Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George had one of his best performances of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday, logging 19 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in a 108-102 loss to the New York Knicks. He made five triples on 13 attempts and finished 7-for-18 overall from the field. With Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) out of the lineup, George was clearly more active on the offensive end, but he struggled to convert his opportunities efficiently. If Embiid remains out for Game 3, George will likely continue to see increased offensive usage.

New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson led his team in scoring with 26 points as the team secured a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers with a 108-102 home win on Wednesday. In a tightly contested game, Brunson saved some of his best moves for last, scoring six points down the stretch when the teams were tied at 99. In 41 minutes, his line also included one rebound, six assists, and one steal. He had some efficiency issues in the game, finishing 1-for-5 with the three-ball and 9-for-21 from the field. Through two games in the second-round matchup, Brunson is averaging over 30 points per game and will certainly try to spearhead New York's effort in Game 3 again.

Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey scored a team-high 26 points with a 9-for-23 effort from the field in Wednesday's Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks. With Maxey leading the charge, the 76ers made it difficult for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, but their offense fell apart late in the fourth quarter. Fatigue may have affected Maxey, who played the entire second half and logged 46:48 overall. Maxey, who was limited to 1-for-6 from deep, also posted three rebounds, six assists, and one steal, but six turnovers marred his line. While Maxey led his team in scoring on Wednesday and tied Jalen Brunson for the game high, his offensive play has been disappointing in the second-round series. So far, he has made only 37.5% of his field-goal attempts, going 1-for-9 from three-point range.

San Antonio Spurs forward/center Victor Wembanyama finished Wednesday's 133-95 Game 2 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 19-point, 15-rebound double-double. In 26 minutes on the floor, he added 15 rebounds, one steal, and two blocks. Wembanyama once again filled the box score despite a lackluster 7-for-15 effort from the field. For the second consecutive game, he struggled massively from downtown, going 2-for-7. The French superstar now boasts a four-game double-double streak, which includes one triple-double. Wembanyama is relishing his first opportunity to play playoff basketball, making an impact in all areas. Across six outings, he has averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 5.0 blocks in 29.7 minutes per game.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu didn't complete Wednesday's Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs due to right heel pain. He played only 10 minutes, recording one steal and one block. Dosunmu missed all four field-goal attempts. The Timberwolves had Dosunmu back in the lineup after he sat out two games with a sore calf. Unfortunately, he ran into a new health issue on Wednesday night, leaving him questionable for Game 3 and beyond. Terrence Shannon Jr. has performed well amid Minnesota's injury woes this postseason and could remain an important cog in the rotation if Dosunmu has to miss more time.

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby appeared to have injured his right leg in the closing stages of Wednesday's Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reports. He left the action with 2:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. "It looked like he was hopping, but I don't know anything," Knicks head coach Mike Brown said postgame. "They haven't told me. I just know he left the game. Nobody said he was back. I haven't talked to anybody yet." Anunoby was indeed hooping, as he was a key figure in New York's 108-102 win. In 37 minutes, Anunoby recorded 24 points, five rebounds, two assists, four steals, and one block. He struggled from beyond the arc, going 2-for-7, but finished a solid 9-for-17 overall. Anunoby is enjoying a great postseason, and losing him would be a tough blow for the Knicks.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Sam Merrill (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Game 2 against the Detroit Pistons. Due to a hamstring injury, Merrill played just seven minutes in the series opener on Tuesday. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday and didn't practice. It appears unlikely that Merrill will play, but the questionable tag leaves open the possibility he could be available. If not, Dennis Schroder and Jaylon Tyson may see larger roles off the bench. Merrill's absence will also likely increase the workload for some of the starters. He has played 18.5 minutes per game in the playoffs, averaging 6.6 points with a 37.9% success rate from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luke Kennard (neck) has picked up a questionable tag on the injury report before Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. After recording seven points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 29 minutes off the bench in Game 1, Kennard is dealing with neck soreness. The second unit already lost Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) to injury in Tuesday's series-opening loss, so the starters could face a massive workload on Thursday night if Kennard is also out. Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, Bronny James Jr., and Dalton Knecht will be the primary bench options, but they can't be relied on for fantasy production.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been listed as out for Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. He injured his left hamstring early in the playoffs and will be unavailable for a fourth consecutive game. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault mentioned on Monday that Williams remains week-to-week, adding that he is "progressing according to plan." Ajay Mitchell has broken into the starting lineup during Williams' absence, averaging 18.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists over the last three games. At the same time, Chet Holmgren has taken on a larger role on offense, posting back-to-back 24-point, 12-rebound double-doubles.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) is listed as doubtful for Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. The 27-year-old sustained a gruesome finger injury in Tuesday's series opener. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick said Vanderbilt is day-to-day, so he could still be an option in the series. Vanderbilt is averaging 3.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12.0 minutes per game this postseason. We will likely see Jake LaRavia handle a heavier workload if Vanderbilt misses time, but his fantasy value will remain limited.

