NEW YORK, NY - MAY 6: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round Two Game Two on May 6, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The news comes after Anunoby scored 24 points in a 108-102 win in Game 2 at Madison Square Garden.
Anunoby has been a key factor in the series so far for the Knicks, so not having him in the first road game against Philly could hurt their chances of taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.
With Anunoby on the sidelines, there is a good chance the Knicks will go with Miles McBride in the starting lineup as he had the most minutes off the bench in Game 2 with 21.
For the Sixers, they might also be dealing with some injuries of their own. All-Star center Joel Embiid missed Game 2 with a litany of injuries and is deemed questionable for Game 3 against the Knicks. If he were to play, it might benefit the Knicks to give Mitchell Robinson more minutes and slide Karl-Anthony Towns to the power forward slot in placement of Anunoby.
Ultimately, regardless of who the Sixers trot out on the court, the Knicks have to focus on how they execute their game plan. They had a good idea going into the game that Anunoby might not be available, so they have to respond accordingly and try to pull out a win despite the tough circumstances.
P&T Community, what do you think of the news regarding Anunoby? Chime off in the comments section below.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — OG Anunoby was ruled out for Game 3 on Friday night with a strained right hamstring, but the New York Knicks forward appears to have avoided a serious injury and remained day to day in the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Anunoby was having another strong game Wednesday before appearing to suffer a leg injury and motioning to come out of the game. He went to the locker room area and did not return to the bench before the end of the Knicks’ 108-102 victory.
Anunoby is averaging 21.4 points per game in the postseason while shooting 61.9% from the field and 53.8% from 3-point range.
The 6-foot-7 Anunoby, who is considered the Knicks’ top defender, injured his hamstring two years ago in the second round as the Knicks were taking a 2-0 lead over Indiana. He missed the next four games and played just a few minutes in Game 7 as the Pacers rallied to win the series.
Defiant Knicks fans flooded into enemy territory Friday night for Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers — in a swift rejection of Joel Embiid after the Philly star whined that New York’s faithful are not welcome in the City of Brotherly Love.
Dozens of diehards traveled down the Turnpike by chartered bus to Xfinity Mobile Arena in a bid to “really piss Philly fans off” as the Knicks look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
“We’re gonna fill the place up with as many Knicks fans as possible,” vowed Vincent Puleo, co-owner of Big Knick Energy, which helped organize the bus trip.
Knicks fan packed into a charter bus to cross into Philly. Stephen Yang for NY Post
“Trying to send the message: don’t try to ban New Yorkers from anything!” he warned, adding he wants to “really piss Philly fans off.”
Puleo’s threats come after Embiid — the 76ers’ oft-injured superstar center — groused Saturday about the last time the two teams locked horns in the NBA playoffs in 2024, when Knicks fanatics flooded Philly and made it feel like “[Philadelphia] was Madison Square Garden East.”
Puleo insisted Friday he took Embiid’s whining “as a personal invite.”
“We weren’t gonna go until Embiid said something,” he admitted.
Fans riding the bus also blasted the Philly bigman — as their arrival behind enemy lines neared.
“Forget Embiid. Embiid could say whatever he wants. Embiid could tell us, ‘don’t sell the tickets to the Knicks fans.’ We’re taking over,” Huntington resident Justin Almonte, 25, slammed.
“We’re going to take over Philly. This is home field advantage for our team in a different state. I hope we catch a W.”
Fans were ready for Game 3 in Philly. Stephen Yang for NY Post
Hudson Perl, of Livingston, New Jersey, said Embiid’s plea “just shows how … sorry a fan base” the 76ers have.
“Like you should not be saying to people, ‘don’t sell your tickets.’ Your fans should be there automatically,” griped the 19-year-old, who flew to Atlanta for the Knicks clincher against the Hawks in the opening round of the playoffs.
The Jalen Brunson-led Knicks toppled the Hawks in six games before controlling the first two games against the 76ers at MSG — leaving the Big Apple buzzing with hope of the organization’s first championship since 1973.
The bus trip from Big Knick Energy charged fans $75 for a round trip to Philly for Game 3. AP
Embiid, meanwhile, was listed as questionable for Friday night’s pivotal matchup, but 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said pregame he thinks his center “is gonna give it a shot.”
The bus trip from Big Knick Energy, which is also run by Angelo Pellegrino and Leros Transportation Group, charged fans $75 for a round trip to Philly for Game 3 and is also offering the shuttle for Sunday’s Game 4.
