Delivers eight dimes in Game 3 loss Booker finished just two assists away from recording a double-double in Game 3, and the star guard will need to be at his best Sunday if the Suns want to avoid getting swept in the first round. Booker's scoring numbers have increased with each passing game in the series, though this was the first time he surpassed the 20-point plateau.
Scores team-high 28 points Friday Beal led the Suns in scoring Friday, but as has been the case throughout the series, Phoenix simply hasn't been able to hang on with the Timberwolves throughout an entire game, which explains the 0-3 deficit the Suns are currently in right now. This was the first team Beal surpassed the 15-point mark in the series, and the veteran guard will need to keep the momentum going for Game 4 on Sunday if the Suns want to avoid getting swept in the first round.
Puts up 25 points in loss Friday Durant bounced back from a subpar showing in Game 2, at least for his lofty standards, and he had a strong showing in Game 3, but once again, his contributions were not enough to lift the Suns to victory as Phoenix fell into an 0-3 deficit. Durant will need to be at his best if the Suns want to avoid the sweep in Game 4 on Sunday. He's averaging 24.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in the series.
Efficient performance in Game 3 win Gobert's scoring numbers have increased with each passing game in the series, though the increased offensive responsibility in Game 3 was directly related to Karl-Anthony Towns being limited with foul trouble. Gobert also has two double-doubles in three games during he current series, averaging 17.0 points and 13.0 boards per contest.
Double-doubles in Game 3 Towns needed 16 shots to score 18 points, but he still made his presence felt and looked active on the glass, grabbing double-digit boards despite being limited to just 24 minutes due to foul trouble. Towns has adjusted well to life operating as Minnesota's second offensive option behind Anthony Edwards, but he remains extremely valuable in fantasy as a two-way big man who can shoot threes at an above-average rate. He's averaging 16.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per game in the current series while shooting an elite 45.5 percent (5-for-11) from beyond the arc.
Scores 36 points in Game 3 Edwards has reached the 30-point mark in two of the three games during the current series against the Suns, and the star guard has stepped up every time the Timberwolves have needed him despite having the tough assignment of dealing with Bradley Beal on both ends of the court. Edwards should handle his heavy workload in Game 4 on Sunday, where the Timberwolves will look to advance into the Western Conference semifinals.
Cracks rotation Friday Hardy, along with A.J. Lawson and Dwight Powell, secured a handful of minutes down the stretch Friday. With the game well in hand, the Mavericks were able to give their fringe players a rare opportunity to see playoff basketball. This is not something we should expect to see very often moving forward.
Gets hot late in victory Despite a sluggish start to the game, Irving delivered when it mattered, helping the Mavericks to an emphatic victory. Both he and Luka Doncic are at the peak of their powers at the moment, much to the delight of the fans. A repeat performance in Game 4 will see Dallas on the cusp of an impressive first-round victory.
Ejected in Game 3 win Washington was ejected following a scuffle with Russell Westbrook, much to the delight of the home fans. While losing a player is never a good thing, his energy and willingness to not back down proved a hit with the Dallas faithful. Before his premature exit, Washington managed to put together another strong performance. He will look to maintain that energy heading into Game 4 Sunday.
Rare appearance Friday Boston played three minutes in garbage time, something the Clippers will be hoping doesn't repeat itself. Although the scoreline was relatively close, the Mavericks took control early in this one, now holding a 2-1 series lead over a Clippers team in need of a spark.
Woeful in Game 3 loss George was non-existent in the loss, putting up his worst performance in quite some time. The Clippers managed to hang around but were never really in the contest. He is going to have to be much better when the two teams line up again Sunday, should the Clippers hope to return home with the series locked up.
Flirts with double-double Zubac turned in a strong effort Friday, flirting with a double-double. He added a pair of defensive stats for good measure, delivering his best performance of the postseason. Now trailing 1-2 in the series, the Clippers are going to need Zubac to be more consistent moving forward, something he has struggled with this season.
Ejected in fourth quarter Westbrook let his frustrations get the best of him in this one. He was already carrying a technical foul when he proceeded to shove both Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington on the same play. Despite his outburst, a suspension is highly unlikely.
