• Dereck Lively II grabs team-high 11 rebounds
    Dereck Lively II shot 4-of-4 from the field and 1-of-1 from the foul line in Wednesday’s win over Minnesota, amassing nine points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 27 minutes.

    Advice: As has been the case on most nights since the trade deadline, Lively and starting center Daniel Gafford combined to provide solid production for the Mavericks in Wednesday’s series opener. The rookie out of Duke was more effective as a rebounder and shot blocker, and his ability to make plays out of the short roll is why Lively played more than Gafford. And DG was solid in his time on the court, accounting for 10 points, nine rebounds, and one blocked shot. While Lively and Gafford averaged similar minutes in the second round (23.0 per game for the former, 23.5 for the latter), don’t be surprised if the former plays a little more in this series. Rotoworld Wednesday, 8:30 pm
  • Kyrie Irving comes out hot, finishes with 30 PTS
    Kyrie Irving shot 12-of-23 from the field and 6-of-6 from the foul line in Wednesday’s 108-105 win over Minnesota, tallying 30 points, five rebounds, four assists, and one blocked shot in 40 minutes.

    Advice: Irving missed all three 3-point attempts in Wednesday’s series opener but was excellent in the paint. The Mavericks guard shot 8-of-13 in the paint, including 5-of-7 inside the restricted area. And after consistently getting off to slow starts during Dallas’ second-round series against Oklahoma City, Irving set the tone on Wednesday. He shot 11-of-14 from the field in the first half, scoring 24 of his 30 points. Look for a more aggressive Irving moving forward, as he has the most playoff experience of any player in the Mavericks rotation. Rotoworld Wednesday, 8:23 pm
  • Xavier Tillman (personal) questionable for Game 2
    Xavier Tillman (personal reasons) is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Pacers.

    Advice: Tillman was not with the Celtics for Tuesday’s overtime victory. His absence did not impact the Celtics’ rotation, as he’s no higher than third in the pecking order behind Al Horford and Luke Kornet. Rotoworld Wednesday, 2:44 pm
  • Questionable for Game 2
    Tillman (personal) is questionable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Thursday, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

    Advice: Tillman missed the Celtics' 133-128 overtime win in Game 1 due to the personal matter. While he could rejoin the Celtics in advance of Thursday's contest, his presence -- or lack thereof -- shouldn't have a major impact on head coach Joe Mazzulla's rotation. Tillman has appeared in just three games all postseason -- all in blowouts -- as Al Horford and Luke Kornet have covered most of the minutes at center while Kristaps Porzingis (calf) has been sidelined for each of the Celtics' last seven contests. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 2:06 pm
  • Another absence coming
    Prosper (ankle) is out for Wednesday's Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves.

    Advice: Prosper's absence streak will extend to 12 games Wednesday due to a left ankle sprain. There is no timetable for the rookie forward's return. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 2:46 pm
  • Xavier Tillman (personal) ruled out for Game 1
    Xavier Tillman (personal reasons) has been downgraded to out for Game 1 against Indiana on Tuesday.

    Advice: Tillman didn’t play in the final three games of the second round and has played a total of 25 minutes this postseason. His absence will not have an impact on Boston’s rotation as they kick off the Eastern Conference Finals. Rotoworld Tuesday, 12:56 pm
  • Won't be available for Game 1
    Tillman (personal) has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Tuesday.

    Advice: Tillman will join Kristaps Porzingis (calf) as unavailable, but the former's absence shouldn't impact Boston's rotation, as he's appeared in just three of Boston's first 10 postseason contests. Al Horford and Luke Kornet should continue to handle all meaningful minutes at center in Game 1. Rotowire.com Tuesday, 11:47 am
  • Xavier Tillman (personal) questionable Tuesday
    Xavier Tillman (personal reasons) is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s matchup between the Celtics and Pacers.

    Advice: Tillman didn’t play in any of the Celtics previous three playoff games and isn’t likely to be a key rotation player against the Pacers on Tuesday. Rotoworld Monday, 3:55 pm
  • Questionable for Game 1
    Tillman is questionable for Tuesday's Game 1 against the Pacers due to personal reasons, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

    Advice: Tillman hasn't been a consistent part of the rotation during the playoffs, appearing in just three matchups and averaging 1.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game. While it's unclear whether he'll be available to begin the Eastern Conference Finals, his status shouldn't significantly impact the rotation. Rotowire.com Monday, 2:29 pm