2026 NBA Playoffs: Bracket, schedule, scores, matchups for Conference Finals, including Thunder vs. Spurs

Two teams swept their way into the conference finals — the New York Knicks in the East and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the West. Joining them are the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs. There is plenty of drama — and it is only going to get better as we move deeper into the postseason. This is the best time of the year for NBA fans because we see the best of teams every night and it's must-watch.

Here are the playoff brackets and updated scores — plus the times and where to watch anything. This story will be updated through the NBA Finals. Here's what you need to know.

When do the NBA Finals begin?

The NBA Finals tip off on June 3, with the first game set for 8:30 p.m. ET (broadcast on ABC) at the arena of the Finals team with the better regular-season record (Oklahoma City has the best record overall in the league and would have home-court advantage against anyone in the Finals).

NBA Playoffs Schedule 2026

All times are Eastern (* = if necessary).

Conference Finals

Eastern Conference

(3) New York vs. (4) Cleveland

Game 1: Cavaliers vs. Knicks (5/19)
Game 2: Cavaliers vs. Knicks (5/21)
Game 3: Knicks vs. Cavaliers (5/23)
Game 4: Knicks vs. Cavaliers (5/25)
Game 5: Cavaliers vs. Knicks (5/27*)
Game 6: Knicks vs. Cavaliers (5/29*)
Game 7: Cavaliers vs. Knicks (5/31*)

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (2) San Antonio

Game 1: Spurs vs. Thunder (5/18)
Game 2: Spurs vs. Thunder (5/20)
Game 3: Thunder vs. Spurs (5/22)
Game 4: Thunder vs. Spurs (5/24)
Game 5: Spurs vs. Thunder (5/26*)
Game 6: Thunder vs. Spurs (5/28*)
Game 7: Spurs vs. Thunder (5/30*)

Conference Semifinals

Eastern Conference

(1) Detroit vs. (4) Cleveland

Game 1: Pistons 111, Cavs 101
Game 2: Pistons 107, Cavs 97
Game 3: Cavs 116, Pistons 109
Game 4: Cavs 112, Pistons 103
Game 5: Cavs 117, Pistons 113 (OT)
Game 6: Pistons 115, Cavs 94
Game 7: Cavs 125, Pistons 94
Cleveland wins series 4-3

(3) New York vs. (7) Philadelphia

Game 1: Knicks 137, Sixers 98
Game 2: Knicks 108, Sixers 102
Game 3: Knicks 108, 76ers 104
Game 4: Knicks 144, Sixers 114
New York wins series 4-0

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (4) Los Angeles Lakers

Game 1: Thunder 108, Lakers 90
Game 2: Thunder 125, Lakers 107
Game 3: Thunder 131, Lakers 108
Game 4: Thunder 115, Lakers 110
Oklahoma City wins series 4-0

(2) San Antonio vs. (6) Minnesota

Game 1: Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102
Game 2: Spurs 133, Timberwolves 95
Game 3: Spurs 115, Timberwolves 108
Game 4: Timberwolves 114, Spurs 109
Game 5: Spurs 126, Timberwolves 97
Game 6: Spurs 139, Timberwolves 109
San Antonio wins series 4-2

First-Round Games

Eastern Conference

(1) Detroit vs. (8) Orlando

Game 1: Magic 112, Pistons 101
Game 2: Pistons 98, Magic 83
Game 3: Magic 113, Pistons 105
Game 4: Magic 94, Pistons 88
Game 5: Pistons 116, Magic 109
Game 6: Pistons 93, Magic 79
Game 7: Pistons 116, Magic 94
Detroit wins series 4-3

(2) Boston vs. (7) Philadelphia

Game 1: Celtics 123, 76ers 91
Game 2: 76ers 111, Celtics 97
Game 3: Celtics 108, 76ers 100
Game 4: Celtics 128, 76ers 96
Game 5: 76ers 113, Celtics 97
Game 6: 76ers 106, Celtics 93
Game 7: 76ers 109, Celtics 100
Philadelphia wins series 4-3

(3) New York vs. (6) Atlanta

Game 1: Knicks 113, Hawks 102
Game 2: Hawks 107, Knicks 106
Game 3: Hawks 109, Knicks 108
Game 4: Knicks 114, Hawks 98
Game 5: Knicks 126, Hawks 97
Game 6: Knicks 140, Hawks 89
New York wins series 4-2

(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Toronto

Game 1: Cavaliers 126, Raptors 113
Game 2: Cavaliers 115, Raptors 105
Game 3: Raptors 126, Cavaliers 104
Game 4: Raptors 93, Cavaliers 89
Game 5: Cavaliers 125, Raptors 120
Game 6: Cavaliers 100, Raptors 112 (OT)
Game 7: Cavaliers 114, Raptors 102
Cleveland wins series 4-3

