Fantasy News

T.J. McConnell

Stellar off bench in Game 6 win McConnell was outstanding off the Pacers bench in a series-clinching victory, ending second on the team in scoring and assists while leading all players in steals and coming up one dime shy of a double-double to provide a much-needed spark on the second unit. McConnell put forth his best performance of the postseason thus far, scoring more than 10 points for the first time while handing out his highest assist total of the first round. Indiana will look for McConnell to continue to provide a spark off the bench in the second round, which proved to be key for the Pacers to close out the series against Milwaukee.

Obi Toppin

Top scorer off bench in Game 6 Toppin gave Indiana a much-needed lift off the bench, leading all Pacers in scoring while connecting on a team-high-tying trio of threes and ending two rebounds shy of a double-double in just under 25 minutes on the second unit. Toppin has been stellar off the bench this postseason but posted his best outing of the playoffs thus far in the series-clinching victory. Toppin concluded the first-round series by surpassing the double-digit scoring mark in four straight outings.

Tyrese Haliburton

Top distributor in double-double Haliburton once again provided an offensive lift for Indiana in a series-clinching victory, leading all players in Thursday's contest in assists while adding a half-dozen rebounds in a double-double performance. Haliburton recorded a double-double in three of the six games in the first round against Milwaukee, finishing with at least 15 points in four straight outings to round out the series. Haliburton, his production and his health will be key to keep an eye on as Indiana advances to the second round and hopes to continue its run in the postseason.

Joel Embiid

Available for Game 6 This is not a surprise considering the situation the 76ers are in, as Philadelphia must win this game to force a decisive Game 7. Embiid is averaging 31.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in the first-round series against the Knicks.

Mitchell Robinson

Available for Game 6 Robinson logged 25 minutes in his return Tuesday, so he should see a similar workload in Game 6. With Robinson back in the mix, Precious Achiuwa will likely be out of the rotation.

Malik Beasley

Won’t start Thursday Beasley will head to the bench with the return of Damian Lillard to the starting lineup. The veteran guard averaged 19.0 points per game in the two starts he made in the series against the Pacers.

Terance Mann

Questionable for Friday Mann hasn't missed a game since March 20, and he's averaged 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds in 30.0 minutes per game over the Clippers' first five playoff matchups this year. However, it's unclear whether he'll be able to suit up due to his lower leg issue.

Gary Harris

Officially deemed questionable Harris was already deemed a game-time decision for Game 6, so his questionable injury label isn't surprising. If the 29-year-old guard is ruled out, Caleb Houstan, Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black are all candidates to receive increased playing time.

Kawhi Leonard

Ruled out for Game 6 Leonard continues to deal with a knee injury and will be unavailable for a third consecutive game Friday. If the Clippers win Friday's matchup and force a Game 7, it's unclear whether Leonard would be available for that win-or-go-home matchup.

Olivier-Maxence Prosper

Still sidelined Prosper's absence streak will extend to four games Friday due to a. left ankle sprain. However, the rookie forward is unlikely to be a significant factor in Dallas' playoff rotation when healthy.

Patrick Beverley

Available for Game 6 Beverley continues to deal with an oblique injury, but he'll be able to suit up once again Thursday. He tallied 13 points, 12 assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block in 36 minutes during Tuesday's Game 5, but he'll have additional help in the backcourt Thursday since Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been cleared to return.

Tim Hardaway

Out for Game 6 on Friday This will be Hardaway's fourth consecutive game on the sidelines, and his next chance to play will come if a Game 7 is needed on Sunday. Josh Green and Dante Exum will continue to step it up in his absence.

Tyrese Haliburton

Available for Thursday’s game Haliburton was questionable for Thursday's matchup, but he'll be available once again despite his lower back spasms. Over his last three appearances, he's averaged 19.3 points, 8.7 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 37.3 minutes per game.

Craig Porter

Another absence coming Porter will miss his sixth straight contest Friday due to a left ankle sprain. However, Porter is unlikely to crack Cleveland's playoff rotation when healthy.

