New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns has taken his game to a new level as a playmaker in the 2026 NBA playoffs. Through the first two rounds of action, Towns is averaging 6.6 assists per game -- more than double his regular-season average of 3.0. During the regular season, he finished with double-digit assists just once but has done so three times already in 10 playoff games. The Knicks have a perfect 7-0 record in the playoffs when Towns dishes out at least five assists. His efforts as a playmaker have helped the Knicks build a seven-game winning streak heading into the Eastern Conference Finals, where Towns is expected to maintain a key role.

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren has struggled during the 2026 NBA Playoffs but remains eager to improve. "Absolutely, I feel like I could be better in all aspects of the game," Duren told reporters after Wednesday's Game 5 loss to Cleveland. "Continue to grind and continue to grow." In Wednesday's overtime loss, Duren didn't see any action after the third quarter, finishing with nine points, five rebounds, four assists, and one steal in 25 minutes. After earning his first All-Star selection in the regular season, Duren's production has dipped to 10.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game during the playoffs. With the Pistons facing elimination on Friday night, they need Duren to break out of his slump more than ever. If he doesn't start strong, we might see a lot of Paul Reed again after his impressive 10-point, eight-rebound outing on Wednesday.

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Kevin Huerter (adductor) is questionable for Friday's elimination game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 27-year-old has dealt with an adductor injury throughout the postseason and might land back on the shelf after making his comeback in Game 5 on Wednesday night. In a 117-113 overtime loss, Huerter saw just three minutes of action, contributing one assist. Duncan Robinson (back) and Caris LeVert (heel) are also questionable for Friday's action. If they can't play, Huerter could have a bigger role in the rotation, but he hasn't been a good DFS option in the playoffs.

Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (heel) is listed as questionable for Friday's Game 6 tilt against the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is bothered by a right heel contusion, though LeVert played through it in Game 5 on Wednesday, logging 24 minutes. Recently, LeVert has played an important role off the bench for Detroit and was the team's leading scorer with 24 points in Game 4 against Cleveland. If LeVert can't play on Friday night, more minutes could be available to Marcus Sasser and Kevin Huerter (adductor) off the bench, but they aren't expected to make a significant fantasy impact.