NBA Player News

Avdija totaled 22 points (7-15 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 7-11 FT), three rebounds, three assists and one block over 32 minutes during Tuesday's 114-95 loss to the Spurs in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Avdija was the only first-unit player to register more than 10 points in Portland's season finale. The team was clearly outmatched, and although it was successful in containing Victor Wembanyama for most of the game, he put the game out of reach, helped by a spirited performance from Julian Champagnie and the rest of the starters. There will likely be significant changes to Portland's roster in the offseason, but Avdija will remain the team's centerpiece. Avdija achieved career highs in several categories this season, averaging 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists over 66 regular-season games.

Castle logged 15 points (6-11 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, five assists and one block across 33 minutes before fouling out of Tuesday's 114-95 victory over the Trail Blazers in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Although Castle's total wasn't his best, he made a solid contribution on both sides of the ball. Castle's dynamic skill set is a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he took the Trail Blazers to task, averaging 19.8 points, 6.0 assists, 4.0 rebounds, and 0.8 steals over the five-game span.

Fox posted 21 points (8-14 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, nine assists and one steal across 34 minutes during Tuesday's 114-95 win over the Trail Blazers in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Fox finished one assist shy of a double-double in the series win. Although Fox began the series with a trio of underperforming totals, he built on a 28-point endeavor in Game 4 with another great total. He was also adept at getting the ball to other playmakers, collecting a series-high nine assists. As long as Fox and Stephon Castle continue to generate solid numbers, the Spurs' playoff outlook will remain bright.

Champagnie finished with 19 points (6-9 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 2-3 FT), seven rebounds and three assists across 30 minutes during Tuesday's 114-95 win over the Trail Blazers in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Champagnie was bolstered by a red-hot evening beyond the arc, where he drained five three-pointers. Before Game 5, Champagnie failed to make much of an impact, compiling only 32 points over the four-game span. He more than made up for the downturn Tuesday night, helping the Spurs soar to a series win over the Trail Blazers. Champagnie has enjoyed potent stretches at various points this season, and his success in Game 5 could indicate a resurgence.

Hart closed Tuesday's 126-97 win over the Hawks in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with nine points (3-8 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and four assists across 30 minutes.

Hart was relatively quiet, continuing what has been a modest few games. After recording back-to-back double-doubles to open the series, Hart's production has declined recently. He is averaging 7.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in his past three appearances. Despite his struggles, New York now leads the series 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday in Atlanta.

Towns registered 16 points (5-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 14 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and two steals over 34 minutes during Tuesday's 126-97 victory over the Hawks in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Towns continues to play arguably his best basketball of the season, recording his third straight double-double while adding four combined steals and blocks for the second time in his past three appearances. Across five playoff appearances, Towns has put up 20.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.6 three-pointers and 3.2 combined steals and blocks. Now leading 3-2, New York will head to Atlanta for Game 6, where it will look to wrap up the series.

Alexander-Walker closed Tuesday's 126-97 loss to the Knicks in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with 16 points (6-11 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 0-1 FT), three assists and one steal over 34 minutes.

Alexander-Walker, while not at his best, continues to produce serviceable numbers, having scored at least 14 points in four of his five playoff appearances. However, given the fact that he has been a major cog for the Hawks this season, fans are certainly looking for him to do more on both ends of the floor. During that five-game period, Alexander-Walker has averaged 14.2 points, 2.8 assists, 0.4 steals and 3.4 three-pointers.

McCollum had six points (3-10 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 0-3 FT), three rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 32 minutes during Tuesday's 126-97 loss to New York in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

McCollum simply couldn't get anything going Tuesday, delivering easily his worst game of the playoffs. After scoring at least 23 points in the opening three games, McCollum has scored a total of 23 points in his past two appearances, both of which have been losses. Now trailing 3-2, the Hawks will return to Atlanta for what is a must-win game. Look for McCollum to try to turn things around with a goal of forcing a Game 7.

Queta contributed eight points (4-8 FG, 0-2 FT), 14 rebounds and one assist across 26 minutes during Tuesday's 113-97 loss to the 76ers in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Queta picked up his fourth foul early in the third quarter, allowing Joel Embiid to feast down low. Although he did manage to play 26 minutes, Queta's absence at key points was certainly an issue for the Celtics. While his numbers haven't jumped off the page, Queta's presence on the defensive end is going to be crucial heading into Game 6 on Thursday.

Vucevic provided eight points (3-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt), two rebounds and three assists over 15 minutes during Tuesday's 113-97 loss to the 76ers in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Vucevic continues to be a liability on the defensive end, with Joel Embiid having his way once again. Despite Neemias Queta being in early foul trouble, Vucevic was limited to just 15 minutes. His flaws have been picked apart by the 76ers, with Embiid specifically targeting him whenever he is on the floor. Through five games, Vucevic has averaged just 7.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 three-pointers in 20.0 minutes per game.