Description: Indiana point guard George Hill (concussion) has been cleared to play in Game 6 against the Knicks, according to Scott Agness of Pacers.com.
Insight: Hill remained symptom-free while going through the NBA's concussion protocol. He missed Game 5's loss to New York in which Indiana turned the ball over 19 times.
Description: Knicks point guard Raymond Felton is probable for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Saturday against Indiana while dealing with a sore left ankle.
Insight: Felton has been dealing with this for a while and it hasn't effected his play. he averaged 13.9 ppg during the regular season, but has upped that to 15.2 ppg in the playoffs. He should be fine to start the game.
Description: New York center Tyson Chandler (neck) is probable for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Saturday against Indiana.
Insight: Chandler has been dealing back and knee injuries, but was always expected to play in this game. He played 27 minutes in Game 5, but went scoreless with eight rebounds.
Description: Indiana point guard George Hill is questionable for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Saturday against New York after being diagnosed with a concussion. He didn't play Thursday night in Game 5 against New York.
Insight: Hill will have to pass several levels of concussion tests before he is allowed to play. Hill was sensational in Game 4 (26 points in 37 minutes). D.J. Augustin would again handle the point guard duties in Hill's absence (12 points, zero assists, two turnovers in Game 5), but the offense would more than likely run through Paul George instead.
Description: Sportando is reporting that Denver forward Danilo Gallinari will have a second knee surgery in early June.
Insight: Gallinari played very well in 2012-13, averaging 16.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1.9 threes per contest. It's unknown if he'll be ready for the start of the regular season.
Description: Jason Kidd's slump continued Thursday against the Pacers. He was held scoreless for the ninth consecutive game.
Insight: Kidd has now scored 11 points total in 11 playoff games. He only saw five minutes of action on Thursday and it's clear that Mike Woodson is beginning to lose confidence in his struggling veteran.
Description: Dirk Nowitzki has offered to take a significant pay cut in order to give the Mavericks more financial flexibility this offseason. SOURCE: Tim MacMahon, ESPN Dallas
Insight: If Dirk takes a pay cut, it will free up salary space that the Mavericks can use to sign top-tier free agents like Dwight Howard and Chris Paul. Nowitzki averaged 17.3 ppg in 53 games in 2012-13.
Description: Indiana point guard George Hill has been diagnosed with a concussion. He won't be able to play Thursday night in Game 5 against New York. SOURCE: David Benner, Pacers.com
Insight: This is a huge blow for the Pacers, especially since Hill is coming off a sensational Game 4 performance (26 points in 37 minutes). D.J. Augustin will handle the point guard duties in Hill's absence.
Description: Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said that point guard Derrick Rose (ACL) will be "ready to go" next season, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Rose has been cleared to play for the past few weeks after tearing his ACL and MCL in April 2012, but he wasn't mentally ready. It will be 18 months from his injury by the time the regular season kicks off in October.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is out for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Miami with his continuing calf problem, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Nate Robinson will have to play heavy minutes, but he's not at 100 percent either, hurting his shoulder in Game 4.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng will not play in Game 5 of the playoff series with Miami. He did not travel with the team, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
Insight: Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich are also out. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler will be playing big minutes again.
Description: Miami guard Dwyane Wade (knee) took part in the Wednesday morning shootaround, but is still a game-time decision.
Insight: Wade is dealing with multiple bone bruises in his knee. He'll likely play Game 5, but the team could gamble with a 3-1 series lead and give him the night off. Check back closer to tipoff.
Description: Miami guard Dwyane Wade (knee) had another round of treatment on his knee Tuesday and he will be reevaluated Wednesday prior to Game 5 against the Bulls, according to Michael Wallace of ESPN.
Insight: Wade is still dealing with multiple bone bruises in his knee but cannot take the necessary time off to rest because it's playoff time. He'll likely play Game 5, but will be limited in what he can contribute.
Description: Knicks guard Iman Shumpert (knee) will start Game 4 against the Pacers Tuesday night after the MRI on his knee revealed no structural damage, according to Al Iannazzone of Newsday.
Insight: Shumpert has been experiencing discomfort in his left knee, which is the same one he tore his ACL in last April. He doesn't expect to be limited or play fewer minutes Tuesday night.
Description: Chicago guard Nate Robinson was useless Monday in Game 4.
