The Lakers have been without their leading scorer since April 2 when he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain in a loss against the Thunder. Doncic missed the Lakers' remaining regular-season games and start of the postseason, including a first round, 4-2 series win against the Houston Rockets.
The Lakers advanced to face the Thunder in the conference semifinals, where they are down 1-0, following a 108-90 loss in Game 1 on May 5.
Doncic has been seen shooting at Lakers' practices. He told reporters after their Wednesday practice that he is doing "everything he can" to get back on the court and join the team in the playoff battle amidst a championship chase.
"I'm feeling good and working out every day, trying to come back," Doncic told reporters. "Right now, I'm running, but I haven't done any contact."
Luka Doncic’s first press conference since he injured his hamstring on April 2. He said his timeline to return to the #Lakers was 8 weeks. He’s ramping up. But still a ways to go. pic.twitter.com/Qux41bcTO0
Guard Sam Merrill was ruled out for Game 2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Detroit Pistons Thursday night with a left hamstring strain.
Merrill was on the court testing the leg during warmups, according to reports, but the team announced he would not play after he returned to the locker room.
He exited Game 1 on Tuesday after just 6 minutes and 41 seconds. He underwent an MRI on Wednesday and did not practice. Now, the Cavaliers, already down 1-0 in the series, are facing Detroit’s defense without their best shooter.
That’s a big issue for the Cavs.
The Pistons basically dared the Cavaliers to beat them from outside in Game 1. Without Merrill, Cleveland struggled. The Cavs turned the ball over 20 times, and the Pistons converted that into 31 points in the 111-101 win. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden combined for 45 points but also combined for 10 of those turnovers.
Merrill shot 42.1% from 3 during the regular season and averaged a career high of 12.8 points. He is in the first year of a four-year, $38 million extension with Cleveland.
“You can’t replace what Sam brings,” forward Jaylon Tyson said Wednesday. "He’s a key piece of this team. Our best shooter. Somebody’s got to step up for him.”
Tyson, Keon Ellis and Dennis Schroder figure to absorb the minutes. In Game 1 without Merrill, that trio shot 5-of-11 from 3 and combined for 22 points in 56 minutes
DETROIT, MI - MAY 5: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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DETROIT (AP) — Cleveland Cavaliers reserve guard Sam Merrill is out of the lineup with a hamstring injury against the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of their second-round series on Thursday night.
Merrill was injured early in a Game 1 loss to the Pistons on Tuesday night. He had an MRI and was held out of practice on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old Merrill averaged 12.8 points during the regular season and scored in double digits twice in the seven-game, first-round series against the Toronto Raptors.
May 5, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Daniss Jenkins (24) dribbles defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) in the second half during game one of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Today’s NBA playoff slate features two conference semifinal games:
Cavaliers vs. Pistons (Game 2) at 7 p.m. ET — Detroit leads the series 1-0
Lakers vs. Thunder (Game 2) at 9:30 p.m. ET — Oklahoma City leads the series 1-0
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The Lakers will look to even things up against the reigning NBA champs when Game 2 against the Thunder tips off tonight.
Although the Lakers started strong in Game 1 behind LeBron James, who finished with 27 points and 6 assists, the Thunder’s depth and defense proved too much for a Los Angeles squad still playing without Luka Dončić.
Chet Holmgren led the way for Oklahoma City with a dominant 24-point, 12-rebound double-double, and even though reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was held to a season-low 18 points and forced into 7 turnovers, Oklahoma City maintained control for the final three quarters, outscoring the Lakers by 18 points in the second half and finishing in a 108-90 win.
Lakers vs. Thunder: what to know
What: NBA Playoffs Second Round, Game 2
When: May 7, 9:30 p.m. ET
Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Channel: Streaming Exclusive
Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)
The series will move to Los Angeles for Game 3 on Saturday, May 9, before a Monday night Game 4.
Lakers vs. Thunder start time:
Game 2 between the Los Angeles Lakers and OKC Thunder is scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET tonight, May 7.
How to watch Lakers vs. Thunder for free:
Tonight’s Lakers game is one of the NBA Playoffs games streaming exclusively on Prime Video, so you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch.
If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
The Los Angeles Lakers roster is already stretched thin as it is, but there's a chance they could be down one more body for Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night.