Western Conference

(1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) Phoenix

Game 1: Thunder 119, Suns 84
Game 2: Thunder 120, Suns 107
Game 3: Thunder 121, Suns 109
Game 4: Thunder 131, Suns 122
Oklahoma City wins series 4-0

(2) San Antonio vs. (7) Portland

Game 1: Spurs 111, Trail Blazers 98
Game 2: Trail Blazers 106, Spurs 103
Game 3: Spurs 120, Trail Blazers 108
Game 4: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 93
Game 5: Spurs 114, Trail Blazers 95
San Antonio wins series 4-1

(3) Denver vs. (6) Minnesota

Game 1: Nuggets 116, Timberwolves 105
Game 2: Timberwolves 119, Nuggets 114
Game 3: Timberwolves 113, Nuggets 96
Game 4: Timberwolves 112, Nuggets 96
Game 5: Nuggets 125, Timberwolves 113
Game 6: Timberwolves 110, Nuggets 98
Minnesota wins series 4-2

(4) Los Angeles vs. (5) Houston

Game 1: Lakers 107, Rockets 98
Game 2: Lakers 101, Rockets 94
Game 3: Lakers 112, Rockets 108
Game 4: Rockets 115, Lakers 96
Game 5: Rockets 99, Lakers 92
Game 6: Lakers 98, Rockets 78
Los Angeles wins series 4-2

Spurs vs Thunder Computer Picks: Our Best Player Prop Projections for Game 1

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

In possibly the most highly anticipated series of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder kick off the Western Conference Final tonight.

To get you ready for the action, our computers have been working overtime to bring you the best NBA player prop projections.

It's all part of our full Spurs vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks for Monday, May 18.

Spurs vs Thunder computer picks for Game 1

Spurs SpursThunder Thunder
Fox o16.5 points
+100
Hartenstein o7.5 points
-110
Vassell o11.5 points
-112
Dort o5.5 points
-130
Wembanyama o1.5 threes
-110
Gilgeous-Alexander u6.5 assists
-105

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

Spurs Game 1 computer picks

De'Aaron Fox Over 16.5 points (+100)

Projection: 17.61 points

Some books have De'Aaron Fox's scoring line listed at 15.5, but we're getting even money on him clearing 16.5 at bet365. Either way, Fox is projected to go Over the number as he's expected to flirt with 18 points tonight.

The San Antonio Spurs guard has 16+ points in nine of his last 10, and is averaging 21.6 points per game over his last five road games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet fox Now at bet365!/span

Devin Vassell Over 11.5 points (-112)

Projection: 12.84 points

While Devin Vassell has only gone Over 11.5 points in five of his last 10 games, he fared better against the Timberwolves than the Trail Blazers, topping this number in four of six.

The Spurs have the highest-scoring offense on the road over the last 25 away games, and all hands will need to be on deck against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Vassell Now at bet365!/span

Victor Wembanyama Over 1.5 made threes (-110)

Projection: 2.01 made threes

Victor Wembanyama didn't take a ton of shots from deep against the Trail Blazers, but he hit 2+ threes in three of his six games against the Timberwolves.

When it comes to treys, the Spurs' remarkable 37.5% rate of converted threes when playing on the road settles in as the fifth-highest in the league over the last 20 games.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Wembanyama Now at bet365!/span


Thunder Game 1 computer picks

Isaiah Hartenstein Over 7.5 points (Odds)

Projection: 9.53 points

Despite coming up short in the series-clincher vs. the Lakers, Isaiah Hartenstein has topped 7.5 points in eight of 10, including eight straight before the last game.

The Thunder will likely see a spike in opportunities in this contest from sharing the court with the fifth-speediest tempo offense in the league over the last five games.

Projections are generally bullish on Hartenstein, expecting him to also go Over his 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists line.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Hartenstein Now at bet365!/span

Lu Dort Over 5.5 points (-130)

Projection: 7.33 points

This is such a low number, and while Lu Dort has missed it on occasion, he's still nabbed at least six points in seven of his last 10 games.

Similar to Hartenstein, the Thunder are expected to distribute scoring in a tougher matchup, looking for contributions up and down the roster against San Antonio.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet Dort Now at bet365!/span

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 6.5 assists (-105)

Projection: 6.03 assists

This may be a bit of a sweat, especially as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has finished north of 6.5 assists in eight of his last 10.

But this is a massive step up in competition, and the Thunder's fifth-worst offensive rebounding offense may be exposed by the Spurs, while SGA becomes more of a scorer than a facilitator.

In four games against the Spurs this season, SGA finished with fewer than seven assists three times.

span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet XYZ Now at bet365!/span

How to watch Spurs vs Thunder Game 1

LocationPaycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
DateMonday, May 18, 2026
Tip-off8:30 p.m. ET
TVNBC

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

What do tickets cost for Thunder-Spurs Western Conference Finals games?

