

Wed Apr 23 2:03am ET
Field Level Media
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.
Sacramento Kings' newly acquired forward De'Andre Hunter (eye) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Orlando Magic. Hunter missed the previous three games with a left eye injury that began before the All-Star break. The forward was traded to Sacramento from the Cleveland Cavaliers during this season's trade deadline and has played just three games with the Kings. With him set to miss another game on Thursday, forward Precious Achiuwa should start, while rookies Maxime Raynaud and Nique Clifford should be major beneficiaries of the number of injuries affecting the Kings' lineup.
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Boston Celtics, but he told reporters he plans to make his debut with the team. Porzingis was traded to the Warriors from the Atlanta Hawks at this season's trade deadline after playing just 17 games with them. Many expect Porzingis to be the perfect fit with the Warriors, barring health. The former fourth-overall pick has averaged 19.6 points per game in his career, shooting over 36% from three in each of the last four seasons. With Porzingis expected to play, centers Al Horford and Quinten Post should see fewer minutes moving forward, while Porzingis should be more of a factor from a fantasy perspective.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's contest against the Toronto Raptors but practiced in full on Wednesday and expects to play. Giddey has missed the previous eight games with a strained left hamstring, and the team has struggled, losing seven of its last eight games without him. The former sixth-overall pick has had a career year in his fifth season, averaging 18.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in 32 minutes per game. With Giddey expected to return on Thursday, expect guards Collin Sexton, Jaden Ivey, and Rob Dillingham to see fewer minutes and less offensive production moving forward.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Anunoby has missed the previous four games after having his toenail removed, but practiced in full on Wednesday, opening the door for a potential return on Thursday. In 41 games this season, Anunoby has averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 33 minutes per game. A return seems likely, but Anunoby could face a minutes restriction despite facing the current first seed in the Eastern Conference. If he does, in fact, play on Thursday, look for Mohamed Diawara to see a reduced workload.
Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White (calf) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets, and head coach Charles Lee said there's no clear timeline for his return. White was acquired by the Hornets from the Chicago Bulls at this season's trade deadline but has yet to suit up for them. In 29 games this season with Chicago, White has averaged 18.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in just over 29 minutes per game. With the newly acquired guard not ready to return from his calf injury, guards Sion James and Grant Williams should benefit from his absence. Fantasy managers should expect White to return in the coming weeks, as the Hornets enter playoff contention and no shutdown is expected.
Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (ribs) is expected to practice Thursday as he works toward a return from a right costochondral injury that has sidelined him for 15 straight games. He is averaging 25.3 usage in 32.0 minutes this season and could be listed as questionable for Friday's matchup in Atlanta depending on how he responds. Until he is cleared, Kasparas Jakucionis, Myron Gardner, and Simone Fontecchio should continue seeing added run, though all remain fringe fantasy options. Herro's return would tighten the rotation and restore primary scoring duties alongside Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga (knee) will be re-evaluated in approximately one week as he continues rehabbing a left knee bone bruise, the team announced Wednesday. The injury occurred Jan. 22, and Kuminga will miss at least the next stretch of games before another update. His delayed debut keeps minutes open on the wing. Corey Kispert has averaged 12.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.8 threes in 25.4 minutes over his last eight games, while Zaccharie Risacher is posting 10.5 points and 1.5 threes in 24.2 minutes across 42 contests. Both are viable deeper-league streamers but remain fringe options until Kuminga is cleared.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward/center Evan Mobley (calf) will make his first appearance since straining his left calf during a Jan. 26 win over Orlando when Cleveland faces Brooklyn on Thursday. He has missed seven straight games and may not immediately resume a full workload, with a potential minutes restriction in play. Mobley is averaging 17.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 2.0 blocks in 33.4 minutes this season and remains a must-start in all formats. His return should cut into the roles of Jaylon Tyson and Sam Merrill, both of whom saw expanded minutes during his absence.
Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (back) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Thursday's game against Washington. He's battled nagging injuries throughout the campaign, so he got the night off versus the Nets in Indiana's final contest leading up to the All-Star break. With Pascal Siakam (personal) and Ivica Zubac (ankle) ruled out, and Aaron Nesmith (back) and T.J. McConnell (hamstring) questionable, Nembhard should receive plenty of chances to produce in a meeting with one of the worst defensive squads in the National Basketball Association.
Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (ankle) said he is ready to return for Thursday's game against Orlando, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. Murray has been out since early January but recently resumed full basketball activities. In 19 appearances this season, he is averaging 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.6 blocks, and 1.3 threes in 35.9 minutes. With Zach LaVine (hand) and Domantas Sabonis (knee) out for the year, Murray should absorb more offensive responsibility alongside DeMar DeRozan. The Kings could ease him back, but he's worth holding as his workload builds.
