GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — OG Anunoby fully practiced with the New York Knicks on Friday for the first time since injuring his hamstring, moving them closer to having their starting lineup intact for the Eastern Conference finals.
The starting forward missed the final two games of the Knicks' second-round sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers after straining his right hamstring late in Game 2. He took part in some of practice when the Knicks returned on Wednesday, but sat out the portions when they went full speed.
But coach Mike Brown said Anunoby did everything with the team on Friday.
The Knicks would host Game 1 of the East finals on Sunday if Cleveland beats Detroit in Game 6 on Friday night. If that series goes the distance, Anunoby wouldn't have to be ready until Tuesday.
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.
SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 20: Mj Collins Jr. #2 of the Utah State Aggies takes a foul shot during the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament game against the Villanova Wildcats at Viejas Arena at San Diego State University on March 20, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We are less than six weeks away from the 2026 NBA Draft, and a pair of former Mountain West players competed in the NBA G-League combine last weekend. Did they help their stock during the 44-player showcase in Chicago, Ill.? Let’s examine!
MJ Collins, G, Utah State:
Skinny: Neither Collins nor Henley were one of the handful of players who were invited to the NBA Draft combine. But Collins was the better of the two in the workouts. The athletic guard had the fourth-highest standing vertical (32.5”), third-highest max vertical (39.5”) and ninth-fastest pro-lane shuttle time (10.64) of the 44 participants.
Additionally, Collins shot the ball fairly well in the workouts. He scored just five points on five made free-throws in the scrimmages (0-3 FG), but Collins netted 24 of his 30 mid-range pull-up jumpers and excelled in the 3-point star drill (the final numbers said he went 26-of-25 … obviously a typo, but I’m not sure in which direction, so I don’t have a final number).
All in all, it was a good combine for Collins, even though his performance in-game didn’t help his stock.
Verdict: Stock Neutral
Projection: Undrafted free agent, two-way
Jaden Henley, G, Grand Canyon:
Skinny: Conversely for Henley, I don’t think he tested particularly well (relative to his peers), but he was as advertised in game.
Henley was a wrecking ball. He led Team 4 with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 20 minutes, totaling eight rebounds, one assist and one steal. He missed his lone two 3-point attempts while knocking down all five of his free-throws.
Conversely, his poor shooting from 3-point range carried over into the workouts, where I wanted to see some improvement. He only made nine threes in the star drill, tied for the third-fewest; only Liberty’s Zach Cleveland, George Washington’s Rafael Castro (who impressed) and North Dakota State’s March Strickland finished with fewer. He shot 11-for-25 on the spot-up shooting drill (one fewer than Collins) and 17-for-30 on the pull-up shooting.
Henley, a hyper-athletic slasher, shot just 30.7 percent from beyond the arc (2.5 3PA) across four collegiate seasons, including 26.8 percent in his lone season at Grand Canyon. He has an intriguing skillset, but one that desperately needs an efficient shot. I think he helped his stock, but that weakness will still exist until it doesn’t.
After years of seemingly constant rumors, in part fueled by mixed signals from Giannis Antetokounmpo himself — not to mention teams hoarding picks and players just for this moment — an Antetokounmpo trade feels more certain than ever.
Milwaukee is reportedly “open for business” and appears more serious about it than ever — and there is a deadline. Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslem said he wanted to see a decision made (either Antetokounmpo agrees to sign an extension in Milwaukee or they trade him) and any trade completed before the June 23 draft, less than six weeks away. The Bucks reportedly continue to seek a blue-chip young player and a boatload of draft picks in any deal.
Which teams are calling Milwaukee? Where might Antetokounmpo play next season? Here are nine teams to watch (and a few to rule out).
Remember: Antetokounmpo has a lot of leverage in where he lands. He only has one year guaranteed left on his contract (the second year is a player option), and he can tell a team he will not sign an extension with them, making the price to get him unreasonable. Antetokounmpo can almost control this process, and his representatives will work with the Bucks on any deal that gets done.
Miami Heat
Pat Riley wants to go big game hunting (Pat Riley always wants to go big game hunting), and after a play-in exit this April, he will be willing to push all his chips into the middle of the table. The Heat went after Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline and can do so again with an offer centered around Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, three first-round picks including the 13th pick in this draft (Miami has to make the pick then trade the player after the draft), plus 2031 and 2033, and they can throw in the swap rights from up to four years between now and 2033.
Antetokounmpo wants to stay in the East with a contender, and while there would be a lot of roster work to do, he and Bam Adebayo are a very good foundation. Plus, Miami has the draws of no state tax, plus plenty of sunshine and mojitos nearby. If Antetokounmpo pushes for Miami, this would happen.
Boston Celtics
At his end-of-season press conference, Brad Stevens — the man in charge of basketball operations in Boston — talked about the need for this team to put more pressure on the rim. Specifically, the Celtics need players who can drive the lane (and an upgrade at the five).
Nobody puts pressure on the rim like Antetokounmpo. After the Celtics' first-round exit, Boston is suddenly the team on everybody's lips. It can put together an offer around Jaylen Brown and up to four first-round picks — but is that the direction the Celtics want to go? Trade away the player they drafted and developed in Brown to get a mercenary who is older and has been injured often in recent seasons?
Antetokounmpo has expressed admiration for coach Joe Mazzulla and might well be interested, but how aggressive will the Celtics really be in this chase? If Antetokounmpo pushes for it, this could happen.
Orlando Magic
After another early, disappointing exit from the playoffs — including a Game 6 collapse where the Magic missed 23 shots in a row at one point — there are a lot of people around the league who see Orlando potentially going all in on an Antetokounmpo trade. The Magic at least explored the idea of trading for the Greek Freak at the deadline.
Orlando likely would construct a deal around Paolo Banchero and a handful of first-round picks. This trade would dramatically shorten the runway in Orlando because they get much older — Banchero is 23, Antetokounmpo turns 32 next season — but, if everyone is healthy, it gets them closer to the teams at the top of the East next season and for a few years. Antetokounmpo gets to go to a contender in a warm-weather state. If the Magic are convinced the Banchero and Franz Wagner era isn't going to work out and the duo needs to be broken up, this is a path they can choose.
Cleveland Cavaliers
If Cleveland makes it to the Eastern Conference Finals, does it change things for the Cavaliers? Probably not. This is the most expensive team in the NBA this season, and it should be Finals-or-bust. If they are unable to get past the Pistons (Cleveland leads that series 3-2 as of this writing) or the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals, changes will be coming. Remember, Donovan Mitchell can be a free agent in the summer of 2027, and he will put pressure on the organization to go all in to get the players who can get him to the Finals.
Cleveland and Milwaukee discussed a trade package centered on Evan Mobley at the deadline, but the sticking point was how much draft capital would go back to the Bucks. If Antetokounmpo decides he wants to stay in the Midwest and go to Cleveland, and he pushes for it, this could be a deal that becomes real.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Minnesota was one of the teams that talked with Milwaukee at the trade deadline, and Antetokounmpo reportedly — and understandably — had interest in pairing with Anthony Edwards.
But there are a lot of hurdles to this trade. It's just hard to construct. The Bucks will want Jaden McDaniels, and he has shown incredible growth and become a foundational piece for the Timberwolves in the last year (and he has had a standout playoffs). Also, Minnesota is short on draft picks to trade, so it would need a third team involved.
Another massive hurdle (for Minnesota and a few more teams on this list): Does Antetokounmpo want to go to the Western Conference, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, and Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets all stand in the way the next few years? The sense is Antetokounmpo wants to stay in the East, league sources have told NBC Sports.
