UPDATE 8:35 pm ET: No surprise on the Nuggets lineup with Gary Harris getting the start after his 17 minutes to finish the second half in Game 7. He’ll take Monte Morris’ place, and Harris should see minutes in the 29-34 range against Paul George. Paul Millsap will remain in the first unit.
UPDATE 7:20 pm ET: Patrick Beverley (calf) is going to play on Thursday, according to coach Doc Rivers. No surprise here. He’s likely looking at minutes in the 20-24 range, which will takeaway from Landry Shamet and/or Reggie Jackson. Beverley is an option as a punt play with a very low upside.
We’re finally set for the second round across the league, and the time off for the Clippers should get them to 100%. Besides Patrick Beverley, there’s not much going on from an injury standpoint.
Beverley is listed as questionable, but coach Doc Rivers said he is “pretty sure” Beverley will play in Game 1. He’s dealt with this calf issue for most of the Orlando time, so the Clippers may be careful with his minutes. He’s likely only looking at 20 minutes, which will take away from Landry Shamet and/or Reggie Jackson.
It’ll be interesting to see how much time Beverley sticks to Jamal Murray. Kawhi Leonard should see a decent amount of time on Denver’s best perimeter player. Rivers said Beverley was looking pretty good, for what it’s worth.
For the Nuggets, we know Gary Harris looks great after some key defense against the Jazz. He played the final 17 minutes in Game 7, so he should be set for minutes close to 30 with a lot of time on Paul George.
Toronto Raptors vs. Boston Celtics, 6:30 pm ET
The Raptors have Oshae Brissett and Patrick McCaw out.
The Celtics have their usual guys out with Gordon Hayward, Javonte Green and Tremont Waters all out.
Denver Nuggets vs. LA Clippers, 9:00 pm ET
Will Barton and Vlatko Cancar are out.
Patrick Beverley is questionable.
