Guest of the League
Like Mike
Offseason | NBA Week 26

Hawks star Trae Young (finger) making progress

Tue Mar 26 5:58pm ET
Field Level Media

Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young is moving closer toward a return from the left pinkie surgery he underwent last month.

Young was re-examined Monday and will now begin the next step of his rehabilitation. According to the Hawks, Young will start small finger motion exercises this week.

Young tore a ligament in the finger on Feb. 23 during a game against the Toronto Raptors and underwent surgery four days later.

There remains no timetable for the return of the three-time All-Star. The Hawks are 8-7 without him entering Wednesday's home game against the Portland Trail Blazers.


Young, 25, averages a team-best 26.4 points and 10.8 assists in 51 games (all starts) this season.

Overall, Young is contributing 25.6 points and 9.5 assists in 404 career games (all starts) since being selected with the fifth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft.

Player Notes
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.

Anthony Davis Sat Apr 27 9:10am

Los Angeles Lakers forward/center Anthony Davis (wrist) is regarded as questionable for Game 4 against Denver on Saturday. He's on the injury report with a left wrist sprain, which Davis suffered in Thursday's Game 3 loss. It would be surprising to see Davis miss Saturday's contest with the Lakers' season on the line. Darvin Ham's team has fallen to a 3-0 hole despite Davis averaging 32.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 blocks across 42.0 minutes in the series. We should see another big effort from him on Saturday.

Reggie Jackson Sat Apr 27 9:00am

Denver Nuggets point guard Reggie Jackson (ankle) has been listed as questionable for Saturday's Game 4 against the Lakers. Jackson tweaked his left ankle in Thursday's Game 3. Jackson has averaged only 8.3 minutes in the series, meaning he wouldn't be a major miss for the Nuggets. However, the veteran has been something of a talisman for teams through the years against the Lakers, winning 17 consecutive games against them. Christian Braun could fill Jackson's minutes on Saturday, but he hasn't been a good fantasy producer.

Damian Lillard Sat Apr 27 8:50am

Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard aggravated an Achilles injury in Friday's epic playoff battle against Indiana. Lillard had a good game with 28 points, eight assists, and three steals, but he tweaked his Achilles near the end of the fourth quarter and was hindered by the injury in overtime. The ailment leaves Lillard iffy for Sunday's Game 4. With Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) on the shelf, Khris Middleton already carried a huge load on Friday and could be asked to do even more in Game 4. Pat Connaughton or Malik Beasley should take Lillard's position in the starting lineup if he's out on Sunday.

Kawhi Leonard Fri Apr 26 11:10pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard amassed nine points and nine rebounds in Friday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The 32-year-old missed time because of knee inflammation but returned for Game 2. While he played well enough in that contest, he took a step back on Friday night. Even more concerning, Leonard only logged 25 minutes. He's likely still bothered by the knee issue, so there's reason to believe he will miss Game 4 on Sunday. If that's the case, Paul George and James Harden could pick up some of the slack. But Norman Powell, finishing with 21 points in Game 3, will be a coveted DFS option.

Delon Wright Fri Apr 26 7:40pm

Miami Heat guard Delon Wright (personal) is questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Celtics. With Terry Rozier (neck) out of commission, Wright has been getting some work during this series. He's played well, too, averaging 11.0 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 75.0% from behind the arc. If he can't suit up, Tyler Herro could see even more minutes at the one. In addition, Patty Mills may finally make an appearance, although he doesn't have much upside.

Daniel Gafford Fri Apr 26 7:30pm

Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (back) will suit up for Friday's matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers. He's taken a beating during this series, so he was listed as questionable heading into this contest. However, the former Wizard will be on the floor. Gafford didn't see much work in the first two games, and that likely won't change on Friday night. Yet, his availability will still lower the fantasy ceilings of Maxi Kleber and Dereck Lively II.

Kawhi Leonard Fri Apr 26 7:20pm

Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is available for Friday's postseason matchup with the Dallas Mavericks. Leonard returned for Game 2 after missing time because of knee inflammation. He played well despite the lengthy layoff, amassing 15 points with seven boards, four steals, and one block. While the 32-year-old had issues finding the bottom of the net, he'll likely play better this time around.