Category: NBA

Several notable players, including former UConn star Tarris Reed Jr., will participate in the 2026 NBA Draft Combine five-on-five scrimmages.

While these scrimmages do not include big stars or players projected to hear their name called at the top of the draft next month at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, there is typically first-round talent broadcast on national TV for fans to watch and for front offices to evaluate.

The most interesting players are often the ones who declared as early entry candidates because if they perform well, they can skyrocket on draft boards (like Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams did in 2022) or return to college and make more money in the modern NIL era.

Here’s how the NBA draft combine scrimmage pool breaks down entering this week based on consensus rankings across major draft boards.

Early entry candidates with collegiate eligibility remaining

These players have the most on the line because they will use feedback to determine whether they return to school or stay in the draft. Kentucky big man Malachi Moreno, who is also an early entry candidate, was originally included on scrimmage rosters but opted not to participate.

Potential first round picks

1. Cameron Carr (Baylor)
2. Dailyn Swain (Texas)
3. Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt)

Potential early-to-mid second round picks

1. Rueben Chinyelu (Florida)
2. Flory Bidunga (Kansas → Louisville)
3. Billy Richmond III (Arkansas)

Potential mid-to-late second round picks

1. Matthew Able (NC State → North Carolina)
2. Jeremy Fears Jr. (Michigan State)
3. John Blackwell (Wisconsin → Duke)
4. Jacob Cofie (USC)

Players who could play their way into guaranteed long-term deals

These players are ranked relatively near the first-round cutoff and can potentially move up with especially strong showings during scrimmage reps. They fall between No. 30 and No. 50 on the consensus rankings. Guaranteed contracts are signed if a player is picked in the first round and sometimes negotiated for early second-round picks, too.

1. Tarris Reed Jr. (UConn)
2. Ryan Conwell (Louisville)
3. Braden Smith (Purdue)
4. Trevon Brazile (Arkansas)
5. Jaden Bradley (Arizona)
6. Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia)
7. Baba Miller (Cincinnati)
8. Izaiyah Nelson (South Florida)

Notable second-round prospects to watch closely

These players have shown occasional NBA traits and are being evaluated on whether they can translate into consistent roles. They fall between No. 50 and No. 65 on the consensus rankings.

1. Otega Oweh (Kentucky)
2. Bruce Thornton (Ohio State)
3. Emanuel Sharp (Houston)
4. Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee)
5. Keyshawn Hall (Auburn)
6. Milos Uzan (Houston)
7. Maliq Brown (Duke)
8. Rafael Castro (George Washington)
9. Dillon Mitchell (Texas)
10. Tyler Nickel (Vanderbilt)

Under-the-radar names to know

These players are currently outside most consensus rankings but earned combine invites and could raise their profiles this week. These players rank beyond No. 65 on consensus rankings.

1. Nick Martinelli (Northwestern)
2. Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech)
3. Kylan Boswell (Illinois)
4. Felix Okpara (Tennessee)
5. Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue)
6. Peter Suder (Miami Ohio)
7. Bryce Hopkins (St. John's)
8. Nick Boyd (Wisconsin)
9. Aaron Nkrumah (Tennessee State)

How to watch the NBA Draft Combine scrimmages

The 2026 NBA Draft Combine scrimmages are on Wednesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and on Thursday, May 14, at 2 p.m. ET on NBA TV.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA draft combine top players in scrimmages, including Tyler Tanner

The Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs square off in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinals series. The Timberwolves won Game 4 114-109 to even the series 2-2 after Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was ejected. Wembanyama will be back for Game 5, but Spurs guards De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are questionable.

How to watch Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs

• Date: Tuesday, May 12

• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT

• Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas

• TV Channels: NBC, Peacock

• Live Stream:NBA League Pass | Follow on Yahoo Sports

Odds

• Spread: San Antonio Spurs -10.5

• Moneyline: San Antonio Spurs -418 (77.4%) / Minnesota Timberwolves +325 (22.6%)

• Over/Under: 218.5

Series schedule, results

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: Minnesota at San Antonio (Tuesday May 12, 8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)
Game 6: San Antonio at Minnesota (Friday May 15)
Game 7: Minnesota at San Antonio (Sunday May 17)*

Considering how Mark Walter transformed the Dodgers when he took over, a similar evolution has been expected for the Lakers now that he is the majority owner.