Houston Rockets
Houston has the quality young players and draft picks needed to entice Milwaukee in a trade, and after an early exit from the playoffs despite signing Kevin Durant last summer, might the Rockets go all-in again? Don't bet on it. GM Rafael Stone didn't sound like a guy thinking big moves at his end-of-season press conference.
"We'll look at everything over the offseason, and all potential deals," Stone said. "But we think the players in our locker room can win a lot of games and be very competitive. We have players coming back from injury that will help us. And if we bring back the same group, I think continuity will help us."
Golden State Warriors
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry together and chasing a ring (let's throw LeBron James in that mix, too). It would be entertaining.
It's also unlikely. Golden State pushed hard for a deal at the trade deadline because it knew heading into this summer there would be better offers on the table than its four first-round picks. The matching salary would likely have to be Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green, and an injured Butler (ACL) or Green — neither of whom would want to be there — is not appealing to the Bucks. Plus, again, the Warriors are in the West, and if Antetokounmpo wants to compete for a title, well, he and Curry are at best in the second tier in that conference.
New York Knicks
Never say never, but this team is on the verge of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since people feared the Y2K bug — do they want or need to break that roster up for Antetokounmpo?
That said, New York is the one team we know Antetokounmpo told Bucks general manager Jon Horst to talk to. The challenge is putting together a trade both sides like. The money works if it's Karl-Anthony Towns for Antetokounmpo, but KAT is a poor fit for a rebuilding Knicks team. A deal also can work with OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart, but do the Knicks want to break up the guys who embody the team's identity? Even if Milwaukee is interested in those players, it also will want picks, and the Knicks don't have many to trade, so now a third team is in the mix, and it gets complicated.
Never say never, but this is a long shot.
Milwaukee Bucks
While it seems like a parting of the ways is going to happen, we've all seen this movie before. Antetokounmpo has threatened to leave in the past, used that as leverage to get the Bucks to make a bold (if not always wise) trade, and then signed to stay with the only city and team he has known.
This time it feels different. Antetokounmpo was frustrated last season — especially for the final games when he was not cleared to return and play with his brothers. Antetokounmpo and the Bucks talked, and their general manager, Jon Horst, explored trade offers at the deadline. Around the league, the expectation is that a trade is happening this time.
But would anybody be shocked if it doesn't?
Brooklyn Nets
No doubt the Brooklyn Nets are star hunting after being let down in the NBA Draft Lottery in consecutive years, but this team probably should be in the group below. The Nets have plenty of picks to offer in a trade, but not the blue-chip young talent. Also, Antetokounmpo wants to compete for a title, and even with him healthy and at his peak, the rest of this roster is worse than Milwaukee's. It's hard to see this happening.
That’s not happening group
• Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers are building around Luka Doncic, and he and Antetokounmpo — two ball-dominant players who are not elite off-ball — would not mesh well. The Lakers' only blue-chip young player is Austin Reaves, and he'd have to agree to a sign-and-trade for this to work, and the Lakers would rather keep him. Plus, Antetokounmpo has said in the past he doesn't love Los Angeles as a city, and he'd be moving to the stacked West. Just hard to see this happening.
• Portland Trail Blazers. New owner Tom Dundon wants to make a statement about how he is there to compete and wants his front office to go after Antetokounmpo. It all feels a bit performative. The Trail Blazers do have two former teammates Antetokounmpo loves in Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard, plus they have quality young players and some picks. But does anyone see Antetokounmpo agreeing to sign an extension in Portland? He's not going West to be on this team.
• Atlanta Hawks. All the buzz in league circles is that Atlanta is not throwing its hat in the ring, it wants to build something more organically around Jalen Johnson. They want to keep the No. 8 pick in this draft. While the Hawks could use a No. 1 option, this is not the guy they are going to chase.
• Toronto Raptors. Some people see this as possible because the Raptors are in the East, have plenty of picks and can add Collin Murray-Boyles after a strong playoff showing. However, it seems to me that Antetokounmpo would see Toronto as another version of Milwaukee — a good team with him, but not a contender. I just do not see this happening.
The saga surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks got another curveball this week when one of his teammates aired out some behind-the-scenes details about this past season that weren't flattering for former Bucks coach Doc Rivers or the franchise's Greek superstar.
Myles Turner revealed on an episode of his "Game Recognize Game" podcast with WNBA star Breanna Stewart that Rivers had a policy in which he didn't fine any players and "guys were late all the time. Guys were showing up to film whenever they want. Guys were missing meetings. It was one of the craziest things I've personally experienced."
"We literally, if the plane took off 2 o'clock, we weren't leaving until 4:30," Turner continued in comments that were published on Thursday, May 14. "I'm being so serious, bro. It was crazy, dog. Guys were hours late to the plane. It got to the point where I just knew not to show up until like an hour after they said the plane was going to take off. It was crazy."
Stewart asked Turner to name to worst culprit for being late. Turner responded without hesitation: "Giannis."
"Giannis is going to show up whenever he wants, really, you know? I think that kind of just came with the territory of that," Turner added, "and once I kind of saw what was going down, I was like ... more power to you. They ain't going to fine you. Do what you do, except when we're going to Dallas (near his hometown of Bedford, Texas)"
Turner just completed his first season with the Bucks after signing a 4-year, $108-million contract last year to potentially help Milwaukee remain an Eastern Conference contender alongside Antetokoumpo. But the Bucks struggled most of the regular season, with Antetokounmpo in and out of the lineup due to injuries while dealing with steady trade speculation.
Antetokounmpo has one year left on his contract, with a player option for the 2027-28 season. Bucks ownership stated it plans to either sign Antetokounmpo to a new max contract extension or trade him and hopes to have a resolution on his future with the franchise before the NBA Draft. The team's front office is already listening to potential deals, according to reports.
— Game Recognize Game (@gamerecgamepod) May 14, 2026
Turner said he had never been on an NBA team before in which the players weren't fined, and expressed surprise at the lack of structure and disciplinary protocols under Rivers.
"Any other team I've been on, guys got fined. And there was a sense of order and a sense of understanding," Turner said. "So yeah, you're late to the plane? Fine. You're late to treatment? Fine. You're late to film? Fine. But I personally did not experience that last year for the first time in my career. So we'll see what Taylor Jenkins does."
Just like in the 1st round against the Orlando Magic, the Pistons have reached the point of win or go home as they face elimination against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland. If there is one positive for the Pistons it is that they only have to win two games in a row to steal the series rather than the three they had to against Orlando.
Wednesday’s loss to Cleveland came with a bit of controversy as what many thought was a missed foul on Ausar Thompson at the end of the game kept the game tied before the Pistons lost in Overtime. The Last Two Minute Report by the NBA has since disproven the controversy by confirming the correct call was made, but it has still led to a ton of discourse.
The bottom line about Game 5 is that the Pistons put themselves in a position to win multiple times during the game and couldn’t seal the deal. You can complain about the foul and free throw discrepancy, and those are valid things, but the Pistons blew a 15-point lead in the 1st half and also a 9-point lead with two minutes left.
Now, they have to go to Cleveland with their season on the line where the Cavaliers have not lost a game during the postseason so far.
