NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 12, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NBA Playoff Upsets & Eliminations

The second round saw significant movement, with the Oklahoma City Thunder completing a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers, closing out the series 115-110 in Game 4 despite a late L.A. charge. This victory propelled the undefeated Thunder to an 8-0 start this postseason, leading some analysts to label them the league's newest villains due to perceived favorable officiating calls surrounding star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the New York Knicks pushed the Philadelphia 76ers to the brink, as Jalen Brunson delivered 33 points to secure a commanding 3-0 series lead, which was solidified after Joel Embiid's return failed to prevent a Game 3 loss. For the Lakers, the sweep immediately led to LeBron James expressing uncertainty about his playing future after a record-setting 23rd season concluded abruptly.

Meanwhile, the Cavaliers evened their Eastern series against the Pistons at 2-2 following Donovan Mitchell's performance, where he tied an NBA playoff record with 39 second-half points in a 112-103 victory Monday night. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff subsequently deemed the free throw disparity in Game 4 "unacceptable," while James Harden provided a late spark for Cleveland in an earlier contest, hitting three clutch shots in the final two minutes to help secure a 116-109 win in Game 3 cutting Detroit's lead. In the Western Conference, the series between the San Antonio Spurs and the Minnesota Timberwolves remained tense; Spurs star Victor Wembanyama avoids suspension after an elbow incident, sources confirmed, allowing him to suit up for Game 5 in San Antonio after the league opted against discipline.

Coaching Stability & Roster Speculation

Amid the playoff intensity, significant off-court business developed, starting with the Golden State Warriors locking down their leadership, as Steve Kerr agreed to a fresh two-year contract to remain the head coach, a decision analysts suggest will shape the team's offseason strategy. Contrasting this stability, seismic trade rumors emerged from Milwaukee, where sources indicated the Bucks are actively soliciting trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, signaling a potential franchise reset. Adding to the personnel movement, the Dallas Mavericks announced the hiring of former Blazers assistant GM Mike Schmitz to run basketball operations under President Masai Ujiri finalizing a key front-office move.

Draft Lottery & Player News

The focus now shifts toward the 2026 NBA Draft following a weekend of intense positioning by rebuilding franchises. ESPN was granted behind-the-scenes access as the Washington Wizards secured the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft lottery, vaulting them ahead of the Jazz and Grizzlies in the final standings. Consequently, mock drafts have been updated, with Jeremy Woo projecting the most likely prospects for the newly favored lottery teams based on current team needs and available talent pools ahead of Sunday's drawing. Away from the draft board, French basketball stars Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama face off in a tightly contested 2-2 series, battling as friends who have known each other for over a decade despite the competitive environment. Furthermore, LaMelo Ball and his partner welcomed their first child, with the couple also announcing the launch of I Am Fertility, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women undergoing IVF and fertility treatments providing personal context.