Luke Kennard was added to the Lakers injury report on Wednesday with neck soreness. He's still on it as of the 5:30 p.m. NBA injury report for Thursday and is officially listed as questionable.
Kennard struggled in Game 1, shooting just 1-for-4 from the field for seven points, five rebounds, one assist and two turnovers. But the 29-year-old sharpshooter played a major role in the Lakers' first round series win over the Houston Rockets, scoring 27 and 23 points in the first two games as LA raced out to a 3-0 lead. He ultimately averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 44.6% and 41.7% from beyond the arc over their six games against Houston.
Luke Kennard (neck soreness) is questionable for tomorrow's Game 2 at OKC. Jarred Vanderbilt is doubtful. pic.twitter.com/sahX1xLzRW
The Lakers acquired Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Gabe Vincent and a 2032 second-round draft pick at the trade deadline on Feb. 5. Since his arrival, he's provided some much-needed shooting to Crypto.com Arena, emerging as a go-to complementary piece for LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
If Kennard sits for Game 2, that would add to the Lakers' injury woes this postseason.
Doncic has missed a month with a grade 2 hamstring strain and recently revealed he was originally given an eight-week timeline to return, meaning he likely won't be available until the end of the Western Conference Finals.
Jarred Vanderbilt is day-to-day with a dislocated right pinky and Austin Reaves has struggled to a 30.4% field goal percentage since returning from a grade 2 oblique strain in Game 5 against Houston.
MACAU, MACAU - OCTOBER 10: NBA legend Vince Carter reacts during NBA China Games 2025 between Phoenix Suns and Brooklyn Nets at The Venetian Macao on October 10, 2025 in Macau, Macau. (Photo by Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images) | Getty Images
First it was the Basketball Hall of Fame in August 2024. Then it was his jersey retirement in Brooklyn in January 2025.
Now, Vince Carter will be honored once again by the Brooklyn Nets. On Sunday, VC will be the Nets representative on the dias for the NBA Lottery, hoping the same luck that sustained them during his four seasons in New Jersey will continue in Chicago.
The names of all 14 reps on the dias will be announced tomorrow along with those who will sit in the actual draft room. Last year, the Nets were represented by Makar Gevorkian, the Nets capologist and vice-president of strategy. Like the Nets, other teams have chosen fan favorites from the past: Chicago with Tony Kukoc and Washington with John Wall.
While the Hall of Fame and jersey retirement honored Carter for his past achievements, Sunday will be about the future. The Nets have a 14.0% chance at the overall No. 1 and can’t fall below No. 7.
Carter, now 49, played for eight teams over 22 seasons in the league, but a strong argument can be made that his time in New Jersey was him at his best.
Carter joined the Nets in December 2004 in a trade that Peter Vecsey, the New York Post hoops writer, called the most lop-sided in 25 years. After controversies arose in Toronto over time lost to injuries and reputed lack of effort, the Raptors sent VC to New Jersey for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams and Aaron Williams and two first round draft picks, neither of which amounted to much.
From his first days in New Jersey, Carter was a fan favorite, his electric play the perfect complement to Kidd’s steady unselfishness. In that year, he averaged 27.5 points a game for the rest of the season compared to 15.3 in Toronto.
Although his role in New Jersey is often overshadowed by what he did in his early years in Toronto — essentially popularizing basketball in hockey-mad Canada, the numbers are similar and Carter re-established his reputation at the Meadowlands after it had been tarnished at the Air Canada Center
Carter played almost as many games for the Nets as he did for the Raptors — 374 to 403 — and actually averaged more points — 23.6 to 23.4 — in his New Jersey tenure. His assists, rebounds and shooting percentage were all higher in New Jersey. And the love was just as strong and it was requited.
Mr. Whammy, who will join VC in Chicago as a guest of Joe Tsai, was asked back in 2025 about what made Carter special.
“I have to describe Vince in one respect: he was the ballet star of the NBA,” Whammy told NetsDaily. “You had to wonder and wonder about the things he did and what he would do next. He would fly. He would spin under the basket. He brought brilliance to the game. I don’t think there’s ever been a player as graceful as Vince Carter. He was the ballet star of the NBA.”
This time around, VC will only have to sit quietly and remain cool while deputy commissioner Mark Tatum open and read the giant cards with team names on them, identifying those who will pick Nos. 14 through 5 first, then after a commercial break, the final four get chosen.
