NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NBA Playoff Action & Series Updates

The Western Conference semifinals remain fiercely contested, highlighted by the Spurs taking a 3-2 series lead over the Timberwolves, despite star Anthony Edwards projecting calm afterward, insisting the team was not overly worried facing elimination. San Antonio's path was complicated slightly as guard De'Aaron Fox was listed questionable with right ankle soreness ahead of Game, though Victor Wembanyama avoided suspension for an elbow against Naz Reid and is set to play. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder completed a decisive sweep over the Lakers, who refused to concede easily, with reports circulating that the Lakers organization would welcome LeBron James back for a potential 24th season should he decline retirement. The Thunder’s undefeated 8-0 postseason run has positioned them as the league's newest antagonists, with critics like the Lakers accusing them of drawing favorable officiating.

In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the New York Knicks moved to the brink of advancing after Jalen Brunson propelled them to a 3-0 lead over the 76ers, who saw Joel Embiid return from injury only to face potential elimination after a tough Game 3 loss. The Philadelphia front office is already facing overhaul, as sources confirmed that President Daryl Morey is out of his role, while coach Nick Nurse is expected to remain, leaving the franchise facing multiple health and roster uncertainties for the coming season following their second-round sweep. Elsewhere in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers managed to even their series at 2-2 against the Pistons after Donovan Mitchell tied a playoff record with 39 second-half points, though Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff later slammed the "unacceptable" free throw disparity in Game 4.

The ongoing series between the French contingent saw the matchup between Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama reach a 2-2 deadlock, with the two longtime friends facing off in a tense semifinal battle. The Thunder’s dominance continued in Game 3 against the Lakers, where Ajay Mitchell emerged as a key offensive factor while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander commanded defensive attention, pushing OKC to a 7-0 start this postseason. In coaching news, Golden State Warriors mentor Steve Kerr agreed to a fresh two-year deal to remain on the bench, addressing questions about his future and setting the stage for the team's offseason planning which will involve navigating free agency and trade options.

League Operations & Offseason Developments

The league's administrative focus shifted toward the upcoming draft lottery, which was deemed highly critical, with reports indicating that a third of the league seemingly tanked in pursuit of top prospects. Behind the scenes, the Washington Wizards successfully secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft, while mock drafts already project that the Wizards, Jazz, and Grizzlies will hold the top three selections in the 2026 draft class. Scouts and analysts are currently evaluating talent at the NBA Draft Combine, where prospects are undergoing rigorous testing, with insiders detailing the biggest takeaways from initial drills in Chicago and providing a primer on as players try to significantly raise their stock ahead of the main event.

In franchise management news, the Dallas Mavericks moved swiftly to reshape their front office, announcing the hiring of former Trail Blazers assistant GM Mike Schmitz to serve as GM under President Masai Ujiri. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly testing the market for their superstar, with sources indicating the team is open to trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo, although the team concurrently concluded its probe into Giannis’ recent absence, determining no further disciplinary action was warranted. Furthermore, the organization is dealing with personnel drama, as Timberwolves coach Chris Finch sharply criticized official Tony Brothers for what he deemed "completely unprofessional behavior" during a stoppage in Game 3 following two separate confrontations.

Tragedy & Player Milestones

The NBA community faced profound loss this week with the passing of two former players. Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died unexpectedly at age 29, sending shockwaves through the league. Separately, the sport mourned the loss of Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, who passed away Tuesday at age 47 due to brain cancer after serving as a global ambassador for the sport for the last decade as confirmed by his family. On a personal note, LaMelo Ball and his partner welcomed their first child, while also announcing the launch of I Am Fertility, a nonprofit aimed at assisting women through IVF and fertility treatments. Separately, prospective NBA player Darryn Peterson revealed that his doctors attributed his prior mysterious and debilitating cramping issues to high doses of creatine intake following extensive testing this season. The league also conducted its highly anticipated lottery drawing revealing the final draft order for top picks later in the year.