Khris Middleton

Officially cleared to play Middleton was probable for Thursday's matchup and has officially been cleared to suit up again. He's had a significant role in recent games, averaging 32.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 40.3 minutes per game over his last three outings. However, he'll have additional help in Game 6 since Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been cleared to return.

Jarrett Allen

Officially deemed questionable Allen is in danger of missing his second straight contest Friday due to a right rib contusion. If the 25-year-old big man is ultimately ruled out, Isaac Okoro will likely draw another start.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Ruled out for Game 6 Antetokounmpo was doubtful for Thursday's matchup, but he went through pregame warmups and was considered a game-time decision. However, he never shed his doubtful tag and will be unavailable for a ninth consecutive game. If the Bucks win Game 6 and keep their season alive, Antetokounmpo could be in the mix to return to action. Despite Antetokounmpo's absence, Milwaukee will get a boost for Thursday's matchup since Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been cleared to play.

Damian Lillard

Good to go for Game 6 Lillard has been upgraded from questionable to available Thursday after missing the previous two contests with right Achilles tendinitis. The star guard will likely replace Malik Beasley in the starting lineup. Lillard is averaging 32.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 40.7 minutes across his previous three appearances in Milwaukee's first-round series against the Pacers.

Damian Lillard

Could suit up Thursday Lillard could return to action Thursday after missing the previous two contests with a right Achilles injury. While Lillard is reportedly more likely to suit up than Giannis Antetokounmpo, an official injury update should be released closer to the 6:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Considered game-time decision Antetokounmpo officially remains doubtful for Thursday's matchup, but reports ahead of tipoff have suggested that the forward is in the mix to return to the court. However, coach Doc Rivers said during his pregame press conference that Antetokounmpo is more doubtful than Damian Lillard (Achilles), who is also a game-time decision. Even though Antetokounmpo would give the Bucks a spark as they attempt to extend their season, it's possible his playing time is monitored if he's cleared to suit up.

Jarrett Allen

Doesn’t practice Thursday Allen missed Tuesday's Game 5 against the Magic due to a right rib contusion. While Allen's absence from practice is a bad sign of his availability for Game 6 on Friday, fantasy managers should look out for an official injury report.

Gary Harris

Deemed game-time call for Game 6 Harris suffered a right hamstring strain during Tuesday's Game 5 against Cleveland, but he participated in the walkthrough portion of Thursday's practice. However, the Magic will still wait to see how he feels in the hours leading up to Friday's tipoff before determining his availability. If he's unable to suit up, Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black could see increased run.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Could return Thursday Both Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Achilles) are attempting to return to action as the Bucks try to keep their season alive Thursday. However, while Lillard has been upgraded to questionable, Antetokounmpo remains doubtful for now. Antetokounmpo's potential return would give the Bucks a significant boost on the road in Game 6, but it's also possible he'd face some limitations after missing the last eight matchups.

Damian Lillard

Upgraded to questionable Lillard was initially deemed doubtful for a third consecutive matchup, but he's trending in the right direction ahead of Thursday's tipoff. If he's able to return to action, it'd provide a significant boost for the Bucks, who are attempting to keep their season alive by forcing a Game 7. If Lillard is unable to suit up, Malik Beasley will likely remain in the starting lineup, while Khris Middleton would likely be a centerpiece for Milwaukee.

Kristaps Porzingis

Likely to miss second-round series Porzingis sustained a calf injury in Game 4 of Boston's first-round series and was unavailable for Wednesday's Game 5 as the Celtics took down the Heat to advance to the second round. He's been diagnosed with a right soleus strain and was expected to miss several games, and it appears likely that his absence will span the entirety of the second round. However, the Celtics hope that Porzingis will be able to return if the team advances to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the 28-year-old will rest and rehab in the coming days.

Derrick White

Efficient in Game 5 win White co-led the Celtics in scoring on Wednesday alongside Jaylen Brown, and he enjoyed playing a more prominent role on offense with Kristaps Porzingis (calf) sidelined and with Jayson Tatum taking a bit of a step back on the scoring side of things. White reached the 20-point mark in three of his five appearances in the series against the Heat, and he should remain an offensive menace in the Eastern Conference Semifinals regardless of whether the Celtics face the Magic or the Cavaliers.

