According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there is optimism that Celtics F Gordon Hayward (right ankle sprain) can make his return to the lineup for Game 3, barring any setbacks in pre-game warmups. (Source: Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The return of Gordon Hayward certainly adds another weapon for the Celtics, who are down 2-0 against Miami. Hayward hasn't played in over a month so if he's able to play, he'll likely see between 20-25 minutes.
Los Angeles Lakers PG Rajon Rondo is listed as questionable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday due to back spasms. (Source: NBA Injury Report)
Fantasy Impact: Rondo enjoyed a resurgence in the second round of the NBA playoffs, averaging 10.6 points, 7.0 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.6 three's per game while shooting 48% from the field. Rondo's been great off the bench and could provide a cheap source of production for DFS players looking to fill out their roster with a minimal budget.
Lakers G Dion Waiters is listed as doubtful for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday due to a sore left groin. (Source: NBA Injury Report)
Fantasy Impact: Waiters has not appeared for the Lakers since Game 2 of the Western Conference semi-finals against the Houston Rockets. With Rajon Rondo listed as questionable, the Lakers will likely give more minutes to JR Smith and Talen Horton-Tucker off the bench.
According to Raptors HC Nick Nurse, Serge Ibaka is "okay" and will not have any restrictions for Game 6 on Wednesday. (Source: Blake Murphy on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Ibaka will be ready to go in a pivotal elimination game for the Raptors, who are down 3-2 in the Eastern Conference semi-finals matchup against the Boston Celtics. Ibaka was seen in a walking boot yesterday, but it's being considered a precautionary measure. DFS players should expect to see Ibaka play his usual 20-25 minutes off the bench on Wednesday.
Rockets' F Danuel House Jr. has been ruled out of Tuesday's playoff game due to personal reasons. (Source: Kelly Iko on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: It's unclear what is preventing the 27-year-old forward from suiting up but head coach Mike D'Antoni did note that it wasn't COVID-19 related. Ben McLemore should see an increase in playing time and it's surely possible for DeMarre Carroll to see some action in House Jr.'s absence.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (ankle) has been ruled out for Game 5 Tuesday night. (Source: Shams Charania on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Antetokounmpo went through warmups but it was determined the ankle wasn’t healed enough for him to play in Game 5. The Bucks played relatively well in Game 4 in his absence, and it’ll be much of the same in Game 5, with Khris Middleton leading the charge for Milwaukee in another elimination game.
Nuggets C Nikola Jokic (wrist) who was listed as questionable, is active for Game 3 Monday night. (Source: Shams Charania on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Jokic went for 26 points and 18 rebounds in Game 2 and should once again be the focal point of the Nuggets offense in Game 3.
Heat G Tyler Herro (hip) is active for Game 4 Sunday. (Source: Miami Heat on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Herro has been fantastic off the bench for Miami in this series vs. the Bucks. He’s averaged 13.7 points in 30 minutes per game over the first three games. Expect another solid performance in Game 4.
Heat F/C Kelly Olynyk (knee) will be active for Game 4 Sunday. (Source: Miami Heat on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Olynyk missed Game 3 with the knee injury, but will return to the lineup for Game 4. Priced at just $3,400, he makes for a great value on DraftKings today, even if he only sees 15-20 minutes off the bench.
Sat, Sep 5th 7:35am EDT
By Adam Koffler
Clippers PG Patrick Beverley will remain on a minutes restriction for Game 2 Saturday as he works his way back from a calf injury. (Source: Tomer Azarly on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Beverley got the start in Game 1 but ultimately played just 12 minutes. He could see up to 20 minutes in Game 2, but the minutes restriction makes him a risky play in all DFS formats. Landry Shamet and Lou Williams both saw 20+ minutes off the bench in Game 1, and we should expect a similar allotment of run for them in Game 2.