“I think we’re gonna go in and we’re gonna overtake Philly,” declared Dix Hills resident Jake Bornstein.
“We’re gonna mess with the Philly fans. It’s gonna be hella fun.”
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 12: Rolando Blackman poses for a photograph during 2025 NBA Draft Lottery on May 12, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois at McCormick Convention Center. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA draft lottery takes place on Sunday, when the Golden State Warriors will learn whether their 2% chance at the No. 1 pick pays off and which pick they’ll be offering to the Houston Rockets this summer in a rejected trade offer for Kevin Durant. It all depends on the combination of ping-pong balls drawn in a closed room, where the Warriors will send legendary public relations man Raymond Ridder to observe.
That’s how the NBA ensures fairness, or if you’re a conspiracy theorist, where Adam Silver gets all 14 officials to agree to give the No. 1 overall pick to whoever most recently helped the Los Angeles Lakers and then never tell a soul. But the real stars are the on-stage representatives, who appear on camera and help bring luck — or awful, franchise-ruining disappointment — to their teams.
Here’s a ranking, from worst to first, of the 14 different legends, team officials, active players, and owner’s children attending the big lottery draw.
14. Scott Perry, Sacramento Kings
Perhaps Perry feels the need to show his face at the draft lottery after one season at the helm of the Kings, one where he traded last year’s Kings lottery rep, Keon Ellis, along with his big free-agent signing, Dennis Schroder. But does he have to remind the poor Sacramento fans that the man who previously used lottery picks on Elfrid Payton, Mario Hezonja, Frank Ntilkina, and Kevin Knox is in charge of their draft? At least he’s not a blood relative of Vivek Ranadive.
13. Larry Harris, Golden State Warriors
Did the Warriors reward a longtime scout and executive with a place in the spotlight? Or did no one more exciting than Del Harris’ son volunteer to go to Chicago for the event?
12. Tayshaun Prince, Memphis Grizzlies
Prince is the Memphis Grizzlies’ vice president of player affairs, but he’s primarily associated with the glory days of the Detroit Pistons, not the 139 games he played for the Grizzlies. This also feels like a situation where other executives weren’t interested in the task and Prince drew the assignment. Was Tony Allen busy?
11. Mallory Edens, Milwaukee Bucks
Edens is a social media influencer who rose to fame at age 18 when she represented the Bucks at the 2014 lottery draw and the internet got inappropriately horny about a girl who hadn’t graduated from high school yet. Bill Simmons said, “The Cavs won the lottery and Mallory Edens won the Internet,” which Jerry Seinfeld would probably agree with.
Gross! Anyway, Doc Rivers got fired and Giannis Antetokounmpo is getting traded, so the Bucks might as well send the daughter of their billionaire owner to the lottery. Edens is a film producer and — allegedly — the ex-girlfriend of Aaron Rodgers, so expect her to do her own research instead of accepting the NBA’s so-called “lottery odds.”
10. Nick Collison, Oklahoma City Thunder
There’s no one who could make the Oklahoma City Thunder sympathetic in the lottery draw for a draft that might take place a week after they win their second straight title. Collison is as good a choice as any, a veteran who spent all 15 years of his career with the Thunder and became the first player to get his jersey retired in OKC. Plus, he’s used to taking a pounding in the low block so if observers start throwing things at him when the Thunder jump into the top three, Collison can take it.
9. Vince Carter, Brooklyn Nets
No shade to Vinsanity, who was great in his time with the Nets, but are the Nets really the team you’d associate with Carter? Then again, the Nets are woefully short on franchise legends, since most of their greatest players spent more time with other teams, like Jason Kidd or Derrick Coleman, or reached greater heights elsewhere, like Brook Lopez or Julius Erving. Maybe they can call on Kerry Kittles the next time they’re in the lottery.
8. Onsi Saleh, Atlanta Hawks
Is sending the general manager of your team a little boring? Usually yes, but Saleh deserves a chance to be in the TV spotlight as a reward for pulling off the heist that got the Hawks into this room in the first place — swapping last year’s No. 13 pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the No. 23 pick and this year’s Pelicans first-rounder. Now they have a 29.3% chance at a top-four pick and a 6.8% chance at No. 1.
Saleh also landed a promising young forward named Jonathan Kuminga who has inspired very little discussion among our commenters in the past few seasons.
