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
Luka Doncic (knee) — In
Jarrett Allen (rib) — Out
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Confirmed Lineup: Darius Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Isaac Okoro, Evan Mobley
Jarrett Allen (rib) — Out
Craig Porter Jr. (ankle) — Out
Dean Wade (knee) — Injured
Ty Jerome (ankle) — Injured
The Cavs won Game 7 of their series against Orlando despite Allen missing his third consecutive game. Isaac Okoro stepped into the starting lineup in that contest and played 33 minutes, the most he's played in an outing this postseason. He'll revert to the bench if Allen can return, but it remains unclear if that will happen, as Allen has reportedly been in "excruciating" pain recently. The Cavs could gain an advantage in the frontcourt if he makes it back as the Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis (calf) again. However, it's worth noting that Boston managed a 21-4 sans Porzingis during the regular season.
Confirmed Lineup: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford
Kristaps Porzingis (calf) — Injured
With Porzingis sidelined, Horford will likely run with the first unit against the Cavs. Horford started 33 games during the regular season, averaging 10.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per contest. Boston went 26-7 with him in the starting lineup. Horford had the role in Game 5 of the last series but played limited minutes due to the lopsided score. The Celtics allowed 92.2 points per contest in the previous round, while the Cavs scored 95.9 per game in their series against the Magic. Boston must find a way to slow down Donovan Mitchell, who averaged 39.0 points in Cleveland's final three games against Orlando.
Confirmed Lineup: Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Derrick Jones Jr., PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford
Luka Doncic (knee) — In
Tim Hardaway Jr. (ankle) — Available
Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) — Out
Maxi Kleber (shoulder) — Injured
With Luka nursing his ailment, Irving's efficiency led the Mavs through their series against the Clippers. Irving shot 51.4% from the field and 44.9% from beyond the arc, averaging 26.5 points per game. Dallas' backcourt will have a tall task in the second round as they'll face Oklahoma City, who swept the Pelicans in their opening series. The Mavs lost three of four games to the Thunder during the regular season. They lost by 49 in the most recent outing, but Dallas was without Doncic and Irving in that contest.
Confirmed Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren