NBA Player News

Brunson closed Thursday's 109-108 loss to Atlanta in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with 26 points (11-23 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 4-5 FT), three rebounds, four assists and two steals across 40 minutes.

Brunson had an opportunity to help the Knicks win the game in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter, but he turned the ball over in the clutch. The 29-year-old had a below-average night in terms of shooting efficiency, though he still managed to finish second on his squad in scoring behind OG Anunoby's 29-point night. Brunson has put up 25-plus points in each of the first three games of the series and will need to continue to be a big part of the offensive plan if New York intends to respond from two straight losses.

Towns provided 21 points (7-12 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-6 FT), 17 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals over 34 minutes during Thursday's 109-108 loss to Atlanta in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Towns didn't post an eye-popping night offensively, but he crashed the glass for his first double-double of the series. He also made an impact across the board by tallying a pair of blocks and steals. The Knicks received 20-plus points from Towns, Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, but it wasn't quite enough to bring home the victory.

Anunoby produced 29 points (9-16 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 7-7 FT), nine rebounds, one assist and one steal across 37 minutes during Thursday's 109-108 loss to Atlanta in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Anunoby stepped up in a big way after being held in check through the first two games of the first round. He scored 12 of his 29 points from beyond the arc while hitting at a clip of 50.0 percent from deep. He also impressed at the charity stripe, where he didn't miss a shot. The 28-year-old continued his strong play on the glass and is averaging 8.3 rebounds per game through his first three appearances of the 2025-26 playoffs.

Jones is starting Game 3 against the Timberwolves on Thursday.

Jones will step into the starting lineup for Aaron Gordon, who was ruled out for Game 3 due to a calf injury. Jones hasn't been all that involved in the rotation so far during the first round, but he should receive a drastic uptick in opportunities Thursday evening.

McLaughlin (ankle) is out for Game 3 against the Trail Blazers on Friday, Paul Garcia of ProjectSpurs.com reports.

McLaughlin is slated to miss the first three games of the first round due to a left ankle sprain. His next opportunity to return will arrive Sunday in Game 4.

Edwards (knee) is available for Game 3 against the Nuggets on Thursday.

As anticipated, Edwards has been cleared to take the court Thursday evening despite dealing with a nagging knee injury. He's fresh off a 30-point showing in a Game 2 victory, and he'll be on the hunt for another big showing Thursday as he aims to help Minnesota take the series lead.

Wembanyama (concussion) is questionable for Game 3 against the Trail Blazers on Friday, Casey Holdahl of the Trail Blazers' official site reports.

Wembanyama suffered a concussion during Wednesday's Game 2, which forced him to exit in the second quarter. However, he was cleared to travel with the team to Portland ahead of Game 3 and will have an opportunity to clear the league's concussion protocol prior to tipoff. The Spurs should have more clarity on his availability as game time nears.

Coach Chris Finch expects Edwards (knee) to be available for Game 3 against Denver on Thursday, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports.

Edwards has been on the injury report ahead of the first three games of the first round due to a knee issue. However, he's yet to miss any action, and the team believes he'll be ready to roll for Thursday's clash. Expect an official update on Edwards' status closer to game time.

Shead isn't in the starting lineup for Game 3 against Cleveland on Thursday, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Shead caught fire from beyond the arc in Game 1, but he was unable to replicate that same production in Game 2, as he was held to three points on 1-for-5 from deep. As a result, Ja'Kobe Walter will get the nod in the starting lineup Thursday, bumping Shead to a bench role.

Walter is starting Game 3 against Cleveland on Thursday, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Walter provided a spark off the bench in Game 2, and he evidently showed enough to receive an opportunity with the first unit while Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) remains sidelined. Jamal Shead will retreat to the bench with Walter starting.