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Offseason | NBA Week 26

NBA roundup: Lakers finally solve Nuggets, avoid sweep

Sun Apr 28 1:05am ET
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Anthony Davis had 25 points and 23 rebounds, and LeBron James added 30 points as the Los Angeles Lakers avoided elimination in a first-round Western Conference playoff series with a 119-108 Game 4 victory over the visiting Denver Nuggets on Saturday.

D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves each scored 21 points as the Lakers avoided being swept by the Nuggets for the second straight year. They head back to Denver for Game 5 on Monday with the Nuggets leading 3-1 in the series.

Los Angeles shot 52.2 percent from the floor as it ended an 11-game losing streak to Denver. Russell was 8 of 15 shooting and 4 of 8 from 3-point range after missing all seven of his shots from the floor in Game 3.

Nikola Jokic put together his second triple-double of the series with 33 points, 14 rebounds and 14 assists. Michael Porter Jr. added 27 points and 11 rebounds as the Nuggets fell to the Lakers for the first time since December 2022.


Celtics 104, Heat 84

Jayson Tatum posted 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists as visiting Boston regained home-court advantage in its first-round playoff series with Miami, routing the Heat in Game 3.

Boston, the NBA's top seed, leads the best-of-seven series 2-1 with Game 4 set for Monday in Miami. After losing Game 2 in Boston, the Celtics never trailed in this battle against the eighth-seeded Heat.

The Celtics also got 22 points from Jaylen Brown, who added eight rebounds. Kristaps Porzingis added 18 points and Derrick White added 16 points.

The Heat again played without injured standouts Jimmy Butler (knee) and Terry Rozier (neck). Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 20 points and nine rebounds. Nikola Jovic and Tyler Herro added 15 points each.

Magic 112, Cavaliers 89

Orlando rode a dominant third quarter to emphatically even its best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series with visiting Cleveland, shellacking the Cavs in Game 4.

Franz Wagner had 12 of his game-high 34 points and three teammates chipped in with a combined five 3-pointers in the third, which turned a 60-51 Cavaliers advantage at the break into an 88-70 Magic romp by the third quarter's end.

Game 5 in a series dominated by the home team is scheduled for Tuesday at Cleveland.

Donovan Mitchell had 18 points and teammates Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combined for 28 while missing just three shots in a first half in which Cleveland led by as many as 10. But Mitchell never scored again. In fact, the Cavaliers only made four field goals in the entire third quarter.

Thunder 106, Pelicans 85

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points and visiting Oklahoma City took a 3-0 series lead by routing New Orleans.

Josh Giddey and Jalen Williams added 21 points each and Luguentz Dort had 12 for the No. 1 seed Thunder, who will try to complete a sweep of the Western Conference first-round series Monday night in New Orleans.

Brandon Ingram scored 19 points, CJ McCollum had 16, Herb Jones added 15 and Trey Murphy III chipped in 10. New Orleans' offense continued to struggle in the absence of injured leading scorer Zion Williamson. The Pelicans fell short of the 92 points they scored in each of the first two losses, shooting just 38.1 percent from the floor and 28.1 percent on 3-pointers.

Player Notes
Jamal Murray Sat Apr 27 11:40pm

Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray scored 22 points in Saturday's loss to the Lakers. He added six rebounds, five assists, and one block. While Murray had his third 22-point effort in this series, he struggled mightily shooting the ball, going 9-for-23 from the field while missing all four tries from deep. Shoddy percentages have been a theme for the 27-year-old throughout the conference quarterfinals. However, DFS managers should expect him to be on the floor as much as possible in Game 5 on Monday night. He'll also remain heavily involved offensively.

Anthony Davis Sat Apr 27 11:40pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (wrist) was questionable heading into Saturday's matchup with the Nuggets. However, he was available. Not only that, but the 31-year-old had a massive 25-point, 23-rebound double-double with six assists and one block. AD has looked good during the series with Denver, averaging 30.5 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. The Lakers managed to stave off elimination, meaning Davis will have another chance to make a difference for DFS managers in Game 5 on Monday night.

LeBron James Sat Apr 27 11:30pm

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (ankle) scored a team-high 30 points in Saturday's win over the Nuggets. He added five rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block. With the Lakers facing elimination, James led his team to a much-needed win in Game 4. Granted, it will be tough for Los Angeles to take the series. But James, averaging 27.3 points, 8.3 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.0 steals in the conference quarterfinals, can't take any of the blame. Game 5 is on Monday night, and DFS managers will likely see James on the injury report because of his ankle injury. However, he should be out there and deserves consideration for all DFS contests.