7. Rolando Blackman, Dallas Mavericks
Trotting out Cooper Flagg, last year’s No. 1 pick, isn’t going to get any sympathy for the lottery gods, to whom the Mavericks sacrificed former general manager Nico Harrison early last season. Instead, they’re using Blackman, a four-time All-Star and former Mavericks assistant coach — who just happened to be their rep at the Flagg lottery last year.
6. Alonzo Mourning, Miami Heat
‘Zo is a legend in South Beach, winning a title in 2006 and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. For younger fans, Mourning is the subject of one of the world’s greatest GIF’s, where the veteran goes through a full gamut of emotions while seated on the bench. Imagine his reaction if the Heat get lucky!
Choosing a promising young player to attend the draft generally has good vibes. It feels like the hypothetical lottery pick is being welcomed early. Knueppel is a strong choice because he finished second in the Rookie of the Year and unlike 60% of the Hornets starting lineup, he doesn’t have legal issues regarding domestic violence, reckless driving, or being an accessory to murder.
4. Keyonte George, Utah Jazz
George is another good-vibes pick, especially since he’s the biggest draft success story so far in the Jazz’s multi-season tanking odyssey. He outranks Knueppel because he’s had to go through more misery by enduring three seasons on the Jazz. Knueppel only knows the Hornets as a playoff team!
3. Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls
Kukoc has a non-specific front office role as a “special adviser to the team president and CEO,” but his real role is “Member of the 1996-98 Bulls.” It’s a strong selection and more exciting than the rep the last time the Bulls won the draft lottery in 2008: Bulls executive vice president of marketing/broadcasting Steve Schanwald, who was called ‘Stan” during the telecast.
2. TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers
McConnell could be a controversial choice as a draft lottery guy, because he wasn’t drafted coming out of college. However, that’s also the case with Ben Wallace, the only modern-day undrafted NBA player to make the Basketball Hall of Fame, and he was the Detroit Pistons representative in 2021 when they won the lottery and landed Cade Cunningham. The basketball gods reward hard work and hustle!
1. John Wall, Washington Wizards
Wall may be the biggest bright spot for the Wizards since Wes Unseld retired 45 years ago. That says a lot about the franchise, but Wall was a tremendously exciting, five-time All-Star whose career was derailed by a freak injury (He slipped and ruptured his Achilles tendon while recovering from Achilles surgery). He was also the No. 1 pick in the 2010 draft, making him the perfect Wizard rep. Plus, if they sent Anthony Davis or Trae Young, they’d probably get hurt climbing into their seats.
BRISTOL, CT - NOVEMBER 18: NBA Draft Analyst, Mike Schmitz looks at his phone during the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, 2020 in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN Headquarters. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks are turning to an Arizona alum to take over their franchise.
The Mavericks on Friday announced the hiring of Mike Schmitz as general manager ahead of next month’s NBA Draft. Schmitz spent the last four seasons on the Portland Trail Blazers staff after serving as a draft analyst for ESPN.
Schmitz attended the University of Arizona from 2009-12, where he covered UA athletics for the Daily Wildcat. Schmitz’s Arizona basketball beat helped showcase his eye for identifying talent, according to a 2018 profile in the Daily Wildcat.
Schmitz worked for Yahoo Sports and Draft Express before joining ESPN. He worked for the Worldwide Leader for five years, then transitioned to a front office role in Portland. He most recently served as the Trail Blazers’ assistant GM.
“Mike is one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA,” said Dallas president Masai Ujiri. “He brings intelligence, discipline, humility and a relentless work ethic to everything he does.”
Schmitz takes over a Mavericks franchise that a year ago won the NBA Draft Lottery, earning the rights to the No. 1 pick, which they used on Duke standout Cooper Flagg. Dallas went 26-56 this season and holds a 29% chance at receiving a top-four pick in this Sunday’s Draft Lottery.
Dallas is more likely to receive a mid-lottery pick, and some mock drafts have linked the Mavericks to Arizona guard Brayden Burries.
Greetings, Panthers fans. Welcome to your weekend.
Feel free to use this thread to chat about (almost) anything you want: video games, food, movies, non-football sports, you name it. As long as it’s allowed by the sites ToS, it’s fair game here.
The Sixers now face an even bleaker picture than they did after falling behind 3-1 in their first-round playoff series with the Celtics.
They suffered a 108-94 loss Friday night to the Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena, sliding to a 3-0 deficit in their second-round series. No NBA team has ever won a series after trailing 3-0.
Knicks star Jalen Brunson tallied 33 points and nine assists. Mikal Bridges added 23 points.
Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a playoff career-high 22 points for the Sixers and grabbed eight rebounds.
Joel Embiid returned after missing Game 2 with right ankle and right hip injuries. He had 18 points, six assists and five rebounds. Tyrese Maxey posted 17 points on 8-for-12 shooting and seven assists.
OG Anunoby (right hamstring strain) sat out Game 3 for New York. His status is considered day-to-day, Knicks head coach Mike Brown said pregame.
Miles McBride replaced Anunoby in New York’s starting lineup. The Sixers resumed business as usual with Embiid as their starting center.
Embiid dished out two early assists to George and the Sixers surged to a quick 9-0 lead.
Though there was a vocal contingent of Knicks fans in the building, the Sixers certainly felt the home crowd behind them for the first time this series. Brown called timeout after two straight Maxey-to-VJ Edgecombe alley-oops.
George nailed his third triple of the first quarter to put the Sixers up 23-12. He had another excellent, sweet-shooting start, scoring 15 points on 6-for-9 shooting in the first quarter.
The 36-year-old is up to 34 made threes in the playoffs, which is the most of any player. He cooled off badly Friday, scoring zero points after the first quarter, but George has mostly been what the Sixers envisioned as a consistent, efficient two-way wing next to Embiid and Maxey.
All Knicks on boards, off bench in first half
Brunson started 0 for 4 from the floor. Karl-Anthony Towns was sidelined by foul trouble for much of the first half.
The Sixers were still unable to extend their lead. Former Sixers guard Landry Shamet made a major impact off of New York’s bench, posting nine first-half points. Shamet leaked out for a dunk early in the second quarter to tie the game at 33-all. The Knicks went on top with a second-chance Jose Alvarado jumper.
New York built its lead largely through exploiting two Sixers weaknesses that have popped up often this season — poor defensive rebounding and lack of quality depth. The Knicks posted 13 of the night’s 15 second-chance points. They had a 16-0 halftime advantage in bench scoring, too.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse played a nine-man rotation. Quentin Grimes remained the team’s sixth man, Andre Drummond and Adem Bona both got brief shifts at backup center, and Dominick Barlow stayed in the rotation. The Sixers continued to rely heavily on their starters and no second-unit player fared particularly well in the first half.
Oubre’s buzzer-beating three dropped in to cut the Sixers’ deficit to 60-52 at halftime.
Knicks have no problem sealing the deal
Embiid was obviously not at optimal health. Both his mobility and his leaping looked to be limited, although he did have explosive moments here and there.
The Sixers had stretches where they assigned Embiid to Josh Hart and essentially used him as a defensive roamer. On the other end, Embiid was upset about multiple no-calls and only managed eight points in the first half on 3-for-7 shooting.
Oubre helped the Sixers stay within striking distance and Towns picked up his fourth foul with 6:27 left in the third quarter. Oubre sunk a corner three and Embiid spiked Josh Hart’s shot inside during a third-quarter Sixers run. Embiid’s second-chance layup trimmed New York’s lead to 78-76.
As they had in Game 1, the Sixers intentionally fouled Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson, sending him to the line late in the third quarter. Robinson went 3 for 4 on the foul shots generated by the Sixers’ hacking, although he did later have an 0-for-2 trip.
The Sixers’ offense missed some good looks in the final minutes of the third quarter and the Knicks made them pay. After Grimes air balled a three long and George’s jumper hit the front rim, Shamet drilled a triple with 7.1 seconds left in the third to give the Knicks an 88-79 edge.
Grimes scored the Sixers’ first bench points with a three-ball early in the fourth quarter. He canned another to pull the Sixers within four points and prompt a New York timeout.
The Knicks regained control and the Sixers continued with a George-Barlow frontcourt until Embiid subbed back in with 6:05 left in the game. Brunson scored in transition seconds after Embiid entered and the Sixers’ deficit grew to 99-86.
While the Sixers have had promising patches in the last two games, the bottom line is the Knicks have been the better, deeper team and the series scoreline reflects that. Once more, the Sixers will stare down an elimination game Sunday.
The Cleveland Cavaliers return home for Game 3, facing a massive hole after dropping the first two games of the series in Detroit. With no NBA team ever coming back from a 3-0 deficit in a best-of-seven series, urgency should be at an all-time high for Cleveland on Friday night.
These Pistons vs. Cavaliers predictions are built around a bounce-back performance from James Harden and a Cavaliers team that has been dominant on its home floor throughout the playoffs.