Vitals
Where: Rocket Arena in Cleveland, OH When: Friday, May 15 at 7 pm EST Watch: Prime Video Odds: Cavaliers (-3.5)
Analysis
The big takeaway from the last three games amongst Pistons fans is the foul discrepancy and how many more free throws the Cleveland Cavaliers have taken. In Cleveland’s three straight wins, they have shot a total of 100 free throws while the Pistons have only shot 52. I don’t think I really need to say much more about it here that hasn’t already been talked about to death online.
The biggest reason why the Cavaliers have taken control of the series is because their stars have stepped up while the Pistons have gotten very minimal contributions out of anybody but Cade Cunningham and Tobias Harris. It reached a breaking point in Game 5 as Jalen Duren was benched for the whole 4th quarter and overtime in favor of Paul Reed, who is one of the few bright spots outside of Cunningham and Harris.
In Games 1 and 2, the Pistons were able to successfully hold James Harden in check to the point where despite 23 and 31 point games by Donovan Mitchell, they were still able to come out on top. Since those first two games, Donovan Mitchell has kicked it up to another level and James Harden has gotten things rolling. It has scrambled the Pistons defense as they have to sell out more to stop both player’s dribble penetration and it has allowed the Cavaliers to get players like Evan Mobley, Max Strus, and Jarrett Allen rolling with easy looks.
You can say it is due to an uneven whistle, but the bottom line is that unless the Pistons make adjustments to how they are defending Donovan Mitchell and James Harden, this series will be ending tonight.
The Pistons have done a bad job defending the three point line as the Cavaliers have gotten quite a few open threes after long possessions because the Pistons lose focus or rotate off somebody too much. The Cavs are too good of a shooting team to consistently allow that to happen.
The Cavaliers have successfully matched the Pistons physicality on defense and are able to bring doubles on Cade to force other players to beat them. That did not happen on Wednesday down the stretch. All the Pistons had to do was make one of the wide-open shots that Cade generated off of a pass out of a double and the controversial call doesn’t matter and we are discussing the Pistons closing out a series tonight.
You can blame the refs all you want, but the bottom line is despite the foul and free throw discrepancy, the Pistons have held leads in 2 of the last 3 games in the 4th quarter and could not seal the deal in either one. Young teams have to learn how to win in the playoffs and the Pistons were able to get the job done against the Orlando Magic, but the Cavaliers are an older, more experienced team with a ton of players that have played a lot of playoff games.
They know how to game the system whether you like it or not. And those plays around the margins can make all the difference in winning or losing a playoff series.
The Pistons are not dead in the water. But, if they want any hope at winning this game and returning home for Game 7, their execution down the stretch has to be much better. The amount of free throws each team have shot won’t matter if you execute your offense and do a better job at defending and creating turnovers. The Cavaliers are prone to doing it as they proved in Games 1 and 2.
JB Bickerstaff and the players can discuss the uneven whistle all that they want, but it is clear at this point that the team that led the league in fouls during the regular season is going to foul a lot. The Cavs know it and have put together a gameplan that focuses on it. Now, the Pistons have to put together a gameplan of their own to counteract it.
Lineups
Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2): James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Dean Wade, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 25: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defends Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks during the game on December 25, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The National Basketball Association might have leaked the script for the upcoming conference finals, hasn’t it?
On Thursday evening, the NBA released all possible scenarios for the Eastern and Western Conference Finals, both of which have one team already locked into the matchups—OKC Thunder in the West, New York Knicks in the East—but their opponent still to be determined.
If Cleveland wins Game 6 Friday, Game 1 of the ECF between Knicks and. Cavs will be played: 3:30 pm EST on Sunday at MSG https://t.co/9vKQaa9PK1
Interestingly enough, the NBA announced the tip-off time for a potential Knicks-Cavaliers ECF, assuming Cleveland beats Detroit in Game 6 later today, setting Game 1 for 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.
The potential Pistons-Knicks tip-off time in case Detroit beats all odds and advances in seven games? Not even in consideration for the NBA!
Make of that whatever you want, but hey, I wouldn’t complain having the Pistons and the whole ridiculous Deeeeee-trooit baaas-keeet-baall chant the hell out of the picture.
The Cavs won Game 5 on Wednesday, bringing their semifinals matchup to a 3-2 balance with Detroit facing back-to-back win-or-go-home games going forward, starting today… in The Land. None of those teams had won away from home before the Cavs beat the Pistons on the road, taking a series lead for good and making it hellaciously tough for a postseason-underperforming Detroit squad to pull off the miracle and advance.
Tip-off today is at 7 p.m. ET. If you still have popcorn left, grab a whole bunch and enjoy this war while the Knickerbockers get back to practice in their Tarrytown facilities, patiently waiting for their next victim.
On top of that, it’s been announced that Knicks’ all-time great broadcaster Mike Breen will be on the call for all of New York’s ECF games, with ESPN holding the broadcasting rights for the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals.
All jokes, but good times all around, ain’t em?
🚨Knicks ECF SCHEDULE:
1️⃣ -Sun May 17 (if Det-Cle goes 6) -Tue May 19 (if Det-Cle goes 7) 2️⃣: -Tue May 19 (if Det-Cle goes 6) -Thu May 21 (if Det-Cle goes 7) 3️⃣Sat May 23 4️⃣Mon May 25 5️⃣Wed May 27 (if nec) 6️⃣Fri May 29 (if nec) 7️⃣Sun May 31 (if nec)
Cleveland has now won three-straight in the series and are at home for Game 6 up 3-2 with a chance to send Detroit packing. The Cavaliers' Game 5 win in Detroit was Cleveland's first road win of the playoffs.
Cleveland is 6-0 at home in the playoffs, but the Cavaliers are 1-1 in series clinching games this postseason after losing to Toronto in Game 6 and winning Game 7. Over the last three games versus Detroit, the Cavaliers average 115.0 points per game, shot 48.7% from the field, and 36% from three. James Harden scored a playoff-high and team-high 30 points with 14 free throws, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Detroit has its backs against the wall yet again. After falling behind 3-1 to Orlando in the first round, Detroit rattled off three straight wins to claim the series, so the Pistons are familiar with this spot. Cade Cunningham scored a personal series-high 39 points in Game 5, which was needed since Detroit was without Duncan Robinson and received minimal help from its role players. The Pistons have three players on the injury report ahead of Game 6 compared to zero for the Cavaliers.
Let’s take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to Watch Live: Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM EST
Site: Rocket Arena
City: Cleveland, OH
Network/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game Odds: Cavaliers vs. Pistons
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Detroit Pistons (+145), Cleveland Cavaliers (-175)
Spread: Cavaliers -3.5
Total: 209.5 points
This game opened Cavaliers -3.5 with the Total set at 210.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups: Cavaliers vs. Pistons
Cleveland Cavaliers
PG James Harden
SG Donovan Mitchell
SF Dean Wade
PF Evan Mobley
C Jarrett Allen
Detroit Pistons
PG Cade Cunningham
SG Duncan Robinson (questionable)
SF Ausar Thompson
PF Tobias Harris
C Jalen Duren
Injury Report: Pistons vs. Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
None
Detroit Pistons
Kevin Huerter (hip) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for Game 6. Huerter played 3 minutes in Game 5 and had one assist.
Duncan Robinson (back) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for Game 6. Robinson missed Game 5.
Caris LeVert (heel) is listed as QUESTIONABLE for Game 6. LeVert played 24 minutes and scored 7 points in Game 5.
