NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 11, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Action & Coaching Moves

The Eastern Conference semifinals saw the New York Knicks push the Philadelphia 76ers to the brink of elimination, with Jalen Brunson supplying 33 points in a decisive victory that resulted in a 3-0 series lead. Despite returning to the lineup on Friday night, Joel Embiid's presence was insufficient as the 76ers ultimately fell one game shy of their first win in the series against New York. Elsewhere in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to cut the Pistons' lead to 2-1 after James Harden hit three crucial shots in the final two minutes while Donovan Mitchell posted 35 points in the 116-109 victory. Meanwhile, the Western Conference saw the Oklahoma City Thunder improve to 7-0 as second-year guard Ajay Mitchell stepped up in Jalen Williams' absence, effectively navigating the Lakers' defensive focus on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to secure a Game 3 blowout.

In organizational news, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed his return, agreeing to a two-year extension through the 2025-2026 season, according to agents speaking to ESPN. Kerr’s decision to stay with the Warriors will shape their offseason plans as the franchise navigates roster decisions around its veteran core. In front office movements, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly hiring former Blazers assistant Mike Schmitz to run basketball operations directly beneath President Masai Ujiri, signaling a structural shift in Dallas's decision-making hierarchy.

Officiating & Player Health Concerns

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch publicly criticized an official following Game, labeling Tony Brothers' actions as “completely unprofessional behavior” after the referee confronted Finch twice during a fourth-quarter stoppage. On the player health front, NBA hopeful Darryn Peterson disclosed that bloodwork results indicated his mysterious and sometimes debilitating cramping issues were linked to high doses of creatine use, which doctors identified following the season.

Draft Lottery & Futures Market

The league awaits Sunday's NBA Draft Lottery, an event widely viewed as critical given that a third of the league appeared to engage in tactical losing to secure a higher position in the drawing. Prospects preparing for the event will soon participate in the NBA combine starting Monday, where dozens of players will compete to elevate their draft stock ahead of the main event. Betting markets are already reflecting playoff outcomes and team expectations, with the Oklahoma City Thunder now favored at -160 odds to win the title, while the Lakers saw their odds lengthen dramatically to 35-1 against the Houston Rockets, according to updated futures reports. The betting consensus suggests the Thunder and Detroit Pistons, sitting at 15-1, are positioned well to go up 3-0 in their respective series.