Fantasy Basketball

Embiid contributed 26 points (9-21 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 7-9 FT), 10 rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal in 34 minutes during Sunday's 128-96 loss to Boston in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Embiid provided extra spark, but wasn['t enough to turn the tide against the Celtics. After a red-hot start, he missed seven consecutive shots down the stretch and looked visibly tired. He also reported pain during a postgame interview, indicating that he was still experiencing complications from his appendix surgery. The team desperately needs his output to stay in contention, but his participation is in doubt based on how tired he looked in the second half.

Clingan chipped in five points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3Pt), six rebounds and one block over 14 minutes during Sunday's 114-93 loss to the Spurs in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Clingan continues to provide modest production, seemingly no match for the newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year, Victor Wembanyama. Through four games, Clingan has averaged just 6.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 0.8 blocks. If Portland is to force the series to a sixth game, Clingan is going to have to come up with some out-of-the-box solutions.

Ayton has been ejected from Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.

Ayton was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul for a hit to the head while guarding Alperen Sengun. He concludes the contest with 19 points (9-12 FG, 1-1 FT) and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes. Jaxson Hayes figures to see more time with Ayton out.

Allen closed with three points (1-5 FG, 1-4 FT), 15 rebounds, two blocks and one steal across 27 minutes during Sunday's 93-89 loss to the Raptors in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Allen pulled down a game-high 15 rebounds, although he also scored his fewest points since the start of the regular season to round out a disappointing afternoon for Cleveland. Having now suffered back-to-back losses, the Cavaliers will head home, looking to turn things around and regain the series lead.

Wembanyama recorded 27 points (9-17 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 8-8 FT), 12 rebounds, seven blocks, four steals and three assists in 34 minutes during Sunday's 114-93 win over the Trail Blazers in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series.

The Defensive Player of the Year made an immediate impact in his return from a concussion, anchoring both ends of the floor as the Spurs erased a 17-point halftime deficit to take a 3-1 series lead. Wembanyama's presence was especially felt defensively, where his seven blocks and four steals disrupted Portland's rhythm and helped fuel a dominant second-half turnaround. While De'Aaron Fox led the team in scoring with 28 points, Wembanyama's two-way dominance and interior control were central to shifting momentum after a slow start. The seven blocks tied for the most in a playoff game since Robert Williams logged nine blocks in 2021 against the Nets while with the Celtics.

Drummond (hip) has returned to Sunday's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics, per NBA broadcast.

Drummond exited for the locker room in the second quarter due to an apparent hip injury. However, he has since returned to the game, certainly a positive development given the amount of pain he appeared to be in before exiting.

Smith had 16 points (4-15 FG, 2-10 3Pt, 6-6 FT), eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in 42 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 win over the Lakers in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The fourth-year forward has scored at least 16 points while draining multiple three-pointers in all four games of the season so far, averaging 18.5 points, 8.0 boards, 3.5 threes, 1.5 steals and 1.3 assists in 42.0 minutes, although his 39.3 percent shooting from the floor is less than ideal. Smith may need to find another level in Game 5 on Wednesday back in Los Angeles if the Rockets are going to stave off elimination once again.

Eason supplied 20 points (7-10 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, two assists, one block and five steals over 30 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 victory over the Lakers in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The 20 points and five steals were both career playoff highs for the fourth-year forward, as he started his second straight game in place of Kevin Durant (ankle). Eason is averaging 12.8 points, 7.5 boards, 3.0 steals, 1.8 assists and 1.5 threes through four contests to begin the postseason, and the Rockets will likely need another strong performance from him in Game 5 on Wednesday back in Los Angeles if they're going to avoid elimination.

Tatum ended Sunday's 128-96 victory over the 76ers in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with 30 points (8-16 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 9-9 FT), seven rebounds and 11 assists across 35 minutes.

Tatum was superb in Game 4, acquiring his double-double via 11 dimes, which matched his highest total of the season in that category. He also drilled five three-pointers, marking his highest result beyond the arc over four games against the Sixers. The team didn't really need 35 minutes from Tatum, but Boston wants to take care of business after dropping Game 2. Although he is at risk of logging fewer minutes if Game 5 gets out of hand, he is a great candidate to pace the team once again.

Head coach Ime Udoka stated postgame Sunday that Durant's status is game-to-game due to his left ankle injury, Vanessa Richardson of Space City Home Network reports.

Durant has missed the last two games due to a left ankle sprain and bone bruise, but there is a chance he returns in the first round, according to Udoka. His next opportunity to suit up comes in Game 5 on Wednesday. This is a positive development as the Rockets look to continue their comeback from what was an 0-3 series deficit before Sunday's win.