Important stats, trends and insights: Pistons vs. Magic
Detroit is 49-45 ATS
Detroit is 23-23 ATS on the road and 9-3 ATS as a road underdog, ranking third-best
Detroit is 49-44-1 to the Under and 24-21-1 to the Under as the road team
Detroit is 6-5-1 to the Over as a road underdog
Cleveland has the second worst ATS record at 39-55
Cleveland is 21-26 ATS at home, ranking fifth-worst
Cleveland is 25-22 to the Under at home and 23-21 to the Under as a home favorite
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for Friday’s Cavaliers and Pistons’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers’ Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Cavaliers -3.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total UNDER 209.5
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Mikel Brown Jr. looks on during the game during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 12, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Tamez/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I had the incredible experience of being Brew Hoop’s eyes and ears at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago this past week. As much as I didn’t want to leave, I’m home now, but I left with plenty of thoughts on prospects the Bucks may be targeting with their 10th overall pick. There was a lot to take in at the Combine, and a laundry list of names have been linked to Milwaukee, so to make things easy, we’ll start with the guys Eric Nehm reported have met with the Bucks so far. Here are some notes on all of them:
Darius Acuff Jr.
Most of the concerns surrounding Acuff have involved his (lack of) size. It’s no secret that small guards are an endangered species right now. But Acuff measured better than some may have expected, slotting in at 6’2” barefoot with a 186-pound frame and a 6’7” wingspan. He plays smaller than his size to some degree, but those are still encouraging numbers. Ultimately, though, it feels pretty unlikely that the Arkansas stud will fall past Brooklyn and Sacramento, so scouting him is just due diligence for Milwaukee.
Nate Ament
Ament has all of the parts needed to build a good player, but he doesn’t come with an instruction booklet. The Tennessee forward came out for his athletic testing at the same time as some big guys, including Cam Boozer, Hannes Steinbach, Aday Mara, and Caleb Wilson, and he looked right at home beside them with his 6’9.5” barefoot height and 6’11.5” wingspan. He needs to fill out with more muscle, but he has a real NBA build. He fared pretty well in shooting drills, but the form will definitely need several tweaks if he’s going to be a real deep threat.
Mikel Brown Jr.
Brown killed it at the Combine. His measurements were great; at 6’3.5” barefoot with a 6.7.5” wingspan, he has real combo guard size, which is important if he’s going to be playing alongside Ryan Rollins. Brown also shot the leather off the ball in drills. His jumper is as effortless and clean as anyone’s in the class. It’s tough to imagine him falling to 10 unless teams get really scared about his noted back injury worries.
Brayden Burries
Burries was another standout performer at the Combine, even if he didn’t make quite as much noise as Brown or the guy we’ll touch on next. He tested well athletically, posting a 38.5-inch maximum vertical and some quick pro lane drill and 3/4 court sprint times while also measuring in at nearly 6’4” barefoot and 215 pounds. Burries also scorched nets in the shooting drills. He’s another guy who could fit next to Rollins in the backcourt pretty seamlessly.
Cameron Carr
No player helped their stock more at the Combine than Cam Carr. His athletic stuff was impressive, and then he came out and dominated the second scrimmage on Wednesday, going for a LOUD 30 points in 27 minutes. He’s one of the best true three-and-D wings in the draft, and he proved himself to be worthy of consideration at 10 for the Bucks if Giannis sticks around, as long as Yaxel Lendeborg isn’t still on the board.
Chris Cenac Jr.
Unless the Bucks know something we don’t, Cenac would be a reach at 10. He’s pretty raw and doesn’t have a defined role, but he does have some intriguing tools, which he showed off in Chicago. The Houston product is 6’10” with a 7’5” wingspan and a 37-inch max vert, and his jumper is a lot smoother than what most guys his size are working with.
In media availability, I asked Cenac how he thinks he’d be able to match up with centers early in his NBA career. He said “it’ll definitely be a challenge, but you know I’m never running from the fire, I’m definitely ready to jump in the fire and see what it’s like and go out there and compete.” He’ll probably be more of a power forward as a rookie, but if he can find some more consistency from deep, that would open up some enticing double big possibilities with him alongside Myles Turner or Giannis. Again, though, he’s not likely to hear his name called 10th overall.
Aday Mara
Not that it was a total shock, but Mara wowed the draft world when he got marked at 7’3” barefoot with an almost 10-foot standing reach. He shot the ball surprisingly well for a guy of his giant stature, specifically during the movement shooting drills, which is honestly pretty scary. However, his form isn’t NBA-ready: it’s slow, and he struggles to put enough arc on the ball. His stretch potential is something to keep an eye on if he’s going to be paired with the Greek Freak.
Labaron Philon
Philon didn’t do much to stand out in either direction at the Combine, which could be good or bad, depending on how you look at it. He’s firmly in the running for the 10th pick right now, given he’s a tier behind the Acuffs and Browns of the world on most boards. So, I asked him if he views himself as a true combo guard at the next level and what his favorite way to play offensively is because, again, he could be sharing the floor with Ryan Rollins. His answer: “I don’t really have a preference, I like playing on the ball, off the ball. I think I can do both at a great high rate, so being able to find a mix between playmaking and scoring, really.”
Keaton Wagler
Wagler’s measurements were a tad concerning, with a meh 36-inch max vert and a wingspan that only exceeds his height by an inch. On top of that, he shot surprisingly poorly during drills. This is a case where the larger sample size has to be trusted over the Combine results, although that should always be done anyway. Meeting with the Illinois star is mainly due diligence too, though, with steam picking up quickly for him to land with the Clippers at 5.
Tyler Tanner
Tanner broke the news during media availability that he met with the Bucks on Wednesday. Milwaukee’s interest here is interesting, because the Vanderbilt guard is only ranked in the top-10 by Twitter’s spreadsheet scouting battalion. He unfortunately tanked his stock this week, measuring in at 5’11” barefoot and failing to make an impact in scrimmages (although his decision to play in them as a projected first-round pick was commendable). Tanner will probably return to school, so maybe Jon Horst is doing his 2027 homework early.
Here are some brief notes on some other players worth talking about despite not officially being connected to the Bucks:
Yaxel Lendeborg: Tested not-so-well athletically, but no reason for worry here because he’s a proven awesome functional athlete. Shot it well in the spot-up drill specifically. Met with and worked out for Milwaukee last year, per Nehm.
Hannes Steinbach: Posted measurements of 6’10” barefoot with a 7’2” wingspan and weighed in at 248 pounds. He’s a big fella. The Bucks visited him at workouts recently, again according to Nehm.
Karim Lopez: Didn’t look good in the athletic testing, and his jumper is all over the place. He’s even rawer than Nate Ament.
Dailyn Swain: It was a rough week for the Texas wing. His shot looked clunky during drills, and he had a pretty quiet scrimmage on Wednesday. He opted to sit out of Thursday’s game, but many thought he should have played again.
Morez Johnson Jr.: Had a fantastic showing in every sense. The only blip for him was the spot-up shooting drill. The Michigan forward feels like a lottery party crasher that Milwaukee needs to have on their radar.
Jayden Quaintance: Didn’t do athletic testing. The jumper is gross (which is fine). When I asked him how he thinks he can fit alongside another big at the next level, he said “I feel like my versatility and the way that I move, I feel like it’s different than a lot of bigs, so I feel like we’ll be able to kinda occupy the same space and I’ll be able to do different things to play different roles, especially defensively, and offensively, spacing-wise as well with my quickness and the speed that I have.”
Ebuka Okorie: The Stanford guard’s measurements were better than those of some of his peers (6’1” barefoot, but a nearly 6’8” wingspan and a 37.5-inch max vert). Shot it really well. A potential late riser—he’s not at all significantly worse than other guards projected in the range of the 10th pick.
