Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Al Horford posts modest line in Game 5 victory
    Al Horford played 23 minutes in Wednesday’s Game 5 win over the Heat, finishing with eight points (3-of-4 FGs, 1-of-2 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one 3-pointers.

    Advice: The Celtics were without Kristaps Porzingis, who suffered a strained right soleus muscle during Game 4. As was the case throughout the regular season, Horford moved into the starting lineup. The veteran big man didn’t have to do much, as Boston got off to a hot start and never looked back in their decisive win over the Heat. Ending this series in five games gets the Celtics additional rest, especially if the Cleveland/Orlando series goes the distance. With Porzingis unlikely to return before the conference finals (should Boston advance that far), Horford will serve as the starting center in the second round. Rotoworld Today, 7:10 pm
     
  • Nikola Jovic records 8/7/4 line in Game 5 loss
    Nikola Jovic accounted for eight points (3-of-7 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), seven rebounds, and four assists in 27 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Celtics.

    Advice: After reaching double figures in each of the series’ first three games, Jovic faltered in Games 4 and 5. That was the tale of his season, with the second-year forward failing to provide consistent production. It has been said that Miami likes Jovic’s potential, but that didn’t always result in extended minutes this season. He averaged just 19.5 minutes per game in 46 appearances this season, ranking outside the top 250 regarding fantasy value. Unless the Heat were to make drastic changes to their roster, Jovic isn’t a player who should be selected in most leagues. However, he could offer streaming potential at points during the season. Rotoworld Today, 6:59 pm
     
  • Bam Adebayo finishes Game 5 loss with 23 points
    Bam Adebayo played 36 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Celtics, accounting for 23 points (10-of-26 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one 3-pointer.

    Advice: For the second straight game, Adebayo hit a 3-pointer. As was the case in Game 4, it did not matter, as the Heat were eliminated from the playoffs in blowout fashion. Bam led the team in points and assists but was inefficient as a scorer. Given how shorthanded Miami was, they needed a near-perfect game from the available players to have a shot. That didn’t happen, so attention now turns to the offseason. Adebayo entered the season with a Yahoo ADP of 32.7, and while the availability was there (70 games played), the production dipped slightly. The three-time All-Star averaged one point less per game compared to the 2022-23 campaign, and Bam also experienced decreases in field goal and free throw percentages. While he finished this season ranked outside the top 50, Adebayo will remain a safe 3rd-round pick in standard league drafts in the fall. Rotoworld Today, 6:56 pm
     
  • Joel Embiid (knee) questionable for Game 6 Thurs.
    Joel Embiid (left knee injury recovery) is questionable for Thursday’s game against the Knicks.

    Advice: Embiid remains on the injury report, but the good news is that the migraine headache is no longer an issue. Look for him to log heavy minutes as the 76ers attempt to force a decisive seventh game. Rotoworld Today, 4:32 pm
     
  • Haynes: Porzingis could return for conf. finals
    According to TNT’s Chris Haynes, Kristaps Porzingis (right soleus strain) is likely out for the second round but could be back if the Celtics advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

    Advice: Porzingis injured his calf during Boston’s Game 4 victory, which gave them a 3-1 lead over the Heat. While advancing to the second round isn’t guaranteed, the odds favor Boston. According to the report, Porzingis is unlikely to play during the second round, but he could be available if the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Al Horford will replace KP in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. Rotoworld Today, 4:12 pm
     
  • Starting sans Porzingis
    Horford will enter the starting lineup for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Heat.

    Advice: Horford played 34 minutes in Game 4 with Kristaps Porzingis (calf) going down with an injury in the first half. With Porzingis sidelined Wednesday -- and likely longer -- Horford will step into the starting center role, where he's expected to remain until Porzingis returns. Rotowire.com Today, 4:11 pm
     
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) doubtful Thursday
    Giannis Antetokounmpo (left soleus strain) is listed as doubtful for the Bucks’ Game 6 matchup against the Pacers on Thursday.

    Advice: Antetokounmpo isn’t likely to make his 2024 playoff debut in Game 6. The Bucks star appears set to watch his team try to compete without him after pulling off an impressive Game 5 upset. Bobby Portis will likely continue starting in his place. Rotoworld Today, 2:37 pm
     
  • Doubtful for Game 6
    Antetokounmpo (calf) is doubtful for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

    Advice: Although the Bucks managed to keep their season alive Tuesday, they'll likely have to play without Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Achilles) once again as the series shifts back to Indiana on Thursday. Assuming he's unavailable for Game 6, it's unclear whether Antetokounmpo will be in the mix to return for a potential Game 7. Rotowire.com Today, 2:29 pm
     
  • Jericho Sims (shoulder) active Thursday vs. 76ers
    Jericho Sims (right shoulder inflammation) is listed as active for the Knicks’ Thursday matchup against the 76ers.

    Advice: Sims hasn’t played in the playoffs yet and isn’t likely to be a factor in Game 6. Rotoworld Today, 2:14 pm