NBA Player News

Rookie Jordan Williams could get a lot of minutes the rest of the way for the Nets.

Herro had yet another strong scoring performance on Wednesday, reaching at least 20 points for the 14th consecutive game, and 30 points for the fifth time in April. The 2025 NBA All-Star led all scorers in this game and also tallied the third-most assists for the Heat. Miami will hope Herro stays hot as the team heads back to Miami in search of a Game 3 victory on Saturday.

While Adebayo was limited in the scoring department, the eight-year pro led the Heat in assists and rebounds while being one of three Heat players to register a steal. In addition to his work on the boards and ability to serve as a go-to facilitator, additional scoring would greatly benefit a Miami team trying to keep pace with a dangerous Cavaliers offense. Adebayo will have a chance for more production in Game 3 on Saturday.

Butler took a hard fall when Rockets wing Amen Thompson inadvertently undercut him during the first quarter. While he remained in the game in the immediate aftermath, Butler gingerly walked back to the locker room after a few possessions. Diagnosed with a pelvic contusion, he will not return to Game 2, with Game 3 scheduled for Saturday. Jonathan Kuminga, who did not play for nearly two weeks, has entered the rotation, as has Pat Spencer. Butler is expected to undergo an MRI on Thursday.

Mitchell got his first start of the postseason and didn’t disappoint, coming up with timely scores and defensive plays down the stretch of Game 2. Mitchell’s double-digit finish was his fourth consecutive and 10th over the last 11 games. After replacing Alec Burks in the starting lineup, who didn’t play a single second on Wednesday, it’s hard to imagine the fourth-year guard being removed from the starting lineup after such an impactful performance. Nevertheless, he figures to play a key role for Miami in Saturday’s Game 3.

Podziemski has been ill for a few days. While he was able to start Game 2, the second-year guard logged eight minutes before heading to the locker room. With Jimmy Butler (tailbone) ruled out for the rest of the night, the Warriors will have to count on Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga if they’re to have any chance of winning Game 2.

Garland flirted with a double-double on Wednesday night in Cleveland, coming up just an assist shy of the feat. His stellar performance, alongside Donovan Mitchell’s 30-point showing, was just the latest in the two-time All-Star’s spectacular season. The pairing will aim to put the Cavaliers in a commanding 3-0 lead when they take on the Heat in Saturday’s Game 3.

Mobley bounced back on Wednesday after scoring only nine points in Cleveland’s Game 1 victory. Yet, it was Mobley’s three-point shooting that really stood out in what has been a career-best season for him from beyond the arc, averaging 1.2 three-point makes per game in the regular season. He’ll look for a repeat performance in Game 3 on Saturday.

Mitchell closed the show for the Cavaliers in Game 2, producing multiple baskets down the stretch to help the Cavaliers secure a 2-0 series lead. His 20-second-half points were particularly impressive, as were his contributions from beyond the arc. Mitchell will have the opportunity to reach 30 points for the third straight time this series when the Cavaliers take on the Heat Saturday in Game 3.

After scoring just four points in Game 1, Carter was more impactful on that end of the floor Wednesday night. He shot 75 percent from the field and made all three of his three-point attempts. The eight rebounds were also solid, but, as was the case in Game 1, Carter did not record any defensive stats. During the regular season, he averaged 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game, so that is not a huge surprise. However, given Orlando’s offensive struggles outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Carter’s play and production are critical if the Magic are to have any chance of winning this series. Trailing two games to none, Orlando hosts Game 3 on Friday.

After shooting below 50 percent from the field and committing five turnovers in Sunday’s series-opening defeat, Wagner was more efficient in Game 2. He only committed two turnovers and was one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Given the struggles of Orlando’s supporting cast, the Magic will need an even better version of Wagner if they’re to have a chance of winning this series. The scene shifts to Orlando, with Game 3 set for Friday night.