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Rudy Gobert C | MIN
Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert: Teases triple-double in victory
Gobert recorded 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-4 FT), 13 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks and one steal across 42 minutes during Thursday's 110-98 victory over the Nuggets in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Gobert was just two assists short of what would have been an unexpected triple-double, helping Minnesota close out the series against Denver. Across six games during the first round, Gobert averaged 7.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 combined steals and blocks. While his numbers weren't jaw-dropping, Gobert's impact was undeniable, particularly on the defensive end, where he was able to at least somewhat contain Nikola Jokic.
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Nikola Jokic C | DEN
Nuggets' Nikola Jokic: Flirts with triple-double Thursday
Jokic ended Thursday's 110-98 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with 28 points (11-19 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 5-6 FT), nine rebounds, 10 assists and one block across 43 minutes.
Jokic fell one rebound short of another triple-double, closing out what was another dominant season, both in fantasy and reality. He finished with averages of 27.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.6 assists, 1.7 three-pointers and 2.2 combined steals and blocks across the regular season and playoffs, sitting atop the fantasy ranks yet again. While the individual accolades are seemingly endless, Denver's unceremonious exit can't be overlooked. Jokic will undoubtedly be in the discussion for the No. 1 fantasy pick again next season, although the exact makeup of his supporting cast remains to be seen.
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Onyeka Okongwu C | ATL
Hawks' Onyeka Okongwu: Disappointing end to season
Okongwu amassed four points (2-6 FG, 0-2 3Pt), six rebounds, five assists, one block and one steal in 32 minutes during Thursday's 140-89 loss to the Knicks in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Okongwu saved his worst for last, scoring just four points as Atlanta was embarrassed by New York in Game 6. The loss brings to an end what was a breakout season for Okongwu, as he established himself as the starting center for the Hawks. He ended the season as a top-40 fantasy asset, averaging 15.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.9 three-pointers and 2.2 combined steals and blocks over 80 games (including playoffs).
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Karl-Anthony Towns C | NY
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns: Cruises to triple-double
Towns recorded 12 points (1-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 10-10 FT), 11 rebounds, 10 assists, one block and three steals across 28 minutes during Thursday's 140-89 victory over the Hawks in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Towns recorded his second triple-double of the playoffs, helping the Knicks to a comfortable victory Thursday. It continued what has been an elite stretch of games for Towns, who is averaging 18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.3 three-pointers and 3.4 combined steals and blocks through six games in the first round. Friday's victory means New York will now move on to face either Boston or Philadelphia, with the winner of that series to be decided in Game 7 on Saturday.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Flirts with triple-double
Embiid produced 19 points (6-18 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 10 rebounds, eight assists and one steal over 34 minutes during Thursday's 106-93 victory over the Celtics in Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Embiid once again found his name on the injury report leading up to Game 6, but he managed to appear in a third consecutive matchup and came through with a strong all-around performance. He's provided remarkable production after undergoing an appendectomy earlier in April, as he's averaging 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists in three games so far this series.
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Mitchell Robinson C | BOS
Knicks' Mitchell Robinson: Tossed from Game 6
Robinson was ejected from Thursday's Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Hawks after being involved in an altercation, Kevin Chouinard of the Hawks' official site reports. He'll end the night with six points (3-3 FG), three rebounds and two blocks in nine minutes.
Robinson got tangled up with Dyson Daniels down the stretch of the second quarter, and both players were tossed after the play was reviewed. It was a turbulent Game 6 for Robinson, who briefly departed in the first quarter with an apparent injury and was then ejected with a few minutes remaining in the half. The Knicks had gotten out to a comfortable 72-22 lead at the time of Robinson's ejection, so his absence the rest of the way shouldn't impact the outcome of the game.
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Mitchell Robinson C | BOS
Knicks' Mitchell Robinson: Cleared to return
Robinson (leg) has returned to Thursday's Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Atlanta, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reports.
Robinson briefly exited Thursday's clash due to an apparent leg injury. He made a quick stop in the locker room and was given the green light to check back in with 9:19 remaining in the half.
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Mitchell Robinson C | BOS
Knicks' Mitchell Robinson: Exits with leg injury
Robinson left Thursday's Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Hawks with a leg injury, Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports.
Robinson appeared to land awkwardly on his leg during the first quarter and needed to come out of the game shortly thereafter. He initially made his way back to the bench but was then spotted walking to the locker room to be evaluated. Robinson can be considered questionable to return until further notice.
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Joel Embiid C | PHI
76ers' Joel Embiid: Available for Game 6
Embiid (abdomen) will play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics on Thursday, Adam Aaronson of PhillyVoice.com reports.
As expected, Embiid has been cleared to suit up for Thursday's Game 6 after previously being listed as probable on the team's injury report. He was instrumental in Philly's Game 5 victory, finishing with 33 points, four rebounds, eight assists and one block in 39 minutes.
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Deandre Ayton C | WAS
Lakers' Deandre Ayton: Big double-double in Game 5 loss
Ayton registered 18 points (9-14 FG), 17 rebounds and two blocks in 38 minutes during Wednesday's 99-93 loss to Houston in Game 5 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
The 17 boards were a series and season high for Ayton, and represented his best performance on the glass since Feb. 3 of last season, when he ripped down 20 rebounds for Portland in a win over Phoenix. Ayton has three double-doubles in five first-round games, averaging 12.8 points, 9.8 boards, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks for the series while shooting 63.8 percent from the floor, and he'll look to come up big again in Game 6 on Friday.