Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. McConnell continued his strong stretch of performances with a good 25-minute outing in Tuesday's Game 1 loss to Boston. He scored 13 points on 6-for-11 shooting off the bench and dished out four assists while recording three rebounds and one steal. McConnell has become a very useful spark plug off the pine for the Pacers, posting a pair of double-doubles and scoring in double figures in six of the last eight games. Boston has one of the most unproductive benches in the league, meaning Indiana's second unit has a big role to play in the series if the team wants to match the Celtics.

Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner contributed all over the floor in Tuesday's Game 1 against Boston, registering 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in a 133-128 overtime loss. Indiana's big man got off to a red-hot start in the contest and racked up 18 points in the first half with 7-for-10 shooting. His scoring pace was much slower after the break, but it was still an impressive outing from Turner, who finished with 9-for-13 shooting, hitting three of his four attempts from deep. Indiana will hope to see more of the same from Turner in Game 2.

Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the team took a heartbreaking 133-128 overtime loss against the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday. The former Raptor finished without a made three-pointer for the first time in four games but went a solid 12-for-23 overall from the field and led the Pacers starters with a plus-five rating after also posting seven assists and one steal. This marks Siakam's first double-double since he opened the playoffs with two in two games. It's been a struggle for him on the glass, but things have clicked for Siakam offensively following a quiet spell. The Cameroonian star has gone for 20-plus points in five of his last six appearances.

Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton finished Tuesday's Game 1 loss against Boston with a team-high 25 points, 10 assists, three rebounds, three steals, and one block. His productive outing included six made three-pointers, which tied the NBA record for most triples made in a Conference Finals debut. Haliburton sunk a couple of crazy efforts from deep and finished 6-for-14 from behind the arc while going 8-for-18 overall from the field. That's now back-to-back games with six made shots from three-point range for him, and Haliburton ended a seven-game run without a double-double on Tuesday, which will be encouraging for the Pacers. However, Haliburton also had a couple of bad turnovers at crucial times, and he will need to do better in that department in Thursday's Game 2.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had a big double-double in Tuesday's Eastern Conference Finals opener against Indiana, scoring a game-high 36 points and grabbing 12 rebounds to help the team to a 133-128 overtime win. He scored 11 of Boston's 16 points in overtime after Jaylen Brown had hit a tough three-pointer to extend the game. With him shooting 12-for-26 from the field, Tatum wasn't very efficient with his scoring, but his overall work, which included four assists and three steals, resulted in a game-best plus-20 rating. It's scary what he could do if he shoots better in Game 2. Tatum will enter Thursday's contest with a four-game double-double streak.

Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday had by far the best offensive outing of the 2024 postseason on Tuesday, finishing a 133-128 overtime victory against Indiana in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals with 28 points on 10-for-16 shooting. Entering Tuesday, Holiday hasn't managed more than 18 points in any playoff game this year, finishing with less than 10 points in four of 10 games, but he looked like a different man on the court Tuesday night. As usual, Holiday, who finished 4-for-8 with the three-ball, also made his mark defensively, snagging three steals, and he capped off his line with seven rebounds and eight assists. This could be another quick series for Boston if Holiday can keep up his form for the rest of the week.

Boston Celtics guard/forward Jaylen Brown kicked off the Eastern Conference Finals in style, playing a massive role in a 133-128 overtime win in Game 1 on Tuesday. Brown hit a tough contested corner triple to take the game into the extra frame and stood out at the other end in overtime, stealing the ball with 37 seconds remaining, which helped Boston to get over the finish line. The three-time All-Star had three total steals in the game and added a block at the defensive end while scoring 26 points on 10-for-20 shooting. It was a full line from Brown in Game 1, as he also recorded seven rebounds and five assists. Brown has been very potent in these playoffs, reaching the 25-point plateau in five of the last seven games.

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell is drawing interest from the Orlando Magic. The 28-year-old is coming off a quality season, averaging 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.1 rebounds. He also shot a career-high 41.5% from deep. He can earn nearly $19 million if he accepts his player option. But if Russell wants to test the market, the Magic could look to add some stability to their backcourt, something the team desperately needs. From a fantasy standpoint, he's expected to remain a reliable option no matter where he ends up, although injuries have sometimes overshadowed his play throughout his career.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (calf) is questionable for Wednesday's postseason battle with the Mavericks. The 36-year-old suffered a right Soleus strain during the Western Conference semifinals against OKC. While the injury cost him Game 5, he was available for the series' final two contests. Conley averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and shot 52.9% from deep in four regular-season meetings versus Dallas. However, he's not always reliable for DFS purposes, and he may be even less dependable due to the injury.

According to Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, guard Ja Morant (shoulder) is progressing in rehab from a torn labrum suffered back in January. "Everything is going well," said Jenkins while speaking to the media at an event. "He's going to be pretty close to full go on the court." The multi-time All-Star began last season serving a 25-game suspension before averaging 25.1 points and 8.1 assists in nine appearances. Unfortunately, he sustained a torn labrum and had to undergo season-ending surgery. Without a doubt, Morant is one of the best players in the National Basketball Association. However, he's had issues staying healthy over the years while being involved in several off-the-court incidents. But he's an excellent bounce-back candidate for 2024-25, although category participants haven't appreciated his career 31.8% shooting from deep.

