Wondering why LeBron isn’t an MVP finalist? Game 2 vs. Celtics is your answer

There is “optimism” that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available for Game 2 after leaving Game 1 with a back injury. An MRI on his lower back came back clean.

Antetokounmpo’s ability to play through the pain will likely be the determining factor on whether or not he plays.

Antetokounmpo is also dealing with a ligament in his wrist.

The Dallas Mavericks could shut down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the final games of the season if they completely fall out of the play-in picture.

As of Monday, the Mavericks are one game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for 10th. The Thunder also own the tiebreaker over the Mavericks. When pivoting to the lottery, the Mavericks are currently 10th and could get to ninth depending on how they and the Utah Jazz finish.

If their pick is outside the top-10, it conveys to the New York Knicks.

“I’m told the organization is seriously considering the possibility of shutting down those two guys,” said Shams Charania. “They have a top-10 protected pick. Being out of the play-in race, it behooves them not to try to keep their pick and at that point you have the flexibility of potentially having that top-10 pick, you have three first round picks you can trade this offseason to go get a star and potentially more players on the marketplace. They are going to be one of the more active teams.”