This assumption was confirmed when Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka said the franchise would spare no expense building out the front office.

While Walter has had only a few months to work on this, progress has already begun. The Lakers hired Lon Rosen as the new President of Business Operations and during his exit interview on Tuesday morning, Pelinka said they will also be hiring two assistant general managers.

“The two biggest positions is we will hire two assistant general managers,” Pelinka said. “That’s the plan. One of those general managers would oversee sort of player of player, draft and evaluation processes. That’s pro scouting, draft scouting, player development. The other [assistant general manager] would be more on the strategy side which is cap, analytics and data.

“Again, it’s not that we’ve had holes in those places. We have a great team of people that works incredible hard. It’s just we want to add more to that. For both those [assistant general manager] positions, we have started a wide search and have begun interviews but haven’t hired out either of those.”

Hearing that the Lakers will be adding two assistant general managers should be music to fans’ ears.

While Pelinka won’t say that the team has been lacking in the front office, it’d be hard to find many fans or people around the league who thought Los Angeles had a jam-packed department.

These additions will be a huge step in the right direction. By bringing in two different assistants and having one focusing on player development and scouting, and the other on the salary cap, analytics, and data, it means the Lakers should be able to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

Pelinka won’t be asked to do it all, and others won’t be stretching themselves thin trying to cover all the bases. He also mentioned during his exit interview that plenty of other roles around the team have been filled that the franchise never discloses.

“We don’t list and won’t start the precedent of listing of all the hires we do within data and strategy and analytics and scouting and medical scouting,” Pelinka said. “We’ve made numerous hires already that just aren’t one that we publicly disclose but there’s been a build-out going on.”

It’s safe to say change is already underway and will continue this summer.

Once we find out who the Lakers hire as assistants, we will have a better understanding of their vision and principles. For now, the good news is the front office will be growing, and there will be more brainpower at the table shaping the roster and the franchise moving forward.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

In today’s Dub Hub:

• Bucks are ‘open for business’ on Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.
• The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson II explains why it was no surprise that Steve Kerr decided to stay with the Warriors.
• Lakers’ LeBron James weighs potential retirement after team gets swept by the Thunder.

The Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors are back — and this time, there appears to be real momentum behind them.

With the Milwaukee Bucks superstar entering the final year of his contract and the team potentially shifting toward a rebuild, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Tuesday that the organization is now “open for business” on trade discussions involving the former two-time MVP.

Naturally, that immediately brings the Golden State Warriors into the conversation, as they have consistently been linked to Antetokounmpo in trade speculation over the last several years.

On paper, the fit is easy to understand. Pairing Antetokounmpo alongside Stephen Curry would instantly give the Warriors one of the most dangerous superstar duos in the NBA. Curry’s shooting gravity would create driving lanes and spacing unlike anything Antetokounmpo has experienced before. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo would immediately address several of Golden State’s biggest roster weaknesses — size, athleticism, youth, rim pressure, interior defense, scoring, rebounding, healthy talent, etc.

The more difficult question is whether the Warriors could realistically put together a package competitive enough to land him.

Golden State does have assets available. The franchise controls all of its future first-round picks, including the No. 11 overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft. From a salary standpoint, Jimmy Butler’s contract could also serve as the primary salary-matching piece in a potential blockbuster deal.

Still, it remains unclear whether that would be enough to outbid other teams expected to pursue Antetokounmpo with stronger packages of young talent and draft capital.

That said, a lot could change if Antetokounmpo were to specifically request Golden State as his preferred destination, but until that happens, the idea of Antetokounmpo joining Curry and the Warriors remains far more hypothetical than reality.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Tuesday, May 12th:

Warriors News:

If the Warriors don’t pull off trade for Giannis, it doesn’t mean they failed | NBC Sports Bay Area

There always was, however, a “For Display Purposes Only” tag hanging from Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks jersey.

That tag, which faded months before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, has been replaced by an auction tag. The Bucks are making Giannis available to the best offer.

And naturally, the Warriors, nose pressed to the window, are hyperventilating over the possibility of acquiring their Holy Grail.

Steve Kerr is running it back with the Warriors. Is anyone really surprised he stayed? | The Athletic

Another reason to trust Kerr: If the Warriors do somehow get their hands on another star — and you can bet a Lacob-run franchise will try — then Golden State will require Kerr’s greatest strength of maximizing excellence.