Stay tuned for more in-depth analysis of these prospects from Brew Hoop, both in written and podcast form!
In three short seasons, Victor Wembanyama has the San Antonio Spurs knocking on the door of the Western Conference finals and making a case for the best player in the NBA.
Wembanyama leads San Antonio against the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight, and our Spurs vs. Timberwolves predictions combine player props to identify the best bet for the 7-foot Frenchman.
Here are my NBA picks and Wembanyama predictions for Game 6 on May 15.
Victor Wembanyama prop pick
Victor Wembanyama best bet: Under 3.5 blocks (+105 at bet365)
Minnesota has the lowest effective field goal rate among all teams in Round 2 (47.1 EFG%) and has been plagued by poor starts, either mindlessly attacking the paint with Victor Wembanyama patrolling the paint or settling for tough outside shots.
To combat those slow starts, T-Wolves head coach Chris Finch told reporters that his offense needs to be patient and take its time, moving the ball to improve its chances in Game 6.
To find that space, Minnesota could go with a smaller rotation to stretch the Spurs’ interior defense.
We saw a bit of this in Game 5. Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert received his fewest minutes of the postseason, as Finch utilized stretch forwards Julius Randle, Naz Reid, and Jalen McDaniels at the No. 5 spot in order to draw Wembamyama away from the rim.
Wemby finished with only three blocks across 33 minutes in Game 5, and a more calculated attack from Minnesota – one that draws the 7-footer to the outside – would keep his shot swatting to a minimum.
Projections for Wembanyama range from 2.5 to 3.5 blocks in Game 6, with most models below 3 rejections.
The Spurs just have too much depth for the T-Wolves to keep track of. On top of Wembanyama’s output, San Antonio is getting excellent scoring from all five starters and deep down the bench.
While Wemby won’t send four or more shots back, he’s not shy about letting it fly from deep. He’s knocked down two or more triples in three of his last four games with that lone down spot in Game 4, when he was ejected after 12 minutes.
Projections call for two triples tonight.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Bet Now supimg src="https://images.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.png?width=75&height=undefined" alt="bet365" width="125" height="36"/sup
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 24: Bob Myers looks on during game three of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 108-100. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the Sixers decided to part ways with former president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, there was plenty of debate amongst the fanbase as to whether a new front office group would really change all that much. When plenty of blame falls at the feet of ownership, it’s easy for the wires to get crossed of which specific places blame should go.
Now that Bob Myers, the president of sports for Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, has made his first public appearance for the Sixers alongside governor Josh Harris, their quotes offered a little more insight into what problems will leave with Morey, and which ones might be potentially here to stay.
One of the biggest topics that came up in the press conference at the team’s practice facility Thursday, one that Harris wanted to get out in front of and address, was the luxury tax. The topic of “ducking” the luxury tax has become a hot one in Philly, with the Sixers not having paid it for their roster since 2022.
The vitriol really kicked into gear after the front office not only ignored Joel Embiid’s pleas to not duck the tax, but traded away Jared McCain for no rostered players in return. Harris was happy to field a question about this, wanting a chance to give his thoughts publicly.
“The front office absolutely has the green light to go into the luxury tax — in fact we’ve been in and out of the luxury tax,” Harris said. “It’s just not an issue.”
He went on to describe the money they’ve put into the team like a new practice facility, arena and the several max contracts they’ve shelled out since he bought the team. Myers went a step further, saying that if Harris shot down a proposed transaction because it would put them over the tax, he wouldn’t want to work for Harris.
No one should expect the Sixers to shoot up into the second apron next year, but Harris has backed up those words in the past. On top of the new facilities, he has given out max or near-max money to Embiid, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George. The Sixers did pay the luxury tax in 2021 and 2022, two years of Embiid’s MVP contention.
There of course have been some penny-pinching as well, most notably ducking the tax in the 2023 season, the best year in terms of regular season wins since Harris took over the team. There was also attaching multiple second-round picks to salary-dump KJ Martin at last year’s deadline.
What this ownership has shown over their time in charge is that they will spend the money for a team they believe to be true title contenders. Injuries likely played a major part, but it doesn’t seem like Morey was able to sell them on an idea that would do so.
The public defense of Morey for the McCain trade was that ownership forced his hand to get over the tax. It’s worth repeating again that those were not mutually exclusive ideas. Thanks to the Paul George suspension, the salary dump of Eric Gordon alone would have gotten them under the tax. Not paying the luxury tax for 2025-26 might have been a mandate from Harris, but trading McCain was Morey’s call — with ownership’s approval.
Speaking of those big contracts handed out, a criticism often given to both Morey and Harris was their proclivity to big game fishing. For Morey, this was more centered around his roster construction, as one built around Embiid, George and Maxey would indicate.
Whether the Sixers still believe in that model is for a new hire to decide.
“Well, we didn’t get it done this year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done,” Myers said about the Big 3 model. “Depth may be more important than it’s ever been… Not to say this model doesn’t work, but we have to look at this year and be honest about it.”
The big fish criticism has applied to Harris on more of a macro-sense. The label on him is that he will get the most well-known name available rather than leading a search to find the next new thing. Myers represents those concerns in a lot of ways for Sixers fans.
As the president of basketball operations in Golden State, he helped acquire Kevin Durant and saw the team win four titles in his time. He also missed on big draft picks that failed to bring the Warriors “two timelines” plan to fruition.
That concern over Harris’ thought process still looks valid. Several times during their press conference, Harris said something along the lines of, “that’s why you bring in the guy who’s won four championships.”
Myers’ shaky draft record was a big reason even Morey’s biggest detractors were nervous about moving on from him. If there’s any hope on that front, it’s that the Sixers’ scouting department hasn’t seen any changeover just yet.
There were several mentions made to the scouting staff currently being in Chicago for the draft combine, including general manager Elton Brand. Myers says he hopes to hire a new president before the draft in late June. Even if he’s able to do so, there is not a lot of time left to put together a strategy for this year.
It might just be a matter of timing and logistics, but the Sixers may have a lot of the same scouting infrastructure that they had under Morey. If that’s the case, that’s a reason to feel optimistic about the Sixers’ pick at No. 22 this year.
One mistake this group needs to steer clear of is not making the power structure clear. Brand’s first two seasons as general manager were notorious for being a collaborative front office without one clear vision for the team. That regime also changed after two bad contracts were handed out and they were swept out of the playoffs in 2020.
How exactly everything unfolds is still unclear after this press conference. Myers said he won’t be involved in day-to-day operations of this team, but will have a voice in big decisions. With the Sixers also retaining Brand for the moment and head coach Nick Nurse, there will already be a lot of high-paid chefs in the kitchen this new president of basketball operations will be running.
He’s been playing through a painful knee injury suffered in the first round yet is still pacing the T-Wolves offense. Edwards will be the healthiest he’s been in a long time and carries that weight again with Minnesota facing elimination at home.
Edwards is coming off his quietest day beyond the arc in Game 5, making just one of his three 3-point attempts. The shooting guard had knocked down three triples in each of the past two games and is shooting much better from distance at home during the postseason (36% vs. 28.6% away).
The San Antonio Spurs’ interior defense is pushing the Timberwolves to the perimeter and game script has Minnesota playing from behind, prompting plenty of 3-point attempts.
Edwards’ projections all sit north of three treys with some models as high as four makes from downtown.
Game 6 Prop #2: Julius Randle Over 10.5 rebounds + assists
+110 at bet365
Julius Randle has come under a lot of fire in this series.
