Yahoo Sports Fantasy Basketball

  • Not close to full health
    Antetokounmpo 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
     
  • Doesn't participate in shootaround
    Allen (ribs), who is listed as questionable, did not participate in morning shootaround in advance of Thursday's Game 2 against the Celtics, Bobby Manning of CLNS Media reports.

    Advice: Allen's rib injury has cost him four consecutive games, and it appears a fifth is on the horizon. We may not get official confirmation on the center's status until closer to tipoff, but his lack of participation in shootaround is a discouraging sign. If he remains out, Evan Mobley should continue serving as the Cavaliers' center while Max Strus and Isaac Okoro play the two forward spots. Rotowire.com Yesterday, 10:21 am
     
  • Flirts with triple-double in win
    Hartenstein contributed 14 points (5-7 FG, 4-4 FT), 12 rebounds, eight assists and one block over 39 minutes during Wednesday's 130-121 victory over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Hartenstein continues to impress for the Knicks, falling two assists short of a triple-double. With Mitchell Robinson (ankle) likely out for the remainder of the postseason, Hartenstein should be in line for heavy minutes moving forward. It's been a breakout season for Hartenstein, one that should have him well-placed to receive a sizeable upgrade when it comes time to discuss his future contract. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 9:42 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
     
  • Isaiah Hartenstein posts 14/12/8/0/1 line Weds.
    Isaiah Hartenstein logged 39 minutes in Wednesday’s Game 2 win over the Pacers, finishing with 14 points (5-of-7 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), 12 rebounds, eight assists, and one blocked shot.

    Advice: Hartenstein was outstanding in Game 2, finishing two assists shy of a triple-double while committing just one turnover. Jalen Brunson not being at full strength after injuring his right foot during the first half may not have impacted iHart, positionally speaking. Still, his ability to serve as a secondary playmaker was one of the reasons why the Knicks remained within striking distance. Hartenstein and the Knicks take a 2-0 series lead to Indianapolis, where Game 3 will be played on Friday night. Rotoworld Wednesday, 8:09 pm
     
  • Nikola Jokic wins third career MVP award
    Nikola Jokic was named winner of the KIA NBA Most Valuable Player award.

    Advice: Jokic winning the award, the third of his career, is unsurprising. The 7-footer from Serbia has won the award three times in the last four seasons, finishing second the one time he did not (2023). During the regular season, Jokic averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, 9.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks, and 1.1 3-pointers per game, recording 25 triple-doubles. Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dallas’ Luka Doncic rounded out the top three in the voting. Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo finished fourth, with Jalen Brunson coming in fifth. Rotoworld Wednesday, 4:39 pm
     
  • Jarrett Allen (ribs) questionable for Game 2
    Jarrett Allen (right rib contusion) is questionable to play in Game 2 against Boston on Thursday.

    Advice: Allen missed the final three games of round one and the first game of round two, with Isaac Okoro starting in his place for three of his four absences. Okoro should continue to start in Game 2 if Allen remains sidelined, though he will be pushed to a reserve role if Allen is able to suit up. Rotoworld Wednesday, 2:39 pm
     
  • Listed as questionable again
    Allen (ribs) is questionable for Thursday's Game 2 against the Celtics.

    Advice: Despite a negative in-game report from TNT's broadcast saying Allen wasn't able to do much in recent practices and was having trouble sleeping due to the rib injury, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said after the Game 1 loss that the Cavaliers' starting center is showing signs of progress, per Bobby Manning of the CLNS Media Network. Allen has missed four straight games and was listed as questionable ahead of each contest, so his current status doesn't provide extra optimism. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 2:36 pm
     
  • Double-doubles in Game 1 loss
    Mobley accumulated 17 points (8-12 FG, 1-2 FT), 13 rebounds, three assists and one block in 32 minutes during Tuesday's 120-95 loss to the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

    Advice: Mobley continues to play as Cleveland's starting center due to Jarrett Allen (ribs) being sidelined, but his numbers have not suffered. Mobley recorded his third double-double across his last four appearances Tuesday, and he should continue to operate as a reliable two-way threat in Game 2 on Thursday, especially if Allen can't suit up again. Rotowire.com Wednesday, 6:52 am