NBA Player News

Thompson logged 17 points (7-18 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-6 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, one block and three steals across 43 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Thompson was smothered by a proficient Lakers defense during the Game 1 defeat, and although he put together decent totals in secondary categories, he converted only 38.3 percent of his shots in the losing effort. Kevin Durant's (knee) missing production was evident during Saturday's game, and increased production from the standout guard will be essential to buoy Houston's chances of advancing past the first round.

Smith logged 16 points (5-14 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 3-5 FT), 12 rebounds and two steals across 43 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Smith's performance on both sides of the ball helped to soften the blow caused by Kevin Durant's (knee) absence, but it wasn't enough to overtake the Lakers' relentless offensive onslaught. Smith has often been a savior for the Rockets when Durant or Alperen Sengun have been sidelined, but Game 1's result highlights the need for Durant on the court.

Sheppard racked up 17 points (6-20 FG, 5-14 3Pt), one rebound, eight assists, one block and one steal across 36 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 loss to the Lakers in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Sheppard assumed a larger role with Kevin Durant (knee) in street clothes. Josh Okogie was effective on defense, but he couldn't fill the production gap left by Durant. Much of that responsibility fell to Sheppard and Jabari Smith, who tried to keep the team afloat against a powerful performance from the Lakers. Sheppard was able to muster 19 points thanks to a high shot volume, but he only converted 30 percent of those attempts. Despite the shooting deficiency, he recorded an excellent fantasy total thanks to eight rebounds, matching his second-highest total of the season in the category.

Ayton contributed 19 points (8-10 FG, 3-3 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and one block over 35 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Ayton's scoring total was engineered in part by LeBron James, who found his big man often and generated a few assists by connecting with him. Ayton has had his share of inconsistencies this season, but he went toe-to-toe with Alperen Sengun and finished with the better rebound result. It's all hands on deck for the Lakers, who need balanced output from everyone with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) sidelined. Ayton needs to keep the volume up and assume additional responsibility as a scoring threat to keep ahead of the Rockets in the first-round series.

James ended with 19 points (9-15 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 0-2 FT), eight rebounds, 13 assists, one block and two steals in 38 minutes during Saturday's 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

James racked up eight assists before the end of the first quarter, fully embracing his role as a ball distributor. He had time to perform his own heroics as a scorer as well. He converted 60 percent of his shots in the contest and was only two rebounds shy of his fourth triple-double of the season. With Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) absent, James is expected to keep turning back the clock, churning out solid totals as the Lakers try to sweep the Rockets.

Kennard finished Saturday's 107-98 win over the Rockets in Game 1 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 27 points (9-13 FG, 5-5 3Pt, 4-6 FT), four rebounds and three assists across 38 minutes.

Kennard has cemented himself as the primary beneficiary amidst the Lakers' injury woes. The team faced a bleary outlook, with Luka Doncic (hamstring) and Austin Reaves (oblique) absent for the first-round series against the Rockets. Kennard has carried over his late-season heroics into the postseason and appears more than ready to continue the charge. He led all scorers in the game by a wide margin. If he can keep the stellar production going, the Lakers' chance of advancing will skyrocket.

Robinson registered three points (1-1 FG, 1-4 FT), four rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 14 minutes during Saturday's 113-102 win over the Hawks in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Robinson played just 14 minutes, a slightly reduced role, as New York opted to run with some smaller lineups. Given that the Hawks don't really have a viable backup center, there is a chance Robinson will continue to be used sparingly, assuming Karl-Anthony Towns can stay out of foul trouble.

Hart chipped in 11 points (4-8 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists and three steals across 37 minutes during Saturday's 113-102 victory over Atlanta in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Hart got it done on both ends of the floor, helping the Knicks to an impressive victory in Game 1 against the Hawks. After some ups and downs over the past month, Hart recorded his first double-double in his past 13 games, with his 14 rebounds the most he has pulled down since late December.

Clarkson contributed eight points (4-6 FG), two rebounds and one assist over 11 minutes during Saturday's 113-102 win over Atlanta in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Clarkson logged no more than 15 minutes for the fifth time in his past seven appearances, continuing to serve as more of an emergency piece, as opposed to a reliable contributor. In 13 appearances over the past month, he has averaged just 6.9 points in 16.4 minutes per game.

Kuminga had eight points (3-7 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 2-3 FT), four rebounds and one assist in 27 minutes during Saturday's 113-102 loss to the Knicks in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Kuminga failed to produce anything of note, despite playing 27 minutes off the bench. Outside of a couple of encouraging performances, Kuminga has been unable to be a key contributor for his new team. Should Atlanta have visions of upsetting New York, Kuminga is going to have to be more of an all-around contributor.