NBA Player News

Kennard will come off the bench in Friday's Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series against Houston, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

Kennard has started in every game of the series to date. However, with Austin Reaves moving back into the starting lineup, Kennard will come off the bench for the first time since the 139-96 loss to Oklahoma City on April 2.

Reaves will start Friday's Game 6 of the Western Conference first-round series against the Rockets, Law Murray of The Athletic reports.

After coming off the bench in Wednesday's Game 5 loss -- his return from a nine-game absence due to an oblique strain -- Reaves will rejoin the starting five. As a result, Luke Kennard will slide to the second unit. Reaves logged 34 minutes in Game 5, posting 22 points (4-16 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 12-13 FT), six assists, four rebounds and one block.

Duren exited to the locker room in the third quarter of Friday's Game 6 of the first-round series against the Magic due to an apparent hand issue, Hunter Patterson of The Athletic reports.

Duren was seen getting his hand examined but remained in the game. However, the big man later exited to the locker room and can be considered questionable to return until more information comes to light.

Shead will start Friday's Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Cavaliers, Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio reports.

Brandon Ingram (heel) won't play in Friday's do-or-die matchup, opening the door for Shead to enter the starting five. The second-year guard started Games 1 and 2, during which he averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.0 steals while shooting 43.8 percent from the field in 33.0 minutes per tilt.

Harris (ankle) is available for Friday's Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Magic.

Harris will shed his questionable tag due to a left ankle sprain and suit up for this win-or-go-home matchup. The veteran forward has reached the 20-point threshold in three straight games, and across five first-round outings, he has averaged 19.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 1.4 assists and 1.0 blocks in 34.6 minutes per showing.

Huerter (adductor) is out for Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs Friday against the Magic, per Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.

The Pistons won't have Huerter available for a second straight win-or-go-home contest, so the team will have to turn elsewhere to fill out the reserve minutes. Daniss Jenkins, Caris LeVert and Javonte Green are all candidates for increased playing time Friday.

Ingram (heel) is out for Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs Friday against Cleveland, per Josh Lewenberg of TSN.ca.

After exiting Wednesday's Game 5 loss due to right heel inflammation, Ingram will not give it a go Friday. The Raptors will be hoping the likes of Ja'Kobe Walter, Collin Murray-Boyles and Jamal Shead step up Friday and help force a Game 7 back in Cleveland.

Embiid (abdomen) is listed as probable for Saturday's Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Celtics.

Embiid has played in each of Philadelphia's last three games and is expected to suit up for Saturday's win-or-go-home matchup in Boston. The star big man has averaged 26.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.4 combined steals-plus-blocks in 35.7 minutes per contest through three first-round appearances.

Isaac (knee) is out for Friday's Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Detroit.

As expected, the Magic have downgraded Isaac from doubtful to out for Game 6 due to a left knee sprain. If the Pistons survive Friday and force a Game 7, Isaac wouldn't appear to be in line to be available for that contest either.

Nnaji ended with no counting stats across three minutes during Thursday's 110-98 loss to the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Playing in his sixth NBA season, Nnaji was once again used very sparingly by the Nuggets. He made just 52 regular-season appearances, posting averages of 3.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 0.5 blocks in 12.0 minutes per contest.