Insight: He went 0-of-12 from the field and didn't record a single point. Since going off for 27 in Game 1, Robinson has gone ice cold (9.3 ppg on 22.9 percent shooting). The Bulls trail Miami three games to one heading into Wednesday's Game 5.
Description: Miami guard Dwyane Wade was limited to six points in 29 minutes Monday versus Chicago.
Insight: Wade's knee has been bothering him all series and it's probably something he'll have to deal with for the duration of these playoffs. He's averaging 12.3 ppg for the postseason.
Description: Although Bulls forward Luol Deng was a limited participant in Sunday's practice he is not expected to play in Monday's Game 4.
Insight: It's a huge improvement over the past couple of days just getting to practice. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler should still be ready for big minutes, but there could be some reinforcements soon.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Friday against Miami with his continuing calf problem.
Insight: Tom Thibodeau called him "most likely out." No progress means a seat on the bench while Nate Robinson plays heavy minutes.
Description: Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 15 rebounds Sunday in Game 4 against the Warriors.
Insight: Duncan had been 15-of-16 from the free throw line in the series prior to shooting 5-for-9 on Sunday. He finished with 19 points in 43 minutes.
Description: Warriors forward Harrison Barnes led all scorers with 26 points Sunday in a Game 4 win over the Spurs.
Insight: Sunday was Harrison's second double-double of the series. The 26 field goals he attempted were a career-high. Game 5 is Tuesday in San Antonio.
Description: Warriors coach Mark Jackson told TNT's David Aldridge that David Lee will play limited minutes Sunday in Game 4.
Insight: He played three minutes on Friday and should see about the same amount of action on Sunday. Lee tore his hip flexor during Golden State's first round series with Denver.
Description: As expected, Warriors point guard Stephen Curry will start Sunday's Game 4 against San Antonio. SOURCE: Yahoo Sports
Insight: Curry tweaked his ankle Friday in Game 3 but was never in any real danger of missing Sunday's game. Curry went cold Friday (5-for-17 for 16 points) after averaging 33 ppg in Games 1 and 2.
Description: X-rays on Stephen Curry's left ankle came back negative on Saturday and coach Mark Jackson said he'd be shocked if Curry missed Game 4.
Insight: The Warriors have labeled him as a game-time decision but there's almost no chance he's will be forced to sit Game 4 on Sunday. His weak ankles are always an issue, but he'll be firing up the three-point shots on Sunday.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng was a limited participant in Sunday's practice and will be a game-time decision on Monday for Game 4, according to coacj Tom Thibodeau.
Insight: That's a huge improvement over the past couple of days. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler should still be ready for big minutes, but there could be some reinforcements soon.
Description: San Antonio guard Tony Parker (calf) is expected to play Sunday despite a the injury.
Insight: There has never been a doubt that he would play, but the Spurs are relying on Parker more in the playoffs than the regular season. He's averaging 24.1 ppg on 19.6 field goal attempts in seven playoff games versus 20.3 and 15.1 attempts in the regular season.
Description: Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant led his team in scoring, rebounding and assists Saturday in a loss at Memphis.
Insight: Durant's 25 points on 9-of-19 shooting was his lowest point total since Game 1 against the Rockets in the first round. Durant missed two huge free throws in the final minute and it looked like he just ran out of gas. The Grizzlies now hold a two games to one edge with Game 4 Monday night in Memphis.
Description: OKC point guard Reggie Jackson posted a double-double Saturday versus Memphis (16 points, 10 rebounds).
Insight: That's Jackson's first career double-double. After averaging just 14.2 mpg during the regular season, Jackson has averaged 30 a night in eight playoff games.
Description: X-rays on Stephen Curry's left ankle came back negative. SOURCE: David Aldridge, TNT
Insight: The Warriors have labeled him as a game-time decision but there's almost no chance he's missing Game 4 on Sunday. Curry piled on 16 points Friday night in a Game 3 loss.
Description: Knicks shooting guard J.R. Smith will play in Game 3 despite missing shootaround with a fever.
Insight: Smith probably won't see his usual allotment of minutes (31.9 mpg in the playoffs) which should mean more chances for Jason Kidd and Chris Copeland.