In the alternate universe where the Warriors land Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James, Kerr is the coach you’d want. Go watch “Court of Gold” on Netflix and see why.

Draymond Green shares his thoughts on Victor Wembanyama’s Flagrant 2 on Naz Reid

NBA News:

LeBron James to ‘recalibrate,’ weigh NBA future with family | ESPN

“I think you guys asked me about [retirement], and I’ve answered questions. I don’t think I’ve come out and been like, ‘Oh, retirement is coming,'” James said. “With my future, I don’t know, honestly. It’s, obviously it’s still fresh from, obviously losing [the series]. And I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds for me.”

Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama avoids suspension, will play in Game 5 vs. Timberwolves

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Warriors to draft No. 11 in the 2026 NBA Draft

Instead, the Warriors will stay in their place, and take a player with the No. 11 pick. And if you want reasons to feel optimistic, well … it’s the first time the Warriors have held the No. 11 pick since 2011, when they drafted Klay Thompson. Needless to say, a repeat of that outcome would be very welcome!

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

HeraldGiannis Antetokounmpo to Celtics? Cases for, against acquiring two-time MVP

GlobeReport: Celtics tried to land Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline

Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dead at age 29

Champion Thunder hold off tenacious Lakers 115-110 in Game 4 for another playoff series sweep

Donovan Mitchell’s 39-point second half helps Cavaliers even series with Pistons, 112-103

CelticsBlogWould you trade Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo? (Staff Roundtable)

Is this what other fanbases do?—The Week in Green

CLNS MediaWhy Celtics Should Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo | Celtics Daily

What is a Realistic Celtics Trade Offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo? | Still Poddable

NBC Sports Boston2026 NBA mock draft roundup: Early Celtics first-round pick predictions

NESNCeltics Odds Of Landing Giannis Antetokounmpo Just Improved Thanks To Luka Dončić

Hawks Suddenly Make Sense To Be Third Team In Potential Celtics-Bucks Trade

Skip Bayless Perfectly Sums Up Why Celtics Keep Collapsing In Postseason

Why Celtics’ Historic Playoff Collapse Vs. 76ers Looks Even Worse Now

Mass Live Jayson Tatum hits notable milestone with Achilles injury

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke dies at 29

NBA Mock Draft 2026: Projecting who Celtics could take with 2 picks

Former Celtics guard hints at free agency future after Lakers loss

Celtics Wire What might the Celtics do this offseason?

Celtics need to change their 3-pt heavy style to have playoff success

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Celtics alum Evan Turner downplays comments from Jaylen Brown

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Celtics take Crimson Tide forward in latest mock draft

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Boston Sports JournalReport: The Celtics pursued Giannis Antetokounmpo at the trade deadline

Hardwood Houdini Celtics have reportedly worked out potential Al Horford replacement ahead of draft

Hopes of reunion with Celtics fan favorite take crushing blow ahead of free agency

Celtics should keep close eye on Marcus Smart free agency situation with Lakers

Unexpected obstacle could get in Celtics’ way of Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit

Playoffs and lottery all but eliminated Giannis’ preferred destinations

Brad Stevens has rare chance to craft perfect sequel to legendary Kevin Garnett trade

Celtics’ biggest Giannis threat could create nightmare tandem for Boston to battle

Chowder and Champions Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors force Celtics into a clear decision

Celtics must face crystal clear Jaylen Brown reality amid trade rumors

Celtics have painfully obvious Sam Hauser decision to make this offseason

CLNS Media/YouTubeHow LEGIT are Giannis Antetokounmpo Celtics rumors? | You Got Boston w/ Noa Dalzell

Celtics PURSUED Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Before Deadline | Celtics Daily

ESPN/YouTubeThe Bucks are open to trades w/ Giannis 👀 Shams Charania BREAKS the news‼️ | SportsCenter

Bleacher Report Ranking Top Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Packages

Jaylen Brown Reacts to Carmelo Anthony Video, ‘Streaming Is the New Press Conference’

New Giannis Rumors on Bucks Trade, Potential Landing Spots Linking to Lakers, Celtics, Knicks & More

Analyzing NBA Trade Rumors on Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown and More

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Yahoo Sports/YouTube Brian Scalabrine SLAMS Giannis-to-Celtics Trade Rumors

The Sports Hub Celtics season wrap with Cedric Maxwell on Toucher & Hardy

NBA insiders weigh in on Giannis Antetokounmpo to Celtics rumors

WEEI/YouTube All signs are pointing to a Jaylen Brown & Giannis Antetokounmpo trade | Jones & Keefe

The Sporting NewsAJ Dybantsa’s NBA Combine measurements compare incredibly to Jayson Tatum

Celtics may finally make all-in move for Giannis after playoff disappointment

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Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29.

