NBA Player News

Gobert ended with 14 points (4-6 FG, 6-7 FT), 16 rebounds and two assists in 37 minutes during Saturday's 120-95 win over the Suns in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals.

Gobert owned the glass in Saturday's Game 1 victory, leading all players in the contest in rebounds while posting the lone double-double. Gobert concluded the regular season with at least 10 points and 15 rebounds in four of his final five outings.

Kleber (back) is not on the official injury report and will be available for Game 1 of the opening-round series against the Clippers on Sunday.

Kleber didn't play in the Mavericks' final game of the regular season because the training staff wanted him to rest a lingering back injury. He shouldn't have any limitations for the series opener against the Clippers on Sunday and should handle his regular workload off the bench as a frontcourt option behind Daniel Gafford.

Lively (knee) is not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Clippers.

Coach Jason Kidd said Friday that Lively was trending in the right direction and was on track to play in Sunday's series opener, so this is not entirely surprising, though it does boost the team's depth in the frontcourt. Lively should see decent minutes off the bench, although Daniel Gafford is expected to be the starting center, as was the case down the stretch in the regular season.

Embiid (knee) will play Saturday against the Knicks, Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.

Embiid went through his pre-game routine unscathed, and the star big man will be ready to handle his regular workload in the series opener against New York. Embiid has averaged 29.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks across 31.8 minutes per game in six appearances since returning from the knee injury that sidelined him for two months earlier this year.

Coach Nick Nurse said Embiid (knee) will go through his usual pre-game workouts to determine his availability for Saturday's series opener against the Knicks, Ky Carlin of USA Today reports.

Embiid is officially listed as questionable due to injury maintenance on his surgically repaired left knee. However, barring a setback during his pre-game routine, he's expected to be available and handle his regular workload. Embiid has averaged 29.2 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks across 31.8 minutes per game in the six games since returning to the hardwood.

Kornet is out for Sunday's game against the Heat due to a right calf strain, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Kornet gives the Celtics size down low, but he wasn't expected to play heavy minutes off the bench as long as Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford are healthy. Kornet averaged 5.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.0 blocks across 15.6 minutes per game in 63 regular-season appearances.

Carter will play a reserve role in Saturday's Game 1 matchup with the Cavaliers.

Carter was nursing back issues heading into the playoffs and came off the bench in Orlando's regular-season finale. He was not on the injury report heading into Game 1, so it is unclear if the decision has anything to do with his back. Jonathan Isaac will again start at center in Carter's place.

Valanciunas ended Friday's 105-98 Play-In Game win over the Kings with 19 points (8-16 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks over 27 minutes.

Valanciunas was a non-factor in the loss against the Lakers during the first round of the Play-In Tournament. However, he stepped up in a big way Friday to help New Orleans avoid elimination and posted his second double-double since the beginning of April. With Zion Williamson (hamstring) sidelined, the Pelicans will likely need more consistent production from Valanciunas in the paint.

Sabonis produced 23 points (9-14 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 14 rebounds, seven assists, one block and three steals over 42 minutes during Friday's 105-98 Play-In loss to the Hornets.

Sabonis tacked on a couple more double-doubles in the postseason, but he and the Kings will go no further this season. Sabonis may not contribute across the board like some other top-tier fantasy assets, but it's tough to ignore the 19.4 points, league-leading 13.7 rebounds and career-high 8.2 assists he averaged over 82 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.

Vucevic notched 16 points (7-17 FG, 2-5 3Pt), 14 rebounds, five assists, one block and two steals over 35 minutes during Friday's 112-91 Play-In Game loss to the Heat.

Vucevic turned in a valiant effort in Friday's elimination game, but the Heat cruised to a big victory with the help of Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez. Vucevic was held in check offensively along with the rest of the Chicago squad, as the Bulls were held to 91 points on 38.0 percent shooting from the field. The 33-year-old closed the season with four consecutive double-doubles.