• Leading scorer in Game 2 defeat
    Tatum tallied 25 points (7-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 9-11 FT), seven rebounds, six assists and one steal over 38 minutes in Thursday's 118-94 loss to the Cavaliers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Tatum once again led Boston offensively in Game 2, pacing all Celtics in scoring while handing out a team-high half-dozen assists to go along with a team-best rebound total in a well-rounded outing. Tatum, who also connected on a team-leading total from the free-throw line, has surpassed the 20-point mark in five of his seven games this postseason, adding at least six rebounds and six assists in three outings. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 7:08 pm
  • Steps up with all-around Game 2
    Mobley recorded 21 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 33 minutes in Thursday's 118-94 win over the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Mobley stepped up as the starting center while Jarrett Allen (ribs) remained out in Game 2, leading all players in the contest in rebounds and blocks to go along with a handful of assists while ending as one of three Cavaliers with 20 or more points in a double-double performance. Mobley is off to a hot start in the series against Boston, posting a double-double in both games thus far. If Mobley is able to continue to play well for Cleveland, that will provide a much-needed lift for the Cavaliers against a dominant Celtics squad. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 6:54 pm
  • Jayson Tatum leads Celtics with 25 points Thursday
    Jayson Tatum shot 7-of-17 from the field and 9-of-11 from the foul line in Thursday’s 118-94 loss to the Cavaliers, accounting for 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 38 minutes.

    Advice: After shooting 7-of-19 from the field in Boston’s Game 1 victory, Tatum was slightly more accurate in Game 2. Unfortunately for him, that did not result in the win, as Cleveland’s “others” showed up while most of Boston’s did not. Even with Boston running three Miami in five games in the first round, efficiency has been an issue for Tatum this postseason. He shot 41.6% from the field against the Heat and has gone 14-of-36 in Games 1 and 2 of the Cleveland series. Even if Boston’s supporting cast steps up in Game 3 on Saturday, Tatum has to be better offensively. Rotoworld Yesterday, 6:47 pm
  • Evan Mobley scores playoff career-high 21 points
    Evan Mobley shot 9-of-15 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line in Thursday’s win over the Celtics, tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, one steal, two blocks, and one 3-pointer in 33 minutes.

    Advice: Even with Jarrett Allen (ribs) sidelined, this matchup has been good for Mobley. He’s recorded a double-double in both games, with Thursday’s 21-point effort being the best of his postseason career. After recording a double-double in the series opener, Mobley dropped another in Game 2 while recording a full stat line. Playing without Allen isn’t optimal for Cleveland, but Boston not having Kristaps Porzingis also opens things up for Mobley. Game 3 is on Saturday night, with the teams tied at one game apiece. Rotoworld Yesterday, 6:32 pm
  • Still out for Game 2
    Prosper (ankle) will remain out for Thursday's Game 2 matchup with the Thunder.

    Advice: Prosper has seen action in just one postseason game to date, making a one-minute cameo in garbage time of the Mavericks' Game 1 win over the Clippers in the first round. He hasn't played since due to a left ankle sprain, but the rookie wouldn't be included in head coach Jason Kidd's rotation even if he were healthy. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 5:27 pm
  • Not close to full health
    Antetokounmpo (calf) disclosed last Friday that he was "not close" to returning to the Bucks lineup before the team was eliminated from the playoffs May 2 in a 120-98 loss to the Pacers in Game 6 of the first-round series, Jamal Collier of ESPN.com reports. "I did all the tests I had to do, these like protocols you have to follow and have to check the boxes," Antetokounmpo said. "I wasn't even close at checking the boxes."

    Advice: Though head coach Doc Rivers had suggested last week that Antetokounmpo was close to being available to play after missing the final three games of the regular season with a left soleus strain, Rivers' comments may have been an act of gamesmanship. Antetokounmpo ultimately missed all six playoff contests, and his absence likely would have extended into the Eastern Conference semifinal round if the Bucks had advanced, as the 29-year-old estimated that he was running at about 30 or 40 percent speed. He should be closer to full health by the end of May, but Antetokounmpo likely won't have a full offseason to rest up, as he had previously expressed a desire to play for the Greek national team in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Greece will have to first earn a spot in the Olympics through a qualification tournament that will take place in the first week of July, so confirmation on whether Antetokounmpo is healthy should come shortly before that time. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 1:52 pm
  • Quiet again Wednesday
    Nesmith totaled six points (2-7 FG, 2-6 3Pt), one rebound, two assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 loss to the Knicks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Nesmith managed just six points in the loss, continuing his disappointing postseason. While he does provide the Pacers with a reliable defensive asset, his inability to score on a consistent basis remains a concern. The series will now head to Indiana, where the Pacers will look to secure their first win. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 9:36 pm
  • Obi Toppin contributes 20 points in Game 2 loss
    Obi Toppin accounted for 20 points (7-of-10 FGs, 4-of-5 FTs), three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two 3-pointers in 20 minutes in Wednesday’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks.

    Advice: Indiana heads home trailing two games to none, but they should be encouraged by Toppin’s play in the Big Apple. After scoring 12 points in Game 1, he tallied 20 more in Game 2 and has reached double figures in six straight. Toppin’s play on Wednesday helped the Pacers on a night when they got little from Myles Turner (six points, seven rebounds, one assist, and one blocked shot). Indiana’s bench dominated the first two games, outscoring New York by a 46-12 margin in Game 2. The series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday night. Rotoworld Wednesday, 8:34 pm
  • Pascal Siakam scores 14 points in Game 2 loss
    Pascal Siakam shot 7-of-18 from the field and 0-of-2 from the foul line in Wednesday’s 130-121 loss to the Knicks, scoring 14 points with nine rebounds, two assists, and one blocked shot in 36 minutes.

    Advice: After shooting 73.2% from the foul line during the regular season, Siakam has been even worse in the playoffs. He missed both attempts in Game 2, falling to 16.7% (1-of-6) for the series. Add in the six games against the Bucks, and Siakam is now 7-of-28 (25%) for the postseason. The Knicks potentially losing OG Anunoby to a hamstring injury will impact how they defend Siakam, with Precious Achiuwa taking on the responsibility down the stretch of Game 2. Regardless of who’s defending Spicy P, he must be much better at the foul line. Rotoworld Wednesday, 8:22 pm