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic (hamstring) revealed on Wednesday that he was initially given an eight-week recovery timeline, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. "The day I did the MRI on the hamstring, the doctor told me eight weeks [recovery] at the beginning," Doncic said. "I'm doing everything I can in the process, and I think we're on a good way. But at the beginning, he told me eight weeks." Thursday will mark five weeks to the day since Doncic suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Based on the initial timeline, Doncic still appears far from returning, but he has progressed to running. In an effort to speed up his recovery, Doncic underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) while overseas.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Anthony Edwards (knee) will play in Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday. The team initially listed Edwards as questionable for Wednesday night, then upgraded him to available. Edwards returned from a knee injury in Game 1, amassing 18 points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block in 25 minutes. Before Game 2, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch told reporters that Edwards "might be able to play a few more minutes." Minnesota also has Ayo Dosunmu back in the mix, so Terrence Shannon Jr.'s playing time will probably decrease substantially. Mike Conley's workload will likely be affected as well.

Detroit Pistons guard Kevin Huerter (adductor) is currently considered doubtful ahead of Thursday's Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Huerter remains uncertain to play after already missing four straight games due to a lingering adductor injury. Daniss Jenkins, Javonte Green, and Duncan Robinson have all seen increased roles with Huerter on the sideline. The expectation is that it will continue to happen unless Huerter gets upgraded before tip-off on Thursday night. Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris should continue to do the heavy lifting on offense.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers. He was questionable coming into this game due to an illness, but the Knicks have ultimately decided to hold him out. His absence won't have a huge impact on the rotation, with Karl-Anthony Towns playing a majority of the minutes at center. Ariel Hukporti could pick up some additional playing time, but he won't be someone worth targeting in DFS contests.

Charlotte Hornets guard Brandon Miller (shoulder) is out indefinitely after he underwent shoulder surgery to address a left shoulder issue. The Hornets aren't in the playoffs, so Miller will have plenty of time to recover before next season. He injured his shoulder early this season, but managed to play through the issue. He finished with an average of 20.2 points, 3.3 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in 30.3 minutes per game in 65 contests. He wore a wrap on his shoulder throughout most of this season, but should no longer need that after having successful surgery on Wednesday.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ayo Dosunmu (calf) has been upgraded to available ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the San Antonio Spurs. He's back in action after missing each of the last two games due to a lingering calf injury. The return of Dosunmu is a welcoming sight for Minnesota, as he has been electric since joining the team. Terrence Shannon Jr. should see a reduced role after playing over 30 minutes in each of the last two games. Shannon won't be an appealing DFS option with Dosunmu back in the rotation for Wednesday's game.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle, hip) has been downgraded to out ahead of Wednesday's Game 2 against the New York Knicks. He came into this game with a probable tag, but will ultimately sit out due to two nagging injuries. The Sixers were blown out in Game 1, and that was with Embiid on the court. It's going to be an uphill battle to win Game 2 without the big man available. Andre Drummond and Adem Bona will be asked to split up the minutes at the center spot. Neither player is an ideal DFS option, even with an expanded role. Tyrese Maxey and Paul George will be asked to do the heavy lifting on offense.

Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Chet Holmgren took on a leading role in Tuesday's Game 1 against the Los Angeles Lakers, racking up 24 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks in a 108-90 win. The former second-overall pick led his squad in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a quiet night on the offensive end with 18 points. Holmgren also finished the first-round matchup against Phoenix with a 24-point, 12-rebound double-double. He has picked up a lot of momentum and looks to be a tough player to stop for the Lakers, whose frontcourt must also contend with Isaiah Hartenstein, who missed a double-double on Tuesday night by two points and one rebound.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James led all scorers with 27 points in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night but ended up on the losing side. James had a superb 12-for-17 record from the field and finished 3-for-6 with the three-ball. But Austin Reaves was limited to just eight points, and the Lakers were no match for the defending champions in a 108-90 defeat. James completed his line with four rebounds, six assists, and one steal. The Lakers were impressive in the first-round series against Houston, but they will need everyone, including James, to elevate their game to match the Thunder. In his 19th postseason campaign, James is averaging 23.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 8.0 assists, and 1.3 steals.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden recorded 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block in Tuesday's Game 1 loss to the Detroit Pistons. The former MVP came alive late in the game, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter. His efforts helped Cleveland tie the game with five minutes to go, but Kenny Atkinson's team ran out of gas, losing 111-101. Although Harden produced a full line, he was once again careless with the ball, committing seven turnovers. His field-goal efficiency also left a lot to be desired, as Harden went 6-for-15 from the field, including 1-for-7 from three-point range. He was a perfect 9-for-9 at the free-throw line. Harden averages 5.4 turnovers per game this postseason and must improve his ball-handling to make himself more impactful on the offensive end.