The news broke on Tuesday, May 12, when the Grizzlies and Clarke's agency each made separate statements about his passing. He was remembered as a light in the community and for his passion on the court.

NBC4 Los Angeles reports that Clarke's death is being investigated as a possible overdose. Per NBC4, the Los Angeles Fire Department received a 911 call on the evening of Monday, May 11 to assist with a medial emergency in the San Fernando Valley. When authorities arrived on the scene, they found Clarke deceased. The outlet said that responders found evidence of drug usage on the scene and are investigating accordingly.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the NBA team has confirmed.

The Canada-born player was a first-round draft pick in 2019 and had played only two games this season because of injuries.

The Grizzlies said they are "heartbroken" by the loss. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

"Brandon was an outstanding team-mate and an even better person whose impact on the organisation and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the team said in a statement.

Clarke played 309 NBA games, including 50 starts, and scored an average of 10.2 points per game.

He was arrested in Arkansas last month on charges that included speeding and possession of a controlled substance.

Clarke was born in Vancouver and was a dual citizen of Canada and the USA, having moved with his family to Phoenix when he was three.

After playing college basketball at San Jose State and then Gonzaga, he was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder and traded to the Grizzlies soon after.

His only two games this season were in December, although he travelled to the UK in January for the Grizzlies' win over the Orlando Magic in London.

"He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched," read a statement by his agency, Priority Sports.

"He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement: "As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved team-mate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit."

Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, his agency announced on Tuesday, May 12. He was 29.

The native of Vancouver, Canada played three years of college basketball, including one season at Gonzaga, and he was a member of the Memphis Grizzlies for all seven seasons of his NBA career.

Clarke made an impact in his community and, after the news of his passing circulated, he was remembered around the internet with high praise.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Clarke was, "a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit."

This offseason, LeBron James has a big decision to make.

Set for unrestricted free agency, this is the first time during LeBron’s tenure that he is entering a summer without a contract with the Lakers since joining LA in 2018. All options are on the board, from returning to the Lakers to leaving for another team or even retirement.

Naturally, that makes his future uncertain, but from the Lakers’ perspective, the desire for him to remain with the team is as strong as ever.

Throughout the years, Lakers President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka has shared his desire for LeBron to retire as a Laker and he doubled down on that sentiment on Tuesday morning during his exit interview.

“We probably haven’t seen a player that has honored the game to the extent that he’s honored the game,” Pelinka said. “He’s given so much to his teammates, to this organization. The thing we want to do more than anything else is honor him back.

“I think the first order of business there is allowing him to spend the time he needs to decide what his next steps are. Does he want to play another year in the NBA? And that’ll be, as he said to you guys last night, family time, I think time with his inner circle. We just want to honor that for him. Of course, any team, including our’s, would love to have LeBron James on their roster. That’s a blessing in itself just with what he does.”

Pelinka’s words also matched reporting by Dan Woike of The Athletic, who published an article on Tuesday morning stating that both the Lakers and LeBron are open to continuing working together.

“Both James and the Lakers, according to team and league sources, have interest in continuing their partnership (Rob Pelinka and Jeanie Buss have both said they hope James’ career ends with the Lakers). But Golden State and Cleveland could try to lure the NBA’s all-time leading scorer in an effort to win now – especially if James senses the Lakers are set on moving on in a different direction without him.”

Obviously, plenty of teams will be interested in LeBron’s services. The Warriors have repeatedly flirted with the idea of bringing in LeBron. The Cavaliers, being his hometown team and a competitive franchise in the East, will always be an alluring proposition.

But the Lakers have their advantages as well.

They are fresh off back-to-back 50-win seasons and are primed to be contenders in the West next season. Here in LA, he can continue to play with his son, Bronny, which he has consistently said he loves to do.

A lot can still happen, and LeBron holds all the cards, but it’s encouraging to hear that he is willing to play the one that has LA on it, and the Lakers are open to him doing just that.

You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.

