Cavs vs. Pistons Game 3: How to watch, odds, and injury report

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: Donovan Mitchell #45 talks with Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers have played awfully through the first two games of the series. The guards haven’t lived up to their standards, the defensive communication hasn’t been good, and the team is simply missing wide-open shots. That isn’t going to get the job done on the road against a 60-win Detroit Pistons team.

Yet, despite how bad things have looked, the Cavs had chances to steal both Game 1 and 2. The Cavs were either tied or had a brief lead in the fourth quarter in each outing, but poor late-game execution cost them. We’ll see if that changes as the series shifts back to Cleveland.

Technically, this isn’t a must-win game. The season isn’t over if the Cavs drop this game. However, no team has come back from a 3-0 deficit in NBA history. We’ll see if the Cavs have what it takes to get off the mat and keep their season alive.

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WhoCleveland Cavaliers (0-2) vs. Detroit Pistons (2-0)

Where: Rocket Arena – Cleveland, OH

When: Sat., May 9 at 3 PM

TV: NBC, Peacock

Point spread: Cavs -4.5

Cavs injury report: Sam Merrill, – QUESTIONABLE (hamstring)

Pistons injury report: Kevin Huerter – DOUBTFUL (abductor strain)

Cavs expectedstarting lineup: James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen

Pistons expected starting lineup: Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Previous matchup: The Cavs fell apart down the stretch of Game 2 in a way that felt all too familiar.

Here’s a look at both teams’ regular-season impact stats via Cleaning the Glass.

Offensive RatingDefensive RatingNet Rating
Cavs118.9 (8th)115 (15th)+3.9 (9th)
Pistons118.3 (10th)109.5 (2nd)+8.8 (3rd)

Alex de Minaur’s form slump continues in racket-smashing exit at Italian Open

  • Australian defeated 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 by Matteo Arnaldi in second round

  • World No 8 has now lost four of his past five matches on clay

Alex de Minaur has been reduced to racket-smashing frustration as his alarming slump in form continued with another early clay-court tournament exit at the Italian Open.

Australia’s world No 8 was downed 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 by home favourite Matteo Arnaldi, who was cheered to the rafters at the Foro Italico by the excited Rome crowd on Friday morning.

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10 Takeaways: Hurricanes Score Four Ways In Game 3 Victory

The Carolina Hurricanes are one game away from advancing to a second straight Eastern Conference Final thanks to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 3 Thursday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

Here are 10 takeaways from the win:


1. 4 Goals, 4 Ways

The Carolina Hurricanes scored four goals in their Game 3 win and interestingly, all four goals came at different player configurations.

The Hurricanes opened the scoring on a 5v4 power play as Jordan Staal got a good bounce off of a deflected shot by Andrei Svechnikov.

Then the Canes scored a 4v5 shorthanded goal as Jalen Chatfield finished off a 2-on-1 rush.

Next, the team scored on a 4v3 power play with Svechnikov blasting home a power play one-timer and then Nikolaj Ehlers scored a 5v5 breakaway goal in the third period for the fourth different type of the game.

"You have to find different ways to win in this league," Staal said. "There has been a lot of different guys that have stepped up. That just kind of goes to show the depth of our team and how it's been built. There's been certain guys every other game stepping up and making plays and helping us win."

And if you want to go even a step further, the Flyers' one goal came on a 6v5 pulled goalie, extra attacker situation as a delayed penalty had been called on Carolina. 

As colleague Cory Lavalette said to me at the game, it was like the Mario Lemieux of hockey games in a sense.


2. Three More Postseason Firsts

In Game 2, the Hurricanes' first two goals came from players who scored their first of the postseason in Nikolaj Ehlers and Seth Jarvis.

In Game 3, the Canes got three more players to break the ice as Staal, Chatfield and Svechnikov's goals were all their first of the playoffs.

"Obviously it gives you a little bit of confidence and it feels a little bit lighter on the ice and all those stuff," Svechnikov said.

That's now 10 different players who have scored at least one goal in these playoffs for Carolina and 16 different players have collected at least a point, which is pretty impressive given that the Canes have only played in seven games total so far.