He’s been ice cold shooting the ball, firing at 36.6% from the floor in the past five games. But he’s found other ways to contribute, with 18 rebounds and four assists in the last two outings.
The T-Wolves could roll out a smaller rotation with Randle at center in hopes of drawing Victor Wembanyama away from the rim. That will open up space and make Randle a conduit for cutters.
He’s been actively passing in the series with 28 potential assists but his teammates haven’t converted those dimes into buckets, with just eight total assists from Randle the past five games.
He’s getting after it on the glass as well, transforming 71 rebounding chances into 39 boards. If Randle draws more defensive assignments on Wemby, he’ll be stationed closer to the rim and in prime rebounding space.
Projections for Randle have a ceiling of five assists and seven rebounds, which gets up Over his combo prop of 10.5 rebounds + assists — a bar he’s topped the past two games.
Game 6 Prop #3: Stephon Castle Over 5.5 rebounds
+120 at bet365
There haven’t been too many rebounds to go around with Wembanyama cleaning the glass like a Costco-size jug of Windex. That could change in Game 6.
The Timberwolves flirted with a smaller lineup in Game 5 in an attempt to stretch the Spurs’ interior and drag Wemby away from the rim. With the 7-footer having to check Randle, Jalen McDaniels, or Naz Reid on the perimeter, Stephon Castle could see extra opportunities on the boards.
So far in the series, the Spurs' 6-foot-6 guard has been in position for 44 rebounding chances and converted those into 23 rebounds — 4.6 per game. He’s deferred seven of those rebounding chances, meaning he let Wembanyama swoop in and snatch up the miss.
His game models range from 5.1 to 6.15 rebounds tonight with the bulk of those models leaning to six boards.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
James Harden might be past his prime, but the 36-year-old still has some game.
Harden put up a postseason-high 30 points in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Game 5 win, while chucking up a team-leading 21 field goal attempts and getting to the charity stripe 14 times.
Harden has scored Over 19.5 points in two straight games, and three of five contests against the Detroit Pistons.
He’ll be relied on heavily again in Game 6 as the Pistons continue to clamp down on Donovan Mitchell, who dropped just 21 points last time out.
Game 6 Prop #2: Cade Cunningham Over 27.5 points
-110 at bet365
Cade Cunningham delivered in Game 5 with 39 points while shooting 48% from the field and 60% from 3-point range. He’ll likely need a similar performance in Game 6 to help the Pistons avoid elimination.
The former first-overall pick clearly has the clutch gene — he scored 32+ points in all three must-win games during the Conference Quarterfinals against the Magic.
Tobias Harris is the only other Pistons player averaging more than 12 ppg, and Duncan Robinson is questionable for Game 6. Expect Cunningham to get a ton of touches — and points — tonight.
Game 6 Prop #3: Jarrett Allen Over 1.5 blocks
-130 at bet365
Jarrett Allen has been a defensive beast this postseason, ranking third on the team in defensive rating and second among all players in the NBA with 24 blocks.
Defense doesn’t always show up on the box score, but in Allen’s case it often does. The Cavs center has logged Over 1.5 blocks in three straight contests, and nine of his last 11 outings.
Detroit is averaging 86.6 field goal attempts per game in the series — third most among all teams in the Conference Semifinals. The Pistons will get their looks, but Allen will be there to shut them down in the paint.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
There are marriages that survive because of love. There are marriages that survive because of shared history. And then there are marriages that survive because both sides are too stubborn or afraid to walk away from each other.
And right now, the relationship between the Lakers and LeBron James is the latter.
That’s why the report that came out Wednesday from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin about LeBron feeling “unappreciated” after the Lakers’ March 31 win over the Cavaliers landed with so much force around the league.
The Lakers’ LeBron James said he felt “unappreciated” by the team after a March 31 win, according to an ESPN report. Getty Images
Not because it was shocking, but because it wasn’t.
The greatest player in Lakers history since Kobe Bryant doesn’t just storm out of the locker room with ice bags wrapped around his knees and slides on his feet randomly — especially not because he didn’t get a game ball.
That kind of resentment and animosity builds slowly, layer by later, over years of passive-aggressive messaging and emotional distance.
And if we’re being honest, both sides are to blame for this mess.
Let’s start with the obvious: The Lakers absolutely should have honored LeBron that night.
Surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most combined (regular season and playoffs) wins in NBA history is not some throwaway stat. It is one of the defining accomplishments in league history. On par with LeBron passing Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA’s all-time scoring record. It deserved its own moment, acknowledgment and celebration.
LeBron James has passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1,228) for the most TOTAL WINS (regular season + playoffs) in NBA history
Lakers coach JJ Redick even said as much in his postgame speech to his team that night. After listing all the accomplishments, he finished by saying:
“More importantly, LeBron James, the winningest player of all time in the regular season and playoffs.”
What happened next is what caused the ruckus, and what makes it even more ridiculous in hindsight is that the whole thing could have been avoided.
Rob Pelinka interrupted the celebration to honor Redick’s 100th win as a head coach and even had a video of his two sons congratulating him. He then presented Redick with a game ball.
But why on earth did Pelinka not have more than one game ball ready?
NBA teams prepare three game balls before every game. Just like an NFL head coach hands out multiple game balls after the game, Pelinka easily could have secured all three to hand out to Redick, LeBron and Luka Doncic, respectively.
Instead, the Lakers somehow turned a night that should have celebrated organizational greatness into another chapter of awkward family tension. And LeBron had every right to feel slighted.
If we’re ranking the accomplishments that occurred that night in order of historical significance, it would look like this:
LeBron surpassing Kareem for most wins in NBA history.
Luka breaking Kobe Bryant’s franchise record with 600 points in March.
Redick earning his 100th win while becoming the first Lakers coach since Phil Jackson to post back-to-back 50-win seasons.
Luka reaching 15,000 career points.
Rui Hachimura reaching 5,000 career points.
The Lakers finishing March 15-2.
LeBron’s accomplishment was the greatest based on the history of the NBA. Period. And Pelinka should have done more to recognize it.
But LeBron needs to own something about himself, too. Because his reaction also exposed something contradictory to his words.
The Lakers’ Rob Pelinka could have handled the situation better by presenting multiple game balls March 31. Getty Images
LeBron consistently says he “doesn’t care” about what people think about him. He claims to ignore articles, podcasts and criticism. He says he’s “too busy watching golf videos on YouTube” to worry about his public perception. He says winning and his teammates are the only things that matter to him.
Except his actions have not always backed up his words.
You don’t storm out of a locker room over feeling underappreciated if appreciation doesn’t matter deeply to you. And there’s nothing wrong with owning that. In fact, it makes you more human.
Of course, LeBron wants to be appreciated. Of course, he wants reverence. He’s spent 23 seasons carrying the weight of the sport on his shoulders. Players like LeBron don’t just want championships. They want legacy. They want validation. They want history to stop for a second and recognize the enormity of what they’ve done. Especially when it comes with three decades’ worth of sacrifice, dedication and hard work.
That’s why all this talk about him retiring and disappearing feels unrealistic.
LeBron might not want a yearlong farewell tour filled with rocking chairs and framed jerseys. But he absolutely wants to feel appreciated and honored by the game of basketball before he leaves it forever. This only confirms that.
And at the same time, the Lakers have every right to feel frustrated. They gave LeBron everything he wanted. They won a championship together in 2020. They traded for Russell Westbrook when he asked. They drafted his son, Bronny. They empowered his voice for nearly a decade.