Jason Collins, NBA's first openly gay player, dies at 47 of brain tumor originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jason Collins, the NBA’s first openly gay player who went on to become a pioneer for inclusion and an ambassador for the league, has died after an eight-month battle with an aggressive form of a brain tumor, his family announced Tuesday.

Collins spent 13 years as a player in the league for six different franchises. He revealed in 2013 that he was gay, an announcement that came toward the end of his playing career.

Collins had been diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, which has an extremely low survival rate. He was 47.

“Jason changed lives in unexpected ways and was an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who admired him from afar,” Collins’ family said in a statement released through the NBA. “We are grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and for the exceptional medical care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”

Just last week, Collins received the inaugural Bill Walton Global Champion Award at the Green Sports Alliance Summit. He was too ill to attend and his twin brother, former NBA player Jarron Collins, accepted for him.

“I told my brother this before I came here: He’s the bravest, strongest man I’ve ever known,” Jarron Collins said while accepting that award.

Jason Collins averaged 3.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in his career. He helped the New Jersey Nets reach two NBA Finals and in his best season averaged 6.4 points and 6.1 rebounds for them in 2004-05.

“Jason Collins’ impact and influence extended far beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and larger sports community more inclusive and welcoming for future generations,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “He exemplified outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13-year NBA career and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador. Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but also for the kindness and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.

“On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason’s husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our leagues.”

Jason Collins revealed his sexuality in a first-person account for Sports Illustrated in April 2013. He was a free agent at the time, said he wanted to keep playing, and went on to play in 22 games with Brooklyn the following season.

“If I had my way, someone else would have already done this,” he wrote at that time. “Nobody has, which is why I’m raising my hand.”

His decision was widely lauded, with star players such as Kobe Bryant quickly speaking out in support of Collins. There was even support from the White House and then-former President Bill Clinton — whose daughter, Chelsea, went to Stanford with Collins. At Stanford, Collins was roommates with someone who was part of another American political dynasty, that being Joe Kennedy III, who spent eight years in Congress representing Massachusetts.

Collins, in the piece for Sports Illustrated, wrote that he realized he needed to go public about his sexuality when Kennedy walked in Boston’s gay pride parade in 2012 — but Collins couldn’t do the same.

Until then, Collins kept his feelings about gay rights close to the vest. He wore jersey No. 98 for the majority of his final three playing stints with Boston, Washington and Brooklyn — a nod to the year that Matthew Shepard, a gay college student in Wyoming, was killed. He also wore 46 in one game for the Nets, since it was the only jersey the team had available when he signed.

Collins made nearly 61% of his shots in his career at Stanford, which remains a school record. He was an honorable mention selection for The Associated Press’ All-America team in 2001, a few months before the Houston Rockets took him with the 18th pick in that year’s NBA draft.

“It’s a sad day for all of us associated with Stanford basketball when we lose one of the program’s greats,” former Stanford coach Mike Montgomery said. “We all have great memories of Jason and the kind of person he was. It’s hard to separate Jarron and Jason because they thought so alike, but even though he was an identical twin, Jason was unique in his own way. The impact he had on Stanford was immense, as he could match up against anyone in the country because he was big, smart, strong and skilled, all while being a very bright and nice person.”

The NBA world got some unexpected, tragic news on Tuesday, as word of Memphis Grizzlies' power forward Brandon Clarke's death was revealed. He was 29 years old. The news was confirmed by Clarke's sports agency.

Though drafted with he 21st overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019, the former Gonzaga Bulldog played all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, earning All-Rookie team honors in 2020 and Sixth Man of the Year consideration in 2022. He played in just two games for the Grizzlies during the 2025-26 season due to a right calf strain among other various injuries.

Clarke's death comes little more than a month after he was arrested in Arkansas for improper passing, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing and exceeding the speed limit, and trafficking a controlled substance.

Brandon Clarke, a former first-round draft pick who spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died. He was 29.

His agency, Priority Sports, confirmed the news Tuesday on social media. No cause of death has been disclosed.

"Everyone loved BC because he was always there as the most supportive friend you could ever imagine," the agency wrote. "He was so unique in the joy he brought to all of those in his life. It's just impossible to put into words how much he'll be missed. We love you, BC."

