NBA Player News

Harden recorded 10 points (3-13 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 4-4 FT), six rebounds, three assists and one steal across 37 minutes during Thursday's 107-97 loss to the Pistons in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Harden had little impact, scoring just 10 points in the Game 2 loss. In what was easily his worst performance of the postseason, Harden simply couldn't find any rhythm, going just 3-for-13 from the field. Now trailing 2-0 in the series, the Cavaliers will head home to Cleveland looking to wrestle back some momentum. Look for Harden to deliver an improved effort in line with what he has done for the majority of the playoffs.

Holmgren totaled 22 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 5-7 FT), nine rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks in 33 minutes during Thursday's 125-107 victory in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Lakers.

Holmgren put together a strong final line and ended the night tied for the team lead in scoring with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Holmgren continued his efficient ways on offense and has knocked down 57.1 percent of his field goals through the first two games of the series to go along with five made treys. The Gonzaga product has also made his presence felt on the opposite end of the court by compiling five total steals and five total blocks so far in the semifinals.

Reaves finished with 31 points (10-16 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 8-10 FT), two rebounds and six assists across 38 minutes during Thursday's 125-107 loss in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder.

Reaves looked more polished in Game 2 after struggling to a 3-for-16 performance from the field in the opening matchup of the series. The 27-year-old led the Lakers in scoring, though he also committed a team-high five turnovers. It will likely be up to Reaves and LeBron James to turn this series around, with Luka Doncic (hamstring) unlikely to return for the semifinals.

Cunningham produced 25 points (7-14 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 8-8 FT), four rebounds, 10 assists, one steal and two blocks across 42 minutes during Thursday's 107-97 victory in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Cleveland.

Cunningham was quiet by his standards through the first three quarters of play, but he stepped up down the stretch. The star guard erupted for 12 points in the final six minutes, which included a pair of key treys to help Detroit get out to a 2-0 lead in the series. Cunningham has put up 20-plus points in each of the first two games of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, and he's also recorded a pair of steals in each appearance.

Mitchell collected 31 points (11-24 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 7-9 FT), six rebounds, three assists and two steals over 37 minutes during Thursday's 107-97 loss to the Pistons in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Mitchell paced the Cavs in the scoring department, though he wasn't able to lead the team to a victory. He's had a solid start to the series, but he'll likely need more help from key contributors such as James Harden, who was held to 10 points and committed four turnovers in Thursday's loss.

Kennard (neck) has been cleared to play in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder on Thursday, Dan Woike of The Athletic reports.

Kennard evidently picked up the neck injury during Game 1, but the issue won't prevent him from taking the court Thursday evening. He'll presumably provide support off the bench behind Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart in Game 2.

Vanderbilt (finger) has been ruled out for Thursday's Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Thunder.

Vanderbilt will miss Game 2 after exiting Tuesday's Game 1 loss in the second quarter due to a dislocated right finger. The forward is considered day-to-day, so a return for Saturday's Game 3 remains possible, though his absence could lead to increased opportunities off the bench for Jake LaRavia in the meantime.

Merrill (hamstring) won't play in Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Pistons, Danny Cunningham of Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan Cleveland reports.

Merrill picked up a left hamstring injury during Game 1, and he'll be forced to miss at least one additional matchup while on the mend. Look for Max Strus and Dennis Schroder to be in the mix for an uptick in minutes due to Merrill being sidelined Thursday.

Huerter (adductor) has been ruled out for Thursday's Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cavaliers.

Huerter will miss a fifth consecutive game due to a left adductor strain. His next opportunity to suit up will come in Saturday's Game 3, and in the meantime, Daniss Jenkins should continue to see an elevated role off the bench.

Dosunmu (heel) is questionable for Friday's Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Spurs.

Dosunmu was previously hampered by a right calf injury but exited Wednesday's Game 2 early due to right heel soreness. The guard was highly effective to begin the postseason before injuries surfaced, averaging 21.8 points, 4.0 assists and 2.8 rebounds across the first five games of the opening-round series against the Nuggets. If Dosunmu is unavailable, Bones Hyland and Terrence Shannon could see increased opportunities.