NBA Player News

Lillard (Achilles) is available for Thursday's Game 6 against Indiana, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.

Lillard has been upgraded from questionable to available Thursday after missing the previous two contests with right Achilles tendinitis. The star guard will likely replace Malik Beasley in the starting lineup. Lillard is averaging 32.3 points, 5.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 40.7 minutes across his previous three appearances in Milwaukee's first-round series against the Pacers.

Lillard (Achilles) is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Lillard could return to action Thursday after missing the previous two contests with a right Achilles injury. While Lillard is reportedly more likely to suit up than Giannis Antetokounmpo, an official injury update should be released closer to the 6:30 p.m. ET tipoff.

Antetokounmpo (calf) is considered a game-time decision for Thursday's Game 6 against Indiana, Pat Boylan of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Antetokounmpo officially remains doubtful for Thursday's matchup, but reports ahead of tipoff have suggested that the forward is in the mix to return to the court. However, coach Doc Rivers said during his pregame press conference that Antetokounmpo is more doubtful than Damian Lillard (Achilles), who is also a game-time decision. Even though Antetokounmpo would give the Bucks a spark as they attempt to extend their season, it's possible his playing time is monitored if he's cleared to suit up.

Allen (ribs) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Tom Withers of the Associated Press reports.

Allen missed Tuesday's Game 5 against the Magic due to a right rib contusion. While Allen's absence from practice is a bad sign of his availability for Game 6 on Friday, fantasy managers should look out for an official injury report.

Harris (hamstring) is considered a game-time decision for Friday's Game 6 against the Cavaliers, Josh Robbins of The Athletic reports.

Harris suffered a right hamstring strain during Tuesday's Game 5 against Cleveland, but he participated in the walkthrough portion of Thursday's practice. However, the Magic will still wait to see how he feels in the hours leading up to Friday's tipoff before determining his availability. If he's unable to suit up, Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black could see increased run.

Antetokounmpo (calf) is working to try to make a return for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers, but it's unclear whether he'll be able to do so, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Both Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard (Achilles) are attempting to return to action as the Bucks try to keep their season alive Thursday. However, while Lillard has been upgraded to questionable, Antetokounmpo remains doubtful for now. Antetokounmpo's potential return would give the Bucks a significant boost on the road in Game 6, but it's also possible he'd face some limitations after missing the last eight matchups.

Lillard (Achilles) has been upgraded to questionable for Thursday's Game 6 against the Pacers, Jeremiah Johnson of Bally Sports Indiana reports.

Lillard was initially deemed doubtful for a third consecutive matchup, but he's trending in the right direction ahead of Thursday's tipoff. If he's able to return to action, it'd provide a significant boost for the Bucks, who are attempting to keep their season alive by forcing a Game 7. If Lillard is unable to suit up, Malik Beasley will probably remain in the starting lineup, while Khris Middleton would likely be a centerpiece for Milwaukee.

Porzingis (calf) will likely remain sidelined for the Celtics' second-round series in the Eastern Conference playoffs, Chris Haynes of Turner Sports reports.

Porzingis sustained a calf injury in Game 4 of Boston's first-round series and was unavailable for Wednesday's Game 5 as the Celtics took down the Heat to advance to the second round. He's been diagnosed with a right soleus strain and was expected to miss several games, and it appears likely that his absence will span the entirety of the second round. However, the Celtics hope that Porzingis will be able to return if the team advances to the Eastern Conference Finals, and the 28-year-old will rest and rehab in the coming days.

White chipped in 25 points (8-13 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 4-5 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Wednesday's 118-84 win over Miami in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

White co-led the Celtics in scoring Wednesday alongside Jaylen Brown, and he enjoyed playing a more prominent role on offense with Kristaps Porzingis (calf) sidelined and with Jayson Tatum taking a bit of a step back on the scoring side of things. White reached the 20-point mark in three of his five appearances in the series against the Heat, and he should remain an offensive menace in the Eastern Conference Semifinals regardless of whether the Celtics face the Magic or the Cavaliers.

Brown finished Wednesday's 118-84 victory over Miami in Game 5 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs with 25 points (11-19 FG, 1-7 3Pt, 2-5 FT), six rebounds and two assists over 26 minutes.

Brown was one of two Boston players who reached the 25-point mark Wednesday, with Derrick White being the other, but he didn't do much outside of scoring. Brown scored 20-plus points in three of the five outings in the series against the Heat, and he should continue to play a prominent role on offense in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, regardless of the opponent, especially if Kristaps Porzingis (calf) remains sidelined for a prolonged stretch.