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  • Nikola Jokic posts 24/15/9/1 stat line in Game 3
    Nikola Jokic amassed 24 points (9-of-13 FGs, 6-of-7 FTs), 15 rebounds, nine assists, and one steal in 39 minutes in Thursday’s 112-105 win over the Lakers.

    Advice: All three of Denver’s frontcourt starters accounted for at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, with Jokic finishing one assist shy of a triple-double. The Nuggets have now won the last 11 games they’ve played against the Lakers, and it feels like a matter of “when” they’ll end this series rather than “if.” Game 4 is on Saturday night, and Jokic could once again approach 40 minutes as the Nuggets go for the sweep. Rotoworld 2 minutes ago
     
  • Reggie Jackson (ankle) limited to seven minutes
    Reggie Jackson (left ankle sprain) finished Thursday’s Game 3 win over the Lakers with five points (2-of-3 FGs), one assist, and one 3-pointer in seven minutes.

    Advice: Jackson was solid in his first stint on the court, but his playing time was cut short due to a sprained left ankle suffered during the third quarter. While the Nuggets considered him questionable to return, and Jackson attempted to loosen up his ankle while riding the exercise bike, he did not play again. Nuggets coach Michael Malone decided to stick with his starters in an attempt to stick the proverbial dagger in the Lakers (no team has erased a 0-3 deficit in NBA history), and it worked. Game 4 is on Saturday, with Christian Braun (5/2/1) and Justin Holiday (one rebound) in line for additional minutes if Jackson cannot play. Rotoworld 14 minutes ago
     
  • Aaron Gordon records 29/15/3/1 line in Game 3 win
    Aaron Gordon shot 12-of-18 from the field and 5-of-6 from the foul line in Thursday’s 112-105 win over the Lakers, accounting for 29 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 41 minutes.

    Advice: Gordon was outstanding in Game 3, leading Denver to its 11th straight win over the Lakers (regular season and playoffs). He established playoff career-highs in points and rebounds, and five of his 15 boards were of the offensive variety. All three of Denver’s frontcourt starters scored at least 20 points, with Michael Porter Jr. adding 20 along with 10 rebounds, three assists, and two 3-pointers. Denver will look to close out the Lakers on Saturday night. Rotoworld 16 minutes ago
     
  • Being treated for Bell's palsy
    Embiid is being treated for a mild case of Bell's palsy, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports. He finished Thursday's 125-114 win over the Knicks with 50 points (13-19 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 19-21 FT), eight rebounds, four assists and one block across 41 minutes.

    Advice: Embiid delivered one of the best playoff performances of his career in Game 3 to keep the Sixers alive in the series, but the post-game news of his mild case of Bell's palsy turned out to be an unexpected and surprising outcome. Embiid revealed the condition started following the Play-In victory over the Heat, but the star big man wanted to keep it private to avoid distractions for his team. Bell's Palsy is a condition in which there is a facial weakness or paralysis due to injury to the 7th facial nerve, though it remains to be seen if that will limit him for Game 4 on Sunday. Based on his recent performances, though, Embiid won't be affected by this issue. He has scored 29 or more points in the three games of the first-round series against New York. Rotowire.com 36 minutes ago
     
  • Departs arena in walking boot
    Robinson (ankle) left the arena following Thursday's loss to the 76ers wearing a walking boot, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports. Further tests will be needed to determine whether he will be able to face the Sixers in Game 4 on Sunday.

    Advice: Robinson left Wells Fargo Center walking with a noticeable limp, and the walking boot is never a good sign, especially with the next game being just three days away. Robinson has been playing off the bench in the series, but he has been making things difficult for Joel Embiid on the defensive end. Robinson ended Game 3 with two points (1-3 FG, 0-2 FT) and seven rebounds in 12 minutes. Rotowire.com 43 minutes ago
     
  • Questionable to return Thursday
    Jackson is questionable to return to Thursday's game against the Lakers due to a left ankle sprain, Katy Winge of Altitude Sports reports.

    Advice: Jackson exited the game in the second half and was deemed questionable at the start of the fourth quarter, but given he was limping badly when exiting to the locker room, his chances of returning to the hardwood aren't very high. Jackson was spotted with his ankle wrapped in heat as well. If he can't return, then Christian Braun and Justin Holiday should see even more minutes off the bench. Rotowire.com 47 minutes ago
     
  • OG Anunoby posts 17/4/2/1/1 line in Game 3 loss
    OG Anunoby posted a stat line of 17 points (7-of-11 FGs), four rebounds, two assists, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers in 38 minutes in Thursday’s 125-114 loss to Philadelphia.

    Advice: New York’s series lead was trimmed in half on Thursday, but that should not overshadow Anunoby’s night on the offensive end of the floor. After scoring 21 points on 9-of-20 shooting in the series’ first two games, he made 63.8% of his shots in Game 3 and chipped in with 17 points. With Mitchell Robinson exiting at halftime with a sprained ankle, the Knicks will need more production from Anunoby, even if he doesn’t play the same position. That’s also the case for Isaiah Hartenstein, who battled through foul trouble and finished with 14 points, four rebounds, and one assist in 26 minutes. Game 4 of the series is on Sunday in Philadelphia. Rotoworld Today, 8:03 pm
     
  • Josh Hart hits four 3-pointers, scores 20 points
    Josh Hart shot 8-of-16 from the field in Thursday’s Game 3 loss to the 76ers, accounting for 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, one steal, and four 3-pointers in 43 minutes.

    Advice: Hart continues to flourish offensively, as Philadelphia does not appear convinced in his ability to shoot the basketball. The former Villanova standout shot 4-of-8 from beyond the arc in Game 3, moving to 12-of-23 for the series. Given the sample size, Philadelphia may look to adjust its approach to defending Hart, which means the Knicks will need more from Donte DiVincenzo. While responsible for a thunderous second-quarter dunk, the “Big Ragu” missed all three of his 3-point attempts and finished with five points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 27 minutes. New York will take a 2-1 series lead into Sunday’s Game 4. Rotoworld Today, 7:54 pm
     
  • Jalen Brunson drops 39 points, 13 dimes in Game 3
    Jalen Brunson accumulated 39 points (13-of-27 FGs, 10-of-12 FTs), two rebounds, 13 assists, and three 3-pointers in 45 minutes in Thursday’s 125-114 loss to Philadelphia.

    Advice: While the Knicks won the series’ first two games, they did so with Brunson struggling offensively. The supporting cast stepped up in those victories, and JB shined in a losing effort in Game 3. In addition to the 39 points, he dished out 13 assists and played 45 of a possible 48 minutes. No Knicks reserves reached double figures on Thursday, with Miles McBride (8/2/1/1 with two 3-pointers) leading the way. Getting Brunson back on track is a positive the Knicks can take into Game 4, which will be played on Sunday afternoon. Rotoworld Today, 7:49 pm