Born in Vancouver, Canada, Clarke played basketball at Desert Vista High in Phoenix, Ariz., before spending two years at San Jose State and one at Gonzaga. He was selected at No. 21 overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2021 NBA draft but he was traded to the Grizzlies weeks later.

Read more:Kyle Loftis, street racing media pioneer who founded 1320Video, dies at 43

Clarke played in 309 games for Memphis but only two this past season because of injuries. Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds during his career.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke,” the Grizzlies said in a statement. “Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten. We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

NBA commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement.

"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke," Silver said. "As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit. Our thoughts and sympathies are with Brandon's family, friends and the Grizzlies organization."

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Perhaps the basketball gods are about to strike at the San Antonio Spurs. Two additions to the “questionable” line on their injury report before Game 5 could throw this series further into chaos, certainly after the Minnesota Timberwolves’ comeback win in Game 4.

My Timberwolves vs. Spurs props and NBA picks expect Minnesota to ask more from its best player while San Antonio may need to shift tactics in Game 5 on Tuesday, May 12.

For more intel, check out my complete Timberwolves vs. Spurs predictions.

Best Timberwolves vs Spurs props for Game 5

Player	Pick
Anthony Edwards	Over 6.5 rebounds	+122
Keldon Johnson	Over 8.5 points	+102
Julius Randle	Under 3.5 assists	+105

Game 5 Prop #1: Anthony Edwards Over 6.5 rebounds

+122 at bet365

There are a few ways to assess the possibility the San Antonio Spurs could be without Dylan Harper and/or De’Aaron Fox tonight. It is quite likely at least one plays — if not both — but in the regular season, a gameday downgrade on the injury report is quite a telling move. That bodes poorly for Harper’s likelihood.

Harper, in particular, has been excellent this series, snagging at least four rebounds in each game, averaging 5.5, and seeing increased minutes in close games. Without the physical rookie on the court, Anthony Edwards’ life would get a bit easier.

The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar already emphasizes the glass in the postseason. After finding 14 rebounds in 41 minutes in Game 3, Edwards tracked down six in 40 minutes in Game 4.

The plus-money value here is a delight, the perk of this prop climbing from 5.5 rebounds. If either Harper or Fox is sidelined, Edwards should be pestered a bit less when handling the ball, should have a touch more energy, and should have a few more opportunities on the glass.

Game 5 Prop #2: Keldon Johnson Over 8.5 points

+102 at bet365

On the San Antonio side of things, losing Harper’s offense would create an opportunity for some other reserve. And it is worth focusing on Harper’s injury compared to Fox’s simply because a knee injury is more worrying than an ankle injury — along with the timing of the respective questionable designations.

Keldon Johnson could fill some of the Harper hole, though Johnson has already cleared this prop in three of the four games of this series, even with Harper excelling.

Johnson played cautiously in Game 4, but a role player should always be expected to play better at home than on the road. Again, the plus-money value here is a delight, quite frankly, a surprising one.

Game 5 Prop #3: Julius Randle Under 3.5 assists

+105 at bet365

Julius Randle has yet to dish out four assists in a game in this series. In fact, he is averaging just 1.75 assists per game. This prop should not be double that average.

At some point, the Timberwolves may need to go away from Randle. He is not shooting well, he's turning the ball over too often — at least five times in three of the four games against the Spurs — and he is only adequate defensively.

If Minnesota wants to throw a wrinkle at San Antonio and Victor Wembanyama, an athletic lineup featuring Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels as the two bigs would certainly dial up the offensive pace.

Chris Finch has that personnel, and when he considers it, Randle’s workload could shrink further.

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.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died, the team, his agency and the NBA said Tuesday. He was 29.

Neither the Grizzlies nor Clarke's agency, Priority Sports, provided any details about when, where or how Clarke died.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of Brandon Clarke. Brandon was an outstanding teammate and an even better person whose impact on the organization and the greater Memphis community will not be forgotten," the Grizzlies said in a statement. "We express our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

His agents wrote on social media that they were “beyond devastated” by Clarke’s death.

“He was so loved by all of us here and everyone whose life he touched,” Priority Sports said. “He was the gentlest soul who was the first to be there for all of his friends and family.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed sympathies to Clarke’s family and friends and the Grizzlies organization.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Brandon Clarke,” Silver said. “As one of the longest-tenured members of the Grizzlies, Brandon was a beloved teammate and leader who played the game with enormous passion and grit.”

