NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 4/18

Apr 18th 2023Connor Learn

Each day, this column will provide live updates for all NBA news. Enjoy up-to-the-minute alerts for injuries and lineup confirmations. The Key News to Watch section will highlight notable injuries to monitor for the current NBA slate.

Key NBA News to Watch

  • Josh Hart (ankle) — Available

Recent NBA News

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Atlanta Hawks News

Confirmed Lineup: Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, De'Andre Hunter, John Collins, Clint Capela

The Hawks trailed by 30 points at halftime in their 112-99 series-opening loss, and defensive issues were as much of an issue as shooting five-for-29 (17.2%) from downtown. While there will be positive shooting regression, it was clear that the pressure Boston placed on Young, Hunter, Saddiq Bey, and Bogdan Bogdanovic will be an issue in this series. Murray played a more featured scoring role while Young struggled, finishing with 24 points on 10-for-25 shooting.

Boston Celtics News

Confirmed Lineup: Marcus Smart, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford

  • Danilo Gallinari (ACL) — Injured

Brown said his hand laceration split open during Game 1, and his shooting could have been affected as he shot two-for-six from downtown. However, Brown led the Celtics with 29 points (18 in the paint) on 12-for-23 shooting in 37.0 minutes. Tatum scored 25 points on 10-for-23 shooting; he and Brown were the only Celtics to record double-digit rebounds. Brown and Tatum assuming more scoring and rebounding responsibilities as they play increased minutes in the playoffs should become a consistent trend.

New York Knicks News

Confirmed Lineup: Jalen Brunson, Quentin Grimes, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, Mitchell Robinson

  • Josh Hart (ankle) — Available

  • Isaiah Roby (ankle) — Out

Hart logged 32.9 minutes in New York's 101-97 series-opening victory. His perimeter defense and rebounding will be missed as the starters, Immanuel Quickley, and Miles McBride likely absorb his time. Additionally, Randle's athletic movements appeared to be largely unaffected by his ankle injury as he reclaimed his typical role in Game 1. He and Brunson should remain featured in the offense, but Barrett and Quickley could be more involved after shooting a combined two-for-17 Saturday.

Cleveland Cavaliers News

Confirmed Lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

  • Dylan Windler (foot) — Out

Mobley and Allen combined for 22 points on 10-for-21 shooting in Cleveland's 101-97 series-opening loss and could continue playing reduced roles against New York's robust interior defense. Mitchell scored 38 points on 14-for-30 shooting (six-for-16 from three) but could shoulder less offense if Garland and Caris LeVert factor more. Garland scored 17 points on seven-for-13 shooting in 43.2 minutes, and LeVert scored three points on one-for-seven shooting in 18.2 minutes. Garland figures to be more aggressive, and LeVert could earn more time in games where he struggles less.

Los Angeles Clippers News

Confirmed Lineup: Russell Westbrook, Eric Gordon, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Ivica Zubac

  • Paul George (knee) — Injured

Leonard appeared the be the best player on the court in Los Angeles' 115-110 series-opening victory, finishing with 38 points on 29.5% usage, five rebounds, and five assists in 41.6 minutes. Westbrook and Gordon attempted at least 14 field goals and played 32.5 or more minutes in Game 1, with Westbrook's three-for-19 shooting performance being a negative outlier. Norman Powell played just 23.2 minutes; Gordon and Westbrook will again be tasked with generating additional offense if Powell continues to play reduced time.

Phoenix Suns News

Confirmed Lineup: Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Torrey Craig, Kevin Durant, Deandre Ayton

  • Cam Payne (back) — Out

Landry Shamet played 23.7 minutes with Payne inactive for Game 1, and none of Phoenix's reserves are assured of clearing 14 minutes if Payne suits up Tuesday. Josh Okogie came off the bench while Craig started and scored 22 points on nine-for-12 shooting in 26.9 minutes. Craig picked up points in transition but generally was given open looks as the Clippers focused on Booker and Durant, which should persist in this series.