NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 12, 2026, 8:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Action & Standings Shifts

The Oklahoma City Thunder improved to an undefeated 7-0 in their playoff run after decisively defeating the Lakers in Game, leveraging the emergence of second-year guard Ajay Mitchell as a key offensive contributor while the defense focused heavily on containing MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with Jalen Williams sidelined. This dominant start has prompted oddsmakers to significantly adjust futures markets, with the Thunder now listed at -160 favorites to win their series, pushing the Lakers' title odds out to 35-1 according to updated futures reports. Elsewhere in the East, the New York Knicks took a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, fueled by Jalen Brunson’s 33 points in the decisive contest where he sealed the victory with late buckets; this result pushed the 76ers to the brink of elimination, even with the return of Joel Embiid on Friday night which proved insufficient to stem the tide. In another Eastern Conference semifinal, James Harden delivered clutch late-game shooting and Donovan Mitchell poured in 35 points as the Cavaliers managed to down the Pistons 116-109, cutting Detroit's series deficit to 2-1 following three critical shots in the final two minutes.

Coaching & Personnel Moves

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr formally agreed to a two-year contract extension to remain on the sidelines, a decision that reportedly addresses offseason roster construction concerns and signals continuity for the franchise as detailed by his agents at Priority Sports. Meanwhile, front-office activity saw the Dallas Mavericks finalize the hiring of Mike Schmitz from the Portland Trail Blazers to serve as their new General Manager, operating under the authority of President Masai Ujiri as the team restructures its basketball operations department. Separately, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch publicly criticized official Tony Brothers, labeling his repeated on-court confrontations during Game 3 as “completely unprofessional behavior” following two separate instances during a fourth-quarter stoppage.

Draft & Prospect Outlook

The league now shifts focus toward the upcoming NBA Draft Lottery this Sunday, an event deemed highly consequential as a third of the league seemingly engaged in tanking efforts to secure a top selection. Analysts are already projecting the most probable outcomes for lottery-bound teams providing specific prospect fits for each franchise ahead of the drawing. In related news concerning player health ahead of the combine, prospect Darryn Peterson revealed that tests concluded his prior debilitating cramping issues stemmed from using high doses of creatine, a finding that emerged after off-season bloodwork and tests were conducted. The NBA Draft Combine itself is slated to commence on Monday, where dozens of hopefuls will participate in drills and interviews aiming to elevate their draft stock.