NBA Basketball 3 Days

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

NBA Playoffs & On-Court Action

The Eastern Conference semifinals saw the Cavaliers force a decisive Game 7 after Donovan Mitchell tied an NBA playoff record by dropping 39 points in the second half of Monday's 112-103 victory over the Pistons. However, officiating disparities remain a flashpoint, as Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff labeled the gulf in free throw attempts during that Game 4 loss as "unacceptable". Meanwhile, the Western Conference semifinal between the Spurs and Timberwolves remains tense, with Victor Wembanyama cleared to play Game 5 despite an earlier elbow incident, while Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards maintained a defiant stance, asserting that his team was not "too worried" despite facing elimination down 3-2.

The Oklahoma City Thunder further solidified their dominant postseason run, completing a sweep over the Lakers, who reportedly refused to fold while facing elimination, marking OKC's perfect 8-0 start to the playoffs. This victory adds to the growing sentiment that the Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are becoming the league's newest antagonists, as the Lakers organization joins others in questioning the officiating standards applied to the team. In another significant playoff development, the league publicly addressed the increased physicality, confirming referees are calling approximately 11% more personal fouls per game during the postseason than in the regular season, representing one of the largest statistical differentials in league history.

League Personnel & Player Futures

Offseason maneuvering is already underway for several major franchises. Following a disappointing second-round sweep, the Philadelphia 76ers confirmed that Daryl Morey has departed as president of basketball operations after six seasons, though head coach Nick Nurse is expected to remain in his role. This organizational shakeup arrives as the team faces considerable questions regarding roster construction and the future of star Joel Embiid following their historic collapse. On the West Coast, Lakers President Rob Pelinka stated unequivocally that the organization would welcome LeBron James back for a potential 24th season should he choose not to retire. Elsewhere, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly testing the trade market for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, although their internal investigation into the shutdown of the star player concluded with no further league discipline warranted.

In college-to-pro news, several underclassmen have made their commitments for the upcoming draft pool. Stanford's Ebuka Okorie, North Carolina's Henri Veesaar, and Duke's Isaiah Evans all announced Wednesday that they will forgo their remaining college eligibility and remain firmly committed to the NBA draft. These decisions come as draft scouts convene in Chicago for the combine, where prospects are finalizing their testing and drills to raise their stock ahead of the selection process. The 2026 draft picture is also beginning to crystallize, with mock drafts suggesting the Wizards, Jazz, and Grizzlies hold the top three selections.

Player Health & Tragic News

Several teams dealt with significant player health updates this week, including a major procedure for a young guard. Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey underwent ankle surgery, which is expected to sideline him for approximately three months, though the team anticipates his return in time for training camp after a season hampered by hamstring and ankle ailments. In series-specific injury updates, the Spurs listed guard De'Aaron Fox as questionable for Tuesday's pivotal Game 5 due to right ankle soreness. Furthermore, the French duo of Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama faced off in a compelling 2-2 series matchup, with their decade-long friendship adding an intriguing layer to their on-court rivalry.

The league mourned the passing of two former players this week. Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke tragically died at the age of 29. Separately, the basketball community mourned the loss of Jason Collins, the NBA's first openly gay player, who passed away Tuesday at age 47 following a battle with brain cancer; Collins had served as a global ambassador for the sport for the last decade. In personal news outside of basketball operations, LaMelo Ball and his partner welcomed their first child, and the couple simultaneously announced the launch of I Am Fertility, a nonprofit organization focused on assisting women undergoing IVF treatments.