Things begin at 3:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Carter has become the Nets leading “alumni” in recent years. In addition to being honored after the Hall of Fame and with the jersey retirement, he traveled with the Nets to Macau last October for the renewal of the NBA China Games between Brooklyn and Phoenix.
Oklahoma City Thunder have been cruising so far through the 2026 NBA playoffs despite not being at full strength.
Thunder star Jalen "J-Dub" Williams has not played since suffering a Grade 1 left hamstring strain during the first round against the Phoenix Suns on April 22. Williams played in the first two games of the opening series and has been sidelined since.
Oklahoma City finished the Suns in a sweep and have since moved on to the Conference semifinals to face the Los Angeles Lakers, where they hold a 1-0 series lead after their 108-90 Game 1 win on May 5.
Williams missed the first game of the Thunder-Lakers series. His status for Game 2 mirrors his Game 1 status.
According to the NBA injury report (as of 5 p.m. ET), Williams is listed out for Game 2 with a left hamstring.
Williams, 25, averaged 17.1 points and 5.5 assists for the Thunder during the 2025-26 regular-season. He shot 48.4% from the field and just under 30% from 3-point distance. His average plus/minus is +6.9.
Despite missing those numbers, Oklahoma City has shown signs of success without Williams, who has sat out at times throughout the season with injuries. Williams played in 33 regular-season games. He was limited with two wrist surgeries and two hamstring strains.
The Thunder have been breezing by opponents with or without him, defeating their opponents by an average of 17.4 points in five games. Adding Williams would only make Oklahoma City seem unstoppable.
Williams is part of the Thunder core and the team's present run at a dynasty. He signed a five-year, $239.25 million deal as part of a designated rookie contract extension with Oklahoma City in July 2025.
Jalen Williams draft
Williams was selected by the Thunder with the 12th pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft out of Santa Clara. The pick was originally acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers as a part of a deal that sent Paul George to LA for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Jalen Williams stats
Here are Jalen Williams' 2025-26 regular-season stats:
Points: 17.1
Rebounds: 4.6
Assists: 5.5
Field goal %: 48.4
3-point %: 29.9
Free throw %: 83.7
Blocks: 0.3
Steals: 1.2
Jalen Williams highlights
Check out Thunder guard Jalen Williams' highlights from last year's playoffs.
There are a few coaches around the league who, even if their team isn't winning much, the job they are doing catches the eye of scouts and front office people from other teams. They see development, smart use of often-limited rosters, and the building of cultures that will serve as a foundation once the talent is built up.
Charles Lee is one of those coaches, and after leading the Hornets to 44 wins this past season and the play-in, he was rewarded with a multi-year contract extension, the Hornets announced.
"I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue leading this team and building on what we've started here in Charlotte..." Lee said in a statement announcing the extension. "I'm excited about the direction we're headed and our team's bright future. Our players have shown a real commitment to growth, and I'm proud of the culture we're establishing together. We're just getting started, and I'm looking forward to the work ahead."
Lee took over from Steve Clifford for the 2024-25 season, and an injury-riddled Charlotte squad won just 19 games — but you could see the development and potential. This season, with a healthy LaMelo Ball and the addition of rookie Kon Knueppel, Charlotte won 44 games, made the play-in and beat Miami in one of the best play-in games ever, but fell short of making the playoffs. Still, that is a 25-game leap from season to season, with a young and improving team.
"Charles has done an outstanding job establishing a foundation for who we want to be as a team," Hornets president of basketball operations Jeff Peterson said in a statement. "From day one, Charles and his staff have prioritized player development, creating an environment where each of our players are committed to getting better and continue to improve. He has built a team-first culture rooted in accountability, hard work and professionalism."
There are no details on the contract. When Lee signed two years ago to take over as head coach, it was reportedly a four-year contract, likely with a team option on the final year. This contract likely replaces that option year and adds at least two, so that would keep him under contract with the Hornets for at least three more seasons, until the summer of 2029.
Ayton is facing a frontcourt of Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, two guys who are known for their elite rim protection.
In Game 1, Ayton had a good performance, finishing with a game-high-tying 12 rebounds along with 10 points.
But he needs to be better.
Ayotn put up a double-double of 10 points in 12 rebounds in the Game 1 loss vs. Thunder. Getty Images
The Lakers need Ayton to play like a No. 1 overall pick.
