Quiet night Tuesday Porter managed just six points in the victory, continuing his recent offensive struggles. He has scored fewer than 10 points in three of the past four games, a very different story when compared to how he opened the playoffs. Despite his poor shooting, the Nuggets now sit just one win away from an other trip to the Conference Finals. Look for Porter to turn things around in the near future.
Masterfule performance in win Jokic took over during the Game 5 victory, leading the Nuggets to a third consecutive victory over the Timberwolves. Despite coming up against the defensive player of the year, Jokic had no issues getting what he wanted in and around the basket. The series will now head back to Minnesota where Jokic and the Nuggets will look to wrap things up.
Logs 28 minutes in victory Braun continues to play meaningful minutes for the Nuggets, scoring double-digits for the second straight game. After failing to play more than 19 minutes during the first eight postseason games, he has now played 25 and 28 minutes respectively in each of the past two games. After reeling off three straight victories, the Nuggets now sit one win away from a trip to the Conference Finals.
Underwhelming in loss Tuesday Edwards struggled from the field, going 5-of-15 en route to just 18 points. After leading the series 2-0, the Timberwolves now find themselves trailing 3-2. Edwards is going to have to rediscover his mojo should they hope to extend the series to a seventh game.
Serviceable in spor start Alexander-Walker moved into the starting lineup Tuesday, replacing Mike Conley who was ruled out due to an Achilles issue. While he was far from spectacular, Alexander-Walker cobbled together a serviceable performance, contributing on both ends of the floor. Now trailing 3-2 in the series, Minnesota will be hoping Conley is cleared to return for Game 6. Should that not be the case, expect to see Alexander-Walker running with the starters once again.
Struggles in Game 5 loss Reid was a non-factor in the loss, continuing his recent struggles. Coming off a career-best season, Reid has been unable to produce at a consistent level during the postseason. He has scored fewer than 15 points in eight of the Timberwolves' nine playoff games. Now facing a must-win matchup, Reid will look to turn things around in front of his home fans.
Records five assists in Game 5 Haliburton's five assists tied with T.J. McConnell for most on the Pacers in Game 5 on Tuesday. Haliburton failed to reach 20 points after doing so over the past three games, though he managed to contribute on the defensive end of the floor, recording two blocks for the first time this postseason. Haliburton is averaging 18.5 points on 48.1 percent shooting, 5.0 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.3 steals across 35.3 minutes per game in the playoffs.
Scores 22 points in Game 5 Siakam was the only Pacer to score 20-plus points in Game 5 on Tuesday, and he was the second-leading scorer for the game behind Jalen Brunson. Siakam managed to reach 20-plus points for the second time in three games, and he got some of those from the charity stripe after not attempting a single free throw in Game 4. Siakam is averaging 19.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Hits four threes in Game 5 Turner was responsible for four of the Pacers' 12 three-point makes Tuesday, his most in the postseason since Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Bucks. He extended his streak of two-plus blocks to three games Tuesday, but he also committed a team-high four turnovers. Turner is averaging 17.6 points on 49.3 percent shooting (including 45.3 percent on 3.8 3PA/G), 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 blocks over 32.4 minutes per game in the postseason.
Briefly exits Tuesday Towns appeared to aggravate the left knee that he had surgically repaired in March after Kentavious Caldwell-Pope inadvertently tripped him, Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette reports. However, Towns missed less than a minute of game action and should be available to finish Tuesday's contest.
Double-double in Game 5 After being a non-factor in the Knicks' Game 4 loss Sunday, Hart bounced back to grab double-digit rebounds for the eighth time this postseason. Hart and Isaiah Hartenstein dominated the glass in Game 5, combing for 28 of the Knicks' 53 rebounds Tuesday. Hart is averaging 15.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting, 12.2 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.0 steals over 43.6 minutes per game this postseason.
Scores 44 points in Game 5 Brunson led the Knicks in scoring for the eighth time this postseason and the third time this series. After going 16-for-43 over the last two games, Brunson was far more efficient with his 35 shot attempts in Game 5, his most of the playoffs. He's averaging 33.9 points on 45.1 percent shooting, 3.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists over 41.0 minutes per game in the postseason.
Ties Knicks record in Game 5 Hartenstein registered double-digit rebounds for the second time this playoffs. He was responsible for 12 of New York's 20 offensive rebounds, which tied Charles Oakley for the most in a playoff game in Knicks history. Hartenstein has continued to provide crucial minutes for the Knicks in the absence of Mitchell Robinson. Hartenstein is averaging 8.8 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Gets starting nod Alexander-Walker will replace Mike Conley (Achilles) in the starting lineup Tuesday. Alexander-Walker is averaging 11.5 points, 3.6 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 32.3 minutes across his previous 10 starting appearances this season.
Ruled out for Game 5 Conley has been downgraded from questionable to out Tuesday due to right Achilles soreness. In his absence, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Monte Morris will likely receive increased playing time. Conley's next chance to suit up is Game 6 on Thursday.
Available for Tuesday Questionable tags have been par for the course for Murray in this series, but he continues to push through his calf strain. He's not expected to have any restrictions Tuesday evening.
Likely out for remainder of series Anunoby is already set to miss his third straight game Tuesday due to a left hamstring strain and now appears likely to miss the remainder of the series against Indiana. If the Knicks are able to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, Anunoby should reclaim his starting spot. However, Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa will likely continue to receive increased playing time in his absence.
