Leading scorer in Game 2 defeat Tatum once again led Boston offensively in Game 2, pacing all Celtics in scoring while handing out a team-high half-dozen assists to go along with a team-best rebound total in a well-rounded outing. Tatum, who also connected on a team-leading total from the free-throw line, has surpassed the 20-point mark in five of his seven games this postseason, adding at least six rebounds and six assists in three outings.
Nears 20 points in Game 2 loss Brown struggled from deep in Thursday's contest, not connecting on a three but still ending second on the team in scoring in a near 20-point outing in a Game 2 defeat. Brown had a down game in comparison to Tuesday's 32-point showing in Game 1 and Boston will need the star guard to contribute more in order to steal a game on the road in Game 3 and break a series tie with Cleveland.
Leads bench again in Game 2 Pritchard once again provide a spark off the Celtics bench in Thursday's contest, leading all Boston bench players in scoring and assists while ending as one of five Celtics in double figures in scoring in a losing effort. Pritchard has had a strong semifinals series through two games, reaching double figures in both games while playing at least 20 minutes off the bench in both contests. It will be key for the Celtics to get contributions from Pritchard and the rest of the bench this series, and we will likely continue to see Pritchard earn a large chunk of minutes on the second unit.
Leads offensively in Game 2 victory Mitchell led Cleveland offensively in a bounce-back performance in Game 2 to even the series with Boston, leading all players in the contest in scoring, threes made and assists while ending one point shy of the 30-point mark in the road game. Mitchell has done it all for the Cavaliers through two games against the Celtics, averaging 31 points so far in the semifinals. Mitchell posted his first game of the postseason with at least seven rebounds and seven assists, also setting a playoff high in threes made in the victory.
Steps up with all-around Game 2 Mobley stepped up as the starting center while Jarrett Allen (ribs) remained out in Game 2, leading all players in the contest in rebounds and blocks to go along with a handful of assists while ending as one of three Cavaliers with 20 or more points in a double-double performance. Mobley is off to a hot start in the series against Boston, posting a double-double in both games thus far. If Mobley is able to continue to play well for Cleveland, that will provide a much-needed lift for the Cavaliers against a dominant Celtics squad.
Reaches 20 points off bench in win LeVert made the most of his time off the bench in Game 2, ending as one of three Cavaliers with 20 or more points while helping Cleveland claim a much-needed victory to even the series against Boston. LeVert didn't connect on a three but still ended tied for second on the team in scoring to go along with a half-dozen rebounds and a trio of assists. LeVert had a bounce-back game after recording just four points in Tuesday's Game 1, playing a big part in Cleveland being able to steal a game on the road as it now returns home to try and take a lead in the series.
Still out for Game 2 Prosper has been out ever since tweaking his ankle in Game 1 of Dallas' First Round series, and considering we haven't heard any positive updates, it's safe to assume he's still not close. For now, we would consider him doubtful for Game 3 on Saturday.
Available for Game 2 No surprise here, as Doncic was able to practice Wednesday and was previously carrying a probable tag. When speaking to the media, coach Jason Kidd made no mention of any restrictions.
Ruled out for Game 2 Allen didn't participate in Thursday's morning shootaround, so his chances of playing in Game 2 were always going to be slim. Isaac Okoro will keep his place in the starting unit as a result, whereas Allen will aim to recover enough to play in Game 3 of the series, scheduled for Saturday.
Good to go Friday Gobert will return to action Friday after missing Game 2 due to the birth of his child. The newly-crowned Defensive Player of the Year should reclaim his starting spot from Kyle Anderson in Game 3.
Not listed on injury report Morris exited Game 2 with a minor finger issue and did not return, but that won't impact his status for Game 3. He should again see limited minutes behind Mike Conley on Friday night.
Questionable for Game 3 Haliburton has been listed as "questionable" with the back issue for every game since Game 4 of Indiana's First Round series, but he's yet to hit the sidelines, so he feels a lot closer to probable. Check back for official word on his status closer to Friday's tip.
Ruled out for Game 3 This is a brutal blow to the Knicks, as it'll be tough to replace what Anunoby brings to the team. His absence should open up minutes for Precious Achiuwa and Alec Burks, and guys like Josh Hart and Donte DiVincenzo will be asked to step it up on offense. Anunoby's next chance to play will come Sunday.
Deemed questionable for Game 3 Brunson injured his foot during Game 2 but was able to finish out the contest with 29 points, five assists, two rebounds and three steals in 32 minutes. If Brunson is unable to play Friday, Miles McBride, Shake Milton and Alec Burks would all be candidates to receive significant increases in playing time.
Not close to full health Though head coach Doc Rivers had suggested last week that Antetokounmpo was close to being available to play after missing the final three games of the regular season with a left soleus strain, Rivers' comments may have been an act of gamesmanship. Antetokounmpo ultimately missed all six playoff contests, and his absence likely would have extended into the Eastern Conference semifinal round if the Bucks had advanced, as the 29-year-old estimated that he was running at about 30 or 40 percent speed. He should be closer to full health by the end of May, but Antetokounmpo likely won't have a full offseason to rest up, as he had previously expressed a desire to play for the Greek national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Greece will have to first earn a spot in the Olympics through a qualification tournament that will take place in the first week of July, so confirmation on whether Antetokounmpo is healthy should come shortly before that time.
Questionable for Game 3 KCP must have got popped in the mid-section during Game 2, and now he's in danger of missing Game 3. We'll have a better idea on his status based on his activity level at shootaround, but if he is forced to the sidelines, Christian Braun, Justin Holiday and Peyton Watson would be asked to pick up the slack.
Deemed questionable Friday Jackson is in danger of missing Friday's contest after suffering a left calf injury in Game 2. If Jackson is unable to suit up, Christian Braun and Justin Holiday are candidates to receive increased playing time.
Iffy for Game 3 Murray has been dealing with a left calf strain since the end of Denver's first-round series against Denver. However, Murray has yet to miss a game due to it and is averaging 35.0 minutes per contest across the first two games of the Nuggets' series against the Timberwolves.
Suspended four games The Bucks' Game 6 loss to Indiana in the first round eliminated them from the playoffs. Therefore, Beverley's suspension will be served in the first four games of the 2024-25 season. Beverley is an unrestricted free agent going into this offseason, so it is unclear which team he will be on when serving his suspension.
Doesn’t participate in shootaround Allen's rib injury has cost him four consecutive games, and it appears a fifth is on the horizon. We may not get official confirmation on the center's status until closer to tipoff, but his lack of participation in shootaround is a discouraging sign. If he remains out, Evan Mobley should continue serving as the Cavaliers' center, while Max Strus and Isaac Okoro play the two forward spots.