Description: New York sixth man J.R. Smith has arrived at Bankers Life Fieldhouse though it's unknown if he'll play tonight against Indiana. SOURCE: Chris Herring, Wall Street Journal
Insight: He missed shootaround this morning because of an illness. With Smith feeling under the weather, we'd expect Jason Kidd to play a bigger role in this game than he did in Games 1 and 2 (20.5 mpg).
Description: Updating a previous report, Knicks power forward Amare Stoudemire will see between 10-12 minutes Saturday in Game 3. SOURCE: Ian Begley, ESPN New York
Insight: This will be Stoudemire's first game in over two months. We're not expecting him to be a major factor in this series.
Description: Knicks guard J.R. Smith missed the morning shootaround due to a 102-degree fever and will be a game-time decision.
Insight: Smith will likely play but see limited minutes not just due to the illness, but his poor play of late. Iman Shumpert, Chris Copeland and Steve Novak could all see more minutes and the return of Amare Stoudemire could take up most of Smith's shot attempts.
Description: Knicks point guard Raymond Felton is probable for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Saturday against Indiana while dealing with a sore left ankle.
Insight: Felton averaged 13.9 ppg during the regular season, but has upped that to 16.9 ppg in the playoffs. He should be fine to start the game.
Description: Golden State guard Stephen Curry is questionable for Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals Sunday against San Antonio after injurying his left ankle in the fourth quarter of Game 3.
Insight: Curry didn't leave the game because of it, but it might swell up overnight. he has a history of ankle problems. Curry is having a great series, averaging 25.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 8.8 apg, 2.0 spg and 3.8 threes per contest.
Description: Hornets guard Eric Gordon underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle, but should be ready for training camp.
Insight: Just more to worry about if you want Gordon on your fantasy roster. Hopefully the team will let him play on back-to-back nights this season, but that's not a guarantee. The injury-prone guard is the ultimate in high-risk, high reward.
Description: Golden State forward David Lee will be available for Friday night's Game 3 against San Antonio just as he was for the first two games of the series, when he was in uniform but didn't play. Lee was diagnosed with a torn hip flexor earlier this postseason.
Insight: Count on Carl Landry to see heavy minutes at power forward while Lee's role will be primarily as a cheerleader on the sidelines. At most he'll see one or two minutes.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Friday against Miami with his continuing calf problem.
Insight: The latest MRI showed "similar damage to muscle fibers" that the first MRI showed, according to the Chicago Tribune report. No progress means a seat on the bench while Nate Robinson plays heavy minutes.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng wants to get back on the court, but apparently is still physically unable due to headaches and weakness when he tries to exert himself.
Insight: At this point, it's probable that Deng will miss the entire second round. Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler should get their rest - they are in for a long night of work.
Description: Sources say that Bulls forward Taj Gibson won't be suspended for Game 3 for failing to leave the court in a timely manner in Game 2, according to Chris Tomasson of FOX Sports Florida.
Insight: Gibson was ejected from Game 2 after picking up two technicals. He might still be fined, but he'll be on the court Friday in all likelihood when the series shifts back to Chicago.
Description: Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (torn meniscus) will be on crutches for another 4-5 weeks before receiving a firmer timetable for recovery, according to Royce Young of DailyThunder.com.
Insight: That means he has no shot of making a comeback this postseason, even if the Thunder ride Kevin Durant back to the NBA Finals. Reggie Jackson is averaging 15.2 points, 3.0 assists and 4.2 rebounds in six starts since Westbrook went down.
Description: According to ESPN's Jared Zwerling, New York power forward Amare Stoudemire will see between 10 and 15 minutes of action Saturday against Indiana.
Insight: Stoudemire hasn't played in a game since March 7th. He'll probably be on a minutes limit all series and possibly for the rest of the postseason.
Description: Knicks guard J.R. Smith may have his minutes cut back Saturday in Game 3. SOURCE: New York Post
Insight: Head coach Mike Woodson is getting frustrated with Smith's sloppy ballhandling (3 TO's in Game 2). Iman Shumpert, Chris Copeland and Steve Novak could all see more minutes with Smith in the doghouse.
Description: Even if Knicks forward Amare Stoudemire plays on Saturday, he's not going to see big minutes. SOURCE: New York Post
Insight: At least that's what Mike Woodson alluded to on Wednesday. Stoudemire, who has been out because of knee surgery, averaged 14.2 ppg in 29 regular season contests.
