NBA Basketball 3 Days

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

NBA Playoff Action & Series Updates

The Western Conference semifinals saw the San Antonio Spurs take control of their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves after a decisive Game 5 victory, putting the Wolves on the brink of elimination. Despite facing a 3-2 deficit, Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards projected defiance, insisting that "nobody on the squad is too worried," even as Minnesota faces elimination in Game. The matchup between French compatriots, Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama, has been a featured storyline as the series stands at 2-2 heading into the decisive final games. Furthermore, the NBA confirmed that Spurs star Wembanyama will avoid suspension for an elbow incident and will be available for Game, after San Antonio listed guard De'Aaron Fox as questionable with right ankle soreness ahead of the contest.

In the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks moved within one victory of the Conference Finals after Jalen Brunson delivered 33 points to help secure a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers' hopes were further complicated when Joel Embiid returned to the lineup but ultimately could not prevent an 0-3 hole against New York. This latest postseason disappointment ensures a familiar summer of upheaval for Philadelphia, as sources confirmed that team president Daryl Morey is departing the organization after six seasons, though coach Nick Nurse is expected to remain in his role.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to even their second-round series against the Detroit Pistons at 2-2, fueled by Donovan Mitchell's performance where he tied an NBA playoff record by scoring 39 points in the second half of their 112-103 win. The Pistons felt aggrieved by the officiating in their Game 4 loss, as coach J.B. Bickerstaff deemed the disparity in free throw attempts "unacceptable". Elsewhere, the Oklahoma City Thunder maintained their perfect playoff record, improving to 8-0 after they completed a sweep of the Lakers, despite a late Los Angeles charge. Second-year guard Ajay Mitchell has emerged as a key contributor for OKC, stepping up while Jalen Williams was sidelined, leading to Lakers complaints about the officiating favoring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder.

Offseason Moves & League Governance

The coaching carousel saw movement in the Bay Area, as Steve Kerr finalized a new two-year contract to remain with the Golden State Warriors, a decision that carries implications for the team’s upcoming offseason strategy regarding roster construction. In personnel changes elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks are reportedly hiring former Portland Trail Blazers assistant GM Mike Schmitz to assume the General Manager role under President Masai Ujiri. The league also concluded its internal investigation regarding the Bucks, determining that no further disciplinary action is required concerning the shutdown surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status. Despite the probe concluding, trade rumors persist, with sources indicating the Bucks are actively seeking offers for the two-time MVP.

The Lakers organization publicly affirmed their desire to retain their franchise cornerstone, as President Rob Pelinka stated the team "would welcome LeBron James back" for a potential 24th season should he opt not to retire. The league’s annual draft lottery concluded with tangible results, setting the stage for the 2026 selections; behind-the-scenes access revealed the Washington Wizards secured the coveted No. 1 pick, while a post-lottery mock draft now projects the Wizards, Jazz, and Grizzlies holding the top three selections. The high stakes of the lottery weekend were evident, with nearly a third of the league reportedly engaging in strategic maneuvering to improve their odds.

League Mourning & Prospect News

The NBA community faced profound loss this week with the passing of two former players. Former Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke tragically died at the age of. Separately, the league mourned the loss of Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, who passed away Tuesday from brain cancer at; Collins had spent the last decade serving as a global ambassador for the sport. On the prospect front, testing and drills kicked off at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, drawing attention to players like AJ Dybantsa and other top prospects vying to boost their draft stock ahead of the 2026 event. Separately, one top draft hopeful, Darryn Peterson, attributed mysterious and debilitating cramping issues to his use of high-dose creatine after undergoing post-season bloodwork. Finally, in personal news, LaMelo Ball and his partner welcomed their first child, and the couple simultaneously announced the launch of I Am Fertility, a nonprofit focused on assisting women through IVF and fertility challenges.