NBA Player News

Brunson will miss his 15th-straight game on Saturday when the Knicks take on the Hawks. However, he should be back to close out the week on the second night of their back-to-back. Miles McBride (groin) could return for that game as well. Cameron Payne, who is probable to play against Atlanta, should split the point guard minutes with Delon Wright on Saturday.

Injured late in Monday’s Game 2 defeat, Porter was cleared to play on Thursday after successfully going through his pregame routine. He’ll occupy his usual place within the starting lineup, while Peyton Watson or Russell Westbrook missed out on the opportunity to start.

Dillingham last appeared in a game on April 11, but the rookie had fallen out of the Timberwolves’ rotation well before then. Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker will continue to play whatever minutes are available among Minnesota’s reserve guards.

Smith was unavailable for the first two games of the series, but there’s a chance he’ll be off the injury report for Game 3. However, the rookie is not in the Bucks’ rotation when healthy, so his status will not affect this series.

Holiday is dealing with a strained right hamstring, hence his inclusion on the Celtics’ initial injury report for Game 3. With Jayson Tatum (wrist) considered doubtful, the reigning champs could be down two starters on Friday. Al Horford has replaced Tatum in the starting lineup, while Sam Hauser may be the next man up if Holiday is also unavailable.

Tatum missed Wednesday’s Game 2 victory with an injured right wrist, and he appears on track to remain out Friday night. Al Horford moved into the starting lineup, while Tatum’s absence also meant more opportunities for Payton Pritchard. Also, the Celtics will rely more on Jaylen Brown, who recorded a 36/10/5/1 line with five three-pointers in Game 2.

Stewart will miss a second straight game due to right knee inflammation, leaving the Pistons down a player within their frontcourt rotation. Paul Reed will serve as the backup center, while starter Jalen Duren’s minutes will increase. Reed only played 11 minutes in Monday’s Game 2 victory but led the Pistons in plus/minus.

During Game 1, multiple outlets reported that Kuminga was unlikely to crack the Warriors’ rotation unless there was a need to adjust the game plan. That adjustment was forced on Wednesday, as Brandin Podziemski was ill and Jimmy Butler exited during the first quarter with a pelvic contusion. As a result, Kuminga was back in the rotation after sitting out Golden State’s last three games. While the stat line wasn’t impressive, the Warriors may have to rely on him for Game 3 on Saturday, depending on Butler’s availability.

One of the interesting decisions in the first two games of this series was Houston assigning Alperen Sengun to Moody defensively. After attempting four three-pointers in Game 1, Moody put up six on Wednesday, making three. According to the TNT broadcast during the game, Warriors coach Steve Kerr wants Moody to attempt at least eight per game with Houston using Sengun to defend him. With Jimmy Butler’s (pelvis) status for Game 3 undetermined, Moody’s willingness to put up shots could be crucial. The series resumes on Saturday in San Francisco.

The Rockets managed to keep Curry in check on Wednesday after he went off for 31 points in Sunday’s series opener. However, it’s important to note the impact of Jimmy Butler’s (pelvis) exit during the first quarter. The Warriors were left to search for answers offensively, with 12 players logging rotation minutes before the outcome was no longer in doubt. Curry’s task of putting up points becomes far more challenging without Butler on the court, making Thursday’s MRI for Jimmy a potential turning point in this series. Game 3 is on Saturday.

Initially questionable for Game 2, Podziemski attempted to play through his stomach illness. He played the first eight minutes before having to exit, and the second-year guard did not return until 6:11 remaining in the third quarter. Mercifully, Podziemski was shut down for good with 9:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, as he was not physically up to the challenge. The good news for Golden State is that Game 3 is not until Saturday. Hopefully, that’s enough time for Podziemski to return to full health.