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

Oklahoma City Thunder MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going head-to-head against San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in the 2026 NBA Western Conference Finals.

The best of the West are going head-to-head.

Starting Monday, May 18, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder take on Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.

Fans hoping to get in on the action to what pundits are calling “the real NBA Finals” can still grab last-minute tickets for all seven potential Thunder and Spurs home games.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on tickets at OKC’s Paycom Center was $192 including fees on SeatGeek.

Prices start at $309 including fees at San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center.

Ahead of this pressure-cooker series, the Thunder steamrolled past the Suns and Lakers in the first two rounds of the postseason, sweeping both clubs. Their closest game was when they won by a mere five points against LA to clinch the Semifinals.

As for San Antonio, they bruised their way past the Blazers and Timberwolves to advance to their first post-Popovich Western Conference Finals since 2017 when they got swept by the Warriors.

Oddly enough, they may have the upper hand this time around.

Over the course of the 2025-26 regular season, Mitch Johnson’s Spurs won four of their five meetings against Mark Daigneault’s Thunder.

“We know what they’re capable of,” Daigneault said. “It’s an opponent that is incredibly worthy. We’re going to need to be our best to beat and we understand that.”

Still, oddsmakers are giving OKC the edge.

“Despite their success in the regular season against the defending champs, the Spurs are heavy +210 underdogs to upset the Thunder, who are -260 to get back to the NBA Finals at DraftKings Sportsbook,” The Post reported.

That being said, reporter Dylan Svoboda did note “this series has the makings of a much tighter battle than the odds suggest.”

Don’t miss this one live. You just might witness hardwood history.

For more information, our team has everything you need to know and more about the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs 2026 Western Conference Finals.

Oklahoma City Thunder playoff home game tickets

A complete calendar, including all announced Thunder Western Conference Finals home game dates and the best prices on tickets, can be found here:

New York Knicks home game datesTicket prices
start at
Game 1
Monday, May 18
$202(including fees)
Game 2
Wednesday, May 20
$192(including fees)
Game 5
Tuesday, May 26
(if necessary)
$283(including fees)
Game 7
Saturday, May 30
(if necessary)
$442(including fees)

San Antonio Spurs playoff home game tickets

All Spurs Frost Bank Center playoff home game dates and the cheapest tickets available can be found below.

San Antonio Spurs home game datesTicket prices
start at
Game 3
Friday, May 22
$309(including fees)
Game 4
Sunday, May 24
$361(including fees)
Game 6
Thursday, May 28(if necessary)
$371(including fees)

How to watch the Thunder vs. Spurs on TV

Fans hoping to catch SGA and Wemby duke it out on the tube can watch all first-round playoff games on MSG, ABC, ESPN, TNT, Prime Video, NBC, and NBA TV.

Just make sure to review your local listings before tuning in.

If you don’t have cable, your best bet may be DIRECTV.

About Thunder-Spurs

As noted above, the Thunder and Spurs played five times in the 2025-26 season.

The first game, which went down on Dec. 13, was the only one that was close.

In that contest, San Antonio won 111-109 after coming back from a 31-20 deficit at the end of the first quarter and dealt OKC their second loss of the year.

Wemby and co. continued their winning ways in games 2 and 3 with statement 130-110 and 117-102 victories.

On Jan. 13, the Thunder notched their sole win against the Spurs when SGA led the club to a commanding 119-98 victory. The 6’6 guard scored 34 points, snagged five rebounds, dished five assists and, perhaps most impressively, recorded four blocks.

San Antonio rebounded and won the fifth game 115-105on Feb. 4.

2026 NBA playoff schedule

Been meaning to see how the postseason has shaken out?

Check out the NBA’s 2026 playoff bracket here to catch up.

Huge artists on tour in 2026

Not sure what to do once the final buzzer sounds on the 2025-26 NBA season?

We’ve got you covered.

Many of the biggest names in music will be out and about all summer long.

Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live.

• J. Cole

• Earth, Wind, and Fire with Lionel Richie

• Daniel Caesar

• Don Toliver

• A$AP Rocky

Want to see who else is Big Apple-bound? Check out our list of all the biggest artists on tour in 2026 to find the show for you.


Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.


Knicks OG Anunoby practices, but what is his Game 1 status?

OG Anunoby is practicing. Whether he plays in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals is still uncertain.  

The New York Knicks forward was a full participant in Monday’s practice, coach Mike Brown told reporters. He stopped short of saying Anunoby would be available for Game 1 on Tuesday, May 19 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Brown deflected when asked about his availability by saying he takes his cues from the medical staff.  

The Knicks have reason to be cautious.  

Anunoby hurt his left hamstring late in a win over Indiana in the 2024 Eastern Conference semifinals. He missed the next four games before returning for Game 7, only to be pulled after just five minutes when it became clear he lacked mobility. The Knicks seemed to have learned their lesson about rushing him back.  