Nikola Jokic Sat Apr 27 11:20pm

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic had a triple-double in the Game 4 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The multi-time MVP had 33 points, shooting 10-for-20 from the field while draining all 11 free throw tries, adding 14 rebounds and 14 assists. While his efforts weren't enough, the Lakers still have an uphill climb to get back into this series. With that said, Jokic has arguably had the best postseason out of anyone, averaging 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. As usual, expect the 29-year-old to see plenty of attention from DFS managers for Game 5 on Monday night.

Jimmy Butler Sat Apr 27 11:10pm

Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (ankle) didn't suit up for Saturday's loss to Boston. According to Butler, while speaking with TNT's Chris Haynes during Game 3, he remains without a return timeline. The 34-year-old is dealing with a sprained ankle, and with Miami down in this series, DFS managers may not see him back on the floor until next season. Terry Rozier (neck) is also sidelined, so Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo will remain the team's preferred offensive options. However, the recent play of Nikola Jovic and Jaime Jaquez Jr. is at least something positive from Butler's absence, with the duo expected to stay heavily involved moving forward.

Grayson Allen Sat Apr 27 9:30pm

Phoenix Suns forward Grayson Allen (ankle) is questionable heading into Sunday's pivotal matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Allen tweaked his ankle twice during this series, keeping him off the floor for Game 3. Royce O'Neale got the start in that one. However, it was Eric Gordon who benefitted the most, finishing with 11 points, three assists, three steals, and one block in 34 minutes. If Allen misses another contest, Gordon has DFS value potential written all over him. But fantasy managers shouldn't dismiss O'Neale, either.

Kyle Anderson Sat Apr 27 9:20pm

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson (hip) is questionable for Sunday's postseason clash with the Phoenix Suns. The veteran is dealing with a hip pointer. While Anderson carried an injury designation heading into Game 3, he was still out there, although he had just two points in eight minutes. The 30-year-old likely won't see much action in Game 4 if he suits up, considering Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker have absorbed most of the bench minutes. As a result, Anderson is irrelevant for DFS purposes on Sunday.

Khris Middleton Sat Apr 27 9:10pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (ankle) is probable for the playoff matchup with the Pacers on Sunday. The veteran was questionable heading into Game 3 because of an ankle injury. While the Bucks lost that one in overtime, DFS managers still appreciated Middleton's game-high 42 points. Milwaukee is in trouble, with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles) unlikely to play. As a result, Middleton is a lock for all DFS contests, although he'll be a popular option.

Damian Lillard Sat Apr 27 7:20pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) isn't expected to play on Sunday against Indiana. Lillard has been on a roll during the series. Unfortunately, he tweaked his Achilles during the overtime loss to the Pacers on Friday night. The former Trail Blazer is now in a walking boot, so there's a chance he won't be back for the rest of the playoffs. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) also doubtful, Khris Middleton (ankle), assuming he plays, could get most of the scoring opportunities. Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton, and Patrick Beverley should also get more involved.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Sat Apr 27 7:10pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's postseason matchup with Indiana. Head coach Doc Rivers doesn't expect the multi-time MVP to be out there for Game 4. Even worse, Damian Lillard (Achilles), now in a walking boot, is also anticipated to miss Sunday's game. Fortunately, Khris Middleton (ankle) is probable, so he should get most of the scoring opportunities if Lillard and Antetokounmpo aren't available. In addition, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Patrick Beverley, and Brook Lopez could also see an uptick in fantasy production.

Tim Hardaway Jr. Sat Apr 27 7:00pm

Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) isn't expected to meet the Clippers on Sunday. The veteran sharpshooter tweaked his ankle in Game 2 and wasn't available for Friday's win. However, Hardaway hasn't been a reliable fantasy option during this series, averaging three points and two rebounds. It's hard to imagine he'll be any more productive if he's cleared to suit up for Game 4. If anything, Hardaway missing Sunday's contest would open up minutes for Josh Green, who would see value interest from DFS managers after amassing eight points, five rebounds, and one steal in Game 3.

Kawhi Leonard Sat Apr 27 6:50pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is questionable for Sunday's postseason showdown with Dallas. After missing the end of the regular season and the series opener because of knee inflammation, Leonard finally returned for Game 2. He played well in that one, so most had assumed he was feeling better. However, the veteran logged just 25 minutes in Game 3 to finish with nine points and nine rebounds. As with any of Leonard's injuries through the years, his current knee issue is something to monitor, considering it could keep him off the floor for the rest of the playoffs. At any rate, if Leonard is ruled out, James Harden and Paul George would be the favorites to benefit on the scoring end. In addition, guys like Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell would automatically draw attention from DFS managers.

