NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: April 15, 2026, 2:30 AM ET

NBA Play-In Tournament Thrills & Seeding Outcomes

The Western Conference play-in concluded with the Trail Blazers capturing the No. 7 seed after Deni Avdija erupted for 41 points, spearheading a fourth-quarter comeback that overcame an 11-point deficit to defeat the Suns 114-110. On the Eastern side, the Hornets ousted the Heat in a dramatic overtime finish; LaMelo Ball delivered the go-ahead score with 4.7 seconds remaining before Miles Bridges sealed the victory with a game-saving block at the buzzer. The chaotic finish in Miami was compounded by technical issues as Amazon Prime Video’s stream cut out for almost two minutes during the overtime period, causing viewers to miss a crucial Hornets possession during the contest.

The Golden State Warriors face a tense Wednesday matchup, as Stephen Curry will be restricted in minutes for their must-win elimination game against the Clippers in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick confirmed that there remains no concrete update on when Luka Doncic will return from Spain, though Doncic is reportedly scheduled to arrive back in L.A. on Friday after receiving multiple injections for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain as noted by sources. To shore up their backcourt depth while awaiting Doncic, the Lakers are reportedly signing two-way guard Nick Smith Jr. to a new two-year contract.

Offseason Speculation & Coaching Hunts

In New Orleans, Pelicans executive Joe Dumars indicated that the organization has not finalized its coaching search and may opt to retain interim coach James Borrego on a permanent basis, despite exploring other candidates. Star forward Zion Williamson, concluding a season marked by relative health, has pledged to pursue a "different summer" regimen aimed at elevating the Pelicans' performance next season. Across the league, the Bucks are dealing with internal uncertainty, as Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed frustration with the team's trajectory following their disappointing exit, though he confirmed he would not rule out returning to Milwaukee.

The coaching carousel continues in Milwaukee, where the franchise is assessing its next steps after the season ended, joining New Orleans as one of the major markets seeking a long-term coaching fit. Conversely, the Sacramento Kings appear settled on their bench, as team sources confirmed they are retaining coach Doug Christie for the upcoming year. Elsewhere, a major organizational shift occurred in Dallas, where the Mavericks dismissed director of health and performance Johann Bilsborough on Monday, marking the fourth consecutive year the franchise has restructured its performance department.

Player Updates & League Happenings

The league saw several player announcements regarding futures and personal setbacks this week. UNC freshman standout Caleb Wilson confirmed his intention to bypass his remaining college eligibility and officially declare for the NBA draft after what he described as an enjoyable season with the Tar Heels. In contrast, Wizards forward Anthony Davis stated his commitment to helping the franchise "compete" next season, although his long-term future in Washington remains unclear. Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton disclosed the severity of his recent health issues, detailing a frustrating battle with shingles that complicated his Achilles recovery.

Off the court, Nike faced a setback as its trademark filing for Lakers guard Bronny James' proposed "B9" logo was denied due to a high likelihood of confusion with an existing registered mark. In personnel news, Mikal Bridges maintained his ironman status, extending his consecutive games played streak to 638 after playing just 23 seconds in the Knicks' finale, while Rookie of the Year favorite Cooper Flagg's first professional season concluded prematurely due to a sprained ankle sustained early in the Mavericks' final regular-season contest.

League Milestones & Curious Side Notes

The NBA made history as Natalie Sago became only the third woman selected to referee in the league's postseason slate. The league also saw a few artistic and nostalgic moments, including the Raptors leaning into the buzz surrounding Drake's seats, which reportedly underwent a pregame makeover promoting his upcoming album, "Iceman." In a nod to the past, Timberwolves fans gave franchise icon Kevin Garnett a massive ovation during fan appreciation night, where he returned to the court Sunday and acknowledged the crowd's roar. Finally, rap artist J. Cole confirmed that his brief foray into professional basketball has concluded, stating his time playing for a team in China has ended after just one game.