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (knee, ankle) is probable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Minnesota Timberwolves. The multi-time All-Star continues to battle knee and ankle soreness. However, these ailments aren't new, so he'll be on the floor on Wednesday evening, barring a setback. Doncic went crazy in two meetings with Minnesota during the regular season, averaging 36.5 points, 10.5 assists, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. But he might have a difficult time remaining as productive, considering his multiple injuries have impacted his scoring ability throughout the postseason.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, speaking on FanDuel TV's Up and Adams, there is a "growing belief" that Paul George will remain with the Clippers. The veteran could become an unrestricted free agent this summer if he doesn't sign an extension and declines his $48.8 million option. While he has interest from several clubs, it appears he may remain in Los Angeles. George isn't the player he once was. However, the 34-year-old still averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals in 74 regular-season appearances for the Clippers. He also shot a career-high 41.3% from behind the three-point line. With that said, George will remain a coveted fantasy option for all formats heading into the 2024-25 campaign. But his inability to stay healthy during his career is something fantasy managers should keep in mind when drafting.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, speaking on NBA Countdown ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (calf) could be back for Game 4 on Monday. Wojnarowski indicated the team won't rush him back, which is understandable if the C's build a decisive lead in the series with Indiana. However, if anything, the update means that Boston could have him back for the NBA Finals, assuming the Celtics advance. The 28-year-old averaged 20.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks during the regular season. But Porzingis hasn't been on the floor in nearly a month, meaning he could be limited once he's cleared to return. In the meantime, DFS managers should expect Al Horford to absorb most of the minutes in the middle, with Luke Kornet coming in for relief.

On Tuesday, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Gobert has been named to the All-Defensive First Team seven times during his 11-year career. Minnesota's big man has been a critical factor in the Timberwolves' postseason run to the Western Conference Finals, starting Wednesday against Dallas. The Defensive Player of the Year has suited up for 10 playoff games, averaging 12.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.0 steals across 34.3 minutes on the court per game.

San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is the first rookie to be selected to the NBA All-Defensive first team. The National Basketball Association has named an All-Defensive first and second team since the 1968-69 season. Wembanyama was also awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year earlier in the month. In 71 regular season contests, the 20-year-old rookie averaged 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 3.6 blocks, and 1.2 steals during 29.7 minutes per game.

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is expected to sign a massive four-year, $156 million contract extension this summer, according to Steve Popper of Newsday Sports. Brunson fractured his left hand during Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Indiana. Across 13 postseason contests, the 27-year-old was phenomenal, averaging 32.4 points, 7.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.8 steals in 39.8 minutes per contest.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen could be a popular man this offseason if the team decides to move him. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Allen has "numerous admirers" in rival front offices. Allen, who turned 26 in April, signed a five-year, $100 million contract with the Cavaliers in 2021. He averaged a career-high 16.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks during a successful 2023-24 season. But Allen's future in Cleveland is murky after reports suggested that he refused to take a pain-killing injection to play through a rib contusion in the playoffs. He missed the team's final eight postseason games as Cleveland's campaign ended with a 4-1 defeat to Boston in the second round.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela is "likely bound for the trade market" with a year remaining on his contract. The Swiss big man, who has just turned 30, will be carrying a $22.3 million expiring contract next season. The Pelicans and Rockets are seen as potential landing spots for Capela after the Mavericks also showed big interest in him at the trade deadline. Capela has proven himself as a very capable center in the Association, averaging a double-double for seven consecutive seasons. While splitting time with Onyeka Okongwu, Capela posted 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds with 1.5 blocks across 25.8 minutes this term. His exit from Atlanta could provide a big boost to Okongwu's fantasy stock.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Gordon Hayward has expressed displeasure with his role on the team. "Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out. Certainly frustrating," Hayward said. "I feel as a player, I have a lot to offer. Just wasn't really given much of an opportunity to do that. I thought I would be given that opportunity." After the Thunder traded for Hayward in February, the former All-Star averaged just 17.2 minutes per game with the team and saw even less action in the playoffs, logging 47 minutes across seven appearances. Hayward will enter unrestricted free agency this offseason after completing a four-year, $120 million deal.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Josh Giddey ended up playing a very limited role in the second-round series against Dallas, but he's not seeking a change of scenery. "I love it here. This is a home away from home. I love everything about this place, the city, the fans," Giddey said. "The organization top to bottom is just unbelievable people throughout the building, and getting to come here to work every day is a lot of fun. It doesn't feel like work." Giddey also had a down year during the regular season, recording career-low numbers across the board with 12.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. The 21-year-old is eligible for an extension this offseason, but the team is reportedly looking to move him on.