And yet, since Doncic arrived, the relationship has clearly shifted.
Luka is the future now. Everybody knows it. That’s what makes this relationship so emotionally volatile. Aging superstars rarely handle succession gracefully — hell, there was an entire television series about it.
The Lakers have spent the last year slowly transitioning their team from LeBron to Doncic. And it’s that tension that bleeds into everything. Which is why this offseason cannot be handled through leaks to the media, anonymous quotes and more passive-aggressive behavior.
James and the Lakers need to have a brutally honest conversation soon. Getty Images
These two sides need to sit down and have a brutally honest conversation.
If LeBron feels unappreciated, he needs to say it directly. If the Lakers believe LeBron doesn’t show enough gratitude for what they’ve done for him, they need to stay that, too. Air all of it out.
Because LeBron is about to discover in free agency that there may not be a better basketball situation for him, both on the court and off, than staying in LA, playing alongside Luka and sharing a locker room with his son.
And the Lakers need to recognize that players like LeBron do not grow on trees. You don’t nickel-and-dime emotional acknowledgment with someone who delivered you a championship, restored relevance and helped bridge the franchise from the Kobe era into the Luka era.
If both parties actually want this marriage to continue, both sides need to evolve and grow.
The Lakers need to appreciate LeBron more and show it.
LeBron needs to show more gratitude toward the Lakers.
Otherwise, this relationship isn’t heading toward reconciliation.
It’s heading toward a loud, ugly and very public divorce.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
"I’ve got to take it on the chin, handle it how I’m supposed to and be ready for the next one. You know, it’s going to suck. I’ve just got to be better to help my team out there."
The quote is from Knicks wing Mikal Bridges after Game 3 of the Hawks series, while he was answering questions from reporters about his play that night. Bridges had four turnovers, one rebound, and two assists in 21 minutes. He didn’t score in Game 3, missing all four of his shot attempts.
"I’ve just got to clean it up," Bridges had said. "It’s on me."
Sometimes, those answers turn out to be empty cliches.
The Knicks won all seven games by an average of more than 26 points. They were plus-123 in Bridges’ 203 minutes.
"It's a testament to who he is and how he prepares himself and how he gets ready for the game, regardless of what's going on," Jalen Brunson said last week of Bridges. "Having a next-play mentality, having short-term memory, just focusing on the next play, next play.
"So, regardless of what happens, positive or negative, he's locked into the next one. That's just who he is."
Bridges obviously didn’t let his Game 3 performance against Atlanta linger for too long.
He played strong team defense and slowed Atlanta’s Nickeil Alexander-Walker over the course of the series.
Bridges then served as the primary defender on Tyrese Maxey in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
In the first three games of the series, Maxey averaged 18.6 points, 10 fewer than his regular season average. He went 2-for-12 from beyond the arc, and had four turnovers per game – nearly double his regular season average.
Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) in the third quarter during game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. / Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Mike Brown and Bridges’ teammates were quick to credit him for the effort he displayed in chasing Maxey all over the floor.
But when you asked Bridges about it, he deflected praise.
"Shout out to the bigs being up to touch and having to deal with him sprint off while also (defending Joel) Embiid in the pocket and the low man having to be in and Kelly (Oubre Jr.) cutting and shooting threes," Bridges said after the Knicks swept the Sixers.
Bridges regularly credits his teammates when he’s asked about his own strong performance. He also routinely holds himself accountable after subpar games.
In his first two seasons as a Knick, Bridges has had some big playoff moments but has been uneven in the regular season. That’s led to constant criticism of Leon Rose and the Knicks’ decision to send five first-round picks to Brooklyn in exchange for Bridges.
But that criticism has been muted lately. For the second straight postseason, Bridges has delivered in timely situations. He helped hold the fort down while OG Anunoby missed two games with a hamstring strain. Regardless of who the Knicks play in the next round, they’ll need solid play from Bridges to get through.
"I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to win," Bridges said last week. "You know, just beginning of (the) playoffs, knowing that, all 82 – the regular season means a lot, but it's just (a fresh season in the playoffs). Just giving it all. That's pretty much all I gotta say."
Bridges didn’t really need to say much that night. He’d already made a loud statement with his play on the court.
REST VS. RUST
The Knicks were playing at an elite level on both sides of the ball against the Sixers. Will they be out of rhythm early in the Conference Finals because of a long layoff (either seven or nine days)?
Brown can’t predict the future. But the head coach did see the long break as a challenge for his veteran group.
"If we expect to be who we think we're capable of being, we'll find a way to stay consistent with what we're doing," Brown said, "Whether it's the energy level, the effort level, or embracing/focusing on the details that we have to be able to understand in order to go out and get a win."
The mood around the team after the Philly series was much different from the second round last year. The Knicks pulled off an upset of Boston last season. This year, a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals was expected.
"I think the way we beat Boston last year, the comebacks and all that, it was very – I don't want to say celebratory, but it was – it hit a little bit different than here," Josh Hart said last week. "It's just we're approaching the business as normal and we gotta make sure we're locked in and focused on the next team."
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MAY 12: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves warms up before Game Five of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center on May 12, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. 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 Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs Date: May 15th, 2026 Time: 8:30 PM CDT Location: Target Center Television Coverage: Prime Video
The Minnesota Timberwolves are out of runway.
After dropping Game 5 in San Antonio in embarrassing fashion, the Wolves now find themselves down 3-2, wounded, staring at elimination, and trying to convince themselves that the season still has one more pivot left in it.
And honestly? It might.
That’s the part that makes this so agonizing. This series has not felt like some inevitable Spurs coronation. The Wolves have had chances. Real chances. They stole Game 1. Game 3 was a one-possession game heading into the final five minutes. They capitalized on a golden opportunity in Game 4 after Wembanyama’s ejection. They tied Game 5 in the third quarter after falling behind by 18 early. That’s the generous interpretation of the series.
The realistic version, the one that has them trailing 3-2 and on the brink of elimination, reveals that every time that Minnesota has put itself in position to seize this series, it has found a new and creative way to let go of the rope. Game 2 was a total no-show. Game 3 started with nearly seven minutes of offensive malpractice before the Wolves finally remembered that the ball is supposed to go through the orange circle. Game 4 required a late Anthony Edwards miracle against a Spurs team missing its centerpiece. Game 5 was the most painful version of all. The Wolves clawed back, tied the game at 61-61, had a chance to take their first lead since the opening minutes, watched Anthony Edwards’ shot rim out, and then immediately gave the whole thing back in a blur of turnovers, transition buckets, missed rebounds, defensive breakdowns, and second-chance points.
That’s not a bad break. That’s a pattern.
And now the pattern has led them here.
On Friday night at Target Center, the Wolves are facing elimination. The situation is not hopeless, but the margin for error has disappeared. There is no “clean it up next time.” There is no “we’ll respond.” There is no “we still control our destiny” in the normal, comfortable sense. Their destiny now has a 7-foot-6 Frenchman standing in front of it, swatting away shots, inhaling rebounds, and waiting to end their season.
The injuries are real. Donte DiVincenzo’s shooting, toughness, and hustle would matter in this series. Anthony Edwards is clearly not at full force. Naz Reid’s shoulder, Ayo Dosunmu’s calf, and the cumulative toll of 94 games all matter. This Wolves team that looked so deep on paper is suddenly a battered playoff survivor trying to patch together enough healthy bodies and enough clean possessions to force a Game 7.