Description: It's possible that Bulls forward Taj Gibson could be suspended for Friday night's Game 3 against Miami. SOURCE: Chicago Tribune
Insight: The general consensus is that the refs overreacted to some of the physical play on Wednesday night. Even so, Gibson may have crossed the line during a heated confrontation with referee Scott Foster in the fourth quarter. A decision on any discipline for Gibson will probably be decided later today.
Description: Warriors guard Klay Thompson torched the Spurs for 34 points and 14 rebounds Wednesday in Game 2 of the Western Conference semi-finals.
Insight: He was 8-of-9 from downtown and 13-for-26 overall. Twenty nine of his 34 came in the first half. The series is tied at one a piece heading into Friday night's Game 3 in Oakland.
Description: Bulls center Joakim Noah got tossed Wednesday in Game 2 against Miami.
Insight: Noah (12 points, six rebounds) was livid with a foul called on Marquis Teague early in the fourth quarter and the refs were pretty quick to give him the boot. It was the second questionable call in a row after Teague had his jump shot swatted away by Chris Andersen on a play that looked like goaltending. Backup center Nazr Mohammed has come on to take Noah's place.
Description: Spurs center Tiago Splitter (ankle) will play Wednesday in Game 2 against the Warriors, but Boris Diaw will start. SOURCE: Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News.
Insight: Splitter said the ankle sprain he suffered against the Lakers in Round 1 was the worst he's ever experienced and that he still has some residual swelling. He's likely to play limited minutes Wednesday.
Description: Bulls forward Luol Deng won't be with the team Wednesday for Game 2 versus the Heat.
Insight: K.C. Johnson from the Chicago Tribune said that Deng took some shots and did some "walking around" on Tuesday. His status for Friday night's Game 3 is still up in the air.
Description: LeBron James might cover Nate Robinson Wednesday night in Game 2. SOURCE: Nick Friedell, ESPN Chicago
Insight: Robinson burned Ray Allen in the series opener on Monday and James is Miami's best defender. Having James out on the perimeter will limit Robinson but it might also open things up in the paint for Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer.
Description: Spurs power forward Tim Duncan played in 34 of 58 minutes during the first game of the series with Golden State, but was certainly slowed by flu-like symptoms.
Insight: The 37-year-old finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Not bad for an old, sick guy, but he should be even better for Game 2.
Description: Golden State forward David Lee will be available for Wednesday night's Game 2 against San Antonio just as he was for Game 1, when he was in uniform but didn't play in the series opener. Lee was diagnosed with a torn hip flexor earlier this postseason.
Insight: Count on Carl Landry to see heavy minutes at power forward while Lee's role will be primarily as a cheerleader on the sidelines. At most he'll see one or two minutes.
Description: Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich is doubtful for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Wednesday against Miami while continuing to deal with a slow-healing bruised left calf.
Insight: Nate Robinson has averaged 18.3 ppg in eight playoff games this season and is the Bulls' best shot creator. He's shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Description: Chicago small forward Luol Deng is expected to miss Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Wednesday against Miami due to illness.
Insight: Deng is out of the hospital, but still not in Miami. He'll be hard shoes to fill as he does many things for the team, including playing almost 39 minutes per game and averaging 16.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 30 apg, 1.1 spg. Jimmy Butler, who has played 48 minutes in each of the last three games, figures to play as many minutes as he can without collapsing.
Description: Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony is scoring at the same rate as he did in the regular season, (28.9 vs. 28.7), but his shooting percentages are down.
Insight: Anthony is shooting 26.3 percent from beyond the three-point line and 37.8 percent overall versus 37.9 percent and 44.9 percent during the regular season. He is nursing a sore shoulder which could be part of it. The return of Amare Stoudemire for Game 3 (hopefully) could be just what Anthony needs - someone to help with the scoring burden.
Description: Injured Knicks power forward Amare Stoudemire is targeting a return for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against Indiana which would be this Saturday.
Insight: Stoudemire has undergone two knee operations in the last six months, but could be a useful scoring addition off the bench. Carmelo Anthony, J.R. Smith and Raymond Felton would still be the team's first options ahead of Stoudemire.
Description: Chicago small forward Jimmy Butler played all 48 minutes Monday in a win over the Heat.
Insight: Butler (21 points, 14 rebounds) did the same thing Saturday night in Brooklyn. He must be running on fumes right now. There's a good chance Butler plays all 48 again Wednesday in Game 2.
