Player Notes

  • Paul George records 22/2/4/1/1 line in Game 2 loss
    Paul George logged 37 minutes in Tuesday’s 96-93 loss to the Mavericks, accounting for 22 points (7-of-14 FGs, 6-of-6 FTs), two rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block, and two 3-pointers.

    Advice: As he did in Game 1, George scored 22 points on Tuesday. The area where Kawhi Leonard’s return impacted him was the shot attempts, with PG’s 14 being six fewer than his total in Game 1. He still shot 50% from the field and played 37 minutes despite some foul trouble, but navigating the balance between scoring and deferring to Leonard at times will be one of the most significant subplots for the remainder of this series. Game 3 is on Friday in Dallas, with the teams tied at one win apiece. Rotoworld 57 minutes ago
  • Kawhi Leonard scores 15 points in return Tuesday
    Kawhi Leonard shot 7-of-17 from the field and 1-of-2 from the foul line in Tuesday’s 96-93 loss to the Mavericks, amassing 15 points, seven rebounds, two assists, four steals, and one blocked shot in 35 minutes.

    Advice: To no one’s surprise, Leonard looked rusty offensively in his first game since March 31. While he did everything he needed to go during his recovery process, Kawhi did not take any contact during those individual sessions. Maybe that had something to do with his shaky performance in Game 2, but give Leonard credit for impacting the rebound and steals categories. Game 3 is on Friday in Dallas, with the teams tied at one win apiece. Rotoworld Today, 10:27 pm
  • Daniel Gafford (back) limited to nine minutes
    Daniel Gafford (lower back soreness) played nine minutes without scoring in Tuesday’s 96-93 win over the Clippers, accumulating one rebound and one assist.

    Advice: Gafford appeared to tweak something in his back during the first quarter of Game 2, gingerly walking back to the locker room for further treatment. While Gafford did return, he only played nine minutes, with Dereck Lively II (7/9/1/1 in 21 minutes) starting the third quarter. Also stepping up in Gafford’s absence were PJ Washington (18/6/0/1/2 with three 3-pointers) and Maxi Kleber (6/6/1/0/1 with two 3-pointers). Game 3 is on Friday in Dallas, and Lively would be the next man up if Gafford cannot play. Rotoworld Today, 10:21 pm
  • Khris Middleton (leg) posts 15/5/6 line in Game 2
    Khris Middleton (right leg) amassed 15 points (6-of-14 FGs, 2-of-2 FTs), five rebounds, six assists, and one 3-pointer in 36 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Pacers.

    Advice: Middleton, who missed some time toward the end of the regular season due to left ankle injury management, appeared to tweak something in his right leg during the first quarter of Tuesday’s defeat. The good news for the Bucks is that said issue did not significantly impact his playing time, but Middleton’s health is of even greater importance with Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sidelined. With Patrick Beverley (5/4/3/1/2 in 34 minutes) on the court for defensive reasons, Milwaukee essentially played 4-on-5 in Game 2, and that’s even more difficult to do with Giannis out. Middleton will have a few days to rest, as Game 3 is not until Friday night. Rotoworld Today, 9:29 pm
  • Limited in Game victory
    Towns finished Tuesday's 105-93 win over the Suns in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals with 12 points (3-7 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 5-5 FT), eight rebounds, one assist and one steal over 24 minutes.

    Advice: Towns played just 24 minutes in the victory, falling two rebounds short of a double-double. The coaching staff continues to monitor minutes as he returns from a knee injury. He also picked up four fouls in quick time, perhaps impacting his time on the floor. They will now get three nights off before returning to the court for Game 3. The extended rest will almost certainly provide Towns with a chance to continue his return-to-action plan. Rotowire.com Today, 8:56 pm
  • Erupts for team-high 25 points
    McDaniels ended Tuesday's 105-93 win over the Suns in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals with 25 points (10-17 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and one steal across 41 minutes.

    Advice: McDaniels shone in the victory, leading all scorers with 25 points. Known for his defensive abilities, it was on the offensive end that he did his damage. He was part of a balanced effort by the Timberwolves, easily accounting for the Suns to establish a 2-0 series lead. Rotowire.com Today, 8:51 pm
  • Logs two minutes in Game 2 loss
    Bol finished with two rebounds in two minutes during Tuesday's 105-93 loss to Minnesota in Game 2 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

    Advice: Bol managed just two minutes during garbage time, continuing his disappointing season. Despite his reputation in many fantasy circles, Bol is simply not that good. At this point, there is no reason to think he will ever be anything more than a per-minute specialist with very little upside when it comes to sustainable playing time. Rotowire.com Today, 8:50 pm
  • Pascal Siakam makes franchise history in Gm 2 win
    Pascal Siakam shot 16-of-23 from the field and 2-of-3 from the foul line in Tuesday’s 125-108 win over the Bucks, scoring 37 points with 11 rebounds, six assists, and three 3-pointers in 37 minutes.

    Advice: The Pacers evened their series at one win apiece, and Siakam led the way. Spicy P made some history, becoming the first Pacer to record a 30-point double-double in two consecutive games. Also, Siakam is tied with Paul George for the most 30-point double-doubles in a single postseason in franchise history. The Siakam matchup may be where the Bucks miss Giannis Antetokounmpo the most, as Siakam did whatever he wanted in the first two games. The series shifts to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Rotoworld Today, 8:31 pm
  • Puts up shots Tuesday
    Coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday that Antetokounmpo (calf) was able to get on the floor to put up shots and is getting closer a return, Eric Nehm of The Athletic reports.

    Advice: Antetokounmpo has already been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 2, marking his fifth straight absence due to a left calf strain. The Bucks were able to secure the victory in Game 1 over Indiana, which gives Antetokounmpo more time to return for Milwaukee's first-round series. Rotowire.com Today, 4:23 pm