Murray-Boyles amassed 15 points (5-11 FG, 5-7 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals over 27 minutes during Sunday's 93-89 win over the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Murray-Boyles continues to play starter-level minutes despite coming off the bench, turning in another notable performance. Through the first four games of the series, the rookie is now averaging 17.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 25.4 minutes per contest, and he should continue to play a pivotal complementary role as the series shifts back to Cleveland.

Mobley chipped in eight points (4-11 FG, 0-3 3Pt), nine rebounds, three assists, one block and one steal over 32 minutes during Sunday's 93-89 loss to the Raptors in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Mobley was kept quiet on the offensive end, tallying just eight points, the fewest he has scored in these playoffs. He certainly wasn't alone in underperforming, with many of his teammates delivering subpar efforts. With the series now tied at 2-2, the two teams will head back to Cleveland for what promises to be a pivotal Game 5.

James accumulated 10 points (2-9 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 6-6 FT), four rebounds and nine assists over 33 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 loss to the Rockets in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Only three Los Angeles players even scored in double digits in the loss, and James's poor showing was compounded by eight turnovers -- the second straight game with that many TOs. The 41-year-old may be buckling under the strain of having to carry a shorthanded Lakers offense that's still missing Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique), but James is still averaging 21.5 points, 8.8 assists, 8.3 boards, 1.8 threes and 1.5 steals in 38.8 minutes to begin the postseason. He'll look to help the Lakers punch their tickets to the second round with a win on home court in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Brown ended with 20 points (6-15 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 5-9 FT), seven rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in 31 minutes during Sunday's 128-96 victory over the 76ers in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Although Brown left most of the scoring to Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard, the wing was once again a solid contributor. He tied Tatum with a team-high seven rebounds, but the All-Star left a few points on the floor with four missed free throws, an oddity considering his free-throw percentage of 75.9 percent during the series.

Thiero was ejected from Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Thiero got tied up with Aaron Holiday late in the fourth quarter, leading to both of them getting ejected. He concludes the contest with three points (1-1 FG, 1-1 FT). in six minutes.

Johnson supplied nine points (3-5 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), one rebound, one assist and one steal over 17 minutes during Sunday's 114-93 victory over the Trail Blazers in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Johnson continues to put up modest numbers, having failed to score double digits thus far in the playoffs. It's been a rough series for the newly crowned Sixth Man of the Year, with him averaging just 6.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals. With San Antonio now leading the series 3-1, look for Johnson to try to up his efforts in Game 5.

Ingram contributed 23 points (6-23 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 8-9 FT), six rebounds and two blocks over 36 minutes during Sunday's 93-89 victory over Cleveland in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Ingram was far more aggressive on the offensive end, getting up 23 shot attempts while also adding a pair of blocked shots. Although his radar was a tad askew, it was good to see Ingram playing on the front foot, as opposed to relying on others. Toronto will now head to Cleveland for Game 5, looking to build on its recent momentum.

Watson (hamstring) is out for Monday's Game 5 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Timberwolves.

Watson has not played in a game since April 1 due to a right hamstring strain. His next chance to suit up comes Thursday, should Denver force a Game 6.

Sheppard logged 17 points (6-12 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 1-1 FT), one rebound, three assists and three steals in 29 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 victory over the Lakers in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Making his third start of the playoffs, Sheppard scored exactly 17 points for the third time while sinking at least four three-pointers. In the one game he didn't start, the the second-year guard failed to score a point at all in 11 minutes. With Kevin Durant (ankle) banged up and the Rockets needing all the offense they can get to avoid elimination, Sheppard will likely be in the starting five again for Game 5 on Wednesday back in Los Angeles.

Thompson provided 23 points (10-16 FG, 3-3 FT), four rebounds, seven assists and one steal over 41 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 win over the Lakers in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The 23 points led all scorers on the night as the Rockets avoided a first-round sweep. Thompson has seen his usage rise with Kevin Durant (ankle) sidelined the last two contests, and through four games to begin the postseason the third-year guard is averaging 20.5 points, 6.8 boards, 6.8 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks in a massive 43.5 minutes. Thompson will likely need to come up big again on the road in Game 5 on Wednesday if Houston is going to stay alive.

