Jazz guard Conley leaves bubble for son's birth
Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley has left the NBA bubble in Orlando for the birth of a son in Columbus, Ohio.
Conley will miss at least two playoff games against the Denver Nuggets.
He left on the eve of Game 1 of the best-of-seven series.
Conley will have to quarantine for the minimum four days when he returns to Orlando.
The Jazz are also missing the injured Bojan Bogdanovic and backup center Ed Davis who has a left knee injury.
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Westbrook won't play for Game 1 vs. OKC due to injury
Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball against the San Antonio Spurs on August 11, 2020 at The Field House at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, Florida. /Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images/AFP
Russell Westbrook of the Houston Rockets will not play in Game 1 of their first round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to an injured quadriceps.
Guard Eric Gordon will replace Westbrook in the starting lineup.
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Sixers lose Robinson ahead of Celtics matchup
Glenn Robinson III of the Philadelphia 76ers takes a shot against the Phoenix Suns during the second half of a NBA basketball game at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 11, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida./Getty Images/AFP
Aside from Ben Simmons (fractured kneecap and out for the season), the Philadelphia 76ers will also miss Glenn Robinson III in their first round playoff matchup with the Boston Celtics.
A Sixers spokesperon said Robinson, who had missed the team's last two games with a left hip pointer injury, also has a oblique muscle strain.
Robinson will be reevaluated in seven to 10 days.
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Lakers plan to wear 'Black Mamba' jerseys in 2nd round
Kobe Bryant
The Los Angeles Lakers plan to wear "Black Mamba" jerseys in honor of Kobe Bryant, Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported.
The black jersey mentioned is the "Lore Series" which was introduced in 2018 and designed by Kobe.
It has a snakeskin pattern with yellow accents and 16 stars representing the Lakers' 16 championships, Turner said in a report.
The Lakers will get to wear the jersey if they advance to the second round of the playoffs.
The Lakers clash with the Portland Trailblazers in the first round of the Western playoffs.
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Thomas eyes career revival with Dubs
Isaiah Thomas
Free agent point guard Isaiah Thomas is eyeing a career revival with the Golden State Warriors.
Golden State is expected to rebound as contenders next season with a healthy Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, backed up by Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins. They also have a first round pick in their hands in this year's draft.
Thomas noted this and said on Twitter, "I need that warriors action. I'll come off the bench serving!!!"
Later on Twitter he said: "Just know I can help alil bit."
Thomas could help Golden State but he has not been the same player he was with the Boston Celtics.
He played last season with the Washington Wizards.