NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 13, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Regular Season Conclusions & Playoff Seeding

The NBA regular season concluded with several teams making final pushes for seeding, including the Celtics tying the NBA record by draining 29 three-pointers in a blowout victory over the Pelicans, which secured them the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed. Meanwhile, the Nuggets ensured Nikola Jokic remained eligible for MVP consideration by having him play at least the first half on Sunday, even as they rested the majority of their rotation against the Spurs. In contrast, the Clippers elected to sit star Kawhi Leonard, who posted strong averages of 27.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists for a mostly healthy season, for their regular-season finale against the Warriors to ensure he was rested for the imminent play-in tournament before the postseason started.

Player Milestones & Injury Updates

Several key players reached important milestones or faced setbacks in the final games, as Victor Wembanyama logged a 40-point, 13-rebound performance in a 139-120 win against the Mavericks, successfully clearing the 65-game threshold necessary for major award eligibility. Rookie of the Year favorite Cooper Flagg's first professional campaign was cut short when he sustained a sprained ankle early in the second quarter of the Mavericks' final contest. Elsewhere, Mikal Bridges managed to keep his impressive consecutive games played streak alive, reaching 638 contests after playing only 23 seconds in the Knicks' finale, while numerous stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic were among at least 168 players held out league-wide on Friday.

Offseason Outlook & Franchise Decisions

As the regular season wraps, significant administrative decisions loom for several franchises preparing for the offseason, with Milwaukee and New Orleans actively searching for long-term coaching solutions to fill their respective voids after disappointing finishes. The Sacramento Kings, however, confirmed they will retain coach Doug Christie for the upcoming season, according to team sources. For teams missing the postseason, the focus shifts immediately to the draft and free agency, with comprehensive outlooks detailing trade targets and prospects for the ten eliminated clubs, including Milwaukee and Dallas as they look toward the summer.

Star Futures & Roster Moves

Future uncertainty hangs over the Milwaukee Bucks, as Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed deep frustration with the team's current standing while simultaneously refusing to rule out a return next season, sending mixed signals to the fanbase. In roster adjustments, the Lakers moved to solidify their backcourt by signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract, a move necessitated by injuries sidelining Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as they finalize their roster. Adding to the drama in the East, Joel Embiid was discharged from a Houston hospital but currently lacks a definitive timeline for returning to play, while the Heat waived Terry Rozier, who has been on leave since October amid a gambling investigation, opting instead to use the roster spot on J. Young in a late-season transaction.

Early Playoff Intel & League Trends

With the postseason structure taking shape, buzz is circulating around potential first-round matchups, where Lakers coach JJ Redick suggested that other Western Conference teams might actually prefer facing the potentially hobbled Los Angeles squad over other available opponents. to 2026, analysts are already previewing the field, sizing up major contenders like the Thunder, Spurs, and Celtics, while examining the biggest questions facing the 19 teams vying for the title in two seasons' time. Away from the court action, a peculiar trend has emerged as a number of players are reportedly spending increased time focusing on the strategy of chess, exploring the mental side of competition. Finally, Timberwolves legend Kevin Garnett received an emotional welcome during fan appreciation night on Sunday, earning a massive ovation and visibly acknowledging the crowd's support upon his return to the arena.