Description: Chicago point guard Nate Robinson was the game's high scorer Monday in an upset win over Miami.
Insight: Robinson netted 27 points in 40 minutes of action. He also led the team with nine assists. The pint-sized point guard is averaging 18.3 ppg on 50.4 percent shooting in the postseason.
Description: Boris Diaw will start at center Monday against the Warriors.
Insight: Diaw had a cyst removed from his spine last month, causing him to miss the last five games of the regular season and the first four of the postseason. He's only starting because Tiago Splitter is out with an ankle injury. Diaw will probably wind up splitting minutes with DeJuan Blair.
Description: San Antonio center Tiago Splitter is questionable for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals Monday against Golden State because of a sprained left ankle.
Insight: He missed the final game of the Spurs sweep over the Los Angeles Lakers. He didn't contribute much even when he was out there in the first three games of the series, averaging just 5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg and 2.3 apg.
Description: Spurs power forward Tim Duncan missed Saturday's practice with a stomach virus, but is expected to be ready for Monday night's series opener with Golden State.
Insight: The 37-year-old contributed 17.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 apg in the first round of the this year's playoffs, a four-game sweep over the Lakers.
Description: Golden State forward David Lee will be available for Monday night's Game 1 against San Antonio, but how much he can contribute is still to be determined. Lee was diagnosed with a torn hip flexor earlier this postseason.
Insight: That doesn't necessarily mean that Mark Jackson is going to play him. Lee only saw a couple minutes of action Thursday in Game 6 and he's still nowhere near 100 percent. Count on Carl Landry to see heavy minutes at power forward while Lee remains limited to 10 minutes or less.
Description: Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (knee) is probable for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Monday against Chicago.
Insight: Wade practiced Friday and confirmed at the Monday shootaround that he's "good to go," according to Ira Winderman of the South Florida SunSentinel.
Description: Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (calf) is doubtful for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Monday against Miami.
Insight: Nate Robinson would start at point guard again if Hinrich doesn't dress. With Luol Deng (illness) also out, look for Robinson, Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler to play 40-plus minutes each.
Description: Bulls SG/SF Jimmy Butler will play heavy minutes with Luol Deng sidelined for Game 1 against Miami.
Insight: Butler played 48 minutes in both Game 6 and Game 7 of the series with Brooklyn. It won't be a lot of fun for the 23-year-old, though, if he plays at guard he likely draws Dwyane Wade as the defensive assignment, at SF it league MVP LeBron James.
Description: Chicago small forward Luol Deng will miss Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals Monday against Miami due to illness.
Insight: Deng is out of the hospital, but not in Miami. He'll be hard shoes to fill as he does many things for the team, including playing almost 39 minutes per game and averaging 16.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 30 apg, 1.1 spg. Jimmy Butler will start in his place.
Description: Chicago forward Luol Deng hasn't arrived in Miami yet. SOURCE: Aggrey Sam, Comcast Sports Chicago
Insight: Deng was in the hospital this weekend because of an illness. If he misses Monday's Game 1 against the Heat, Jimmy Butler will start in his place.
Description: Nets shooting guard Joe Johnson won't need to have foot surgery in the offseason. SOURCE: ESPN New York
Insight: Johnson battled plantar fasciitis in his left foot for most of the second half and said during the playoffs that he was "basically playing on one leg." The 31-year-old averaged 16.3 ppg this season, his lowest output since 2002-03.
Description: Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 24 points Sunday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, but he didn't make it look easy. He shot just 10-of-28 from the field in 36 minutes.
Insight: Anthony was in foul trouble all afternoon and he just didn't look like himself. Obviously Melo is in a lot of pain right now. It's difficult to envision New York advancing with Carmelo nursing a bum shoulder. The Knicks will try to even the series at one Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden.
Description: New York sixth man J.R. Smith wasn't particularly efficient on Sunday (4-for-15) but he still managed 17 points in 34 minutes of action.
Insight: Smith has been in a funk lately. In his last three games, Smith has shot a miserable 12-of-42 from the field (28.6 percent) for 14.7 ppg. It seems like the one-game suspension he received in the first round against Boston has thrown off his rhythm.
Description: Despite being one of the smaller players on the floor, Indiana guard Lance Stephenson was able to corral 13 rebounds Sunday in a Game 1 victory over New York.