This time, Anunoby insists things are different. After injuring the hamstring in the final minutes of Game 2 against Philadelphia, he was very deliberate in his rehabilitation. He started with work in the pool and weight room before progressing to the court, where he said he has been able to sprint. Monday was his third day of full practice.  

The reason everyone will be waiting on that final roster announcement for Tuesday night’s game is because Anunoby has been arguably the Knicks’ best player this postseason. He was averaging 21.4 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.9 steals while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from three-point range. Miles McBride stepped into the starting lineup when Anunoby went down and answered the call. He scored 25 points by shooting 7-of-9 from three-point range in the series-clinching Game 4 over Philadelphia.  

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Knicks OG Anunoby practices, Game 1 status unclear

Donovan Mitchell puts Game 7 Jarrett Allen over Warriors' Game 6 Klay Thompson

Donovan Mitchell puts Game 7 Jarrett Allen over Warriors' Game 6 Klay Thompson originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The NBA playoffs have countless historic performances, and according to Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan MitchellJarrett Allen’s play in win-or-go-home games is up there with the best.

For the Warriors, “Game 6 Klay” is a highly regarded moniker given to Klay Thompson following his 41-point explosion against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2016 Western Conference semifinals.

Thompson knocked down a then single-game playoff-record 11 3-pointers as he helped lead the Warriors from the brink of elimination and eventually onto the NBA Finals.

While that’s all fine and dandy, Mitchell didn’t hesitate after Cleveland’s 125-94 win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday when asked whose performance was better – Thompson’s Game 6 or Allen’s Game 7.

“I mean Game 7 [Jarrett Allen],” Mitchell said. “Come on, he’s two-for-two.”

Allen finished the semifinal series against the Detroit Pistons with 23 points and seven rebounds to help lead the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference finals.

Prior to that, the 28-year-old big man had a 22-point, 19-rebound night in the first round to send the Toronto Raptors home.

That stat line only has been accomplished by six players since 1996, with Allen joining the ranks of Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki and Dikembe Mutombo.

Two heroic performances, a decade apart. NBA fans will have to wait and see if Allen can have another one of those games – if needed – to help Cleveland move on.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

Where to watch San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 1 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Monday, May 18

The San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder open their Western Conference finals series. Oklahoma City, the defending NBA champion, has yet to lose a game in these playoffs, sweeping the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers in the first two rounds. San Antonio beat the Portland Trail Blazers and the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games and six games, respectively, to advance to the West finals.

  • Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -6.5

  • Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder -241 (67.7%) / San Antonio Spurs +196 (32.3%)

  • Over/Under: 219.5

Game 1: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Monday May 18, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Wednesday May 20, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (Friday May 22, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 4: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (Sunday May 24, 8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 5: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Tuesday May 26, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)*
Game 6: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (Thursday May 28, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)*
Game 7: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Saturday May 30, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)*

* if necessary

Victor Wembanyama, Spurs reportedly headed to Europe for two NBA games next season

Victor Wembanyama is fast becoming the biggest international star in the NBA — if he's not already the biggest draw outside the USA, he's close.

Which is why the NBA is sending the French star Wembanyama and the Spurs for two games in Europe, including one in Paris, reports Marc Stein at The Stein Line.

The NBA schedule for next season will not come out until August, but it will include two international games in January for the Spurs, one in Paris and the other in Manchester, England (a city that is expected to be part of NBA Europe when it launches, planned for the fall of 2027). The Spurs will face Zion Williamson and the Pelicans (unless Zion gets traded this offseason).

The Spurs played two games in Paris in January of 2025, splitting the games against the Pacers.

Those will not be the only two international games next season; the NBA is expected to return to Mexico City for a game, as it traditionally does. In the preseason, the Dallas Mavericks and the Houston Rockets are scheduled to play in the NBA China Games 2026, scheduled for Oct. 9 and 1, at The Venetian Arena in Macao.

Potential Knicks NBA Finals tickets are selling for more than $100,000

A slice of pizza from Joe’s, a bagel from Zabar’s, a dirty water dog — only in New York. Getting gouged $100,000 for a ticket to a basketball game — also, only in New York. Knicks fans who are dying to see their team return to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 are facing some of the most astonishing prices imaginable on the secondary market. Prices for the first home game of the finals at Madison Square Garden have gone through the stratosphere, and even nosebleed seats are selling for an eye-watering price.

Tickets for the Eastern Conference Finals are going for upwards of $500 in the upper deck against the Cavaliers, but <a href="https://www.stubhub.com/new-york-knicks-new-york-tickets-6-3-2026/event/160286427/?backUrl=%2Fnew-york-knicks-tickets%2Fperformer%2F2742that’s chump change compared to a prospective NBA Finals game.

