NBA Player News

McCollum notched 26 points (11-20 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 0-2 FT), four rebounds and one assist over 34 minutes during Saturday's Game 1 loss to New York.

McCollum was responsible for nearly half of Atlanta's 12 turnovers, coughing up the rock five times in the defeat, and he also bricked both of his free throws. He'll need to do a better job of taking care of the ball in Game 2 on Monday if the Hawks hope to steal one on the road.

Brunson logged 28 points (9-22 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 7-8 FT), seven assists, five rebounds and one steal in 36 minutes of Saturday's 113-102 Game 1 win over the Hawks.

Brunson was back in his usual role after missing the regular season finale with an ankle issue, though it's likely his absence was precautionary. Brunson averaged 26.0 points, 6.8 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 threes and 0.8 steals during the regular season and carried that momentum over into the playoffs.

Strus ended with 24 points (8-10 FG, 4-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and three rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench during Saturday's 126-113 victory over Toronto in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

It was the best performance of Strus' career in a playoff game, topping the 23 points he produced in Game 2 of last season's second-round exit against the Pacers. Strus has delivered more than 20 points in three of his last eight games dating back to March 27 and drained multiple three-pointers in five of those contests, shooting 43.1 percent from beyond the arc during that stretch.

Harden chipped in 22 points (8-18 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, 10 assists and two steals across 33 minutes during Saturday's 126-113 win over Toronto in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

It was the 39th playoff double-double of Harden's career. The veteran guard solidified the Cavaliers' backcourt after being acquired from the Clippers, averaging 20.5 points, 7.7 assists, 4.8 boards, 3.1 threes and 1.3 combined steals and blocks in 26 regular-season games for his new squad, and Harden seems very comfortable playing second fiddle to Donovan Mitchell in the Cleveland offense.

Tate won't start Saturday's Game 1 against the Lakers, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.

Tate got the starting nod in Houston's regular-season finale with multiple key contributors out, though he will slide to the second unit Saturday. However, he could still see meaningful playing time due to Kevin Durant (knee) being sidelined.

Capela will come off the bench for Saturday's Game 1 matchup with the Lakers, Rockets' radio voice Matt Thomas reports.

Capela started in Houston's final regular-season game with Alperen Sengun resting, but Sengun is back and starting, which will shift Capela to a reserve role. As a member of the second unit this season, Capela has averaged 3.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game.

Eason will come off the bench for Saturday's Game 1 against the Lakers, according to Rockets reporter Matt Thomas.

After starting the regular season finale with multiple starters sitting out, Eason is back with the second unit. He may see additional minutes, however, as Kevin Durant (knee) is out for Game 1.

Shead totaled 17 points (6-11 FG, 5-6 3Pt, 0-1 FT), one rebound and two assists over 28 minutes during Saturday's 126-113 loss to the Cavaliers in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Getting the start to open the playoffs with Immanuel Quickley (hamstring) unavailable, Shead was locked in from long distance, and his five made three-pointers was more than he's produced in any regular-season game during his career to date. The 17 points also represented the second-year guard's best offensive output since Jan. 11, when he dropped 22 points on the Sixers. With Quickley's status uncertain for Game 2 on Monday, Shead could be in line for a significant role in the Raptors' backcourt once again.

Gobert accumulated 17 points (8-9 FG, 1-5 FT), 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal over 38 minutes during Saturday's 116-105 loss to the Nuggets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

While Nikola Jokic still recorded a triple-double, Gobert did a decent job containing Denver's star and protecting the paint. He also contributed on the glass with three offensive rebounds and was highly efficient, missing just one shot across his 38 minutes.

Durant (knee) has been ruled out for Saturday's Game 1 against the Lakers, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.com reports.

Durant bumped knees with a teammate in practice and won't suit up Saturday due to a right knee contusion. With the superstar sidelined, Tari Eason and Josh Okogie are candidates for expanded roles, while Jae'Sean Tate and Dorian Finney-Smith could see increased run. Durant's next chance to play will come in Game 2 in Houston on Tuesday.