Insight: The 13 rebounds marks a new season-high for Stephenson, who has now collected double-digit rebounds in three straight games. He only did that twice in 78 regular season contests. Stephenson (11 points) was one of six Pacers to score in double figures on Sunday.
Description: Yahoo's Adrian Wojnarowski says that Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has decided to sit out the rest of the season. Rose has missed 94 straight games while recovering from a torn ACL.
Insight: What a bizarre situation. Rose has seemingly been healthy since mid-March, yet he's never come close to playing in a game. The best fantasy owners can hope for is a return sometime during the 2013-14 campaign.
Description: Golden State forward David Lee will be available for Monday night's Game 1 against San Antonio. Lee was diagnosed with a torn hip flexor earlier this postseason. SOURCE: Comcast Bay Area
Insight: That doesn't necessarily mean that Mark Jackson is going to play him. Lee only saw a couple minutes of action Thursday in Game 6 and he's still nowhere near 100 percent. Count on Carl Landry to see heavy minutes at power forward while Lee remains limited.
Description: OKC guard Kevin Martin had another big game off the bench Sunday against Memphis (25 points, seven rebounds in 32 minutes).
Insight: Since going invisible in Game 5 against Houston earlier in the week (three points on 1-for-10 shooting), Martin has averaged 25 ppg on 15-for-27 shooting (55.6 percent). He's shot 60 percent from three-point range over his last two contests (6-for-10).
Description: Marc Gasol led the Grizzlies with 20 points and 10 rebounds Sunday in a loss to Oklahoma City.
Insight: The skilled seven-footer was an impressive 8-of-14 from the field. Gasol also collected two blocks and three steals. Memphis will have a chance to tie the series Tuesday in Game 2.
Description: Thunder small forward Kevin Durant was sensational Sunday in a series opening win against Memphis (35 points, 15 boards, six assists).
Insight: His 19-footer put the Thunder ahead 91-90 with 11 seconds left. Ten of Durant's 35 points came during the fourth. OKC outscored Memphis 29-18 over the game's final 12 minutes.
Description: With Kirki Hinrich (calf) and Luol Deng (illness) out, Marco Belinelli stepped in as the Bulls starting shooting guard over the last two games and averaged 23 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 3.0 threes and 43.5 minutes per game.
Insight: The Bulls are extremely thin in the backcourt and had to use Nate Robinson as the starting point guard and Jimmy Butler at small forward over the last two games, but that pushed Belinelli into a larger role.
Description: Playing without Luol Deng, Derrick Rose and Kirk Hinrich, the Bulls still won Game 7 at Brooklyn due in large part to the gritty play of center Joakim Noah.
Insight: Noah was supposed to be on a minutes limit in the first round, but he has thrown caution to the wind and played through the pain to get the Bulls a series victory. Noah averaged 11.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 blocks and 31 minutes in the seven-game struggle, including 24 points, 14 boards and six blocks in 41 minutes in the clincher.
Description: According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich (calf) will miss Game 7 against the Nets.
Insight: Hinrich also missed the last two games with a calf injury, leaving Nate Robinson to start at point guard. With Luol Deng (illness) also out, look for Robinson, Marco Belinelli and Jimmy Butler to play nearly a full game.
Description: Bulls small forward Luol Deng (illness) is still in a Chicago hospital and will not be available for Game 7 with Brooklyn.
Insight: Deng is dealing with an unknown illness and underwent a spinal tap test for viral meningitis Thursday, according to USA Today. While the test came back negative, he was still too ill to play Game 6 and apparently Game 7 as well. He averaged 13.8 ppg and 7.6 rpg in the first five games of the series.
Description: Blake Griffin came off the bench Friday against Memphis. The Clippers forward suffered a high ankle sprain Tuesday in Game 5.
Insight: Lamar Odom got the start in his place. Griffin obviously isn't 100 percent but he'll give it his best effort as the Clippers try to force a Game 7.
Description: Celtics shooting guard Paul Pierce turned in his worst game of the series Friday night against the Knicks.
Insight: Pierce (14 points) couldn't buy a shot in Game 6 (4-for-18 including 1-for-9 on three-pointers). Overall, he shot just 36.6 percent for the series. The Celtics captain had his elbow looked at on the bench so clearly he wasn't at 100 percent. Now Boston must decide whether to keep Pierce for $15 million next season or buy him out.