Some of the worst seats in the house are selling for over $4,000, with a seat (almost) courtside selling for a ludicrous $77,371. The worst part: Tickets are selling at these prices. This isn’t simply some scalpers trying to get their bag, as a ticket on the right side of courtside sold over the weekend for over $102,000.

The sickening prices are a product of the secondary market gone mad, which has become all too common for, well, everything. Sites that once existed as a way for fans to re-sell tickets to games they could attend have become the breeding ground for grifters, working as part of large computer farms to buy up tickets as soon as they go on sale to everything and then re-list at a higher price. It’s all well and good to enjoy the schadenfreude when a game’s value collapses and they have to eat a loss, but unfortunately, this is the exception and not the rule.

The volume with which resellers operate at means that in the long run, they come out ahead, especially when it comes to the courtside seat example, which would have sold at approximately $7,000 when first listed, ridiculous in its own right, but who cares when someone is willing to re-buy at $100K due to FOMO.

It’s just nice to know that amidst rampant inflation, food insecurity, soaring housing prices, and families struggling to afford childcare, there are people who can spend $100,000 on a ticket to a basketball game. It’s truly the glorious future the founding fathers envisioned for us.

Rockets insider offers update on Amen Thompson extension

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 1: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets dribbles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Houston Rockets phenom Amen Thompson is eligible for a contract extension this offseason for up to five years at $251 million.

That’s the most the Rockets can offer, but there’s reason to believe Houston would not want to give him that much money, given how much they have to spend elsewhere. Houston Chronicle reporter Varun Shankar believes the Rockets won’t offer a full max contract to Thompson this offseason.

“Do not expect Amen Thompson to get a max contract extension. Such a contract would pay him a quarter of the salary cap over the next few seasons, but the impressive guard/forward still faces enough questions about his shot and eventual offensive profile. That, combined with the Rockets’ precedent of getting relatively team-friendly extensions, should keep him in the ballpark of 20-23% of the salary cap,” Shankar wrote.

Thompson and his camp have a right to push for a max extension, scoring 15 points in all six games of the playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, including 26 points in Game 3.

During the season, Thompson averaged a career-high 18.3 points per game while also establishing himself as one of the best defenders in the league. He is only 23 years old, so the sky is truly the limit for him and what he can achieve as he continues to grow in the NBA.

The Rockets value him highly and should look to pay him a max contract, or very close to it.

TDS community, should Thompson get the max this offseason? Chime off in the comments section below.

Spurs vs Thunder Props & NBA Playoffs Game 1 Best Bets

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

In a matchup that felt inevitable, the top two seeds will clash in the Western Conference Final, and Game 1 tips off tonight.

The MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and their runners-up will all be on the floor tonight as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder host Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs at Paycom Center.

Our Spurs vs. Thunder props break down some of the night’s most favorable values, giving you my best NBA picks for Monday, May 18.

It's all part of our full Spurs vs. Thunder predictions for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.

Best Spurs vs Thunder props for Game 1

PlayerPickbet365
Spurs Stephon CastleOver 5.5 assists-160
Spurs Devin VassellOver 2.5 made threes+150
Thunder Isaiah HartentsteinOver 18.5 PRA-120

Game 1 Prop #1: Stephon Castle Over 5.5 assists

-160 at bet365

Stephon Castle has found the ball in his hands a lot this postseason, and he ranks second on the San Antonio Spurs in usage rate and first in assists.

Among players with at least 10 games played, Castle’s 6.1 assists per game are tied with Jalen Brunson for fifth-most, and his 28.9% assist percentage is 10th among players with 30+ minutes per game.

Castle has hit 6+ assists in six of 11 games overall and three of five road games, and with De'Aaron Fox banged up, the second-year man could see an uptick in playmaking responsibilities.

Game 1 Prop #2: Devin Vassell Over 2.5 made threes

+150 at bet365

Devin Vassell is only shooting 32.3% from beyond the arc this postseason, but his career 37.2% mark from deep means that there is room for positive regression in the Western Conference Final. 

Vassell can enjoy improved efficiency against a Thunder team that’s allowed the seventh-most efficient 3-point shooting (36%) and fifth-most made 3-pointers (12).

The volume is there for Vassell, whose 65 triples are the 10th-most in the playoffs. If he can improve his shooting percentage in this favorable matchup, Vassell can reach three triples and cash this plus-money prop.

Game 1 Prop #3: Isaiah Hartenstein Over 18.5 points + rebounds + assists

-120 at bet365

The Spurs, and Victor Wembanyama in particular, limited Chet Holmgren in the regular season. Holmgren’s 16.5 Usage Rate and 10.5 points per game against the Spurs were his lowest marks against any team.

Conversely, Isaiah Hartenstein’s 19.7 Usage Rate against the Spurs was his fourth-best mark.