They need him to take on the challenge of stopping Holmgren, who finished with 24 points and 12 rebounds. They need him to pour himself into both sides of the court, owning the paint.
When Ayton is at his best, the Lakers are a different team.
But his effort fluctuates.
In his first postseason appearance wince 2023 with the Suns, Ayton averaged 11.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in 31 minutes in the 4-2 series victory over the Rockets. Getty Images
That’s a major reason why the Suns traded him to the Trail Blazers in Sept. 2023 and the Blazers bought out his contract last June.
When Ayton signed with the Lakers as a free agent this summer, he knew he had a golden opportunity to turn things around.
But his struggles followed him to Los Angeles.
He became disengaged when he felt he wasn’t getting enough touches. Sometimes he was a force. Other times, he was going through the motions.
His immaturity issues were present, too.
He infamously declared in the locker room in February, “I’m not no Clint Capela.” He was sometimes snappy with reporters.
But things shifted during the Lakers’ 16-2 run this spring. Instead of trying to be a star, he fully bought into starring in his role.
It has been a difference-maker for the Lakers.
“DA’s had a great season,” Redick said. “He was instrumental in us getting past Houston. His baseline of who he is every day for the last two, two-and-a-half months has been awesome.”
Now the Lakers need Ayton to lock in even more.
He needs to make Holmgren think twice about shooting in the paint. In addition to grabbing rebounds, he needs to be physical. He needs to be disciplined.
In Game 1, Ayton helped the Lakers go on a 7-0 run to open the game. He was active. He made a putback layup. He was grabbing defensive rebounds. He was flying around everywhere.
But things fell apart for him in the second half.
He was assessed his fourth foul a few minutes into the third quarter and only played 4 minutes in the period. In the fourth quarter, he had only one rebound and one shot attempt in nearly 9 minutes.
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Before facing the Thunder, Ayton was well-aware of the task ahead of him.
“It’s going to be big with me protecting that paint this series,” he said. “Them having 50-plus points in the paint — they’re a really unstoppable team.”
Often labeled as passive and overrated, Ayton can use the postseason to rewrite his narrative. NBAE via Getty Images
Well, Ayton, this is your chance to prove what you can do.
You were solid in Game 1, but that’s not enough. You need to be great.
The Lakers need you. And you need them.
You want to change your narrative. You want to show the world who you are. You want respect.
The Lakers and Ayton are in a symbiotic relationship, with both needing each other in this series to thrive.
But if the Lakers are going to have any chance of beating the Thunder in their best-of-seven second-round playoff series, they’re going to have to reverse the trend regardless of Doncic’s status.
The Lakers’ Austin Reaves (left) must attempt more 3-point shots to give LA a chance to defeat the Thunder. Getty Images
The Lakers were a low-volume 3-point shooting team even before Doncic and Austin Reaves (left oblique) suffered their regular-season-ending injuries April 2 against the Thunder.
Just 36% of their shot attempts came from beyond the arc through April 2, according to Cleaning The Glass, which ranked 22nd among NBA teams.
But Doncic, through his perimeter shooting and playmaking, helped the Lakers become a more threatening team from deep.
The Lakers’ 3-point frequency increased by 5.7% when Doncic was on the floor compared to on the bench, by far the highest mark on the team.
But then the shift came.
The Lakers’ 3-point frequency dropped to 30% (28th) in the final five regular-season games without Doncic and Reaves.
And through their first seven playoff games, their 3-point frequency has stayed at 30%, the lowest among all playoff teams.
The Lakers were one of the league’s most efficient scoring teams during the regular season because of their free-throw shooting and dominance on scoring inside of the paint — areas in which Doncic played a significant role.
That hasn’t been the case during the playoffs, with their true shooting percentage of 56.6 a strong mark but still fifth among playoff teams compared with ranking second (60.9%) during the regular season.
The Lakers’ LeBron James made three 3-pointers in the Game 1 loss to the Thunder. NBAE via Getty Images
Their 2-point shooting dropped from 59.5% during the regular season to 50.8% in their seven playoff games entering Thursday, including 45.5% in their Game 1 loss to the Thunder. They also only took 13 free throws in Game 1 after averaging 26.3 attempts during the series against the Rockets.
The Lakers should shoot better on 2s.
