NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: May 18, 2026, 11:47 PM ET

Coaching Carousel

The Pelicans have appointed Jamahl Mosley as head coach, ending Orlando’s search after his five-year tenure with the Magic (189-221) yielded three playoff berths. His hiring comes as the coaching market tightens, with Orlando and Chicago still seeking long-term fits while Milwaukee and New Orleans have filled their vacancies. Meanwhile, retired three-time champion Rick Fox has taken a political turn, appointed a Bahamian opposition senator after his recent electoral defeat.

Conference Finals Preview

The Western Conference finals open with a significant injury, as Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox was ruled out for Game 1 due to a right ankle sprain, leaving the burden on Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs’ opponent, the Thunder, enters healthy, with Jalen Williams declaring himself fully recovered from a Grade 1 left hamstring strain. Oklahoma City’s chemistry is buoyed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who gifted the team luxury watches and Burberry coats ahead of the series. The MVP award, meanwhile, will be announced Sunday, pitting Gilgeous-Alexander against Wembanyama in a marquee first-time finalist matchup.

Eastern Postseason Fallout

Cleveland’s sweep of Detroit was punctuated by Cavs players trolling the Pistons on social media immediately after the final buzzer. Despite the 125-94 Game 7 loss, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff insisted the season was not a disappointment, though the franchise now faces intense scrutiny over its star duo’s playoff performance. For Cleveland, James Harden passed Stephen Curry for 10th on the all-time playoff scoring list during the series, but the Cavaliers must now answer looming questions about their superstar core after a third straight second-round exit.

Player Health & Returns

Knicks wing OG Anunoby practiced and reported progress on his right hamstring, stating the current injury is less severe than the one that hampered his 2024 playoff run. His potential return would bolster New York’s defense ahead of the conference finals. In a different return, Australian star Joe Ingles confirmed his move to Melbourne United on a two-year deal, calling the NBL move “incredibly special” as he revives his career in his home country.

Draft & Offseason Landscape

With the draft combine complete, attention turns to the offseason. Four teams remain in the playoff hunt, leaving the rest to navigate a complex offseason involving the draft, free agency, and trades. Key decisions loom for franchises like Detroit, Minnesota, and the Lakers, while analysts highlight five star choices that could reshape the league’s balance of power. The Spurs’ dominant conference semifinal performance has also elevated their young core, setting the stage for a fierce Western finals.

Off-Court Notes

A bidder on eBay paid $9 million for a private lunch with Warriors star Stephen Curry and investor Bill Ackman, a staggering sum for the charity auction. In coaching news, Steve Kerr addressed his return to Golden State critically, stating “I have to be better” after a 12th season that ended in a playoff miss. The offseason officially begins for 26 teams, with the draft and free agency set to trigger the next wave of roster moves.