Wembanyama’s defensive attention will likely remain focused on his rival, Holmgren, who can stretch the floor. Hartenstein, as a result, should see less of Wemby, allowing him to stay productive in the paint.

Hartenstein has gone for 19+ PRA in five straight games and six of his last seven.

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.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Report: Survey indicates NBA players don’t want a trade to Wizards

Apr 5, 2026; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Davis (23) talks with forward Leaky Black (14) during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Washington Wizards have the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. They recently acquired Trae Young and Anthony Davis who will be around a young core that features Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and the No. 1 pick. But let’s say that the Wizards are a team that players do NOT want to get traded to. In fact, when polled about the No. 1 team they wish they would NOT go to, the Wizards ranked No. 2. The Memphis Grizzlies were the runaway … winners with 35.8 percent of the vote of a 120 player survey.

You can read more about it here by Sam Amick, Josh Robbins and Joe Vardon of The Athletic.

Despite the Wizards’ front office trying to rebuild the team from the ground up, it’s clear that Monumental Basketball President Michael Winger and Wizards General Manager Will Dawkins have work to do. Here are some hypothetical reasons why players wouldn’t want to be traded to the Wizards:

  • The Wizards have a losing culture (until I hope the 2026-27 season) — Washington hasn’t won 50 games since 1978-79. They have gone through their worst three year losing stretch since Winger came to town. Even if the tear down WAS intentional, the end result is a team that loses and loses. We’re optimistic that that changes next season. But given the last few years, it’s harder to argue that Washington doesn’t have a losing culture.
  • A player who gets traded to the Wizards is likely a stepping stone for someone or something else — Since Winger took over, there have been some notable players in Wizards uniforms like Jonas Valanciunas or CJ McCullom. But they were traded out when a pick became available. If you’re an existing NBA player and you get traded, you want to feel valued by the team who acquires you. Given Washington’s tank-at-all-costs philosophy over the last three years, if you’re a veteran or even a player in his mid 20s who gets traded to Washington, you already have a feeling that you’re only playing here for a few weeks to a season before Dawkins trades you again for something else. Players, even role players, want to feel valued for more than as a tuture trade chip.
  • Political environment of DC — Well, there is always the perception that D.C. is about political drama.

Now, look. Do I honestly think that the Washington area is undesirable to live in or work in? No. But there are costs to the strategy the Wizards took since Winger and Dawkins took over. And here’s an excerpt of the Amick/Robbins/Vardon article on that:

The Wizards finishing second [in this survey] is not a surprise. The team has not won 50 games in a season or reached the Eastern Conference finals since 1978-79. Its 17-65 record as it tanked this season likely perpetuated the losing-franchise narrative.

Washington’s current front office has attempted to change perceptions over the last three years, investing heavily in basketball-operations staffing and franchise infrastructure and overseeing a long-overdue renovation of Capital One Arena, beginning with the home and visitors’ locker rooms.

Anthony Davis, who was traded to the Wizards in February, said during a news conference last month that outside views of the franchise are inaccurate.

“I can personally say now it’s not what people think or what people make it seem,” Davis said. “Yes, the losing is part of it, so people kind of tie that with the organization. But the organization within itself is totally different from what people think they’re seeing.”

Hopefully, the Wizards will be a team players want to play for (or get traded to) in the not-too-distant future.

How much are Knicks-Cavs Eastern Conference Finals tickets at MSG?

New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson (L) and Cleveland Cavaliers phenom Donovan Mitchell are meeting in the 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.

The New York Knicks finally know what’s what.

Starting Tuesday, May 19, Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and co. will go toe-to-toe with Donovan Mitchell and James Harden’s Cleveland Cavaliers in the long-awaited 2026 Eastern Conference Finals.

Home games are Madison Square Garden are scheduled to go down at:

Game 1Tuesday, May 19
8 p.m.

Game 2Thursday, May 21
8 p.m.

Game 5Wednesday, May 27
8 p.m.

Game 7Sunday, May 31
8 p.m.

If you’d like to catch a game at MSG, last-minute tickets are available for all four potential Big Apple contests.

At the time of publication, the lowest price we could find on seats for any one game was $510 including fees on SeatGeek.

Other games start anywhere from $557 to $1,194 including fees.

New York comes into this series rather well-rested. Mike Brown’s club wrapped their Semifinals sweep of the 76ers on Sunday, May 10, nine days before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

As a bonus, they’ll be getting star power forward OG Anunoby back from a mild right hamstring strain injury that he suffered in game 2 against the Sixers.

Meanwhile, Mitchell, Harden, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley had to tough out a seven-game series against the No. 1-ranked Detroit Pistons before finishing them off with a decisive 125-94 Game 7 victory.