3. Another Day, Another Great Showing For The Penalty Kill

I mean, how many more games are we gonna have to talk about how great the Hurricanes' penalty kill has been?

"It's been good," Brind'Amour said. "Certainly in the playoffs here. I think it's just sacrifice. Guys are obviously working extremely hard and I think we've been in sync. And we have good players. They know what they're doing out there. That helps."

The Canes went another 5-for-5 Thursday night and outscored the Flyers 1-0 while shorthanded.

For once, Philadelphia actually did manage to have more shots on goal than Carolina on their own power plays this time (3-1), but that one shot on goal they gave up was obviously the shorthanded dagger.

The Flyers even had over a minute of a 5v3 opportunity and just did nothing with it as the Hurricanes thwarted them at the blueline multiple times and just generally kept everything to the outside.

"When we step over the boards, no matter if it's 5v3, 5v4, bad call or not, we're looking to kill it and we have no excuses," Chatfield said. "We're holding each other accountable and everyday we're watching video and getting better. Working on the small details that maybe not the average person would see. It could be two feet that way, a stick position that way and I think we've dialed that in a lot and I think that's been huge and showing off."


4. The Power Play Is Starting To Heat Up

On the other side of the special teams coin, the Hurricanes are starting to get the ball rolling on the power play.

Last night was the first time the top unit has found the back of the net and they did it twice, now giving the team five power play goals in the postseason and back-to-back games with power play tallies might I add too.

"We got two goals today and that's big for our unit," Svechnikov said. "Just have to continue working, watching video and hopefully we're gonna do that [again] next game."

Obviously it helps having a plethora of opportunities as the Flyers were so gracious to hand out, but I really liked the way that the power play was moving the puck and putting shots on goal.

"I think for us, it's just about sticking with it and taking what they give us," said Shayne Gostisbehere, who collected his first two points of the postseason in the win. "Not forcing anything. We know when the seams are going to be available. We don't have to fit it through or anything. Just back to basics. When you're struggling a little bit, just put pucks on the net and get some good bounces."


5. Not Backing Down

In both of the Canes' series now, we've seen teams trying to raise the physicality and engage the Hurricanes in post-whistle antics.

However, Carolina hasn't backed down one bit from any of it and have shown to be as feisty as anyone that has challenged them.

Two of the Flyers' biggest guys in Nick Seeler (6-foot-3) and Rasmus Ristolainen (6-foot-4) both went after Logan Stankoven toward the end of the game, but he didn't back down one inch.

And as he stood his ground, all of the Hurricanes' skaters rushed over to help him out too.

In years past, we've seen the Hurricanes getting pushed around a bit without a response, but that hasn't been the case at all this year.


6. Discipline

Having said that, discipline is going to be vital for Game 4. 

The Flyers are obviously an extremely frustrated group and that's starting to spill over into the scrums that have been popping up.

I'm sure Philadelphia won't want to go quietly, but the Canes' best course of action will be to just to play between the whistles and take care of business.

Obviously you can't let them take liberties, but if they want to take dumb penalties, let them. The best response would be to score on the power play and potentially end their season at the same time.


7. A Couple Of Milestones

With his two-point night, Svechnikov became just the second player in franchise history to record 50 playoff points (Sebastian Aho was the first).

The Russian winger has really elevated his game the past few playoffs and he now has 24 goals and 51 points in 73 games.

Jordan Staal's two-point night also moved him into fifth all-time in for playoff points with 41 in 96 games.

According to Hurricanes team reporter Walt Ruff, Jordan and Eric Staal both rank in the franchise's top five for both playoff and regular season points.

The only other pair of brothers to do that with one franchise are Henrik and Daniel Sedin with Vancouver.


8. Andersen Continuing To Stack Wins

In a win where his save percentage actually went down despite allowing just one goal, Frederik Andersen reached a few milestones of his own.

The Danish veteran is now 7-0 to start the playoffs, becoming just the 12th goaltender in NHL history to do that.

That seven-game winning streak also matches a franchise record set by Cam Ward.

In that span, Andersen has a 0.957 save percentage, a 1.02 goals against average and two shutouts.

