NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: May 14, 2026, 5:30 PM ET

League Structure & Off-Court News

Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the league has settled on a "3-2-1 lottery" proposal that will be presented to the Board of Governors later this month, signaling a definitive step toward altering the draft incentive structure. In other league business, referees are calling 11% more fouls per game during the current postseason compared to the regular season, marking one of the largest rate differentials in recent league history, even as the NBA defends the increased officiating. Furthermore, the league is mourning the passing of Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, who died Tuesday at age 47 following a battle with brain cancer after serving as a global ambassador for the sport.

Eastern Conference Semifinals Updates

The Cavaliers rallied late in regulation, overcoming a nine-point deficit in the final minutes to defeat the Pistons 117-113 in overtime on Wednesday, taking a commanding 3-2 series lead as the matchup shifts back to Detroit following a 2-2 split. Detroit faces an immediate challenge as starting guard Duncan Robinson is sidelined for Game 5 due to lower back soreness, compounding their difficulties. Meanwhile, optimism is reportedly building in New York that forward OG Anunoby will return from his hamstring injury possibly by the start of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Western Conference & Individual Player Status

The Timberwolves face elimination after dropping Game, though star Anthony Edwards maintained a defiant stance, asserting that the team is not overly concerned despite being down 3-2 heading into the next contest. The French contingent sees a decade-long friendship tested as Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama face off in a tightly contested 2-2 series, keeping celebrity attendees like Eminem and 50 Cent courtside entertained. Separately, Chicago's Josh Giddey underwent ankle surgery and is expected to miss three months, though he should be ready for training camp following treatment for persistent hamstring and ankle issues.

Draft Prospects & College Declarations

The initial 5-on-5 scrimmages at the 2026 NBA draft combine in Chicago provided several key takeaways for evaluators across the league. In related news concerning early entries, Duke's Isaiah Evans, Stanford's Ebuka Okorie, and North Carolina's Henri Veesaar all announced their decision to remain in the upcoming NBA Draft pool. Analysts are already projecting the top selections for the 2026 draft, with the Wizards, Jazz, and Grizzlies holding the first three picks in the latest mock scenario.