The Scoop: Lillard returned in Game 6 after missing the previous two games with an Achilles injury, doing all he could to help Milwaukee extend the series by leading all players in Thursday's series-ending contest in scoring and threes made while ending perfect from the free-throw line. Despite dealing with some injury issues during the first-round series against Indiana, Lillard posted 28 or more points in all four of his appearances while adding four or more threes in each of those contests.

 The Scoop: Middleton led Milwaukee seemingly on a nightly basis over the course of the first-round series against Indiana, but he was held in check in the series-ending contest Thursday while failing to record 15 points for the only time in the series. Middleton, who dealt with some foul trouble that seemed to impact his performance and aggressiveness in the first half, put together a strong opening-round series, scoring 20 or more points in four of the six contests.

 The Scoop: This is not a surprise considering the situation the 76ers are in, as Philadelphia must win this game to force a decisive Game 7. Embiid is averaging 31.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in the first-round series against the Knicks.

 The Scoop: Harris was already deemed a game-time decision for Game 6, so his questionable injury label isn't surprising. If the 29-year-old guard is ruled out, Caleb Houstan, Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black are all candidates to receive increased playing time.

 The Scoop: Leonard continues to deal with a knee injury and will be unavailable for a third consecutive game Friday. If the Clippers win Friday's contest and force a Game 7, it's unclear whether Leonard would be available for that win-or-go-home matchup.

 The Scoop: Prosper's absence streak will extend to four games Friday due to a. left ankle sprain. However, the rookie forward is unlikely to be a significant factor in Dallas' playoff rotation when healthy.

 The Scoop: Beverley continues to deal with an oblique injury, but he'll be able to suit up once again Thursday. He tallied 13 points, 12 assists, four rebounds, two steals and a block in 36 minutes during Tuesday's Game 5, but he'll have additional help in the backcourt Thursday since Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been cleared to return.

 The Scoop: This will be Hardaway's fourth consecutive game on the sidelines, and his next chance to play will come if a Game 7 is needed Sunday. Josh Green and Dante Exum will continue to step up in his absence.

 The Scoop: Porter will miss his sixth straight contest Friday due to a left ankle sprain. However, Porter is unlikely to crack Cleveland's playoff rotation when healthy.

 The Scoop: Middleton was probable for Thursday's matchup and has officially been cleared to suit up again. He's had a significant role in recent games, averaging 32.0 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 40.3 minutes per game over his last three outings. However, he'll have additional help in Game 6 since Damian Lillard (Achilles) has been cleared to return.