NBA Player News

Williams will not start Sunday's Game 3 against the Heat.

In an attempt to amp up offensive production, head coach Joe Mazzulla has decided to move Williams back to the bench in favor of teammate Derrick White. Despite making all 11 of his shot attempts over the last two games, Williams' lack of outside shooting and ability to get out in transition makes this move sensible for Boston as it works toward turning the series around.

Head coach Darvin Ham said Sunday that Bamba (ankle) is expected to be available for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Nuggets on Monday, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.

Bamba has missed nine consecutive playoff contests due to left ankle soreness, and while it appears he'll be available for the must-win Game 4, it remains unclear how involved the big man will be in the postseason rotation. He didn't see any action in the first five matchups of the opening-round series versus Memphis but tallied three rebounds, one assist and one block in nine minutes during garbage time of Game 6. Bamba figures to be another body to throw at Nikola Jokic, but the two-time MVP has had the right answer to every adjustment made against him this postseason.

Vanderbilt closed with two points (1-4 FG, 0-1 3Pt) and one rebound across 14 minutes during Saturday's 119-108 loss to the Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

Vanderbilt remained in the starting lineup Saturday but managed just two points in 14 minutes. He has basically been a non-factor on offense for the majority of the playoffs. Typically utilized for his defensive production, even that has been below his standard against the Nuggets. Given the state of the series, the coaching staff could very well opt to go with a different starting five for Game 4 in the hope of building some momentum.

Davis (foot) will play in Saturday's Game 3 versus Denver, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.

As expected, Davis will suit up for Saturday's tilt after being handed his usual probable designation. Through the first two games of the Western Conference Finals, Davis has averaged 29.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.0 steals and 3.0 blocks across 41.5 minutes.

Bamba (ankle) is expected to be able to return to action as soon as Game 4 or Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Nuggets, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

After missing nine consecutive games with left ankle soreness, Bamba is nearing a return to the hardwood and could see action in Game 4 on Monday. The big man's absence has been felt throughout the series' first two games, as the Lakers have struggled to deal with Nikola Jokic on the interior and find themselves down 0-2. However, with the Lakers currently running an eight-man rotation, it's unclear how large of a role, if any, Bamba will play once available.

Williams logged 13 points (5-5 FG, 3-4 FT), three rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal in 23 minutes during Friday's 111-105 loss to the Heat in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Williams didn't miss a single shot from the field but also contributed on the defensive end, racking up multiple blocks for the fourth time over his last eight playoff appearances. The big man has also produced on offense, scoring in double digits in three of his last four starts.

Adebayo recorded 22 points (7-17 FG, 8-8 FT), 17 rebounds and nine assists across 38 minutes during Friday's 111-105 win over the Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Adebayo didn't have his best shooting performance but made up for it with strong numbers in other categories. In addition to ending just one assist away from recording a triple-double, Adebayo tied his playoff-high mark in rebounds in the current season and finished just one dime away from tying his best assist output. The star big man has been the Heat's second-best player in the playoffs thus far and is averaging 18.5 points, 9.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists since the start of the first-round series against the Bucks.

Davis (foot) is probable for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals versus the Nuggets on Saturday, according to Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com.

LeBron James (foot) is also probable for the Lakers. Davis has been listed as probable for the entire postseason for the same reason, so his status isn't in any real doubt for Game 3.

Bamba (ankle) is out for Saturday's Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals versus Denver, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.

Bamba's absence streak will extend to nine games due to a left ankle injury. His next chance to suit up is Monday's Game 4 against the Nuggets.

Yurtseven (nose) will be available for Friday's Game 2 against Boston, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.

Yurtseven will wear a fitted mask Friday after being upgraded from questionable to available despite a nose contusion. However, he is unlikely to receive much playing time.