NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 4/14

Apr 14th 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

  • Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) — In

  • Rudy Gobert (back) — In

  • Gabe Vincent (hip) — Available

  • Kyle Lowry (knee) — Available

Recent NBA News

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__NBA for notifications.

Chicago Bulls News

Confirmed Lineup: Patrick Beverley, Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic

  • Lonzo Ball (knee) — Injured

Vucevic exceeded 15 points just once in seven matchups with Miami during the last two seasons. Though Patrick Williams averaged 31.0 minutes as his perimeter defense was valued against the Heat this season and could see a higher volume of three-point attempts, LaVine and DeRozan likely need to shoulder more of the offense. LaVine recorded 26.0% usage as he scored 22 or fewer points in four of his six games against the Heat during the last two seasons, while DeRozan registered 26.6% usage and scored 24 or more points in five out of six contests against Miami.

Miami Heat News

Confirmed Lineup: Gabe Vincent, Tyler Herro, Max Strus, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo

  • Jimmy Butler (personal) — Not on injury report

  • Gabe Vincent (hip) — Available

  • Kyle Lowry (knee) — Available

  • Nikola Jovic (back) — Out

Coach Spoelstra hinted that he would change the rotation ahead of Miami's matchup with the Bulls. Martin starting in Max Strus' stead feels likeliest as the Heat need additional perimeter defensive options, but Lowry starting at point guard is also a potential change. Three-point shooting remains essential to defeating the Bulls; Herro and Strus both attempted 9.0 threes per game against Chicago this season. Herro's shooting will take on heightened importance if Strus is omitted from the starting lineup.

Oklahoma City Thunder News

Confirmed Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams

  • Aleksej Pokusevski (knee) — Out

  • Kenrich Williams (wrist) — Injured

  • Chet Holmgren (foot) — Injured

Giddey was increasingly featured Wednesday, matching Gilgeous-Alexander's 11-for-22 shooting as he finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. Giddey's role could remain most expanded in a playoff scenario, but he averaged 14.0 points on 22.0% usage in four games against Minnesota this season. Gilgeous-Alexander was the only Thunder player to average more points during those contests, submitting 33.3 points per game on a 57.1 eFG%.

Minnesota Timberwolves News

Confirmed Lineup: Mike Conley, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert

  • Karl-Anthony Towns (calf) — In

  • Rudy Gobert (back) — In

  • Jaylen Nowell (knee) — Available

  • Naz Reid (wrist) — Injured

Edwards had kinesio tape on his left shoulder and dealt with cramping before being seen icing both knees and his right thumb after he shot three-for-17 from the field in Tuesday's loss. Gobert said Thursday that his back spasms would have sidelined him against the Lakers, and he still isn't moving how he would like. The remaining starters will need to shoulder more of the offensive burden if Edwards struggles again. Taurean Prince would play increased minutes, and Towns would man the center position for longer periods if Gobert is limited or unavailable.