Luka Doncic Sat Apr 27 6:40pm

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee) is questionable for Sunday's playoff battle with the Clippers. He's back on the injury report because of knee soreness. However, Doncic has been known to sustain minor ailments over the years, so it's hard to imagine he'll miss Game 4. The 25-year-old has struggled shooting the ball recently. However, he has still averaged 29.0 points, 9.7 boards, 8.0 assists, and 1.3 steals in this series. DFS managers should expect Doncic to see north of 40 minutes in Game 4, assuming the contest stays close, with the 25-year-old having the potential to finish as the highest-producing fantasy option on Sunday's slate.

Joel Embiid Sat Apr 27 6:40pm

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup against the Knicks. The injury report is misleading, considering Embiid is nearly guaranteed to be on the court for Game 4. Not only that, he's coming off a strong performance, amassing 50 points in Thursday's win over New York. While the 30-year-old is also battling Bell's Palsy, he guaranteed the Sixers would win this series. As a result, Embiid should be aggressive on both sides of the floor on Sunday afternoon.

Mitchell Robinson Sat Apr 27 6:30pm

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (ankle) is questionable for Sunday's meeting with the 76ers. Robinson began the series by nearly amassing a double-double with four blocks. Unfortunately, things have gone south since then, with the 26-year-old exiting Game 3 after reinjuring his surgically repaired left ankle. There's a real possibility he won't be out there for Game 4. But even if Robinson plays, he might not see enough minutes to justify his presence in any DFS lineup.

Damian Lillard Sat Apr 27 3:20pm

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (Achilles) is in a walking boot. The Bucks have been without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), with head coach Doc Rivers reporting the multi-time MVP isn't expected to return for Game 4 of the series with the Pacers. It also appears Lillard could miss that contest as well. The former Trail Blazer suffered an Achilles injury early in Friday's overtime loss. While he managed to finish the game, Milwaukee might be down their primary scoring options on Sunday and beyond. Khris Middleton, who almost missed Game 3 with an ankle issue, will have plenty of weight to carry if Lillard and Antetokounmpo are both sidelined. In addition, Bobby Portis, Brook Lopez, Patrick Beverley, and Pat Connaughton may also benefit on the scoring end.

Bradley Beal Sat Apr 27 9:40am

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal posted a team-high 28 points on 10-for-19 shooting in Friday's 126-109 loss to Minnesota. He got going offensively after totaling only 29 points across the first two games of the series, hitting 6-for-11 from downtown and 10-for-19 overall from the field. Beal also registered four rebounds and four assists. However, despite his best efforts, the Suns got embarrassed on home court and face elimination in Sunday's Game 4. Beal sits fifth among active players with a career average of 28.1 points in elimination games.

Anthony Edwards Sat Apr 27 9:30am

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards racked up a game-high 36 points on 12-for-23 shooting in Friday's 126-109 Game 3 victory over Phoenix. He tied Kevin Garnett for most 30-point playoff games in franchise history, reaching the mark for the seventh time in his 14th career postseason game. Edwards' night included nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals. The young star has been impressive in the series, averaging 28.0 points with 7.7 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 2.3 steals. He will be out for the kill on Sunday, with Minnesota heading into Game 4 holding a 3-0 lead.

Tyrese Haliburton Sat Apr 27 9:20am

Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton recorded only the fourth playoff triple-double in franchise history as the team defeated Milwaukee 121-118 in Game 3 on Friday. Indiana's young star scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and handed out 16 assists. He had a poor shooting night with an 8-for-22 effort, which included 11 misses with 12 attempts from deep, but Haliburton was money when it counted the most. Haliburton scored on a drive with 1.2 seconds left in overtime and iced the game with a free throw. With three games played, Haliburton is averaging 13.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 12.0 assists in the series.

Khris Middleton Sat Apr 27 9:10am

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton produced a fantastic performance in Friday's Game 3 against Indiana, leading all scorers with 42 points in a 121-118 loss. His day at the office included a pair of big triples near the end of the regulation and overtime. The 42 points mark his new playoff career high. Middleton got there with 16-for-29 shooting, nailing four shots from deep with nine attempts. He also collected a double-double with 10 rebounds and dished out five assists. The Bucks are without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf), and Damian Lillard (Achilles) also hurt himself on Friday, so Middleton might have to do even more in Sunday's Game 4 to keep the Bucks competitive.