CLE • Guard • #10
After holding serve in the first two games of the series, the Cavaliers will play Game 3 without their starting point guard. Initially questionable for Saturday, Garland is dealing with a sprained left great toe. Donovan Mitchell will be asked to shift into the point guard role, with Sam Merrill moving into the starting lineup. Merrill and backup guard Ty Jerome will take on additional minutes in Game 3.
about 11 hours ago
April 26, 2025 4:34 PM
CLE • Forward-Guard • #12
about 8 hours ago
Hunter has bounced back nicely since going scoreless in Cleveland’s series-opening win on April 20. Having scored 12 points in Game 2, he was even better on Saturday, helping the Cavaliers absorb the absence of Darius Garland (toe). Regardless of Garland’s status for Monday’s Game 4, Hunter remains a key contributor off the bench. The Cavaliers aim to end the series in Miami, which would net them additional rest ahead of the second round.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #2
about 8 hours ago
Despite the Cavaliers not having Darius Garland (toe), Jerome remained in a reserve role for Game 3. However, that did not prevent him from recording a career-high assist total and a double-double. With his play throughout the regular season and in this series, Jerome has likely secured himself a substantial contract in unrestricted free agency this summer. First and foremost is the need to take care of this series, with Game 4 scheduled for Monday.
CLE • Guard-Forward • #1
about 8 hours ago
With Darius Garland (toe) out and Donovan Mitchell (13/3/1 with three three-pointers) shooting 4-of-14 from the field, Strus was one of the Cavaliers who stepped up in Game 3. Having attempted 13 shots in the first two games, he matched that number on Saturday and recorded a series-high point total. The ease with which Cleveland won on Saturday may factor into what happens with Garland for Game 4 on Monday. If he remains out, look for Strus to be one of the Cavaliers who takes on an expanded role.
LAC • Guard • #1
about 2 hours ago
After attempting at least 14 shots in each of the first three games of the series, Harden was only responsible for 11 in Game 4. And the Nuggets were able to fluster The Beard, with things coming to a head in the form of an altercation late in the second quarter. Harden did make some solid plays late, with the Clippers ripping off a 32-9 fourth-quarter run to get back into the game. However, it wasn’t enough to secure the victory, with the Nuggets pulling even at two games apiece. He’ll need to be better in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.
LAC • Guard • #24
about 2 hours ago
After totaling 25 points in the first two games of the series, Powell benefited from the action shifting to the friendly confines of the Intuit Dome. In Games 3 and 4, he shot 14-of-25 from the field and 7-of-16 from beyond the arc. Saturday’s performance included four three-pointers during a 32-9 fourth-quarter run that nearly allowed the Clippers to steal the win. Alas, Aaron Gordon’s dunk as time expired was the difference. With the series now tied at two games apiece, the Clippers will need the “home” version of Powell to show up on the road. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Denver.
DEN • Guard • #0
about 2 hours ago
Braun and backcourt partner Jamal Murray (13/7/7/2 with one three-pointer) could not find their strokes in Game 4, as they were a combined 2-of-13 from three and 13-of-36 from the field overall. However, it was enough to help the Nuggets pick up a win the team desperately needed, evening the series at two games apiece. Braun and Murray will look to bounce back at home, as the Nuggets host Game 5 on Tuesday.