Edgecombe racked up six points (2-9 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, one assist and one steal in 36 minutes during Sunday's 128-96 loss to Boston in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Edgecombe matched his second-lowest total of the season in the blowout loss. He had difficulty finding his shooting stroke in the defeat, connecting on only two shots and going scoreless beyond the arc. The Sixers depend heavily on the rookie for multi-category production, and he'll need to step up in Game 5 to give the Sixers a chance to steal another game from the Celtics.

Avdija logged 26 points (8-14 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 8-9 FT), seven rebounds, three assists and one steal over 37 minutes before fouling out of Sunday's 114-93 loss to the Spurs in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Avdija continues to do everything he can for the Trail Blazers, although, once again, they fell short of victory. He has clearly been Portland's most consistent player, getting it done on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis. If the team has hopes of extending the series to a sixth game, Avdija is going to have to deliver another masterclass, this time on the road in San Antonio.

Strus chipped in one point (0-5 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT) and seven rebounds over 21 minutes during Sunday's 93-89 loss to the Raptors in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Strus missed all five of his shot attempts, turning in a disappointing performance on both ends of the floor. His production thus far has been sporadic, going for 24 points and 15 points in Games 1 and 3, while managing just six points and one point in Games 2 and 4, respectively. Both teams will now travel back to Cleveland for Game 5, where the Cavaliers will look to bounce back after consecutive losses on the road.

Reaves (oblique) is out for Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Khobi Price of The California Post reports.

Reaves will miss a ninth consecutive game due to a left oblique strain. He appears to be nearing a return, however, as he was deemed a game-time decision and went through pregame warmups before eventually being ruled out. Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart figure to retain significant roles with Reaves sidelined.

Smart produced nine points (3-8 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds, five assists, three blocks and three steals over 31 minutes during Sunday's 115-96 loss to the Rockets in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

It's the second straight game in which Smart has recorded multiple steals and blocks in the same game, and the third straight in which he's collected six or more combined. The veteran guard is averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 assists, 3.5 steals, 2.5 boards, 2.0 threes and 2.0 blocks in 34.8 minutes to begin the postseason as he fills a bigger role in the absence of Austin Reaves (oblique) and Luka Doncic (hamstring), and Smart will likely be productive again in Game 5 on Wednesday as the Lakers look to advance to the second round.

Pritchard contributed 32 points (12-21 FG, 6-12 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds, five assists and one steal over 35 minutes during Sunday's 128-96 win over the 76ers in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Pritchard was on fire during Game 4, drilling six three-pointers on the way to a convincing victory. Most recently, Pritchard has performed as an ample sixth man for the Celtics. He started 50 games amid various injury scenarios that plagued the team, but he seems best suited as a spark plug with the second unit off the bench. He experienced career highs in almost every major category in this sixth season and has been invaluable to the team as they strive to bring another title back to Boston.

Maxey supplied 22 points (7-14 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 4-4 FT), two rebounds, six assists and one block in 40 minutes during Sunday's 128-96 loss to the Celtics in Game 4 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Maxey looked more like his Game 1 self in the loss, recording only 22 points after going for 29 points in Game 2 and 31 points in Game 3. A massive total from the star point guard hasn't been enough to beat the Celtics, and a regressive total like Sunday's effort won't help matters as they try to find their way out of this series. Maxey converted 50 percent of his shots and was very consistent, but the team will need an explosive total from Maxey in Game 5 to avoid elimination.

Holiday was ejected from Sunday's Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Lakers, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

Holiday got tangled up with Adou Thiero under the basket late in the fourth quarter before things got a little chippy, leading to both of them getting ejected. He concludes the contest with nine points (3-8 FG, 3-5 3Pt), one assist, one steal and a block in 18 minutes.

Henderson chipped in zero points (0-7 FG, 0-3 3Pt), two assists and one steal in 27 minutes during Sunday's 114-93 loss to the Spurs in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Henderson couldn't hit the side of a barn, missing all seven of his shot attempts as the Trail Blazers fell behind 3-1 in the series. The forgettable performance was in stark contrast to the first three games of the series for Henderson, as he averaged 23.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steals while shooting 56.5 percent, including 52.2 percent from behind the arc. Given that body of work, Henderson should have a solid chance of bouncing back in a potential elimination scenario for Portland in Game 5.

Harper provided three points (1-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 1-2 FT), two rebounds, one assist and one steal across 25 minutes during Sunday's 114-93 win over the Trail Blazers in Game 4 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Harper was unable to repeat his heroics from 48 hours earlier, scoring just three points in 25 minutes off the bench. Coming off what was arguably the best game of his young career, the fact that Harper was barely noticeable in Game 4 goes to show just how deep the Spurs' roster is.