes during Tuesday's 111-97 victory over the Celtics in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Bona started for the sixth straight game, although he continues to offer very little on either end of the floor. During that six-game stretch, Bona has averaged just 2.3 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game. While there is a chance we will see Joel Embiid (abdomen) before the series is done, Bona may need to have to have more of an impact moving forward.
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Quentin Grimes SG | PHI
76ers' Quentin Grimes: Modest production continues
Grimes logged six points (2-6 FG, 2-3 3Pt), three rebounds, one assist and one block over 21 minutes during Tuesday's 111-97 victory over the Celtics in Game 2 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Grimes continues to be more of a passenger than a valuable contributor, scoring no more than seven points for the sixth time in his past eight games. While this was an impressive road victory, Grimes may have to find something on the offensive end if Philadelphia hopes to push Boston all the way. The two teams will now head to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday.
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Jake LaRavia SF | LAL
Lakers' Jake LaRavia: Doesn't return Tuesday
LaRavia exited Tuesday's 101-94 Game 2 win over the Rockets in the fourth quarter and did not return due to an apparent right leg issue, finishing with zero points (0-2 FG, 0-1 3Pt), two rebounds and one block across 16 minutes.
LaRavia limped to the locker room with 5:05 remaining in the final quarter and was seemingly trying to stay off his right foot. If the 24-year-old wing is unable to play in Friday's Game 3 in Houston, Marcus Smart, Bronny James and Jarred Vanderbilt would be candidates to see a slight bump in minutes.
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Jake LaRavia SF | LAL
Lakers' Jake LaRavia: Leaves for locker room
LaRavia exited to the locker room in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's Game 2 against the Rockets due to an apparent right leg issue, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.
LaRavia was seemingly trying to stay off his right foot as he limped to the locker room with 5:05 remaining in the fourth quarter. It's unclear exactly what he is dealing with, though it wouldn't be surprising if the 24-year-old doesn't return in the final minutes of Tuesday's contest.
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Jrue Holiday PG | POR
Trail Blazers' Jrue Holiday: Comes close to double-double
Holiday logged 16 points (6-17 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), nine assists, five rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 39 minutes in Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 win over the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.
The veteran guard struggled with efficiency in the win but still finished as Portland's second-leading scorer behind Scoot Henderson (31 points). Holiday has shot just 31.3 percent from the field through two first-round outings, though the 35-year-old led all players in assists Tuesday and has dished out 20 dimes in the series. He also tied the game-high mark in blocks in Game 2.
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Deni Avdija SG | POR
Trail Blazers' Deni Avdija: Adds 14 points in victory
Avdija tallied 14 points (5-13 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 3-5 FT), four rebounds, three assists and one block across 30 minutes in Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 win over the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.
Avdija wasn't very efficient and took a back seat to Scoot Henderson, who dropped 31 points in 38 minutes. Avdija still finished as Portland's third-leading scorer Tuesday and has totaled 44 points on 17-for-34 shooting from the field through two first-round matchups. The star forward and the Trail Blazers will now aim to take a 2-1 lead as the series shifts to Portland for Game 3 on Friday.
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Stephon Castle PG | SA
Spurs' Stephon Castle: Scores 18 points in loss
Castle chipped in 18 points (7-20 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-5 FT), seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block across 38 minutes in Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 loss to the Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs.
Castle struggled with efficiency but still led the Spurs in scoring on a night when Victor Wembanyama went down with a concussion in the second quarter. Although Castle didn't deliver his most efficient shooting performance, he contributed across the stat sheet yet again. He's shooting just 33.3 percent from the floor through two first-round games but has recorded 35 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists in the series. The second-year guard may need to take on an increased role on the offensive end if Wembanyma is unable to return for Friday's Game 3 in Portland.
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Luke Kornet C | SA
Spurs' Luke Kornet: Nears double-double in loss
Kornet tallied 10 points (4-5 FG, 2-3 FT), nine rebounds, two assists and two steals across 28 minutes in Tuesday's 106-103 Game 2 loss to the Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs.
Victor Wembanyama went down early in the second quarter and did not return due to a concussion, opening the door for Kornet to see increased run. The big man finished second on the Spurs in rebounds and was one of five San Antonio players to record multiple steals. He also scored in double figures for a second straight game. If Wembanyama is unable to play in Game 3 on Friday, Kornet would likely get the starting nod and see a bump in minutes.