NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 5/3

May 3rd 2024

Ryan Schwepfinger

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

  • Jarrett Allen (rib) — Out

  • Gary Harris (hamstring) — Out

  • Terance Mann (leg) — In

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__NBA for notifications.

Cleveland Cavaliers News

Confirmed Lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Marcus Morris, Evan Mobley

  • Jarrett Allen (rib) — Out

  • Craig Porter Jr. (ankle) — Out

  • Dean Wade (knee) — Injured

  • Ty Jerome (ankle) — Injured

Allen is listed questionable for Game 6 on Friday. He missed the previous game due to a right rib contusion. He didn't practice on Thursday, but coach Bickerstaff noted that Allen will travel Friday and the team expects him to give it a go if he's able. The Cavs exceeded 100 points for the first time in the series in the previous game sans Allen, and Marcus Morris replaced Georges Niang in the rotation. Cleveland was held below 90 points in Games 3 and 4 in Orlando, and if Allen is cleared to play, the offense could remain bogged down given the lack of spacing when Allen and Evan Mobley have been on the court -- the Cavs' starting five has posted a -7.6 Net Rating against the Magic.

Orlando Magic News

Confirmed Lineup: Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr.

  • Gary Harris (hamstring) — Out

Harris was unable to return during the final 18 minutes of Tuesday's loss due to a strained right hamstring. He participated in Thursday's walkthrough at practice, and he'll be a game-time decision for Game 6 on Friday. The Magic closed the previous game with Jonathan Isaac in the lineup, and coach Mosley didn't expand his rotation in the second half without Harris.

Los Angeles Clippers News

Confirmed Lineup: James Harden, Terance Mann, Paul George, PJ Tucker, Ivica Zubac

  • Terance Mann (leg) — In

  • Kawhi Leonard (knee) — Injured

Mann is questionable Friday with a right lower leg contusion, a new addition to the injury report. His role is notably enhanced when Leonard misses. In Games 2 and 3 with Leonard, Mann averaged 21.7 minutes and 3.5 points on a 12.8% usage rate. In Games 1, 4, and 5 without Kawhi, Mann's averages went up to 35.1 minutes per game and 11.7 points on 13.4% usage. His rebounding average also increases from 2.5 to 6.3 without Leonard. The Clippers are desperate for offensive production in their starting lineup, and while that's not necessarily Mann's forte, expect Los Angeles to continue to utilize him heavily if available to play in Game 6.

Dallas Mavericks News

Confirmed Lineup: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Jones Jr., PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford

  • Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) — Out

  • Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) — Out

Doncic is not listed on the injury report after battling through a knee injury and an illness in Game 5. He looked plenty healthy despite the ailments, totaling 35 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in a blowout victory. He'll be full go as the Mavericks look to close out the Clippers at home.