NBA Basketball 3 Days

Last updated: June 1, 2026, 11:49 AM ET

NBA Finals Preview: Spurs-Knicks Showdown

The NBA Finals matchup is set between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks, with Spurs favored to win the championship despite betting heavily favoring the Knicks. The Spurs eliminated the defending champion Thunder in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals, 111-103, behind center Victor Wembanyama's 22 points and seven rebounds. As the teams prepare for the Finals, the NBA has revealed new court designs featuring the Larry O'Brien Trophy image at midcourt and the "The Finals" script logo on either side of the court. Key questions loom about how the Knicks can slow Wembanyama on both ends and whether Jalen Brunson can overcome the perceived limitations of small guards in the championship series.

Player Updates: Injuries, Returns and Disappointments

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson plans to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while wearing a brace on his hand after undergoing surgery on his broken right pinky finger. For the Thunder, Jalen Williams struggled in his return from a hamstring strain, scoring only one point, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fell well below his regular-season average in the elimination loss. Despite claiming his second consecutive MVP award, Gilgeous-Alexander called his season a failure after the Thunder were eliminated before getting a chance to defend their title in the NBA Finals, reflecting the high expectations for the two-time MVP.

Coaching Changes and Front Office Movement

The Orlando Magic are finalizing a deal to hire San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney as their new head coach, sources told ESPN on Friday. This move comes as the Spurs prepare for their Finals run, creating an interesting dynamic between the franchises as they face off in the championship series. The coaching change is part of the offseason movement beginning around the league as teams look to build rosters capable of challenging for championships.

NBA Draft Landscape Evolves

After the college withdrawal deadline, a wave of returners has reshaped ESPN's latest top 100 draft prospects rankings. The 2026 draft class now features more experienced players, with analysts providing NBA comparisons for the top 12 prospects ranging from best-case ceilings to realistic floors. Meanwhile, the NBA has implemented draft lottery reforms that have generated mixed reactions around the league, with executives weighing the pros and cons of the new system designed to increase competitive balance.

Offseason Planning Around the League

For all but two NBA teams, the offseason is now underway, with front offices turning their attention to the draft, free agency, and trade possibilities. League insiders are providing intel on intriguing free agents including Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren, and Mitchell Robinson, whose contracts and performance will be closely watched. The Thunder, Cavaliers, Pistons, Lakers, and Warriors join the Knicks and Spurs in having different priorities as they navigate the offseason, with each team looking to build on their performance from the regular season.

Off-Court NBA News

President Donald Trump announced plans to attend an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden next month, adding another layer of intrigue to the championship series. Elsewhere, Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey introduced his newborn daughter, Marvel, who was born on May 14, while fans and analysts continue to digest the latest insights from around the league via Brian Windhorst's "The Hoop Collective" podcast, which has become a go-to source for breaking NBA news and insider information.