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Playoff Week 2 | NBA Week 22

NBA roundup: Lakers respond, even series vs. Wolves

Wed Apr 23 2:03am ET
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Luka Doncic scored 16 of his 31 points in a dominating first quarter and added 12 rebounds and nine assists as the Los Angeles Lakers evened their Western Conference first-round playoff series with a 94-85 victory over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday.

LeBron James added 21 points and 11 rebounds, Austin Reaves scored 16 points and Rui Hachimura had 11 as the No. 3 seed Lakers rebounded from a 22-point loss in the series opener Saturday. Game 3 is Friday in Minneapolis, where the Timberwolves went 2-0 against Los Angeles in the regular season.

Julius Randle scored 27 points and Anthony Edwards added 25 for the No. 6 seed Timberwolves, who shot 38 percent from the field after shooting 51.2 percent in Game 1, when they were also 21 of 42 from 3-point range. Minnesota hit a season-low five 3-pointers on 25 attempts in Game 2 and scored its fewest points this season.

Los Angeles roared out to a double-digit lead less than seven minutes into the game. The Lakers were up 34-15 at the end of the first quarter, shooting 55 percent while holding Minnesota to 27.8 percent. The Lakers led by 22 points in the first half and were up 58-43 at halftime.


Thunder 118, Grizzlies 99

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points to lead Oklahoma City to another comfortable home win over Memphis.

The Thunder, who won the opener by 51 points, lead the best-of-seven Western Conference series 2-0. Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday in Memphis. Jalen Williams added 24 points for Oklahoma City, which never trailed. Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks, and Alex Caruso scored 13.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 26 points while Ja Morant added 23. Jackson scored 13 of his points in the third quarter, when the Grizzlies outscored the Thunder 27-20.

Pacers 123, Bucks 115

Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton each had a double-double as Indiana withstood a late rally to beat Milwaukee in Indianapolis for a 2-0 lead in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Siakam had 24 points and 11 rebounds while Haliburton had 21 points and 12 assists for fourth-seeded Indiana, which never trailed. The best-of-seven series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday. Andrew Nembhard finished with 17 points, Aaron Nesmith added 16, Myles Turner had 15 and Bennedict Mathurin scored 14 off the bench.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led fifth-seeded Milwaukee with 34 points, 18 rebounds and seven assists. Portis posted 28 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, Lillard added 14 points and Kyle Kuzma had 12 points. The Bucks shot 50.6 percent from the field and 40 percent (14 for 35) from beyond the arc, but committed 16 turnovers.

Player Notes
Max Strus Mon Mar 16 9:00am

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) returned for his season debut Sunday and finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes against Dallas. The veteran wing looked comfortable immediately, knocking down six three-pointers on efficient shooting and potentially earning a larger role as his conditioning improves. His return could squeeze minutes for Keon Ellis and Jaylon Tyson, while Sam Merrill may also face added competition once healthy. Strus shapes up as a three-point streaming option with upside if his workload climbs during the fantasy playoffs.

Seth Curry Mon Mar 16 8:50am

Golden State Warriors guard Seth Curry (adductor) will be re-evaluated in about a week after suffering a mild left adductor strain, an injury that is expected to keep him out multiple games. The veteran sharpshooter has appeared in only four contests this season and has not held a consistent role, so his absence is unlikely to shift the rotation. Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton (knee) should continue handling most of the backcourt minutes, while Pat Spencer, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II remain deep-league options only if injuries thin the guard group further.

Kawhi Leonard Mon Mar 16 8:40am

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Spurs after turning his left ankle late in Saturday's contest. If the two-time Finals MVP sits, Bennedict Mathurin could see more scoring chances after producing 24 points with six rebounds and one block in 35 minutes off the bench last game. Darius Garland may also shoulder more offensive responsibility, while Derrick Jones Jr. could absorb extra wing minutes. Mathurin looks like a points streamer with some upside, though his minutes and role could still shift depending on how the Clippers set their rotations.

Al Horford Mon Mar 16 8:40am

Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford (calf) will miss at least the next week after imaging revealed a minor right calf strain, with a recheck scheduled before a potential return. Quinten Post could remain in the rotation after starting and posting 22 points with four three-pointers and three blocks in 36 minutes in his last outing, though his role may shrink once Draymond Green (back) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are fully available. Post is more of a deep-league flier for blocks and occasional threes, while Gui Santos could continue seeing steady frontcourt minutes while Horford is out.

Santi Aldama Mon Mar 16 8:30am

Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) will undergo a season-ending arthroscopic procedure to address lingering right knee discomfort after missing extended time down the stretch. The 25-year-old enjoyed a career year, producing 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 27.9 minutes across 43 appearances. Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks should continue seeing expanded roles, with Prosper recently scoring 17 points with three three-pointers in 22 minutes and Hendricks adding five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes. Both profile as deep-league streamers, while GG Jackson II (foot) could also factor in once healthy.

Isaiah Collier Mon Mar 16 8:20am

Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (knee) did not return to Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings after suffering a right knee contusion, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes. With the second-year guard likely to miss time on a shorthanded, development-focused roster, Bez Mbeng could see a steady run after logging 33 minutes with modest counting stats in his last outing. Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams may also see added usage. Collier remains a hold in deeper leagues, while Mbeng profiles as a speculative deep-league assist and steals streamer if he draws a start

Drew Eubanks Mon Mar 16 8:20am

Sacramento Kings center Drew Eubanks (thumb) is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, and he is likely to miss most of the remaining schedule. Maxime Raynaud should continue handling starting duties after delivering eight points and 12 rebounds in 29 minutes last game, putting him on the radar as a rebounds streamer. Dylan Cardwell chipped in seven rebounds in 16 minutes and could earn a larger role as he ramps up following his recent return. Raynaud is the safer add for now, while Cardwell is a name to watch in deeper leagues if his minutes climb.