The National Basketball Players Association said: “This is an incredible loss for the brotherhood. We will remember Brandon not only for the immense joy he brought to so many throughout his career, but for the genuine friendships he built far beyond basketball.”

Clarke was arrested April 1 in Arkansas for speeding and possession of a controlled substance that was reportedly kratom, an herbal supplement promoted as an alternative pain remedy that becomes illegal in Tennessee as of July 1. He was released on bond a day later.

Clarke was the 21st overall pick out of Gonzaga in the 2019 NBA draft by Oklahoma, which dealt his rights to the Grizzlies, who already took guard Ja Morant second overall. Clarke joined Morant on the NBA's All-Rookie team in 2020, and the Grizzlies gave him a multiyear contract extension in October 2022.

He tore his left Achilles tendon March 3, 2023, in a loss to the Denver Nuggets in a showdown of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Injuries limited him to 72 of a possible 246 games over the past three seasons, including only two this season.

Clarke averaged 10.2 points and 5.5 rebounds over his seven seasons with the Grizzlies.

He had one more season left on his contract with Memphis and was due to earn $12.5 million, according to Spotrac.com. But the Grizzlies are in the midst of another major roster rebuild after going 25-57 after trading away stars Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. within the past year.

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

With the season on the brink of extinction, the Thunder put the Lakers out of their misery in Game 4 and advanced to the conference finals.

LA put up another valiant effort Monday, even nursing a one-point lead with 40 seconds remaining, but it wasn’t enough. OKC completed the sweep and bounced the purple and gold into the summer.

It’s one thing to lose all four matchups in the regular season, where game plans and lineups get adjusted by the hour. It’s another to stand side by side with the best team in the league and measure the difference.

Those measurements came up immensely short, even after accounting for superstar Luka Dončić missing the entire series. While the result revealed the Lakers have a multitude of issues to resolve, none is more pressing than finding their franchise center.

Backup center Jaxson Hayes’ strong performance in Game 4 lends a blueprint to what the focus should be.

As he’s done on numerous occasions this season, Hayes closed the game and played more minutes than starter Deandre Ayton. Hayes had his best game of the series with 18 points, five rebounds, and a block in 27 minutes.

It’s no coincidence the Lakers had their shot to win when their best athlete had his most productive game, especially coming from the center position. Hayes is one of the few — and maybe the only — Lakers players who can overpower his matchup with pure above-the-rim athleticism.

Watch below as he sets a wide pin down for Austin Reaves with LeBron James as the entry passer. It sets up the empty side action, with Reaves quickly throwing up the lob to where only Hayes can reach.

The runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, Chet Holmgren, comes to contest, but it has no impact as Hayes finishes the thunderous dunk over the top.

Late in the third quarter, the Lakers ran their Finland action. Watch as Luke Kennard comes off the final screen of the play and finds Hayes rolling with the pocket pass. Holmgren once again comes over to recover, but Hayes has already gathered onto his trampoline.

The monster finish at the basket put the Lakers up by one. Hayes used his pogo stick bounce to finish four dunks on Monday.

Vertical spacing and an almost infinite catch radius will be essential skill sets for pairing with heavy pick-and-roll guards this summer. Luka and Reaves led the league as a duo in pick and rolls ran per game this season.

In addition to the dunk fest, Hayes leveraged his athletic prowess to grab three offensive rebounds, including one massive tip-in putback to end the third quarter.

On the defensive end, his lateral quickness on the perimeter fit into head coach JJ Redick’s switch-heavy defensive style, while still being able to block shots at the rim, as seen in the play below.

Ajay Mitchell pushes it in transition and gets it swatted while the Lakers get a basket from LeBron on a leak-out pass.

While he contains many of the skills LA will need in its franchise center, Hayes was on a $3.5 million deal this season. He may return to the team in a backup role once again, but he can’t be relied on as a starting center going forward and he still carries a shaky playoff history.

The center opposite the Lakers in this series was Isaiah Hartenstein, who is making $29 million this season. Their other main big is Holmgren, who just signed a $250 million extension last summer.

Canvassing the other playoff teams remaining, they all have a center making close to max money, or soon to be, with players such as Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs and Jalen Duren of the Pistons.

Finding the permanent solution at center should be at the top of the to-do list this summer. If they don’t, they will find themselves right back in this position again next season.

You can follow Raj on X at @RajChipalu