Strong from deep in 20-point Game 3 Porter provided a nice lift offensively for Denver in its first win of the conference semifinals, leading all Nuggets in threes made while ending as one of three players with 20 or more points in Game 3. Porter had a bounce-back performance after failing to reach double figures in scoring in Game 2, now posting 20 or more points in two of the three games against Minnesota.
Nears triple-double in Game 3 win Jokic did a little bit of everything for Denver in a much-needed Game 3 win on the road, leading all players in Friday's contest in rebounds, assists and blocks while adding a team-high-tying trio of steals and concluding as one of three Nuggets with 20 or more points. Jokic, who ended one dime shy of a triple-double, tallied his second straight double-double while posting at least 15 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in every game of the conference semifinals thus far. Jokic looked much more comfortable in Game 3 than we saw earlier in the series, which could be great news for Denver as it tries to even the series.
Responds with strong Game 3 Murray came out of the gates with a sense of urgency and a prove-it mentality in Friday's much-needed with for Denver, posting a team-high-tying scoring total and leading all players in the contest in shots made while tallying a team-high-tying pair of steals in a balanced outing. Murray, who notched his only single-digit game of the postseason in Game 2, bounced back with a big performance for the Nuggets in order to get back into the series against the Timberwolves. Murray has surpassed the 20-point mark in six of his eight playoff contests thus far.
Leader from deep in Game 3 loss Towns didn't get much going offensively outside of connecting on a team-high mark from three, ending the contest as one of four players with a double-digit point total to go along with a handful of rebounds in a losing effort. Towns failed to reach the 15-point mark for just the second time of the postseason, having scored at least 20 points in each of the first two games against Denver. Towns will have to come out in Game 4 looking for more opportunities offensively and displaying more aggressiveness if Minnesota wants to take a commanding 3-1 series advantage.
Nears 20 points as top scorer Edwards did all he could to help Minnesota climb back into Friday's contest, leading all Timberwolves players in scoring to go along with a half-dozen rebounds and handful of assists in a balanced outing. Edwards tallied his lowest point total of the conference semifinals, taking a bit of a step back after a pair of impressive performances in Denver earlier in the series. Look for Edwards to step up and lead Minnesota in Game 4 as it attempts to make a statement at home and take a 3-1 lead over Denver.
Quiet outing return in Game 3 Gobert returned in Game 3 after missing the previous contest due to the birth of his child, putting forth a quiet outing in Minnesota's first loss of the postseason. Gobert failed to reach double figures in both points and rebounds, not tallying 10 or more boards for the third time of the postseason while not crossing the double-digit scoring mark for the third time. In order for Minnesota to bounce back in Sunday's Game 4, Gobert will have to put together a much stronger showing than he did Friday in Minneapolis.
Back to bench No surprise here, as Rudy Gobert (personal) is back with the team. As a result, Anderson should take on his usual role providing depth at forward.
Good to go Jackson will be available to provide depth at point guard. Starter Jamal Murray (calf), who was also questionable, is going to play through it. Thus, Jackson figures to take on his usual depth role.
Good to go Friday Caldwell-Pope walked away from Game 2 with a mild abdomen injury, but he'll power through it in Game 3 with no word of any restrictions. Jamal Murray (calf) and Reggie Jackson (calf) will also play through their questionable tags.
Available for Game 3 Murray has been a regular on the injury report since the end of Denver's first-round series against the Lakers, but he continues to push through it. Through the first two games against Minnesota, Murray has really struggled, hitting a combined 9-of-32 from the field.
Gets starting nod Achiuwa will replace OG Anunoby (hamstring) in the starting five Friday. Achiuwa averaged 12.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 36.5 minutes across his previous 18 starting appearances this season.
Good to go for Game 3 As expected, Brunson has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite dealing with right foot soreness. With OG Anunoby (hamstring) out, Brunson will likely need to continue his scoring dominance in order for the Knicks to take a 3-0 lead in the series.
Good to go Friday Haliburton has been upgraded from questionable to available Friday despite dealing with lower back spasms. Haliburton is averaging 20.0 points, 8.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 steals in 35.5 minutes across the first two games of the series.
Travels with team Anunoby has already been ruled out for Game 3 due to left hamstring soreness. However, the 25-year-old forward's presence with the team suggests his injury won't sideline him for a significant period of time.
Questionable for Game 3 Doncic has been playing through the knee sprain throughout the postseason, but the ankle issue is new. He also smacked his face on the court during Game 2 on Thursday, but that's not mentioned in the official report. Despite all the injuries, the Mavericks were able to even the series and claim home-court advantage behind Doncic's 16-point first quarter. The superstar point guard is likely more probable than questionable for Game 3, but his official availability will likely come down to a game-time decision.
Another absence coming Prosper will miss his eighth straight contest Saturday due to a left ankle sprain. The rookie forward's absence won't impact Dallas' rotation.
Another absence coming Porter will miss his 10th straight game Saturday due to a left ankle sprain. His next chance to suit up is Game 4 on Monday.
Remains sidelined Jerome hasn't played since Oct. 27 due to a right ankle injury. It appears unlikely he will suit up this postseason.
Gets another questionable tag Allen has missed five straight games and was listed as questionable ahead of each of them, so his current status doesn't provide increased optimism. The Cavaliers were surprisingly able to even the series with a Game 2 victory Thursday, and the potential return of their star big man would be another major momentum shift, especially with Kristaps Porzingis (calf) expected to be sidelined for at least a few more games. However, if Allen remains sidelined, Isaac Okoro would likely draw another start.
Iffy for Game 3 Wade hasn't played since March 8 due to a right knee sprain. If Wade is upgraded to available, it remains to be seen how he will be featured in Cleveland's playoff rotation.
Expected to play Friday Brunson is officially listed as questionable for Friday's contest due to right foot soreness but is expected to suit up. The star guard is averaging 35.6 points, 8.1 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 42.4 minutes across his eight appearances so far these playoffs.
