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  • Well-rounded two-way effort
    Holiday accumulated 12 points (4-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, five assists and one steal in 35 minutes during Thursday's 107-89 victory over Dallas in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

    Advice: In addition to Holiday's solid stats, which included zero turnovers, he was a team-high plus-20. Not only that, but no Mavericks player registered a field-goal attempt while Holiday was the primary defender. While Holiday is expected to play a smaller offensive role than the last time he was in the NBA Finals with the Bucks, he will remain one of the most impactful defenders in this series. Rotowire.com Friday, 9:30 am
     
  • Undergoes minor nose procedure
    Beal underwent a minor procedure to realign his septum shortly after the Suns were eliminated from the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports.

    Advice: Beal broke his nose after taking an elbow from Myles Turner during the second half of a Jan. 26 loss to the Pacers and had to wear a mask for several games. He eventually ditched the mask but still had trouble breathing out of his right nostril during the final months of the campaign. After dropping 36 points on the Timberwolves in the regular-season finale, Beal averaged just 16.5 points during the opening-round series as Minnesota swept Phoenix. Beal is expected to play a key role for the Suns next season, but things are subject to change, as Phoenix fired Frank Vogel early in the offseason and quickly hired Mike Budenholzer. Rotowire.com Friday, 8:11 am
     
  • Struggles from field in Game 1
    Irving finished with 12 points (6-19 FG, 0-5 3Pt), three rebounds, two assists and two steals across 36 minutes during Thursday's 107-89 loss to the Celtics in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

    Advice: Irving was welcomed by loud boos from the crowd, and that continued every time he touched the ball. The veteran point guard didn't look like himself and had a rough outing, missing all five of his three-point attempts and struggling badly from the field. He'll aim to bounce back in Game 2 on Sunday. Rotowire.com Thursday, 8:49 pm
     
  • Derrick White hits three 3-pointers, scores 15
    Derrick White amassed 15 points (5-of-11 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), two rebounds, five assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers in 35 minutes in Thursday’s win over the Mavericks.

    Advice: Boston opened the 2024 NBA Finals on a high note, as they blitzed the Mavericks early and kept the visitors at a safe distance throughout. White was one of six Celtics in double figures and one of two players (Jayson Tatum) to make three 3-pointers on the night. The Celtics shot 16-of-42 from deep as a team, outscoring Dallas by a 48-21 margin. Backcourt sidekick Jrue Holiday also had a good night, as he finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, five assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 35 minutes. Boston will look to take a 2-0 series lead when the teams meet again on Sunday. Rotoworld Thursday, 8:22 pm
     
  • Kyrie Irving goes cold from deep, scores 12 points
    Kyrie Irving played 37 minutes in Thursday’s Game 1 loss to the Celtics, tallying 12 points (6-of-19 FGs), three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

    Advice: Playing in the NBA Finals for the first time since his last season with the Cavaliers (2016-17), Irving struggled mightily in Game 1. Not only did he fail to make a 3-pointer, missing all five attempts, but he did not attempt a free throw. Boston outscored Dallas by a 48-21 margin from three, and the Mavericks also struggled from inside the arc. While Dallas needs to be better, beating a team as good as the Celtics with Irving struggling is challenging. He’ll look to bounce back in Game 2 on Sunday. Rotoworld Thursday, 8:03 pm