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  • Chet Holmgren PF | OKC

    Thunder's Chet Holmgren: Swats five shots in win Sunday

    Holmgren ended with 15 points (6-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 1-2 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists, five blocks and one steal in 32 minutes during Sunday's 94-92 victory over the Pelicans in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

    Holmgren had all sorts of problems with Jonas Valanciunas on the glass, and his shooting wasn't entirely efficient. However, the rookie didn't look outmatched in the first playoff appearance of his career, particularly on the defensive end with a few key blocks down the stretch, including one in the dying stages of the fourth quarter where the Pelicans were creeping on a comeback. Holmgren is not going to lead the Thunder in scoring since he plays alongside Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but he's still an excellent two-way threat every time he steps on the court.

  • Pelicans' Jonas Valanciunas: Pulls down 20 boards in loss Sunday

    Valanciunas registered 13 points (5-9 FG, 3-4 FT), 20 rebounds, two assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Sunday's 94-92 loss to the Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

    Valanciunas was heavily criticized for his play during the loss to the Lakers in the first round of the Play-In Tournament, but he's responded extremely well with back-to-back double-doubles against the Kings and Thunder. The veteran big man feasted on the glass against Chet Holmgren and used his physicality to dominate. Expect him to play a prominent role in the paint in Game 2 on Wednesday, especially with Zion Williamson (hamstring) still sidelined.

  • Ivica Zubac C | IND

    Clippers' Ivica Zubac: Owns glass in double-double showing

    Zubac logged 20 points (10-17 FG, 0-1 FT), 15 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal over 33 minutes during Sunday's 109-97 victory over the Mavericks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

    Zubac led all players in rebounds while ending as one of three Clippers with 20 or more points in a double-double showcase. Zubac posted four games during the regular season with 15 or more rebounds, adding 20 or more points in one of those outings. Los Angeles will look for Zubac to continue to own the battle in the paint this series while also providing a much-needed spark offensively in a favorable matchup against Dallas.

  • Bam Adebayo C | MIA

    Heat's Bam Adebayo: Leading scorer in defeat

    Adebayo closed Sunday's 114-94 loss to Boston in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals with 24 points (10-18 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds and three assists in 36 minutes.

    Adebayo led all players in scoring while pacing the Heat in rebounds to go along with a trio of assists in a losing effort. Adebayo recorded 24 or more points in 14 games during the regular season, entering the playoffs with two straight games with at least 17 points and six boards. We could see Adebayo's workload continue to increase in the opening round series with Jimmy Butler still recovering from a knee injury.

  • Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis: Strong from deep to boost offense

    Porzingis amassed 18 points (7-13 FG, 4-8 3Pt), four rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 34 minutes during Sunday's 114-94 victory over the Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

    Porzingis ended two points shy of the 20-point mark but was a key contributor as the Celtics ran away with Game 1. The big man drilled four three-pointers and was a plus-17 in his 34 minutes of action. Porzingis and the Celtics will have two days off before Wednesday's Game 2.

  • Anthony Davis PF | WAS

    Lakers' Anthony Davis: Likely to play in Game 2

    Davis (back) is probable for Monday's Game 2 against the Nuggets, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports.

    Despite his continued low back soreness, Davis will likely be able to suit up once again as the Lakers attempt to even the first-round series. He played 44 minutes in Saturday's Game 1 loss, totaling 32 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.

  • Joel Embiid C | PHI

    76ers' Joel Embiid: Tagged as questionable

    Embiid is questionable for Monday's Game 2 against the Knicks due to left knee injury recovery.

    Embiid carrying the designation of "injury recovery," as opposed to a specific aggravation, is a good sign, and returning to the second half of Saturday's contest likely puts him on track for Game 2. That being said, Philadelphia has been unreliable in reporting injuries of late, so Embiid's status will need to be monitored. He declined to speak with media after Saturday's contest, but the big man has returned to action after suffering in-game tweaks twice in the time since his initial return from surgery, so gutting out lingering pain has been the precedent.

  • Kai Jones C | DAL

    Clippers' Kai Jones: Inactive Sunday

    Jones (not injury related) is inactive for Sunday's Game 1 against Dallas, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

    Jones has yet to log action with the Clippers. While he is eligible to be activated for future playoff contests, he will not play Sunday.

  • Clippers' Mason Plumlee: Not starting Sunday

    Plumlee will come off the bench for Sunday's Game 1 against Dallas, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

    Plumlee has averaged 4.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 11.9 minutes per game across 35 contests off the bench this season. Ivica Zubac slots in with the first unit, while Daniel Theis is a candidate for minutes off the bench as well.

  • Mavericks' Dwight Powell: Returns to reserve role

    Powell won't start Game 1 of the opening-round series against the Clippers on Sunday, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

    With Dallas resting its regulars, Powell drew a spot start during the regular-season finale and posted two points, eight rebounds, a steal and a block in 27 minutes during a loss to Oklahoma City. With Dereck Lively (knee) and Daniel Gafford healthy, Powell isn't guaranteed consistent playing time during the postseason.

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