NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 13, 2026, 8:30 PM ET

Playoff Drama & Series Updates

The NBA playoffs saw intense action across both conferences, with the Spurs securing a critical Game 5 win against the Timberwolves, despite Minnesota star Anthony Edwards maintaining a defiant stance, asserting his team harbors no undue worry despite facing elimination. Furthermore, the Western Conference semifinal series between the Spurs and the Thunder remained closely contested, with French big men Victor Wembanyama and his rival friend facing off in a pivotal 2-2 matchup, though Wembanyama avoided further discipline for an elbow incident and was cleared to play Game. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference saw the Cavaliers equalize their series against the Pistons, fueled by Donovan Mitchell's record-tying 39-point second half performance in a 112-103 victory on Monday, prompting Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff to call the resulting disparity in free throw attempts "unacceptable" following Game 4.

The Oklahoma City Thunder completed a decisive sweep over the Lakers, who refused to concede while facing elimination, marking OKC's eighth consecutive postseason win this year, leading to complaints about officiating against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s squad, as the Lakers became the latest team to criticize the Thunder's treatment. In injury news ahead of potential conference finals, there is growing optimism that Knicks forward OG Anunoby will recover from his hamstring issue in time for the Eastern Conference Finals, according to league sources.

League Administration & Offseason Moves

Commissioner Adam Silver confirmed mid-week that the league has settled on a '3-2-1 lottery' proposal that will be presented to the Board of Governors later this month, signaling a forthcoming change to the draft order procedures. In organizational shakeups, the Philadelphia 76ers confirmed that Daryl Morey has departed as president of basketball operations after six seasons, though Doc Rivers is expected to remain as coach, which follows a disappointing season that ended in a second-round sweep and now leaves the franchise facing numerous roster and health questions. Separately, the NBA concluded its probe into the Bucks regarding the early shutdown of Giannis Antetokounmpo, determining no further penalty was necessary, even as reports surfaced that the Bucks organization is now taking trade offers for the two-time MVP. Lakers President Rob Pelinka addressed future personnel, stating the team would welcome LeBron James back for a potential 24th season should he decide against retirement.

Tragedies & Player Legacies

The basketball community mourned the passing of two former players this week. Jason Collins, who made history as the NBA's first openly gay active player, **died Tuesday at the age of ** due to brain cancer, leaving behind a legacy as a global ambassador for the sport. Additionally, the league confirmed the tragic death of Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke, who passed away at just 29 years old. On a lighter note, LaMelo Ball and his partner announced the birth of their first child and revealed plans to launch I Am Fertility, a nonprofit aimed at supporting women undergoing IVF treatments.

Draft & Prospect Evaluation

As the NBA draft combine got underway in Chicago, ESPN’s analysts detailed key takeaways from the initial 5-on-5 scrimmages where dozens of prospects vied to improve their stock ahead of the 2026 draft. In fixed income news related to future talent, the Wizards, Jazz, and Grizzlies are currently slotted to receive the top three selections in Jeremy Woo's updated post-lottery mock draft, following the highly anticipated ping-pong ball results that ESPN covered extensively. Amid the evaluation period, several college players confirmed their intentions to remain in the draft pool, including Stanford's Ebuka Okorie, North Carolina's Henri Veesaar, and Duke's Isaiah Evans, who all announced they will forgo remaining eligibility.

Injury Updates & Roster Changes

The injury report saw significant updates affecting several teams heading into the offseason or key playoff matchups. Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey underwent ankle surgery and is expected to be sidelined for three months, though he is projected to be ready for training camp. In other news, the San Antonio Spurs listed guard De'Aaron Fox as questionable for their decisive Game 5 due to right ankle soreness, though he ultimately played. to the next season, teams like the Magic, Celtics, and Warriors will face difficult offseason choices regarding free agency and trade targets after their playoff exits.