But getting more free throws will be challenging against a physical Thunder team that has the league’s best defense and doesn’t foul frequently.
The Thunder don’t allow a lot of shots at the rim and are elite at protecting it once opponents get there.
But the areas they allow a frequent number of shots are from midrange and beyond the 3-point arc.
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“They give up the most spray 3s in the NBA, and they have heavy shifts, and they always make [Chet] Holmgren [the] low [man], so you’re likely going to be able to shoot more 3s against them,” coach JJ Redick said before the series started. “But, again, you have to base that on what the coverages are. And are they helping off, are they not helping off?”
Redick added: “It’s based on the coverage. If they’re not willing to give up 3s, you can’t force up the 3s. We gotta be ready to launch.”
With the Thunder primarily playing drop against the Lakers, being ready to launch off the dribble will be an important factor for LA.
They took just eight pull-up 3s in Game 1.
Reaves and Luke Kennard should be the primary players taking pull-up 3s if the Thunder continue to prioritize protecting the paint like they do best.
The Lakers can’t be expected to be a high-volume 3-point shooting team without Doncic, but they can be a higher-volume 3-point shooting team.
And they need to be to have any shot of beating the Thunder in this series.
Historically, it makes sense given this tournament has had significant growth since the first edition of eight teams in 1939. In fact, the 42 years without a major shift was the longest it had gone without expanding.
Why so long? That’s because it finally found the perfect balance. Now, the NCAA is trying to ruin its most sacred postseason, dismantling all the work necessary to make March the spectacle it is.
The organization will tell you it’s expanding the field because it was necessary, giving one-fifth of its 361 teams a shot at the exclusive spot. More teams means better matchups, so more drama and opportunities for madness. The NCAA also won’t mind the extra money that comes with it.
However, do those teams that are just missing out really deserve a shot? Because it has shown none of it looks pretty.
It has everything to do with who is getting these extra spots. You know who this expansion is really for, and if you need a hint: it’s not those small schools.
The NCAA tried to say since the first four out started in 2011, 42% of teams to just miss the cut came from non-power conferences. With that logic, more of the mid-majors will get in, right?
No way. The smaller conferences have dwindled recently. Of the 24 teams to miss out since 2021, just seven were mid-majors. That’s just 29%. Plus with the new seeding, automatic qualifiers all get bumped a seed down. So a No. 13 seed in the field of 68 can end up a No. 14 in the field of 76.
That’s why those at the mid-major level are skeptical they will see any benefits of this.
“I think the intention of expansion is only to get more power conference teams in the tournament, and that's frustrating. Every year, there's a couple of teams in that mid-major group that I think would add a lot to the tournament that get excluded,” UC Irvine coach Russell Turner told USA TODAY Sports in July. “You could be optimistic, but knowing how the tournament bids are being chosen with the formulas that they're using, I don't think that optimism is well placed.”
More and more, the selection committee has pushed away mid-majors in favor of power teams, and it’s an ugly way to go about it. Just look at who barely missed out on the field in 2026.
Congratulations, 18-14 Indiana and 17-16 Auburn get a shot to play for a title. Quality wins or not, they have zero business being in the bracket compared to teams that did more in their respective conferences.
With the way the tournament is trending, the regular season loses even more of its luster, and puts a bigger spotlight on the bigger conference teams that should be behind the curtain.
Now, those fringe contenders are going to do everything to schedule easier buy games to make the lipstick look a little bit better on the pig, leaving those quality mid-majors scrambling for opponents like Miami (Ohio).
When the race to the tournament really begins in February, we’re going to be discussing teams hovering around .500 because they are getting punched around in the Big Ten or SEC, but that one or two Quad 1 wins suddenly makes them a contender. Rather than make it an exciting sprint to the end, we’ll be spending time focusing on teams you want to shield your eyes from. It’s getting close to the “SEC-Big Ten-Big 12-ACC-Big East” invitational status.
It’s unfortunate, because the build up to Selection Sunday is part of the magic. You want to see quality teams fighting to get in, not a mid-off between squads fighting one of the worst fights you’ll ever watch.
The NCAA wants to get more people inside the door. The problem is the teams being let through are ones that shouldn’t even be knocking in the first place, and those that should get in aren’t even getting the invite. Let in a 26-6 Belmont team that won the Missouri Valley regular-season title over middling Indiana who’s limping on the porch because of program recognition.
