Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Robert Williams III #44 of the Boston Celtics.
Below are the projected starting lineups for each team playing on Saturday’s NBA slate, along with notable injury news for each squad. For real-time updates to these lineups, check out our Action Labs NBA lineups page.
NBA Injury News
Landry Shamet has been added to the injury report as probable for Saturday’s game with a sprained ankle. Chris Chiozza is off the injury report. With Joe Harris cleared to play, Shamet will return to a more limited reserve role alongside Bruce Brown in the second unit. It seems unlikely that Chiozza will crack the rotation as he’s currently behind Mike James and Tyler Johnson on the depth chart.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Robert Williams is expected to play in Game 1 on Saturday. Williams was held out of practice again on Friday as he continues to deal with turf toe in his left foot. He has been dealing with the injury for over a week, and he was unable to return during the win on Tuesday because of the ailment. There is no word on if Williams or Tristan Thompson will draw the start.
Austin Rivers has been added to the injury report with an illness and is officially questionable for Saturday. Will Barton and PJ Dozier (adductor) remain sidelined. Rivers has started each of the last five games. If he’s unable to suit up, the Nuggets could opt to start Paul Millsap in a jumbo starting lineup. Shaq Harrison or Markus Howard would also be candidates to see increased minutes.
Will Barton has officially been ruled out for Saturday due to a strained hamstring that has sidelined him for nearly a month. He participated in parts of practice on Thursday and is targeting a return during the Nuggets’ first-round series. When Barton is cleared to play, he’ll almost certainly be on some sort of limit initially.
Coach Carlisle said Redick is unlikely to play in the Mavs’ first-round series vs. the Clippers as he continues to deal with a sore heel. He has missed the previous three games with the injury. The Mavs have recently moved Josh Richardson to the second unit with Tim Hardaway Jr. and Dwight Powell starting alongside Luka Doncic, Dorian Finney-Smith and Kristaps Porzingis.
Be sure to check the Action Labs NBA page for real-time updates.
Projected Starting Lineups
Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks (2 p.m. ET)
Heat Projected Lineup
PG – Kendrick Nunn
SG – Jimmy Butler
SF – Duncan Robinson
PF – Trevor Ariza
C – Bam Adebayo
Injury news: Nothing new
Bucks Projected Lineup
PG – Jrue Holiday
SG – Donte DiVincenzo
SF – Khris Middleton
PF – Giannis Antetokounmpo
C – Brook Lopez
Injury news: Nothing new
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers (4:30 p.m. ET)
Mavericks Projected Lineup
PG – Luka Doncic
SG – Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF – Dorian Finney-Smith
PF – Kristaps Porzingis
C – Dwight Powell
Injury news: JJ Redick (Heel) is injured; Maxi Kleber (Achilles) is probable
Clippers Projected Lineup
PG – Patrick Beverley
SG – Paul George
SF – Kawhi Leonard
PF – Marcus Morris
C – Ivica Zubac
Injury news:
Boston Celtics vs. Brooklyn Nets (8 p.m. ET)
Celtics Projected Lineup
PG – Kemba Walker
SG – Marcus Smart
SF – Evan Fournier
PF – Jayson Tatum
C – Tristan Thompson
Injury news: Robert Williams (Toe) is probable
Nets Projected Lineup
PG – James Harden
SG – Kyrie Irving
SF – Joe Harris
PF – Kevin Durant
C – Blake Griffin
Injury news: Landry Shamet (Ankle) is probable
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets (10:30 p.m. ET)
Trail Blazers Lineup
PG – Damian Lillard
SG – CJ McCollum
SF – Norman Powell
PF – Robert Covington
C – Jusuf Nurkic
Injury news: Trey Lyles (Ankle) is questionable
Denver Projected Lineup
PG – Facundo Campazzo
SG – Austin Rivers
SF – Aaron Gordon
PF – Michael Porter Jr.
C – Nikola Jokic
Injury news: Austin Rivers (Illness) is questionable; Will Barton (Hamstring) and PJ Dozier (Adductor) are out
Phan’s Bet to Watch
As of 1 p.m. ET, Justin Phan sees betting value in three of tonight’s games, including Trail Blazers vs. Nuggets. To get instant alerts when he sees an edge and his analysis on those picks, sign up for Action Labs.