The Scoop: Gobert averaged just 3.5 points and 6.3 rebounds over 26.0 minutes in the first four games of the series, but he dominated the Lakers in Game 5 to advance the Timberwolves into the second round. The performance marked Gobert's 10th career 20-point, 20-rebound game, and it was his first time hitting the milestone in the playoffs. Minnesota will face the winner of Golden State and Houston in the next round.

 The Scoop: Thompson logged at least five steals for the second time this season, making life difficult for Steph Curry and the rest of the Warriors to bring the series score to 3-2. Thompson's 25 points tied for his second most in a game this year. The second-year wing is averaging 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.0 blocks per game during the first round.

 The Scoop: Doncic took a fall at the end of the first half and looked to be in some discomfort while reaching for his back. However, the halftime pause was long enough for Doncic to recover, and he's ready to go for the final 24 minutes of Game 5.

 The Scoop: Doncic was grabbing at his lower back as he walked back to the locker room with one minute remaining in the second quarter. The star guard took an awkward fall, but remained in the game to shoot free throws before exiting. While he's idle, Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin could see more action..

 The Scoop: Spencer's Game 5 ends a few minutes before the final buzzer, as he got ejected for headbutting Alperen Sengun after Sengun and Trayce Jackson-Davis exchanged words. Spencer didn't see the court in Games 3 and 4, but the lopsided nature of Wednesday's game allowed for Spencer to see some extended action.

 The Scoop: Finney-Smith has played at least 29 minutes in each of the first four games of the series but will get his first start in Game 5, replacing Jaxon Hayes. Finney-Smith is averaging 6.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists across 35.3 minutes per game this series.

 The Scoop: After being in the starting lineup for 36 straight games, Hayes will have a bench role in Game 5, with Dorian Finney-Smith taking his place as a starter. It has been a rough series for Hayes, as he has averaged 1.8 points and 2.0 rebounds per game across only 7.5 minutes per contest despite being in the starting lineup for the previous four games.

 The Scoop: Kleber will make his debut for the Lakers on Wednesday after missing the last 43 games while recovering from surgery on his right foot. It remains to be seen whether Kleber will play a significant role in this pivotal Game 5, as it could potentially be the last game of the season for Los Angeles, with JJ Redick's squad facing elimination down 3-1. Before being moved ahead of the NBA trade deadline in the Luka Doncic trade, Kleber played in 34 games for the Mavericks, averaging 3.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 38.5 percent from the floor and 26.5 percent from beyond the arc.

 The Scoop: Jones seemingly picked up a knee injury late in Game 5, but the issue won't prevent him from suiting up Thursday. Jones' role has decreased recently, as he played just 14 and 15 minutes over the last two games after averaging 24.3 minutes per game during the regular season.

 The Scoop: Head coach Steve Kerr notes that Butler is likely still in pain due to the pelvic contusion he sustained in last Wednesday's Game 2 loss to Houston, but that didn't stop the star forward from logging 40 minutes in Monday's Game 4 victory. Over his three postseason appearances this year, Butler has averaged 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 three-pointers in 30.0 minutes while shooting 50.0 percent from deep. Butler should be able to handle a full workload Wednesday.