Jaylen Brown

Goes for 25 points in Game 5 win Brown was one of two Boston players who reached the 25-point mark Wednesday, with Derrick White being the other, but he didn't do much outside of scoring. Brown scored 20-plus points in three of the five outings in the series against the Heat, and he should continue to play a prominent role on offense in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, regardless of the opponent, especially if Kristaps Porzingis (calf) remains sidelined for a prolonged stretch.

Jayson Tatum

Another double-double There's no doubt that Tatum is the undisputed go-to player on offense for the Celtics, and the star forward can take over a game if needed every time the team needs him to do so. He was active on both ends of the court in the series against the Heat, however, recording four double-doubles in five games while reaching the 20-point plateau four times as well. He averaged 21.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game against the Heat and will now aim to lead Boston in the Conference Semifinals, where the Celtics will take on either the Cavaliers or the Magic.

Nikola Jovic

Decent output in playoff exit Jovic was forced to embrace a bigger role in the second half of the season and was a permanent fixture in the starting unit since mid-February. While he had some strong performances here and there, he lacked consistency on a game-to-game basis, and he was unable to become a reliable offensive alternative when the Heat needed him, especially in games where they were shorthanded. It remains to be seen if Jovic will remain a regular starter for the Heat next season. but it's worth noting he averaged 9.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game across 33 starts since the beginning of February, counting both the regular season and the playoffs.

Bam Adebayo

Scores 23 points in playoff exit Adebayo had to shoulder a bigger load on offense due to the absences of Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck), and for the most part, the star big man delivered. He scored 20 or more points in each game of the series while posting two double-doubles. Adebayo averaged 19.4 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.4 assists per contest between the Play-In Tournament and the series against the Celtics (seven games).

Tyler Herro

Ends season plagued by struggles Herro was forced to embrace a more prominent role on offense due to the absences of Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck) in the series against the Celtics. While the numbers were decent across the board, he struggled badly in terms of efficiency and shooting percentages. Over the five games of the series, Herro made just 38.5 percent of his shots from the field and 34.9 percent of his three-pointers. He averaged 16.8 points per game, but that was not enough to lift Miami to victory against the team with the best record in The Association.

James Harden

Goes missing in Game 5 loss Harden was a non-factor in the loss, a far cry from what he has been able to deliver thus far in the series. Both he and Paul George decided to take the night off, much to the joy of Mavericks fans. They are now one loss away from elimination, a result that would leave the future of the current squad in some doubt. If they are to force a Game 7, Harden is going to need to rediscover his early-series form.

Bones Hyland

Pops for 11 points Wednesday Hyland popped for 11 points in seven minutes as the Clippers were soundly beaten by an impressive Dallas outfit. Now trailing 3-2 in the series, Los Angeles will need to turn things around in a hurry should they hope to extend it to a seventh game.

Kobe Brown

Rare appearance Wednesday Brown logged six minutes in the loss, a rare appearance and one that should not be happening at this time of the year. The Clippers were blown out by the Mavericks in front of their home fans, now on the brink of elimination.

Dereck Lively

Perfect from field Wednesday Lively was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field, outplaying Daniel Gafford despite coming off the bench. The Mavericks have the luxury of being able to lean on both players equally, providing them flexibility when one is outplaying the other. Lively and Gafford will once again be front and center when the two teams line up again Friday.

Luka Doncic

Dominates in Game 5 victory Doncic was a man of his word, providing Kyrie Irving with more help on the offensive end, leading all scorers with 35 points. The victory puts Dallas within one win of victory, leaving the Clippers on the brink of another underwhelming playoff campaign. The series will shift back to Dallas where Doncic will be hoping to replicate this performance.

Maxi Kleber

Lands five triples in win Kleber connected on five three-pointers, helping guide the Mavericks to a comfortable victory. After coming up short in front of their home fans, Dallas was able to make easy work of the Clippers in Los Angeles. The two teams will face off again Friday, where the Mavericks will look to atone for the Game 4 loss.