"To have goaltending like that, it can win you games and you need goaltending like that," Chatfield said. "He's been nothing short of excellent and we know he's gonna keep going like that and we have to play hard in front of him to do our best job."


9. Alexander Nikishin Back In The Lineup

After missing the last two games due to a concussion, the rookie defenseman was back in the lineup for Carolina and it looked the team wanted to ease him back a bit.

Nikishin played just 13:55 in the win and while he didn't start the game with the second power play unit, he did end up there when K'Andre Miller wound up in the box.

It was a fine game for the Russian blueliner, which is pretty good to say about a defenseman as that normally means nothing went wrong with him on the ice, but I do want to compliment his work on the PK.

Coming out of the 5v3 into the 5v4 kill, Nikishin did a tremendous job of killing a play three separate times. At that point in the game, it was still a fairly close contest, so those plays he made ended up mattering a lot.

It was good to see him back in the lineup and hopefully he can start making more of an impact as he readjusts.


10. Job's Not Done

Despite the 3-0 series lead and dominant 7-0 start to the postseason, you won't see too much celebrating in the Hurricanes' locker room.

This is a team with big goals and they know that this series is just a step on the path.

Everyone in the room echoed the same sentiment when asked about the approach to Game 4, that being coming in with the exact same mindset as every other game this postseason.

Carolina's built a winning culture and it starts with nobody being satisfied with anything they've accomplished so far.

"Just the same approach that it's been," said Jordan Martinook. "We've been taking it one game at a time and every game is so different. We just have to be ready for their best and show what we can do in a close out game."


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Joel Embiid returns for Game 3 for 76ers after missing Game 2 against Knicks with ankle, hip issues

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers' lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Friday night after he missed the previous game against the New York Knicks with a sprained right ankle and a sore right hip.

Embiid struggled through a short night in the Knicks’ 137-98 romp in Game 1, scoring 14 points on 3-for-11 shooting before the starters were benched with the game out of reach.

Embiid had been listed as probable to play in that game and the Knicks repeatedly took advantage of his lack of mobility to create open shots.

He had been expected to play Game 2 but was ruled out hours beforehand.

Embiid had an appendectomy late in the regular season. He returned during Game 4 of Philadelphia’s first-round series against Boston and helped the 76ers overcome a 3-1 deficit to eliminate the Celtics.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

NBA Mock Draft has Malachi Moreno ahead of Jayden Quaintance: What about Milan Momcilovic?

Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Jaland Lowe (15) reacts with center Malachi Moreno (24) and forward Jayden Quaintance (21) against the St. John Red Storm in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ready for a curveball?

The latest NBA Mock Draft from Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor not only has Malachi Moreno going in the first round, but even ahead of Jayden Quaintance.

Yes, this projection has Moreno going 24th overall to the New York Knicks, while Quaintance goes 29th to the Cleveland Cavaliers, nearly falling out of the first round altogether.

This would be both a shocking rise for Moreno and a stunning fall for Quaintance, though perhaps an earned one for the latter after he missed most of this past season due to the longest case of knee swelling ever recorded (we think).

I don’t agree with this projection, but if it turns out that this is how NBA executives view Moreno and Quaintance, you’d think there’s actually a chance Moreno stays in the draft and Quaintance returns to college.

The real story here is these recent mock drafts and rankings continue to suggest there’s a very real chance Moreno could hear his name called toward the end of Round 1. Could that be enough to sway him into keeping his name in the draft?

Next week’s NBA Draft Combine in Chicago could go a long way in deciding where Moreno is playing basketball next season.

Elsewhere, Iowa State transfer and Kentucky recruiting target Milan Momcilovic went 46th overall to the Phoenix Suns. While Momcilovic reportedly prefers to stay in the draft, if that’s the kind of projection he’s getting from NBA decision-makers, then it’s hard not to see him returning to college and collecting an NIL paycheck that could cross $5 million.

Saying this, it only takes one team to fall in love with you, and with Momcilovic’s ability to shoot scorched earth from deep, it won’t be a surprise if someone in the first round will take the gamble on him.