Indiana Pacers guard/forward Aaron Nesmith (back) is questionable for Thursday's matchup with the Wizards. He didn't suit up for the meeting with the Nets ahead of the All-Star break because of a lumbar strain. While Nesmith has a shot at playing on Thursday, it's also realistic to assume he won't be back on the court until Friday when these clubs meet again. With Pascal Siakam (personal) sidelined, Andrew Nembhard and Jarace Walker have the best chance of leading the way offensively if Nesmith doesn't suit up. Jay Huff could also be more involved on both ends of the floor, especially with Ivica Zubac (ankle) still on the shelf.
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young (knee) has not been cleared for contact and did not practice Wednesday, coach Brian Keefe said, via The Athletic. There is no timetable for his debut, and he can be considered week-to-week as he works back from a right knee MCL sprain and quad contusion. His absence keeps Bub Carrington in the starting role. Carrington is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.1 threes in 28.0 minutes across 53 games, though on 40.2 percent shooting. Tre Johnson remains a viable streamer after posting 12.9 points and 2.1 threes in 25.0 minutes over 40 games.
Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (hamstring) is questionable for Thursday's game against Washington. He wasn't available versus the Nets in the Pacers' final contest before the All-Star break. Hopefully, the time off did him some good, although it's possible he may need another night off to recover from nagging hamstring soreness. With Pascal Siakam (personal) and Ivica Zubac (ankle) ruled out, and Aaron Nesmith (back) listed as questionable, McConnell might work his way into the starting lineup, assuming he gets the green light to play. At the same time, even if the 33-year-old comes off the bench, he'll be worth streaming in most fantasy setups.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (toe) is considered week-to-week and continues practicing on a limited basis while managing his surgically repaired left foot, according to Law Murray of The Athletic. The team expects him to return this season, but a debut is unlikely before March. Garland carries a 28.6 usage rate when active, so his absence keeps Kris Dunn entrenched as the starting point guard while Kawhi Leonard maintains primary offensive control with a 34.8 usage rate. Bennedict Mathurin and Kobe Sanders carry value in deeper formats, though both profile as fringe options. Garland remains a firm hold in all competitive leagues.
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (personal) won't play on Thursday against Washington. These clubs will meet again on Friday, so fantasy managers will need to wait and see if he'll be back for that one. The Pacers have a number of players listed on the injury report, specifically, T.J. McConnell (hamstring), Aaron Nesmith (back), Micah Potter (ankle), and Ivica Zubac (ankle). As a result, Kam Jones and Ben Sheppard could see more work. That may also apply to Quenton Jackson and Ethan Thompson, depending on if they get the bump from the G League. With that said, there's a chance McConnell, Nesmith, and Potter will play, so there are a lot of moving parts in this scenario.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (shin) won't play on Thursday versus Atlanta. He reported soreness in his right shin during the All-Star break, so he'll miss at least one contest. However, the 31-year-old will be re-evaluated leading up to Philly's three-game road trip in New Orleans, Minnesota, and Indiana, meaning there is a chance he might miss more time. While Embiid is out of commission, Andre Drummond, averaging 8.9 points and 10.8 boards in 19 starts this season, will presumably replace him in the rotation. Adem Bona should also see additional action and would be worth streaming if Drummond sits out a game during the road trip.
Sacramento Kings forward/center Dylan Cardwell (ankle) sprained his left ankle at practice Tuesday and will be re-evaluated in four weeks, according to James Ham of ESPN 1320 Sacramento. The rookie was providing 5.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 21.2 minutes across 29 games, flashing strong per-minute rebounding. With Domantas Sabonis (knee) already out for the season, Maxime Raynaud is locked into heavy run. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 23.5 minutes over 48 games and now projects for 30-plus minutes. He is a must-add in standard leagues, while Precious Achiuwa gains deeper-league appeal.
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (ankle) won't play on Thursday versus Cleveland. He tweaked his ankle during practice on Wednesday, so it appears his absence might extend beyond Thursday's contest. While Claxton is sidelined, Day'Ron Sharpe will likely replace him in the starting lineup. Sharpe has averaged 13.8 points, 8.5 boards, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in four starts this season, meaning he needs to be featured in all fantasy lineups as long as Claxton remains on the shelf.
Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (ankle) will be sidelined indefinitely after further evaluation revealed he requires additional rehabilitation for soreness stemming from a left high ankle sprain, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks, leaving a significant usage gap in the interim. Wagner carries a 25.6 usage rate, and his absence elevates Anthony Black, who is averaging 16.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.7 threes in 31.1 minutes across 53 games. Paolo Banchero should handle more creation duties, while Tristan da Silva and Noah Penda profile as short-term streamers.
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (knee) underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to repair a torn left meniscus. The 29-year-old was limited to 19 appearances this season, averaging 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 29.7 minutes before being shut down as the 12-44 Kings shift focus to development. With backup center Dylan Cardwell (ankle) also sidelined, rookie Maxime Raynaud is positioned to handle 30-plus minutes nightly. Raynaud is averaging 9.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 23.5 minutes across 48 games and now profiles as a must-add in standard leagues. Precious Achiuwa should see a steadier run off the bench, while Keegan Murray and DeMar DeRozan gain modest usage bumps. Sabonis can be dropped in redraft formats.
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