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Offseason | NBA Week 26

Lillard has Achilles strain, status unclear for Game 4

Sat Apr 27 3:35pm ET
Field Level Media

Bucks star Damian Lillard was in a walking boot Saturday because of a strained right Achilles tendon, according to multiple reports, making his availability for Milwaukee's playoff game against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday a question mark.

On Friday, Lillard clutched at his leg in pain after a foul on Aaron Nesmith with 6.2 seconds left in regulation of Game 3 of the team's first-round series against the Pacers. Lillard remained in the game into overtime but was scoreless in the extra period and had zero shot attempts as the Bucks fell to the Pacers 121-118.

Lillard has been dealing with Achilles discomfort for several weeks, he revealed after the team's last regular-season game. He sat out the first few playoff practices for rest.

Lillard's status for Game 4 of the Western Conference matchup at Indiana is unclear.


The Bucks trail in the best-of-seven series 2-1 and are already without former two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has yet to appear in the playoffs due to a calf strain.

Lillard was 6 of 20 from the floor for 28 points in Game 3, adding eight assists and three steals. He finished the regular season averaging 24.3 points, 7.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Player Notes
Wendell Carter Jr. Sun May 12 9:00pm

Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (hand) will undergo surgery. The 25-year-old fractured his left hand in November, limiting him to 55 games last season. But now he'll need another procedure on the same hand to "stabilize the third metacarpal." Carter, who will be re-evaluated in roughly four weeks following the procedure, is expected to make a full recovery. The 2018 No. 7 overall pick had one of the best seasons of his career in 2022-23, averaging 15.2 points and 8.7 assists. However, he took a step backward in both categories last season. Assuming he stays healthy, Carter has a chance to bounce back this season, although many fantasy managers will look past him due to his health and statistical regression.

Jonathan Kuminga Sun May 12 8:50pm

According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, speaking on 95.7 The Game, the Warriors aren't expected to trade forward Jonathan Kuminga this summer. The Warriors undoubtedly need to tweak the roster to compete in a stacked Western Conference. But Kuminga, who was once rumored to be on the move, is anticipated to remain included in the team's plans moving ahead. The 21-year-old had a rough start to the 2023-24 campaign. However, he averaged 18.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 41 games to end the year. With that said, Kuminga appears ready to take a leap in his development, and he'll likely see more than enough interest from fantasy managers heading toward the new season.

Isaiah Hartenstein Sun May 12 8:40pm

New York Knicks forward/center Isaiah Hartenstein (shoulder) finished with five boards and four points in Sunday's blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers. The Knicks struggled in Game 4, with Jalen Brunson the only starter to reach double figures on the scoring end. However, and more importantly, Harteinstein indicated after the loss that he may have pinched a nerve in his shoulder. This is concerning, considering the team is without Mitchell Robinson (ankle), OG Anunoby (hamstring), and Bojan Bogdanovic (ankle). At any rate, Hartenstein stated X-rays were negative and that he would play in Game 5 on Tuesday night. But if he can't make it out there, Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa would see more action, with the latter being the more dependable DFS option.

Luke Kornet Sun May 12 8:30pm

Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (calf) is probable for Monday's meeting with the Cavaliers. He's dealing with calf tightness. However, even with Kristaps Porzingis (calf) sidelined, Kornet has averaged 4.7 points and 3.0 points during the Conference semifinals, meaning his status for Game 4 won't make a difference for DFS participants.

Donovan Mitchell Sun May 12 8:20pm

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (calf) is questionable for Monday's playoff showdown with the Celtics. He popped up on the injury report because of a strained left calf. Yet, the Cavs are looking to knot things up, so fantasy managers should expect to see Mitchell on the floor. The 27-year-old has played exceptionally well in the series, averaging 31.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He's also shot 53.3% from behind the arc, making him one of the top DFS options available on Monday night, assuming he gets the green light to play.

Luka Doncic Sun May 12 8:20pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is questionable for Monday's matchup versus OKC. Doncic has taken a beating throughout the postseason, resulting in multiple appearances on the injury report for various reasons. However, this isn't anything new, so DFS managers should expect to see him on the floor, especially with the Mavs looking to take a decisive lead in the series. With that said, Doncic, coming off a 22-point, 15-rebound, five-assist effort in the win on Saturday, remains the top fantasy option for Monday night, assuming he's available.

Jarrett Allen Sun May 12 8:10pm

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (rib) is questionable for Monday's postseason battle against Boston. He's carried the same injury designation throughout the series because of a nagging rib contusion. Unfortunately, Allen hasn't been out there. The 26-year-old could be nearing a return, although he may be limited in his first few games back. But if Allen isn't available for Game 4, Isaac Okoro would presumably remain in the starting lineup. On the other hand, Caris LeVert, amassing 36 points in the last two contests from off the bench, is a more dependable DFS option.

Kristaps Porzingis Sun May 12 8:10pm

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) remains out for Monday's playoff contest versus the Cavaliers. Porzingis continues to work his way back from a right Soleus strain. With that in mind, it's possible he won't suit up at any point in the series. Fortunately, Al Horford has done a good job filling the void in the middle, with the 37-year-old averaging 6.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in three starts in the Conference semifinals. Luke Kornet (calf), listed as probable for Monday evening, should also continue to receive more minutes from off the bench. However, Horford has a much higher upside for DFS participants.

Aaron Nesmith Sun May 12 3:20pm

Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (shoulder) will be good to go for Sunday's Game 4 against the Knicks. He hurt his right shoulder in the previous contest, which gave Nesmith a questionable tag ahead of Game 4. But the team has upgraded Nesmith to available ahead of tip-off. The 24-year-old typically provides a little bit of everything, averaging 10.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.7 steals for the 2024 playoffs.