“Yeah it’s great I get to play at home…doesn’t matter.” NYC native Donovan Mitchell said in a press conference after the game.

“We gotta be locked in and ready to go…they’re a tough team. We’re excited.”

Adding intrigue to this high-stakes series is Knicks Head Coach Mike Brown’s history with Cleveland. The 56-year-old Columbus native coached Cleveland from 2005-10 and ’13-14, leading the team to their first Finals appearance in 2007.

Now, he’s hoping to do the same for New York who haven’t gotten to the Big Dance since 1999 where they lost to the Spurs (just like the Cavs in ’07).

“I don’t look at it like [there’s pressure],” Brown said. “I literally do this to try to compete to try to win a championship. That’s what my focus is throughout the course of the year.”

“People can talk about Mike Brown, but it’s my job to ignore the noise. It’s easy to do that because the pressure that I put on myself and the team puts on itself to be great or try to be the best team in the league.”

While we don’t know how this series will turn out, we do know the Garden will be electric.

We’ll see you there.

New York Knicks playoff home game tickets

A complete calendar, including all announced Knicks Eastern Conference Finals home game dates and the best prices on tickets, can be found here:

New York Knicks home game datesTicket prices
start at
Game 1
Tuesday, May 19
$557(including fees)
Game 2
Thursday, May 21
$510(including fees)
Game 5
Wednesday, May 27
(if necessary)
$809(including fees)
Game 7
Sunday, May 31
(if necessary)
$1,194(including fees)

Cleveland Cavaliers playoff home game tickets

All Cavs Rocket Arena playoff home game dates and the cheapest tickets available can be found below.

Cleveland Cavaliers home game datesTicket prices
start at
Game 3
Saturday, May 23
N/A
Game 4
Monday, May 25
N/A
Game 6
Friday, May 29(if necessary)
N/A

How to watch the Knicks and Cavs on TV

Fans hoping to catch Brown’s ballers on the tube can watch all first-round playoff games on MSG, ABC, ESPN, TNT, Prime Video, NBC, and NBA TV.

Just make sure to review your local listings before tuning in.

If you don’t have cable, your best bet may be DIRECTV.

About Knicks-Cavs

Over the course of the 2025-26 campaign, the Knicks and Cavs met three times.

In the first game of the season way back on Oct. 22, New York won 119-111 behind OG Anunoby’s 24 points and Jalen Brunson’s 23.

The Knicks came out on top again in their second showdown, which took place on Christmas Day. This one was a bit of a nail-biter with leads varying wildly. Cleveland was up 38-23 at the end of the first quarter but by halftime, New York had regained the lead. By the end of regulation, Brunson had led the club to a 126-124 victory.

Cleveland notched their sole win against the orange and blue when they took down the Knicks 109-94 on Feb. 24. Donovan Mitchell dropped 23 points, grabbed five boards, recorded assists and notched three steals.

As for this series, Yahoo! Sports predicts “Knicks in six.”

2026 NBA playoff schedule

Been meaning to see how the postseason has shaken out?

Check out the NBA’s 2026 playoff bracket here.

Huge concerts at MSG in 2026

Not sure what to do once the final buzzer sounds on the 2025-26 NBA season?

MSG has you covered.

The legendary venue has booked a number of exciting acts to entertain audiences all summer long.

Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live.

• Bon Jovi (July 7-9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26)

• Earth, Wind, and Fire with Lionel Richie (July 11)

• Phish (July 22, 24, 25, 27, 29)

• RUSH (July 28, 30, Aug. 1, 3)

• J. Cole (Aug. 2, 4)

Want to see who else is Big Apple-bound? Check out this list of all the upcoming events at Madison Square Garden to find the show for you.


Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.


New Orleans reportedly to hire former Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley as next head coach

Jamahl Mosley was not out of a job long.

Just two weeks after being fired by the Orlando Magic, the New Orleans Pelicans have hired Mosley to be their next head coach, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by other sources.

This move was not a surprise, Mosley had been linked to Pelicans president Joe Dumars and the head coaching job for the Pelicans before he was let go in Orlando (Mosley had been on the hot seat all season, so his firing was expected). He beat out other favorites, including former Lakers coach Darvin Ham, Nets assistant Steve Hetzel and Bucks assistant Rajon Rondo.

Mosley takes over from James Borrego, who did a respectable job as interim head coach after Dumars fired Willie Green 12 games into the season.

Mosley lifted Orlando from a 21-win team before he took over five seasons ago to three straight 41+ win seasons and playoff appearances, and he built his team around a very good defense. However, that upward trajectory of the Magic stalled out this season: their defense fell back to average, their offense was unimaginative, and while the Magic got up 3-1 on Detroit in the first round of the playoffs, they blew that lead and were again bounced early. Mosley also clashed with Magic star Paolo Banchero, and in a star-driven NBA that rarely ends well for the coach.

