NBA Player News

Joseph is a solid spot-up shooter (35 percent from downtown last season), and he has good size at 6'7", 220 lbs. He’s an aggressive, slashing offensive player who led Syracuse in scoring as a senior, and it’s possible he’ll fight for minutes on the Celtics’ bench -- at the moment Boston only has a handful of players under contract.

Westbrook only played nine first-half minutes before heading to the locker room with an inflamed left foot. His exit resulted in second-half rotation minutes for Julian Strawther, who missed his lone shot attempt and finished with one rebound and one blocked shot in 11 minutes. Unfortunately for the Nuggets, the turnaround will be quick, as Game 4 is on Saturday. Strawther and Jalen Pickett will be asked to contribute more if Westbrook is unable to play.

Porter was a game-time decision for Game 3 after injuring his left shoulder late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat. While he did play 35 minutes, the Nuggets forward was largely ineffective, shooting 1-of-6 from beyond the arc. Porter has a Grade 2 AC joint sprain, an injury that can sideline a player for multiple weeks. But, since it’s the postseason, he’s trying to play through the ailment. With Aaron Gordon (calf) and Russell Westbrook (foot) also dealing with injuries, the Nuggets will be in a tough spot for Saturday’s Game 4.

Gordon got off to a hot start Thursday night, scoring 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field in the first quarter. Unfortunately for him, that was as good as it got in Game 3, and a lingering right calf injury could be a factor. During the game, the NBATV announcers reported that Nuggets interim coach David Adelman had informed them that Gordon would not be playing if it were the regular season. But it’s the postseason, so the veteran forward is doing his best to push through the injury. Game 4 is on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Murray has scored 21 points or more in all three games of this series, shooting over 50 percent from the field in Games 2 and 3. Unfortunately for him and the Nuggets, Thursday’s stat line was recorded in a 34-point defeat. Murray has recorded at least three turnovers in all three games. While the lackluster performances from some of his teammates were more significant issues in Game 3, the Nuggets don’t have much margin for error in a series they now trail two games to one. Game 4 is on Saturday.

Jokic recorded another triple-double on Thursday, his second of the series, but the Nuggets have lost both games. While Kawhi Leonard’s excellence was a key factor in the Game 2 defeat, Denver’s supporting cast failed to show up in Game 3. With Jokic having to deal with Ivica Zubac for most of the night, Denver’s “others” must be better if they’re to win the series. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon, with the Nuggets aiming to avoid a 3-1 deficit.

Zubac finished one rebound shy of a double-double in the 34-point victory, but he continues to give Nikola Jokic a hard time defensively. While the three-time MVP recorded another triple-double on Thursday, Zubac’s ability to make things difficult for Jokic has allowed the Clippers to avoid gambling too much defensively. Zubac is a finalist for the Most Improved Player award, and for good reason. His performance in this series has shown why that’s the case. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.

After going off for 39 points in Game 2, Leonard did cool off some in Game 3. The Nuggets devoted more attention to him defensively, but the Klaw had plenty of help in the 117-84 demolition. Four starters scored at least 19 points, and two reserves also reached double figures. And with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon playing through injuries, Denver’s task of slowing Leonard may be more difficult moving forward. Game 4 is on Saturday afternoon.

After scoring 25 points on 10-of-26 shooting in the Clippers’ two games in Denver, Powell was much better in Game 3. Not only did he shoot over 50 percent from the field, but the Clippers’ guard finished one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Non-stars tend to play better at home than on the road, and that was undoubtedly true for Powell. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, with the Clippers aiming to take a 3-1 series lead.

Harden’s scoring has decreased since he dropped 32 in the Clippers’ series-opening defeat, but it has not negatively impacted the team’s success. In Game 3, The Beard was one of four starters to score at least 19 points, but the Clippers holding Denver to 83 points was the biggest reason why they won the first-ever playoff game at Intuit Dome by 34. Harden and the Clippers will look to take a 3-1 lead when they host Game 4 on Saturday.

Bane has not been able to get untracked offensively, which is a credit to the Oklahoma City defense. After shooting 10-of-29 from the field in the first two games, the Grizzlies’ guard did not benefit from a return to the friendly confines of FedEx Forum. Add in Ja Morant’s hip injury, and Bane has hit a rough patch at the worst possible time. He did record a complete stat line, but that isn’t enough for a player of Bane’s caliber. The Grizzlies will look to extend their season on Saturday when they host Game 4 of the series.