NBA Player News

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.

Cain will start Wednesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Pistons.

With Franz Wagner (calf) sidelined, Cain will draw his third career start. In his lone start during the 2025-26 regular season -- a loss to Cleveland on March 24 -- the 27-year-old forward posted 17 points, six rebounds and three assists across 32 minutes.

Huerter (adductor) has been ruled out for Wednesday's Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Magic.

Huerter will miss Wednesday's win-or-go-home matchup due to a left adductor strain. If the Pistons are able to stave off elimination, his next chance to play will come in Game 6 on Friday. With the 27-year-old swingman sidelined, Daniss Jenkins and Caris LeVert could see a slight bump in minutes.

Watson (hamstring) is out for Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series against Minnesota on Thursday.

Watson's absence with a right hamstring strain will have now exceeded a month by the time Denver's next contest comes around. If the Nuggets are able to stave off elimination Thursday, Watson's next chance to take the floor would come Saturday in Game 7.

Gordon (calf) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Timberwolves.

Gordon missed Games 3 and 5 due to left calf tightness and may remain out for Thursday's win-or-go-home matchup. The veteran forward logged only 23 minutes in Game 4, so even if he's cleared to suit up Thursday, he could operate under a minutes restriction.