NBA Player News

Kornet didn't return to Thursday's 126-110 win over the Pacers in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals after suffering a sprained left wrist in the first quarter. He finished with two rebounds and one turnover in five minutes.

After Kornet's early exit, Oshae Brissett (12 minutes) ended up serving as the Celtics' primary reserve big man behind frontcourt starters Al Horford and Jayson Tatum. With Kristaps Porzingis (calf) not expected to be ready to play until Game 4, Kornet's status for Saturday's Game 3 gains added import. The Celtics would likely once again lean more heavily on small-ball lineups featuring Horford, Tatum and Brissett as their main frontcourt options if Kornet joins Porzingis in street clothes.

Kornet is questionable to return to Thursday's Game 2 against the Pacers due to a left wrist sprain.

The potential absence of Kornet will hurt the team's frontcourt depth, as the Celtics are already missing Kristaps Porzingis (calf). If Kornet can't return, then Xavier Tillman would be in line to absorb minutes as Al Horford's backup.

Kleber (shoulder) won't play Friday in Game 2 of the Mavericks' Western Conference Finals series with the Timberwolves.

Kleber remains without an official timetable to return from the right AC joint separation he sustained earlier this month. The Mavericks haven't indicated whether Kleber has a chance at playing in the series, but his status will continue to be evaluated on a game-by-game basis.

Tillman (personal) is available for Thursday's Game 2 against the Pacers, Justin Turpin of WEEI.com reports.

The reserve big has seen limited action throughout the playoffs, appearing in just three games -- one against Miami and two against Cleveland. With Kristaps Porzingis (calf) expected to be sidelined until at least Game 4, Al Horford has been seeing extended minutes. It's possible Tillman will be thrown into action in hopes of giving Horford some more rest time.

Gafford accumulated 10 points (5-9 FG), nine rebounds and one block across 21 minutes during Wednesday's 108-105 win over Minnesota in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.

Gafford has been rotating at center with Dereck Lively, but the former Wizards big man continues to deliver every time he's called upon duty. He's scored in double digits in six of his last eight playoff contests, a span in which he's averaging 11.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per contest. It's only one game, but he looked quite good despite dealing with the presence and threat of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns throughout the contest.

Tillman (personal) is questionable for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Thursday, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Tillman missed the Celtics' 133-128 overtime win in Game 1 due to the personal matter. While he could rejoin the Celtics in advance of Thursday's contest, his presence -- or lack thereof -- shouldn't have a major impact on head coach Joe Mazzulla's rotation. Tillman has appeared in just three games all postseason -- all in blowouts -- as Al Horford and Luke Kornet have covered most of the minutes at center while Kristaps Porzingis (calf) has been sidelined for each of the Celtics' last seven contests.

Turner chipped in 23 points (9-13 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, four assists and two blocks over 39 minutes during Tuesday's 133-128 overtime loss to the Celtics in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

This was Turner's highest scoring game since May 6, and this was his sixth game of the postseason with at least 20 points. Turner has really elevated his game in the playoffs, as he's averaging 17.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.8 blocks through 14 games.

Porzingis (calf) won't play in Thursday's Game 2 or Saturday's Game 3 against the Pacers but could return as soon as Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 27, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.

Porzingis, who hasn't played since April 29 due to a right calf strain, has already been ruled out for Game 1 on Tuesday and is slated to miss at least a few more games. In Porzingis' absence, Al Horford should continue to start at center for Boston, with Luke Kornet receiving extended playing time off the bench.

Tillman (personal) has been ruled out for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Pacers on Tuesday.

Tillman will join Kristaps Porzingis (calf) as unavailable, but the former's absence shouldn't impact Boston's rotation, as he's appeared in just three of Boston's first 10 postseason contests. Al Horford and Luke Kornet should continue to handle all meaningful minutes at center in Game 1.

Tillman is questionable for Tuesday's Game 1 against the Pacers due to personal reasons, Taylor Snow of the Celtics' official site reports.

Tillman hasn't been a consistent part of the rotation during the playoffs, appearing in just three matchups and averaging 1.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 8.3 minutes per game. While it's unclear whether he'll be available to begin the Eastern Conference Finals, his status shouldn't significantly impact the rotation.