But the Wolves can’t hide behind injuries, because the mistakes have been too self-inflicted. They have turned the ball over. They have started slowly. They have allowed San Antonio to run wild in transition. They have wasted good defensive possessions by failing to secure the rebound. They have made Wembanyama’s life too comfortable for too many stretches.
Now they get one choice.
They can drift into the offseason, fade into the cold dark night, and spend the summer replaying all the missed chances from this series in their heads. Or they can take on the identity of their leader. Take the hit, feel the pain, stagger backward, and then heal like Wolverine and come back swinging.
They’ve done this before. Two years ago, in this same round, against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, the Wolves defended their home floor in Game 6 and sent the series back to Denver for a Game 7.
When you reach Game 7, in the immortal words of Kevin Garnett, “anything is possible.”
But before they can dream about San Antonio on Sunday, they have to survive Friday. And with that, here are the keys to Game 6…
Keys to the Game
1. Stop Digging Yourself a Hole
The Wolves cannot spend the opening minutes of Game 6 treating offense like a rumor. Slow starts have been an issue for this group for years, and while they have often shown a strange ability to find life after falling behind, this is not the time to test that trick again. Not against a Spurs team this young, this energized, and this close to breaking through. Minnesota cannot spot San Antonio an early lead and spend the rest of the night trying to claw its way out of a pit it built with its own hands.
Game 5 was the warning. Wembanyama dropped 18 points in the first quarter, San Antonio built a 13-point lead, and although the Wolves eventually cut it to four, the whole game was played on Spurs terms. Minnesota was reacting, chasing, and patching leaks, hoping each run would finally become the run. That is not a sustainable way to survive an elimination game.
From the opening tip, the Wolves need to draw first blood. They need to be the aggressor. They need to light the building on fire early and make San Antonio feel the pressure of a Target Center crowd that knows the season is on the line. The Spurs cannot be allowed to settle in. Wembanyama cannot be allowed to walk into another monster first quarter. Fox, Castle, Harper, and Vassell can’t be gifted rhythm because Minnesota is still stretching its legs.
The Wolves need urgency immediately.
2. Run the Floor
Desperate times call for desperate legs. If Minnesota has to run wind sprints for 48 minutes to survive, then that’s what this moment demands. The Wolves need to push pace offensively before Wembanyama and the Spurs defense can get fully set, and they need to sprint back defensively so San Antonio does not feast in transition the way it did in Game 5.
That was one of the defining failures in San Antonio. The Spurs got too many easy buckets before Minnesota could organize. Turnovers led to runouts. Misses became fast breaks. The Wolves’ defense, which can be excellent in the half court, was too often forced to defend from a compromised position.
Minnesota has to flip that script. Secure the rebound and run. Force the Spurs to retreat. Make Wembanyama cover ground. Make San Antonio’s young legs work both ways. And when the Spurs get the ball, the Wolves need to get back with the kind of urgency that says every possession might be their last.
They cannot get outhustled in an elimination game. Not at home. Not with this much on the line.
3. Dominate the Glass
Second-chance points are the lifeblood of this Spurs team right now, and the Wolves have donated far too many of them.
Wembanyama is going to get some putbacks. That’s just math and anatomy. But what cannot happen is San Antonio guards like Dylan Harper outworking Minnesota for offensive rebounds and creating extra possessions that extend leads, kill momentum, and make the Wolves feel like they have to win the same defensive possession two or three times. That was backbreaking in Game 5.
Minnesota has the size to control this part of the game. Between Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid, the Wolves should be able to punish a Spurs team that usually plays one true big at a time, whether it’s Wembanyama or Luke Kornet. But size only matters if it comes with force. The bigs have to vacuum the glass. The guards have to crack down and help, because the Spurs have proven they will attack the offensive glass from everywhere.
Possessions are everything now. The Wolves need to maximize theirs and minimize San Antonio’s. That starts with rebounding.
4. No Self-Inflicted Wounds
The Spurs are going to pressure the ball. They are going to crowd Minnesota’s handlers. They are going to put the Wolves in awkward situations and try to turn every lazy pass or loose dribble into an instant track meet going the other direction.
Minnesota has to be smarter than it was in Game 5. Turnovers don’t just waste offensive possessions. Against San Antonio, they become kindling. They let the Spurs run. They let Fox and Harper and Castle attack in space. They prevent Minnesota’s defense from getting set, which is the one place the Wolves have a real chance to control the game.
Cooler heads have to prevail. Mike Conley needs to steady things. Edwards needs to be aggressive without being reckless. Randle cannot try to bully through traffic while losing sight of the ball. Everyone has to understand that the simple play is often the right play.
Make San Antonio earn its points in the half court. Do not serve them layups on a silver platter because you couldn’t take care of the ball.
5. Someone Has to Rise
This playoff run has been a tremendous team effort. Jaden McDaniels has taken over games defensively. Gobert has battled Jokic and Wembanyama in consecutive rounds. Ayo authored a 43-point masterpiece. Mike Conley has defied Father Time for important stretches. Terrence Shannon Jr. has given this team real downhill juice. Naz has fought through pain.
But with Edwards hobbled, Game 6 cannot rest solely on his shoulders.
He needs help.
Even if Ant throws on the cape and gives Minnesota 40, the Wolves still need a 1B. And the most obvious candidate is Julius Randle.
This is exactly the kind of game Randle was brought here for. He is supposed to be the No. 2 option. He was the centerpiece of the Karl-Anthony Towns trade. He has shown that he can be a primary scorer, a physical tone-setter, and a facilitator who bends a defense with his strength. Against this smaller Spurs team, there is no excuse for him not to impose himself.
If Randle scores in the high 20s, gets downhill, controls his turnovers, punishes mismatches, and creates for others when help comes, the Wolves have a real recipe. Pair that with Edwards doing Edwards things, and suddenly Game 7 becomes much more than a fantasy.
And if it’s not Randle, then it has to be someone. Does Ayo find another heater? Does Jaden stay out of foul trouble and attack offensively while locking things down defensively? Does Naz catch fire? Does Shannon become a force again? Someone has to rise to the size of the moment.
Someone has to grab Game 6 and drag this team to San Antonio.
The Edge of the Cliff
It has been a long road. Ninety-four games. A brutal and costly Denver series. A chaotic San Antonio battle. Injuries, comebacks, collapses, heroic performances, missed opportunities, and now one final stand at Target Center.
The Wolves have no choice but to win if they want a 95th game.
Game 7 in San Antonio would be daunting. Frost Bank Center has largely been a house of horrors for Minnesota in this series. Wembanyama would be waiting to defend his home floor. The Wolves would still be battered, bruised, and definitely not favored.
But if they win Friday night, they give themselves a chance.
That’s all this is about now. A chance.
A chance to take this series to the limit. A chance to summon one more road miracle. A chance to keep alive the pursuit of a third straight Western Conference Finals. A chance to prove that this team, wounded as it is, still has another bite left.
But they only earn that chance by playing their best basketball now. Not eventually. Not after falling behind. Not when desperation finally kicks in midway through the second quarter. Now.
The Wolves need collective focus. They need defense. They need rebounding. They need discipline. They need someone to rise. They need to treat every possession like the season is hanging from it, because it is.
This is what the hunt is all about.
The Wolves are wounded. They are backed into a corner, but they are not dead.
Friday night is their chance to strike back on their home floor, to land one more bite, to drag this fight into a final showdown.
Anthony Edwards
Stephon Castle
James Harden
Cade Cunningham