Also, there’s likely going to be a host of players ranked ahead of Momcilovic who return to school, including Andrej Stojaković, Matt Able, Billy Richmond, Flory Bidunga, Rueben Chinyelu, Tyler Tanner, and potentially Moreno.

It’s going to be a process, one that I’d now expect to go into deadline day on May 27 for Moreno and Momcilovic (and Quaintance if his stock really is this bad right now).

Finally, new UK graduate Otega Oweh hears his name called at pick No. 59 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the second-to-last pick of the draft. There haven’t been a lot of mock drafts with Oweh being drafted, so this is nice to see for a guy who’s undoubtedly been the MVP of the Mark Pope era thus far in Lexington (and I selfishly hope we get to see him again playing for La Familia one day).

Be sure to check out the full projection here!

Knicks’ OG Anunoby is out for Game 3 against 76ers with a hamstring strain, is listed as day to day

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — OG Anunoby was ruled out for Game 3 on Friday night with a strained right hamstring, but the New York Knicks forward appears to have avoided a serious injury and remained day to day in the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Anunoby was injured late in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, in which he scored 24 points.

The Knicks hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Anunoby was having another strong game Wednesday before appearing to suffer a leg injury and motioning to come out of the game. He went to the locker room area and did not return to the bench before the end of the Knicks’ 108-102 victory.

Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points per game in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.

The 6-foot-7 Anunoby, who is considered the Knicks’ top defender, injured his hamstring two years ago in the second round as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead over Indiana. He missed the next four games and played just a few minutes in Game 7 as the Pacers rallied to win the series.

___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Arizona alum Mike Schmitz named GM of Dallas Mavericks

Arizona-wildcats-basketball-Mike-Schmitz-Dallas-mavericks-gm-general-manager-nba-draft-2026-Brayden-burries
BRISTOL, CT - NOVEMBER 18: NBA Draft Analyst, Mike Schmitz looks at his phone during the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, 2020 in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN Headquarters. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks are turning to an Arizona alum to take over their franchise.

The Mavericks on Friday announced the hiring of Mike Schmitz as general manager ahead of next month’s NBA Draft. Schmitz spent the last four seasons on the Portland Trail Blazers staff after serving as a draft analyst for ESPN.

Schmitz attended the University of Arizona from 2009-12, where he covered UA athletics for the Daily Wildcat. Schmitz’s Arizona basketball beat helped showcase his eye for identifying talent, according to a 2018 profile in the Daily Wildcat.

Schmitz worked for Yahoo Sports and Draft Express before joining ESPN. He worked for the Worldwide Leader for five years, then transitioned to a front office role in Portland. He most recently served as the Trail Blazers’ assistant GM.

“Mike is one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA,” said Dallas president Masai Ujiri. “He brings intelligence, discipline, humility and a relentless work ethic to everything he does.”

Schmitz takes over a Mavericks franchise that a year ago won the NBA Draft Lottery, earning the rights to the No. 1 pick, which they used on Duke standout Cooper Flagg. Dallas went 26-56 this season and holds a 29% chance at receiving a top-four pick in this Sunday’s Draft Lottery.

Dallas is more likely to receive a mid-lottery pick, and some mock drafts have linked the Mavericks to Arizona guard Brayden Burries.

CSR Weekend Warriors: 05/08-05/10

Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to your weekend.

Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the sites ToS, it’s fair game here.

You know the drill.

Where to watch Vegas Golden Knights vs. Anaheim Ducks Game 3 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Friday, May 8

The Vegas Golden Knights and the Anaheim Ducks face off in Game 3 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The teams split the first two games in Las Vegas. Game 3 is in Anaheim. The Golden Knights are slight favorites in Game 3 at 1.5 goals.

  • Date: Friday, May 8

  • Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

  • Where: Honda Center, Anaheim, CA

  • TV Channels: TNT, truT, HBO, Spor

  • Live Stream:ESPN+ | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • Spread: Anaheim Ducks +1.5

  • Moneyline: Anaheim Ducks -108 (49.6%) / Vegas Golden Knights -112 (50.4%)

  • Over/Under: 6.5

Where to watch Montreal Canadiens vs. Buffalo Sabres Game 2 NHL playoffs: Live stream, start time, odds, TV channel for Friday, May 8

The Montreal Canadiens face the Buffalo Sabres in Game 2 of their second-round NHL playoff series. The Sabres won Game 1 4-2. Buffalo is also favored in Game 2 by 1.5 goals.