Thankfully, this isn’t the complete end of the tournament. Teams like 2024 Indiana State and 24-win Boise State in 2025 that barely missed out then will get a shot in the future, and that’s what most teams are asking for. If there is a better focus on getting the right teams – not brands – then expansion wins.
The days leading up to Selection Sunday will be ugly, but this doesn’t wreck the tournament completely. The first round and everything after stays intact, meaning the first round madness is still going to happen. For as much has been changed, the best part is untouched. It will just be an unfortunate start before the greatest show in basketball can officially begin.
The NCAA hasn’t killed the NCAA Tournament, but it’s getting better at ruining it.
The Minnesota Timberwolves did not respond well to a San Antonio Spurs’ adjustment in Game 2. This Spurs vs. Timberwolves same-game parlay focuses on Minnesota’s likely adjustment in Game 3 on Friday, May 8.
SGP leg #1: Anthony Edwards Over 4.5 assists (+115)
The San Antonio Spurs sent a second defender at Anthony Edwards as often as possible in Game 2. Whenever the Minnesota Timberwolves’ superstar crossed halfcourt, a second defender charged at him in an effort to get the ball out of Edwards’s hands as quickly as possible.
Minnesota did not handle that well, in part because its best response is currently in a walking boot on a scooter after tearing his Achilles in Game 4 against the Nuggets. Without Donte DiVincenzo hoisting 29-foot 3-pointers, it was more difficult to break the Spurs’ traps.
But the Timberwolves will need to adjust. The defensive focus is on Edwards. He needs to move the ball to open teammates.
SGP leg #2: Naz Reid Over 1.5 threes (-120)
The best remaining Minnesota shooter, Edwards aside, is Naz Reid. For much of March and even the first round against the Nuggets, Reid’s shoulder bothered him too much to properly stress a defense.
But he has now gone 5-of-7 from beyond the arc in this series. He can hit those 30-footers that will best open up the court for Edwards.
Reid has hit multiple 3-pointers in four games against San Antonio this season.
SGP leg #3: Rudy Gobert Under 11.5 rebounds (-120)
More Reid may mean less Rudy Gobert. This whole series should mean less Rudy Gobert.
Victor Wembanyama is such a defensive force; the Timberwolves need five scorers on the court as often as possible, and Gobert simply is not that.
Minnesota’s problem in Game 2 was not its defense, though that was not necessarily spectacular. It was the offense.
Get Douglas Farmer's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Spurs vs Timberwolves predictions for Game 3.
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The Los Angeles Lakers' depth was already tenuous heading into the playoffs. It's even more so now ahead of Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday night.
Jarred Vanderbilt went down with a gruesome hand injury when his fingers hit the backboard while trying to contest an alley-oop towards the end of the first half in Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, resulting in a full dislocation of his right pinky that also broke skin. But there's optimism that the Lakers' fan favorite avoided the worst-case scenario.
During the off day on Wednesday, Lakers head coach JJ Redick told reporters that "they were able to put his finger back together," with stitches and put the finger in a splint.
Jarred Vanderbilt injury update: Status ahead of Game 2
Vanderbilt is considered day-to-day and is officially listed as doubtful for Game 2, according to the latest NBA injury report.
"He's obviously a tough-minded player and person," Redick told reporters. "... Certainly the pain is involved (in a return), from my understanding. Basically, making sure that the tissue is healed enough to protect his skin barrier and the bone."
#Lakers head coach JJ Redick and teammate Jaxon Hayes discuss Jarred Vanderbilt’s open dislocation of his right pinky finger and how he’s now “day to day” after doctor’s had to put it back together and sew it up with stitches last night during Game 1 against #OKC. #Thunder… pic.twitter.com/9zic7yLW9w
Vanderbilt was screaming and doubled over in pain as he walked off the court towards the locker room at the 5:51-mark of the second quarter. Athletic trainers placed a towel over his hand to conceal the graphic injury, but some camera angles did show a bone in his pinky sticking out through the side of his skin.
The Thunder bench reacted and moved out of the way when they got a glimpse of it.
While Vanderbilt is unlikely to play on Thursday, it seems like he avoided the worst possibility of a fracture. The only other Lakers listed on the injury report were Luka Doncic (out with a grade 2 left hamstring strain) and Luke Kennard, who is questionable with neck soreness.
