May 22nd NBA Injury Report & Projected Starting Lineups – Nets’ Big 3 Ready

• Four playoff games are on the NBA schedule for Saturday, May 22nd
• The most interesting game on the slate is Game 1 of the Celtics-Nets first round series
• Get the projected lineups and latest injury report for all games below

The 2021 NBA Playoffs get underway in earnest Saturday following four days of play-in tournament action. Four games are on the schedule, with two in each conference.

The marquee matchup overall has to be Game 1 of the Eastern Conference series featuring the Celtics and Nets. Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving are expected to be in Brooklyn’s starting lineup for just the ninth time all season with the franchise seeking its first title. The Western Conference also has a good one on tap in Game 1 of the Clippers-Mavericks series.

As for the headliner, the Nets (48-24) swept all three outings against the Celtics (36-36) this season, winning by an average of 15.0 points per game. Steve Nash’s squad enters the series opener as sizable favorites over Brad Stevens’ bunch.

Brooklyn was 6-2 this season with all three players in the lineup. But considering the injuries each player experienced this season, expecting a playoff run with all three completely healthy seems unrealistic. Boston has injury concerns, too. All-Star small forward Jaylen Brown is out with a season-ending wrist injury and big man Robert Williams’ minutes could be limited with a turf toe issue.

Here is a rundown of key injuries to be aware of Saturday.

NBA Injury News – May 22nd

• Maxi Kleber (Achilles) is probable for Game 1 vs Clippers
• Celtics’ big man Robert Williams (turf toe) is probable for Game 1 vs Nets
• Nuggets’ wing Will Barton will miss Game 1 against the Blazers with a hamstring injury

May 22nd NBA Projected Starting Lineups

Heat vs Bucks Projected Lineups

Nunn and Butler are the players to keep an eye on in this spot. Nunn, who has averaged 16.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists since replacing Victor Oladipo in the starting lineup, has been dealing with a calf issue. How Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra deploys him will be interesting to watch against a Milwaukee team that underperformed in the regular season. How Butler’s back holds up will also be something to watch.

For Milwaukee, reserve Jeff Teague (left knee soreness), should be available for Game 1.

Mavericks vs Clippers Projected Lineups

Two-time NBA Finals MVP Leonard — who revealed he’s been playing through pain due to a foot injury earlier this month — enters the playoffs with a league-best 121.4 offensive rating. He’s planning on opting opt of his current deal and whether or not he returns to L.A. will depend a lot on how deep in the postseason the Clippers go.

Mavericks’ reserve JJ Redick (heel), is a no-go for Game 1, and is unlikely to appear at any point in this series.

Celtics vs Nets Projected Lineups

While all eyes will be on the Big 3 — who have been on the court together for only 5.8% of Brooklyn’s total of regular season minutes due to a variety of health issues — Harris is also a player that needs to be accounted for. He’s listed as day-to-day, but will no doubt get the start for the Nets.

He’s a valuable floor spacer for Brooklyn, averaging 14.1 points per game this season on 47.5 percent shooting from deep. His presence will be important as the Nets aim to make franchise history. Robert Williams, who’s been dealing with turf toe, is probable for a Game 1 start for Boston.

Blazers vs Nuggets Projected Lineups

Will Barton,  battling a right hamstring strain, and PJ Dozier, suffering from a right adductor strain, have already been ruled out for Game 1 against Portland. Meantime, the injury front might be even worse for Mike Malone’s club,  Austin Rivers was added to the injury report Friday and is questionable Saturday with a non-COVID-related illness.