  • Date: Friday, May 8

  • Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

  • Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY

  • TV Channels: TNT, truT, HBO, Spor

  • Live Stream:ESPN+ | Follow on Yahoo Sports

  • Spread: Buffalo Sabres -1.5

  • Moneyline: Buffalo Sabres -136 (55.2%) / Montreal Canadiens +114 (44.8%)

  • Over/Under: 5.5

Pistons vs Cavaliers Same-Game Parlay for Saturday's NBA Playoffs Game 3

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The Cleveland Cavaliers return home for Game 3, facing a massive hole after dropping the first two games of the series in Detroit. With no NBA team ever coming back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, urgency should be at an all-time high for Cleveland on Friday night.

These Pistons vs. Cavaliers predictions are built around a bounce-back performance from James Harden and a Cavaliers team that has been dominant on its home floor throughout the playoffs.

Our best Pistons vs Cavaliers SGP for Game 3

SGP leg #1: James Harden Over 18.5 points

James Harden has been far more aggressive offensively at home, and Cleveland desperately needs that scoring punch with its season threatening to spiral. Detroit has struggled to contain downhill guards in this series, and Harden’s usage should spike in a must-win environment. Expect Cleveland to lean heavily on its stars early and often.

SGP leg #2: James Harden Over 6.5 assists

James Harden has been far more aggressive offensively at home, and Cleveland desperately needs that scoring punch with its season threatening to spiral. Detroit has struggled to contain downhill guards in this series, and Harden’s usage should spike in a must-win environment. Expect Cleveland to lean heavily on its stars early and often.

SGP leg #3: Cavaliers 4.5

The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in five straight road games, but they're 4-1 ATS across their last five at home. Cleveland will be playing with a major sense of urgency, looking to avoid a 3-0 hole that has never been overcome in playoff history. I expect Harden to be better, and the combination of him and Donovan Mitchell will be too much for Detroit to contain.


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See our full Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 3 preview

Get Zak Hanshew's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Pistons vs Cavaliers predictions for Game 3.

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Spurs vs Timberwolves Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 3

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As the series shifts to Minnesota, the Timberwolves return home looking to respond in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs, with our NBA player prop projections identifying several strong value spots on the board.

By breaking down the data and comparing it to the latest market lines, we’ve uncovered where the strongest betting edges lie for this pivotal matchup.

These Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions are driven by numbers instead of guesswork.

If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, May 8.

Spurs vs Timberwolves computer picks for Game 3

Spurs SpursTimberwolves Timberwolves
Wembanyama o12.5 rebounds
-110
Edwards u23.5 points
-115
Castle o16.5 points
-112
Gobert o10.5 rebounds
-135
Fox o5.5 assists
-105
Reid o1.5 3-pointers 
-150

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Spurs Game 3 computer picks

Victor Wembanyama Over 10.5 rebounds (-110)

Projection: 13.44 rebounds

Death. Taxes. And Victor Wembanyama snatching up rebounds for the San Antonio Spurs like it's going out of style.

This one has become a staple for a reason, and there’s little indication that changes now. Expect Wemby to keep doing Wemby things and stay active on the boards.

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Stephon Castle Over 16.5 points (-112)

Projection: 17.18 points

Stephon Castle has been operating like a well-oiled machine throughout the playoffs, especially against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s shot 50% or better in both Game 1 and Game 2 against Minnesota and has cleared his points prop in each outing.

With that level of consistency, there’s little reason to expect the trend to slow down anytime soon.

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De'Aaron Fox Over 5.5 assists (-105)

Projection: 6.18 assists

De’Aaron Fox has cleared this assists line in five of the Spurs’ last seven playoff games, reinforcing how effective San Antonio is when he’s setting the table and keeping them within striking distance — or outright in control.