Starting Game 3 Grayson Allen (ankle) will sit out Game 3, but he's considered day-to-day and could be back for Game 4 on Sunday. In 14 starts during the regular season, O'Neale averaged 10.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.9 three-pointers.
Won’t play Friday This is a tough blow for the Suns, as Allen has been key to Phoenix's floor spacing this season. He was able to get in a limited practice Thursday and is considered day-to-day, so the Suns could potentially get him back for Game 4 on Sunday. Eric Gordon and Royce O'Neale are candidates to see increased run in the meantime.
Available to play Fantasy managers should exercise caution before plugging Anderson into lineups, as the forward didn't touch the floor despite being cleared to play in Game 2. It remains to be seen if he'll rejoin the rotation for Game 3.
Shines with 40-point double-double Middleton did all he could to help lead Milwaukee to an overtime victory, including hitting the game-tying shot at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime and also tying the game late in overtime, but his 40-point double-double was spoiled in a losing effort. Middleton led all players in Friday's contest in scoring while ending as one of two Bucks with 10 or more rebounds to go along with a handful of assists in a well-rounded outing. If Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) remains out in Game 4, look for Middleton to continue to provide a lift to Milwaukee offensively in the quarterfinals series.
Nears 30 points despite injury Despite leaving Friday's game briefly with a knee injury, Lillard finished the Game 3 contest while leading all Bucks players in assists and ending two points shy of the 30-point mark to provide a boost offensively in a losing effort. Lillard, who was perfect from the free-throw line to go along with a team-high-tying mark from three, has posted at least 28 points in all three games of the quarterfinals. It will be worth monitoring Lillard's status ahead of Game 4 and if he has an issues with his left knee that limits his availability.
Owns glass in double-double showing Portis dominated the boards in Friday's contest, leading all players in rebounds while finishing as one of two Bucks with a double-double in a losing effort in overtime. Portis has stepped in nicely while Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) continuing to miss time, recording a double-double in all three games in the quarterfinals thus far. Portis will continue to remain in the starting lineup until Antetokounmpo is able to return, but will become a key player off of Milwaukee's bench if the two-time MVP does come back for Game 4 or at some point in the series against Indiana.
Briefly leaves Game 3 Doncic had a significant limp when he checked out of the game and went to the back. He put a brace on his right knee when he came back to the bench, but quickly removed it before checking back into the game.
Steps up late in triple-double game Haliburton did a little bit of everything for Indiana in an overtime victory to break a series tie, including hitting the game-winning shot with 1.6 seconds remaining to put a cap on an impressive triple-double performance. Despite struggling from three, Haliburton led all players in Friday's contest in assists while leading the Pacers in rebounds and ending two points shy of the 20-point mark. Haliburton recorded his first triple-double of the postseason so far, tallying at least 10 points and 10 dimes in two games in the quarterfinals.
Nears double-double as top scorer Turner led all Indiana players in scoring and shots made from deep while ending one rebound shy of a double-double to boost the Pacers to a thrilling overtime victory to take a series lead against the Bucks. Turner has posted at least 15 points and seven rebounds in all three quarterfinals games, connecting on three or more threes in every outing so far in the series. Expect Turner to put up similar numbers the rest of the series, especially if Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) continues to miss time for Milwaukee.
Steps up off bench in Game 3 win Toppin provided a nice spark off Indiana's bench to help his squad take a series lead over Milwaukee, leading all bench players in scoring while ending as one of five Pacers with 15 or more points in the overtime contest. Toppin posted his highest point total of the postseason thus far, surpassing the double-digit mark for the first time of the series. If Toppin can continue to produce the rest of the series like he did in Game 3, Indiana will continue to find itself in a good position to come out on top in the quarterfinals against the Bucks.
Won’t play in Game 4 Although Vanderbilt has ramped up his activity at practice, he'll remain on the sidelines as the Lakers attempt to keep their season alive Saturday.
Out again Saturday Reddish will miss his seventh straight game Saturday which includes the end of the regular season. He remains without a timetable for a return.
Listed probable for Game 4 James carrying probable tags due to left ankle soreness is par for the course. Fantasy managers should expect him to suit up with Los Angeles' season on the line, as the Lakers are winless through three games.
