NBA Player News

Brown ended with 29 points (11-22 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 3-6 FT), six rebounds, two assists, one block and three steals over 44 minutes during Monday's 105-102 win over the Pacers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Even though Jayson Tatum led the Celtics in scoring throughout the series and Jrue Holiday grabbed headlines for his excellent defensive play, no player was more consistent than Brown, who was named the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals. Brown surpassed the 25-point mark in three of the four games he played against Indiana after accomplishing that feat just three times in the previous two series combined.

Turner left Monday's Game 4 against the Celtics due to a back injury but was cleared to return for the second half, Tony East of SI.com reports. He finished with eight points (2-6 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), four rebounds and one assist over 27 minutes in the loss.

Turner's performance indicates that his back injury slowed him down, as he wasn't much of a factor in the 105-102 loss. The Texas product also contended with foul trouble, which limited his ability to be aggressive. Turner will now shift his attention to the offseason after his squad was swept by Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Smith is out for Monday's Game 4 against the Celtics due to illness.

Smith has played a limited role through the first three games of the Eastern Conference Finals, so his absence shouldn't impact Indiana's rotation much. He'll be considered day-to-day and should have a chance to return for Game 5 if the Pacers are able to extend the series.

Kornet (wrist) will play in Monday's Game 4 against Indiana, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Kornet was spotted warming up with tape on his injured left wrist prior to tipoff, and he's been cleared to give it a go. He logged 13 minutes in Game 1 before suffering the wrist injury in Game 2 and should see reserve minutes again Monday night behind Al Horford.

Holiday (illness) has been cleared to play in Monday's Game 4 against the Pacers, Jay King of The Athletic reports.

Holiday made it through morning shootaround without issue and has now been given the green light to take the court Monday evening. He didn't face any type of restriction in Game 3 (38 minutes) and should be a full go as the Celtics aim for a series sweep.

Haliburton (hamstring) won't play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against Boston on Monday, Joe Vardon of The Athletic reports.

Haliburton appeared to be trending in the wrong direction leading up to tipoff, and he's since been downgraded to out. T.J. McConnell filled in admirably in Game 3, so he figures to be leaned on heavily Monday along with Ben Sheppard and Andrew Nembhard.

Haliburton (hamstring) is unlikely to play in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics on Monday, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Haliburton officially remains questionable for Monday's matchup, but Wojnarowski reports that the guard is trending in the wrong direction ahead of tipoff. Since the Pacers are trying to avoid elimination Monday, the medical staff will likely continue to monitor Haliburton's status before officially determining his availability, but Ben Sheppard, T.J. McConnell and Andrew Nembhard could see increased roles once again if Haliburton remains out.

Lively (neck) has been ruled out for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Tuesday, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.

Lively was initially deemed doubtful for Tuesday's matchup due to his neck sprain, and he'll officially be forced to miss at least one game as the Mavericks attempt to close out the series. It's unclear whether Lively will be able to return if the Western Conference Finals continue past Tuesday or if the Mavericks advance to the NBA Finals, which begin June 6. Dwight Powell is a candidate to see increased playing time in Lively's absence.

Kleber (shoulder) is questionable for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Kleber has been sidelined since May 3 due to an AC joint separation, but he's closing in on a return to action. He participated in Monday's practice session and will be in the mix to return to game action Tuesday, although the Mavericks will likely monitor his status ahead of tipoff before officially determining his availability. Even if Kleber isn't cleared for Tuesday's matchup, it wouldn't be surprising to see him return later in the Western Conference Finals, if necessary, or for a potential run in the NBA Finals.

Lively (neck) is doubtful for Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals against the Timberwolves on Tuesday.

Lively sustained a neck sprain during Sunday's Game 3 and was unavailable down the stretch. He wasn't seen at Monday's practice session and will likely be sidelined Tuesday as the Mavericks attempt to advance to the NBA Finals. If Dallas wins Game 4 to complete the sweep, Lively will have over a week to rest before the NBA Finals begin June 6.