Playmaking is built into Fox’s game, and he’s not likely to drift away from what makes him most effective.

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Timberwolves Game 3 computer picks

Anthony Edwards Under 23.5 points (-115)

Projection: 20.95 points

The Timberwolves are taking a cautious approach with Anthony Edwards’ health, making it no surprise that his points prop is leaning toward the Under.

While he’d undoubtedly like to bounce back and help erase the disappointment from Game 2, Minnesota’s priority is keeping his minutes in check to avoid aggravating his knee issue and risking further setback.

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Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 rebounds (-135)

Projection: 11.56 rebounds

Rudy Gobert has been right on the edge of this rebounds line, grabbing 10 boards in both Games 1 and 2 against the Spurs.

With the Timberwolves looking to respond in Game 3, he should have another strong opportunity on the glass—and this time, it feels like he finally breaks through and hits the Over.

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Naz Reid Over 1.5 3-pointers

Projection: 2.04 3-pointers

Naz Reid has been knocking down threes at a hot clip against the Spurs, shooting 67% in Game 1 and 75% in Game 2.

He’s consistently been good for at least one or two triples throughout the playoffs, and with the series shifting back to Minnesota, there’s little reason to expect that trend to slow down now. He'll do enough from beyond the arc to clear the Over in Game 3.

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How to watch Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 3

LocationTarget Center, Minneapolis, MN
DateFriday, May 8, 2026
Tip-off9:30 p.m. ET
TVPrime Video

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Reporting links Phoenix Suns to Harrison Barnes and Dean Wade

SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 27: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings shoots against Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 27, 2021 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With free agency still more than a month away, teams already eliminated from the postseason are putting together their big boards. Targets they’re interested in. Assets they have available. Ways to start piecing together the puzzle that will become the 2026-27 Phoenix Suns roster.

We all have our theories about who the Suns should add, who they could add, and how they can make the money work. At the same time, the front office is building its own board. And according to reports, two names on that list are players still active in the postseason. Two players who bring very similar traits.

Per Clutch Points reporter Brett Siegel, the Suns have been linked to Dean Wade of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Harrison Barnes of the San Antonio Spurs.

Both players are power forwards who can stretch the floor. Neither gives you much interior size, still, both provide a real presence from beyond the arc.

Harrison Barnes will be 34 next season and entering his 13th year in the league. He’s coming off his second season with the San Antonio Spurs and made $19 million last year. San Antonio does hold his Bird rights if they want to bring him back. Given the youth movement happening there, it’s hard to see them spending heavily to retain Barnes at this stage.

Dean Wade is interesting for different reasons. He’s 29 years old with six seasons of NBA experience, all spent with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s finishing up a three-year, $18.5 million contract. Cleveland is operating over the second apron, which means tough business decisions are coming. They also hold Wade’s Bird rights, still, retaining him could become difficult depending on how aggressive they want to be financially.

So the question becomes, what is their value on the open market? And is it something the Phoenix Suns would be willing to pay?

There are other factors involved as well. If the Suns move off either Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale, or both, then Dean Wade becomes a much more intriguing target. You don’t want to overpay for him, still, he could replicate parts of the outgoing skill set while giving you more size in the process.

Harrison Barnes is different for me. On a veteran minimum deal, sure. Beyond that, I’m not interested at this point.

Given the fact that Phoenix will probably operate on the fringes instead of chasing splashy trades, these are the kinds of names you should expect them to be tied to. Moving off Allen or O’Neale is realistic, and doing so could open different ways to improve around the margins. You still have to replace what those players provide.

Wade shot 36.2% from three this season. Barnes shot 38.8%. Both are complementary pieces that can help in spot starts and rotational roles. The question becomes role expectation. They’re unrestricted free agents. Maybe they want more. Maybe they want starting opportunities, similar to what Tyus Jones once sought in Phoenix.

That’s where restraint matters. If starting promises are part of the pitch, the Suns should pass. You already have Rasheer Fleming sitting there. He should be getting starts at power forward next season, not veterans born during the Bush administration.

That’s my two cents. Let us know in the comments how you feel about the Suns being linked to these two players.