Heads to bench Achiuwa will be replaced by Miles McBride in the starting five Tuesday. Achiuwa is averaging 2.5 points and 3.3 rebounds in 13.7 minutes across his last 10 appearances coming off the bench.
Enters starting lineup The Knicks have dropped two games in a row and the series is tied, so they will shake things up by going smaller. With McBride starting, Precious Achiuwa will head to the bench. McBride was terrific in Sunday's Game 4, scoring 16 points with five rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes.
Good to go for Game 5 Haliburton has been upgraded from questionable to available Tuesday despite dealing with lower back spasms, a sacral contusion, and a right ankle sprain. The star guard has been scorching the nets from the outside against New York, as he is converting 45.2 percent of his 10.5 three-point attempts per contest over the first four games of the series.
Out for Game 5 Prosper will miss his tenth straight game with a sprained left ankle. HIs next chance to suit up will be Saturday.
Expected to play Wednesday Doncic continues to deal with a right knee sprain and left ankle soreness but is expected to suit up yet again. Doncic is averaging 41.0 minutes per contest across the first four games of the series and is unlikely to operate under a minutes restriction in Game 5.
Progressing in recovery Anunoby has already been ruled out for Game 5 on Tuesday, marking his third straight absence due to a left hamstring strain. While the 25-year-old forward is progressing in his recovery, his status for Game 6 on Friday is in doubt.
Questionable for Wednesday LeVert started in place of Donovan Mitchell (calf) on Monday night, posting a respectable stat line across 39 minutes, despite the loss. With the Cavaliers hoping to roar back from a 3-1 deficit, the questionable tag is likely just a precaution as LeVert deals with a lingering knee injury.
Questionable for Game 5 Allen has missed the last seven games with a right rib contusion, but with the Cavaliers on the brink of elimination, they will hope to bring the big man back. If Allen is out, Evan Mobley will likely continue to start at center, with Isaac Okoro slotting in at power forward.
Another absence coming Jerome hasn't played since Oct. 27 while recovering from right ankle surgery. There is no indication that Jerome is nearing a return to action.
Unlikely to play Wednesday Porter is expected to miss his 12 straight game Wednesday due to a left ankle sprain. While Porter's upgraded status does suggest he's nearing a return, Cleveland being down 3-1 to Boston could mean that the series will be over before the rookie guard is able to suit up.
Iffy for Game 5 Mitchell is in danger of missing his second straight contest Wednesday due to a left calf strain he suffered in Game 3. If the star guard is ruled out again, Caris LeVert will likely draw another start.
Late addition to injury report Conley is a late addition to Minnesota's injury report but was active during the morning shootaround, per Dane Moore of 'The Dane Moore NBA Podcast'. The veteran point guard has averaged 11.9 points, 6.4 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 31.2 minutes during the postseason, so his potential absence would be a big blow in a critical road matchup. If Conley is downgraded to out, Monte Morris, Jordan McLaughlin and Nickeil Alexander-Walker would be candidates for increased playing time.
Another dreadful showing The Mavericks have welcomed the emergence of P.J. Washington in the series against the Thunder, as Kyrie Irving has struggled badly so far. He's now failed to score in double digits in two of the four games of the series and is shooting a mere 35.7 percent from three-point range. Irving needs to take on a bigger role on offense if the Mavericks want to move to the Western Conference Finals, especially considering how banged up Luka Doncic is.
Posts triple-double Monday On the surface, Doncic's final stat line looks good, as he posted his second triple-double of the postseason and made his presence felt on the defensive end. However, the star guard is battling with several injuries, and he looked a step slow in some sequences, as well as being extremely inefficient with his shot. Doncic is averaging 22.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game in the series against the Thunder, and the decrease in the scoring column is directly tied to the fact he's shooting a mere 39 percent from the floor. He'll aim to bounce back in Game 5 on Wednesday.
Keeps scoring run alive The Mavericks failed to protect their home court and had to settle for a tough loss in Game 4, but one of the few positives in Monday's loss was that Washington continues to perform well even when he commands more attention from the opposing defenses. Washington has been Dallas' second-best player in this series, reaching the 20-point mark in three straight appearances and recording two double-doubles in the series. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday at Oklahoma City.
Nears double-double with four swats Holmgren stepped his game up on a night where Jalen Williams struggled with his shot, and the star rookie made his presence felt on both ends of the court, showing efficiency in his touch near the rim and being his usual disruptive self on the defensive end. Holmgren is averaging 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.3 blocks per game in the series against Dallas. Game 5 is scheduled for Wednesday in OKC.
Struggles from field in Game 4 Williams didn't have his best shooting performance, and his numbers regressed a bit compared to what he'd been doing in the previous contests, but his role as the Thunder's second-best offensive weapon is firmly established ahead of Chet Holmgren, which should give him an excellent floor in most DFS slates. Williams is averaging 19.1 points per game in eight playoff contests this season, but it's worth noting this was his worst scoring performance since the postseason started.
Shines in Game 4 victory Despite dealing with one of the best backcourt combos in the NBA in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to deliver outstanding numbers every time he steps into the hardwood. He surpassed the 30-point threshold in just one of the four games in the opening-round series against the Pelicans, but he's been asked to do more this time around, and he's now on a run of three straight outings with 30-plus points. He's averaging 31.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game in the series against Dallas, with Game 5 scheduled for Wednesday at Paycom Center.
