NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 2:54 PM ET

NBA Head Coaching Changes

The New Orleans Pelicans have officially hired Jamahl Mosley as their new head coach, bringing in a coach who spent the past five seasons with the Orlando Magic, compiling a 189-221 record while earning three playoff berths with the franchise. Meanwhile, Golden State Warriors are undergoing staff changes as Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse are departing the franchise, creating uncertainty around Steve Kerr's coaching staff for his 13th season with the team. Kerr, in his first media availability since deciding to return, admitted he "has to be better" in his role as head coach after what he considered a disappointing 12th season.

Awards & Recognition

The NBA will announce this season's Most Valuable Player award on Sunday night, the day before two of the finalists meet in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander confirmed as the winner of his second consecutive NBA MVP award. The Thunder star becomes the 14th player in league history to win back-to-back MVP honors, adding to his offseason generosity where he gave teammates new Audemars Piguet watches, Burberry trench coats, and golf clubs, reinforcing his status as a leader both on and off the court.

Eastern Conference Finals Preview

As the Eastern Conference finals approach, OG Anunoby has been practicing with the Knicks, reporting that his right hamstring injury is not as severe as the one he suffered during the 2024 playoffs, giving New York valuable health information before their matchup with Cleveland. Meanwhile, league experts are weighing in on the Knicks-Cavaliers series, with most analysts favoring Cleveland due to their star power and experience, despite the Pistons' recent dominance that forced a Game 7 before their eventual elimination. The Cavaliers' championship aspirations received a boost when they routed the Pistons 125-94 in Game, advancing to the franchise's first Eastern Conference finals since LeBron James' final year in Cleveland.

Western Conference Finals Focus

The Western Conference finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent NBA history, with NBA executives debating five key questions about the series including how SGA will defend Victor Wembanyama and how the Spurs' young core will handle playoff pressure. The matchup has prompted seven trend analysis from experts who believe this series could define the future direction of the Western Conference, with the Spurs' inexperienced squad receiving guidance from team legends including Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and David Robinson who are teaching the "Spurs Way" to the next generation. On the Thunder side, Jalen Williams has declared himself healthy entering the Western Conference finals after missing the past six games with a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring, providing a significant boost to Oklahoma City's depth and versatility against the Spurs' length and defensive prowess.

Playoff Results & Series Recaps

The Cleveland Cavaliers advanced to the Eastern Conference finals after throttling the top-seeded Pistons in Game, with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge in what was a coming-out party for the superstar. During the series, James Harden passed Stephen Curry for 10th place on the NBA's all-time postseason scoring list, adding another milestone to his decorated career. However, the Pistons' season wasn't considered a disappointment by coach J.B. Bickerstaff despite the 125-94 loss in Game, as the franchise showed significant improvement from previous seasons. After their elimination, the Cavaliers trolled the Pistons multiple times, with players noting "it's always beat Michigan" in reference to the in-state rivalry. The series also saw controversy with the NBA later confirming that officials were correct in not calling a foul on Jarrett Allen in the closing seconds of regulation in Game, a decision that significantly impacted the series momentum.

NBA Offseason Decisions

With the playoffs heating up, league executives are already to what promises to be a transformative offseason, with five teams facing league-altering decisions that could reshape the NBA landscape. The Golden State Warriors are navigating personnel changes beyond just coaching staff, while the 76ers are searching for a general manager who can work "in harmony" with the existing roster according to Bob Myers, who is overseeing the franchise's GM search. Meanwhile, an eBay user paid $9,000,100 to win a private lunch with Warriors star and legendary investor, highlighting the immense marketability of NBA players even during the playoffs. The offseason planning also includes the NBA draft, where combine highlights suggest several prospects with significant upside are available, though teams will need to balance immediate needs with long-term development.

League News & Notes

In the wake of the Pistons' elimination, NBA futures markets have adjusted significantly, with Detroit now listed as 60-1 long shots to win the championship after being favorites earlier in the postseason. The Bucks are also making headlines as Myles Turner revealed on his podcast that former coach Doc Rivers "didn't fine anybody ever" and that Giannis Antetokounmpo would "show up whenever he wants," suggesting a relaxed approach to team discipline. Elsewhere, personal relationships in the NBA are garnering attention as prospects Cooper Flagg and Arianna Robertson shared memories of their vacation to Turks and Caicos, confirming relationship rumors that have been circulating around the league. As teams prepare for the conference finals, the league is buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the 2026 NBA playoffs.