NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

Playoff & Series Updates

The Western Conference semifinals remain intensely competitive, despite the San Antonio Spurs taking a 3-2 series lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards maintained a defiant stance following the Game 5 loss, asserting that his team is not overly concerned despite facing elimination in Game. Adding complexity to the matchup, Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox is questionable for Game 5 due to right ankle soreness. Furthermore, Victor Wembanyama will avoid suspension for an elbow delivered to Minnesota's Naz Reid and is cleared to participate in the pivotal Game 5 in San Antonio. The French connection between Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert continues as the two friends battle in a tight contest after splitting the first four games at 2-2.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, improving their postseason record to a perfect 8-0, despite the Lakers mounting a late charge in the final contest. Lakers President Rob Pelinka confirmed that the franchise would welcome LeBron James back for a potential 24th season should the superstar opt out of retirement this offseason. In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons' coach J.B. Bickerstaff lamented the lopsided free-throw disparity following a Game 4 loss to the Cavaliers, deeming the difference in attempts "unacceptable" after Monday's defeat.

Front Office & League Administration

The Philadelphia 76ers are entering a period of upheaval following their second-round sweep, culminating in the departure of Daryl Morey as president of basketball operations after six seasons, sources confirmed on Tuesday. Despite Morey's exit, head coach Nick Nurse is expected to remain with the organization, which now confronts significant health and roster restructuring questions surrounding star Joel Embiid after a historic comeback fell short. Separately, the NBA concluded its internal probe regarding the shutdown of Giannis Antetokounmpo by the Milwaukee Bucks, determining that no further disciplinary action is required against the franchise.

The league also held its annual draft lottery, with the ping-pong balls determining the 2026 order, setting the stage for significant future team building. An early mock draft projection following the lottery places the Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, and the Memphis Grizzlies in possession of the top three selections.

Draft Combine & Personnel News

The NBA draft combine in Chicago is currently underway, providing dozens of prospects an opportunity to significantly raise their draft stock through testing and drills. Insider analysis from the first stretch of workouts detailed key takeaways, including updates on prospects like AJ Dee during the initial drills. The results of the combine will heavily influence the final draft boards for teams like the Wizards and Grizzlies, who hold the highest lottery positions in the 2026 class.

In unfortunate news impacting the league community, former Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke passed away at the age of 29. Additionally, the basketball world mourned the loss of Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, who died Tuesday at 47 after battling brain cancer following a decade of ambassadorship.