Cody Williams Mon Mar 16 2:00am

Jazz's F Cody Williams scored 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting in a 111-116 loss to Sacramento on Sunday, Mar. 15. Williams is owned in only 15.8% leagues.

DeMar DeRozan Mon Mar 16 2:00am

Kings' F DeMar DeRozan recorded a double-double, scoring 41 points with 11 assists in a 116-111 win over the Jazz on Sunday, Mar. 15.

Aaron Nesmith Mon Mar 16 2:00am

Pacers' F Aaron Nesmith scored 32 points on 10-of-14 shooting in a 123-134 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday, Mar. 15. Nesmith is owned in only 14.3% leagues.

Dejounte Murray Sun Mar 15 8:30pm

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Mavericks and could miss time depending on how he responds at shootaround. If he sits, rookie guard Jeremiah Fears could see more minutes after posting nine points with three three-pointers and one rebound in 13 minutes off the bench last game. Fears is a speculative deep-league streamer for managers needing points and threes. Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson would likely take on more playmaking responsibilities.

Alperen Sengun Sun Mar 15 8:20pm

Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun (back) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Lakers and could miss a second straight game due to low back pain. His absence would open frontcourt minutes, with Dorian Finney-Smith logging 27 minutes as a spot starter last game, finishing with four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, while Clint Capela produced nine points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocks in 22 minutes. Capela looks like a solid defensive streamer for managers needing blocks, while Finney-Smith is more of a deep-league option due to his limited offensive role. Kevin Durant could also see a slight usage bump if Sengun sits, with more scoring responsibility likely falling on his shoulders.

Michael Porter Jr. Sun Mar 15 8:00pm

Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his third straight absence as he continues to recover from a right ankle sprain. Danny Wolf should continue seeing a larger role after producing 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer in 27 minutes as a starter in the last game. Wolf looks like a solid streaming option. Ziaire Williams and Josh Minott could also see more opportunities after combining for 23 points and five three-pointers, though both remain riskier fantasy plays due to fluctuating roles.

Jeremy Sochan Sun Mar 15 7:40pm

New York Knicks forward/center Jeremy Sochan (illness) is available for Sunday's matchup against the Warriors after sitting out Friday. The 22-year-old has played only limited reserve minutes recently, including a three-minute outing March 11 against Utah when he posted four points, one rebound, and one steal. With Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson healthy, Sochan remains buried in the frontcourt rotation. His limited role caps his fantasy value, making him a low-impact option outside of very deep leagues.

Quinten Post Sun Mar 15 7:10pm

Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks and could see a larger role with Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all sidelined. Post logged seven points, three rebounds, and one three-pointer in 12 minutes last game and may see additional frontcourt opportunities alongside Omer Yurtseven. The opportunity is there, but Post remains a low-end fantasy option best suited for deeper leagues needing rebounds or blocks. Gui Santos should also continue seeing heavy minutes with the shorthanded Warriors.

Devin Carter Sun Mar 15 7:00pm

Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (calf) will remain sidelined Sunday against the Jazz, leaving the Kings thin at point guard with Russell Westbrook (foot) and Malik Monk (ankle) also unavailable. That should keep Killian Hayes in line for extended minutes as Sacramento's only healthy traditional point guard. Hayes posted 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and could see a similar opportunity again. He remains a low-end fantasy streamer, but the available minutes make him worth consideration in deeper formats. DeMar DeRozan could also see more on-ball creation.

Malik Monk Sun Mar 15 7:00pm

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against the Jazz, marking his third straight absence as he continues to deal with ankle soreness. With Monk, Russell Westbrook (foot), and Devin Carter (calf) all unavailable, Killian Hayes and Nique Clifford should continue seeing backcourt minutes. Hayes remains a low-end fantasy streamer due to inconsistent production, while Clifford has been contributing across multiple categories despite inefficient shooting, including 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 35 minutes last game.

Russell Westbrook Sun Mar 15 6:50pm

Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (foot) will not play Sunday against the Jazz as he sits out the second game of a back-to-back, though he is expected to return Tuesday. His absence should open more minutes for Killian Hayes, who could handle primary point guard duties with Malik Monk (ankle) and Devin Carter (calf) also sidelined. Hayes had 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and profiles as a low-end fantasy streamer with opportunity on his side. DeMar DeRozan may also take on more ball-handling responsibility.

Josh Hart Sun Mar 15 6:40pm

New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Warriors after missing the team's previous two contests. His return should push Landry Shamet back into a reserve role while restoring Hart's usual workload on the wing. Hart has remained a steady fantasy contributor when active, averaging 12.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last five games. His rebounding from the wing and across-the-board production make him a solid hold in category leagues, while Shamet likely loses most of his short-term streaming appeal.

Karl-Anthony Towns Sun Mar 15 1:00pm

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. He didn't play in Friday's matchup with Indiana due to knee soreness, but the Knicks haven't listed him on the injury report for Sunday's game. Mitchell Robinson made a massive impact as a starter on Friday night, finishing with 12 points, 22 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He will return to a reserve role on Sunday, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to repeat his effort from Friday's game. In the teams' earlier meeting this season, Towns racked up 17 points and 20 boards, and with the Warriors set to play without Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), he might be in for another dominant outing.


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