NBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 5/9

May 9th 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

  • Luka Doncic (knee) — In

  • Jarrett Allen (rib) — Out

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__NBA for notifications.

Cleveland Cavaliers News

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

Allen is officially questionable once again, but it sounds like he would have to make significant progress in a short amount of time in order to suit up for Game 2. At last check, he was reported to be in "excruciating" pain while having a hard time lifting his arms over his head. He was not spotted at shootaround on Thursday morning. Okoro started in his place during Game 1 and would be the favorite to do so again if Allen did not return for Game 2.

Cleveland will need to find some supplemental offense beyond Mitchell if they are to have a chance in this series. Mitchell is averaging 29.3 points per game in eight playoff games this season. The only other Cavalier averaging over 15.0 points is the injured Allen.

Boston Celtics News

Confirmed Lineup: Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Al Horford

  • Kristaps Porzingis (calf) — Injured

White continued his torrid postseason run with 25 points in Game 1, including seven three-pointers. He's off to a historic start through six playoff games for the Celtics:

Boston's balanced attack has continued even with the loss of Porzingis; three Celtics are averaging at least 20.0 points per game (Brown, White, Tatum). The Nuggets are the only other team of the eight remaining to have three players averaging at least that many.

Dallas Mavericks News

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

  • Luka Doncic (knee) — In

  • Olivier-Maxence Prosper (ankle) — Out

  • Maxi Kleber (shoulder) — Injured

Doncic was once again able to do everything in practice on Wednesday, per coach Kidd, and he's officially listed probable ahead of Game 2. However, he clearly didn't look like himself in a disappointing Game 1 performance, shooting just 6-19 from the field as he continues to battle a knee injury. It was the second time in seven postseason games that he shot below 32%. In 70 regular-season games, he only shot under 32% four times. With a lack of tertiary scoring options outside of Doncic and Irving, Dallas will need to get Luka back on track if they are to have a chance in this series, but it remains to be seen if his knee will allow him to do so.

Oklahoma City Thunder News

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

While the Thunder's stars came to play in Game 1, it was perhaps Aaron Wiggins whose performance stood out the most. In 23 minutes off the bench, he totaled 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists. More notably, his on-ball defense was exceptional. He provided cover for Dort, who was in foul trouble for a good portion of the game and was held to just 26 minutes. Wiggins and Cason Wallace could continue to cut into Giddey's playing time during this series.