Upgraded to questionable Wood has been sidelined since Feb. 14, but he's been trending towards a return for a while now. It sounds like if he makes it through the shootaround without any setbacks, he could get the green light to return with Los Angeles' season on the line.
Iffy for Game 4 Davis has been a regular on the injury report, but this is a new issue. Previously, Davis was battling a back injury and some soreness in both heels. He seemed fine in Game 3, however, as he produced 33 points (14-23 FG, 5-7 FT), 15 rebounds, three assists and one steal in 43 minutes.
Good to go Friday Gafford has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite dealing with back spasms. Gafford should start at center for the third straight game to start the series.
Good to go for Game 3 After missing Sunday's Game 1 win due to knee inflammation, Leonard returned for Game 2 on Tuesday and put up 15 points, seven rebounds, four steals, two assists and a block in 35 minutes during a 96-93 loss, marking his first appearance since March 31. With the series tied at 1-1, Leonard's health and impact will be key to the Clippers' success. Despite suiting up for back-to-back games, the questionable tag may stick with Leonard for the rest of the postseason.
Returns to Game 3 Lillard went straight to the locker room after suffering an apparent left knee injury with 2:13 remaining in the first quarter, but he was back on the court to start the second period. Khris Middleton is playing through an ankle sprain he suffered in Game 2 and Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) has yet to play this postseason, so Lillard's return is a major relief. The All-Star has scored 69 points through the first two games of the series but struggled in the second half on both matchups, which allowed Indiana to even the series with a Game 2 win Tuesday.
Heads to locker room Lillard drove to the basket for a layup and gently collided with Pascal Siakam but landed awkwardly and had to be helped to the bench. Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) has yet to play this postseason, and Khris Middleton is playing through an ankle injury he suffered early in Game 2, so Lillard's potential absence couldn't come at a worse time. AJ Green subbed in for Lillard, but Pat Connaughton and Malik Beasley are also candidates for increased roles until the All-Star point guard can return.
Remains out for Game 3 Rozier's absence streak will extend to nine games Saturday due to neck spasms. With Delon Wright (personal) questionable, Patty Mills could receive his first minutes of the series against Boston. Rozier's next chance to suit up is Game 4 on Monday.
Iffy for Game 3 Wright starred off the bench during the Game 1 loss and posted 17 points, three assists and two steals in 26 minutes. However, he finished the Game 2 win with just five points and four rebounds in 20 minutes. Either way, his potential loss could be costly to a backcourt already playing with Terry Rozier (neck) and Josh Richardson (shoulder). Jimmy Butler also remains out.
Good to go Saturday Nance was held to just 14 minutes of action in Game 2 due to an apparent right ankle injury. However, Nance should be available to continue serving as one of New Orlean's primary frontcourt options off the bench in Game 3.
Likely available Saturday After starting the final two regular-season games while the usual starters rested, Kornet was sidelined for the first two postseason games while rehabbing a calf injury. Even if he gets the green light, Kornet isn't guaranteed a significant role, especially if Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis remain healthy.
Another absence coming Porter will miss his fourth straight contest to start the playoffs Saturday due to a left ankle sprain. His next chance to suit up is Game 5 on Tuesday against Orlando.
Good to go Friday Middleton has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite suffering a right ankle sprain in Game 2. There is no indication that the 32-year-old forward will be on a minutes restriction. Middleton is averaging 19.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 35.5 minutes across the first two games of the series against Indiana.
Questionable for Saturday Jackson left the Nuggets' Game 3 win Thursday in the third quarter and was unable to return, finishing with five points and an assist in seven minutes. Coach Michael Malone said Friday that Jackson has a sprained left ankle and is wearing a preventative boot. With the Nuggets leading the series 3-0, the team will likely be cautious with the 34-year-old.
Practices Friday Nance left Wednesday's Game 2 loss to the Thunder in the third quarter favoring his right leg and grabbed at his ankle as he walked to the locker room. He didn't play at all in the final frame. On Friday, coach Willie Green said that despite the soreness, Nance "went through a full practice." This is good news for the Pelicans, who are still without Zion Williamson (hamstring).