Tyrese Haliburton Sun May 12 3:10pm

Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton (back, ankle) will play in Game 4 against the Knicks on Sunday. The talented playmaker has suffered multiple injuries during the team's playoff run but will continue to battle on. Haliburton has a chance to post a third consecutive 30-point game on Sunday. He's averaging 25.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 3.0 steals against the Knicks with 5.0 made triples.

Tyrese Haliburton Sun May 12 12:40am

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (back, ankle) is questionable for Sunday's postseason battle with the Knicks. The back spasms aren't new, but he tweaked his ankle in Friday's win, so most had assumed he'd be back on the injury report for Game 4. Haliburton has been on a roll despite the ailments, amassing 69 points, 16 assists, and five steals in his last two appearances. With that type of production, he'll see plenty of attention from DFS managers for Game 4, assuming he's available.

OG Anunoby Sun May 12 12:30am

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (hamstring) won't play in Sunday's playoff matchup with the Pacers. The former Raptor injured his left hamstring in Game 2 and wasn't available for the loss of Friday night. While he is with the team in Indiana and receiving multiple treatment sessions daily, there's a chance he could miss more games moving ahead. Nonetheless, until Anunoby is back on the floor, Precious Achiuwa and Alec Burks should continue to see more minutes. However, Burks scored 14 points in Game 3, so he'll be the preferred DFS option over Achiuwa.

Bam Adebayo Sat May 11 12:40pm

According to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald, the Heat are expected to offer center Bam Adebayo an extension that will keep him in South Beach for "years to come." Adebayo has two years remaining on his current deal. But the 26-year-old is coming off another potent season, averaging 19.3 points and a career-high 10.4 rebounds, so the latest update is a no-brainer. He also developed a shot from deep, ending the 2023-24 campaign by shooting 35.7% from behind the arc. Miami could go in several different directions over the summer. However, the roster will be constructed around Adebayo moving ahead, meaning the chances of Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler being moved are higher than ever. At any rate, no matter who is on the roster come training camp, Adebayo will go early in fantasy drafts heading toward the regular season.

Josh Hart Fri May 10 10:50pm

New York Knicks forward Josh Hart had a double-double in Friday's playoff matchup with Indiana. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, with the Knicks dropping their first game of the series. Jalen Brunson (foot) wasn't himself after tweaking his foot in Game 2. While Donte DiVincenzo had a team-high 35 points, Hart still scored 10 points while adding 18 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The 29-year-old has been on a roll during the postseason, and he should continue to see heavy minutes in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon, especially if OG Anunoby (hamstring) remains out.

Donte DiVincenzo Fri May 10 10:50pm

New York Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo had a team-high 35 points in Friday's loss to the Pacers. He added three boards, two assists, one steal, and one block. Jalen Brunson (foot) isn't fully healthy after tweaking his foot in Game 2. However, DiVincenzo picked up the slack, going 12-for-26 from the floor and an efficient 7-for-11 from behind the three-point line. The 27-year-old has played well of late, averaging 29.3 points and shooting 56.3% from deep during this series. With numbers like that, DiVincenzo will see plenty of interest from DFS managers for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.

Jalen Brunson Fri May 10 10:50pm

New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (foot) finished with a team-high 26 points in Friday's loss to Indiana. The former Maverick injured his right foot in Game 2 and carried a questionable tag heading into this contest. While he managed to suit up, he reinjured his foot in the first quarter, taking him off the floor for a few minutes. Brunson also had five turnovers in Game 3, so the ailment appears to be impacting his play. However, he should remain on the DFS radar for Game 4 on Sunday despite his recent decline in production.

Myles Turner Fri May 10 10:40pm

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner looked good in Friday's playoff victory over the New York Knicks. The 28-year-old had only six points in Game 2 on Wednesday. Yet, he scored 21 points in Game 3 to help his squad win their first game of the Conference semifinals. The Knicks were without OG Anunoby (hamstring), which was a crushing blow for the defense. However, New York will likely adjust heading into Game 4 on Sunday, so Turner could have trouble replicating his performance from Friday night.

Pascal Siakam Fri May 10 10:30pm

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam helped lead the Pacers to a win over the Knicks on Friday evening. The former Raptor scored 26 points, adding seven rebounds and one block. He also shot an efficient 9-for-14 from the field while draining his only try from behind the arc. Siakam had his best offensive outing of the Conference semifinals in Game 3. While he's had issues staying out of foul trouble, he deserves DFS attention for Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.

Tyrese Haliburton Fri May 10 10:30pm

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton scored a game-high 35 points in Friday's win over the Knicks. He added seven assists, two steals, and a block. As expected, the 24-year-old was on the floor after making another appearance on the injury report because of back spasms. However, it appears Haliburton feels just fine, considering he's combined for 69 points in the previous two games. He did tweak his ankle during the contest, which is concerning. As a result, DFS managers will likely see him hold a questionable tag heading into Game 4 on Sunday. But barring a major setback, Haliburton should be good to go.

Dean Wade Fri May 10 7:30pm

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (knee) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 3 against the Celtics. He's been out for two months with a sprained right knee, but it now looks like Wade could be ready to return to the lineup. The 27-year-old averaged over 20 minutes per game during the regular season. Wade could play a significant role in the playoffs, with the Cavaliers frontcourt weakened by the absence of Jarrett Allen (rib). However, it's unclear how many minutes he will be ready to play following the two-month injury layoff.