Mosley takes over a roster that is expected to see changes this offseason — although not through the draft, as it traded away the rights to its first-round pick this year to Atlanta to move up and select Derik Queen at No. 13 last June (Atlanta is selecting No. 8 with that pick). Zion is under contract, although Dumars may well explore his trade market. They also have Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, two-way wing players who drew a lot of trade interest from other teams at the deadline, but those teams would not meet the Pelicans' high asking price. New Orleans also has Queen, who had a good rookie season, and his fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears, as well as Jordan Poole and Dejonte Murray at the guard spot. Saddiq Bey also had an under-the-radar but quality season in New Orleans.

If the Pelicans can get a rim-protecting center and Mosley can improve the defense, and they get another healthy season from Zion, a path to more wins and respectability is in front of them. That said, Mosley has a lot of work in front of him.

New Orleans hire former Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley as next head coach

Jamahl Mosley was not out of a job long.

Just two weeks after being fired by the Orlando Magic, the New Orleans Pelicans have hired Mosley to be their next head coach, a story first reported by Shams Charania of ESPN and since confirmed by the Pelicans.

“Jamahl has earned tremendous respect across the NBA for his leadership, professionalism, and the strong relationships he develops with players and staff,” said New Orleans head of basketball operations Joe Dumars. “He has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop young talent while establishing teams that compete with toughness, discipline, and togetherness. His teams reflect his coaching style through their defensive intensity, effort, preparation, and commitment to playing the right way. Those qualities reinforce the long-term stability of a winning culture.”

This move was not a surprise, Mosley had been linked to Dumars and the head coaching job for the Pelicans before he was let go in Orlando (Mosley had been on the hot seat all season, so his firing was expected). He beat out other favorites, including former Lakers coach Darvin Ham, Nets assistant Steve Hetzel and Bucks assistant Rajon Rondo.

Mosley takes over from James Borrego, who did a respectable job as interim head coach after Dumars fired Willie Green 12 games into the season.

Mosley lifted Orlando from a 21-win team before he took over five seasons ago to three straight 41+ win seasons and playoff appearances, and he built his team around a very good defense. However, that upward trajectory of the Magic stalled out this season: their defense fell back to average, their offense was unimaginative, and while the Magic got up 3-1 on Detroit in the first round of the playoffs, they blew that lead and were again bounced early. Mosley also clashed with Magic star Paolo Banchero, and in a star-driven NBA that rarely ends well for the coach.

Mosley takes over a roster that is expected to see changes this offseason — although not through the draft, as it traded away the rights to its first-round pick this year to Atlanta to move up and select Derik Queen at No. 13 last June (Atlanta is selecting No. 8 with that pick). Zion Williamson is under contract, although Dumars may well explore his trade market. They also have Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones, two-way wing players who drew a lot of trade interest from other teams at the deadline, but those teams would not meet the Pelicans' high asking price. New Orleans also has Queen, who had a good rookie season, and his fellow rookie Jeremiah Fears, as well as Jordan Poole and Dejonte Murray at the guard spot. Saddiq Bey also had an under-the-radar but quality season in New Orleans.

If the Pelicans can get a rim-protecting center and Mosley can improve the defense, and they get another healthy season from Zion, a path to more wins and respectability is in front of them. That said, Mosley has a lot of work in front of him.

Pelicans hire Jamahl Mosley as head coach after long search

Jamahl Mosley did not have to wait long.  

Less than two weeks after the Orlando Magic let him go, Mosley is heading to New Orleans. The Pelicans are hiring him as their next head coach on a five-year deal, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Monday.  

League executives at last week’s combine had been whispering for days that Mosley was the reason the Pelicans kept stalling their decision. New Orleans wanted him. They just had to see if he was ready to jump back in.  

Clearly, he is.  

It’s the first major coaching hire for Joe Dumars, the Hall of Famer who took over the Pelicans’ front office last April after a long run in Detroit. Dumars was a legendary Pistons player and then built a championship team as an executive. He came to New Orleans to do it again.  

This hiring is how Dumars begins that process. 

Mosley, 47, spent five seasons in Orlando, going 189-221 with the Magic. He built them into a legitimate defensive force. They were ranked second in the NBA in defensive efficiency last season. They made three straight playoff appearances under Mosley, but also three straight first-round exits.  

The last one, a blown 3-1 lead to the Detroit Pistons, cost Mosley his job.  

Before Orlando, Mosley spent 15 years as an assistant with Cleveland, Denver and Dallas before getting his shot as a head coach.  

He inherits a Pelicans team still looking for stability after Willie Green was fired just 12 games into last season.  They finished 26-56 overall, going 24-46 under interim coach James Borrego. Zion Williamson remains the centerpiece. Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen give him young pieces to develop.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jamahl Mosley hired as Pelicans' new coach following Magic exit