Our best Pistons vs Cavaliers SGP for Game 3
SGP leg #1: James Harden Over 18.5 points
James Harden has been far more aggressive offensively at home, and Cleveland desperately needs that scoring punch with its season threatening to spiral. Detroit has struggled to contain downhill guards in this series, and Harden’s usage should spike in a must-win environment. Expect Cleveland to lean heavily on its stars early and often.
SGP leg #2: James Harden Over 6.5 assists
James Harden has been far more aggressive offensively at home, and Cleveland desperately needs that scoring punch with its season threatening to spiral. Detroit has struggled to contain downhill guards in this series, and Harden’s usage should spike in a must-win environment. Expect Cleveland to lean heavily on its stars early and often.
SGP leg #3: Cavaliers 4.5
The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in five straight road games, but they're 4-1 ATS across their last five at home. Cleveland will be playing with a major sense of urgency, looking to avoid a 3-0 hole that has never been overcome in playoff history. I expect Harden to be better, and the combination of him and Donovan Mitchell will be too much for Detroit to contain.
Get Zak Hanshew's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Pistons vs Cavaliers predictions for Game 3.
More Covers NBA Playoff content
NBA Championship odds
Stay up-to-date with the latest NBA Championship odds for each remaining team, as well as NBA title splits, betting trends, and the previous list of teams that have won the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
NBA Finals MVP odds
See what the current line movement and updates are in the NBA Finals MVP odds race, along with Finals MVP betting trends, favorite analysis, and recent superstars to receive this award.
Live NBA Playoff bracket
Never lose track of where each series sits with our live NBA Playoff bracket, as well as the updated prices for each team to win their respective series — round by round.
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.
Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) falls to the court after missing a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden
PHILADELPHIA — Game 3 was too soon for OG Anunoby.
Despite the Knicks’ optimism that his injury is minor, Anunoby was out for their clash against the 76ers Friday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena. He had been listed as questionable heading into the game.
Anunoby suffered a right hamstring strain during the Knicks’ 108-102 Game 2 win on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. But imaging revealed that it is a “very minor” strain, The Post’s Stefan Bondy reported, and he is truly considered day-to-day with confidence he should not miss much time.
The Knicks had to play at least one game without him, however. Miles McBride was elevated into the starting lineup in his place.
Knicks forward Og Anunoby (8) falls to the court after missing a shot against the Philadelphia 76ers during game five of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“Obviously things change a little bit,” Josh Hart said before Game 3. “He’s a great defensive player. So it just means guys that are playing are going to have to step up, cover for each other.”
The Knicks would not elaborate on whether Anunoby is able to run or what he is actually able to do on the court.
“We just have to go out and try to do our job, whatever our job is,” coach Mike Brown said before Game 3. “Nobody has to do anything extraordinary. Defensively and offensively, it’s the same with OG being out. It’s going to be a collective effort for everybody to step up. You always talk about next man up, that’s what it is during this time of the year or the regular season.”
Anunoby appeared to suffer the injury while driving to the basket during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s game. He began visibly limping, but remained in the game for a few plays and even attempted a dunk — though he was blocked. He asked for a sub and came out with 2:31 left in the game, went to the locker room and did not return.
He has arguably been the Knicks’ most consistent player this postseason — he is averaging 20.3 points on stellar 61.9 percent shooting from the field and 53.8 percent shooting from 3-point range. His defense — on Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu in the first round against the Hawks and primarily Paul George in this second-round series against the 76ers — has been superb.
Anunoby’s absence left a major hole to fill.
“OG’s been unbelievable,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said before Game 3. “He’s been amazing both in the Atlanta series and in this series. He has been as good as I’ve ever seen him. He just keeps getting better and better, it’s a testament to him to continue to just keep playing. He guards every position. His shooting’s been great, now he’s even, his cutting game is great. Once he dribbles inside the line, you used to kind of think ‘let’s force him inside the line and who knows what’s going to happen.’ Now he’s dunking on people and hitting that 17-footer. He’s been doing everything at a super high level. … I’m a big fan of OG’s.”
As the series shifts to Minnesota, the Timberwolves return home looking to respond in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs, with our NBA player prop projections identifying several strong value spots on the board.
By breaking down the data and comparing it to the latest market lines, we’ve uncovered where the strongest betting edges lie for this pivotal matchup.
This one has become a staple for a reason, and there’s little indication that changes now. Expect Wemby to keep doing Wemby things and stay active on the boards.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet wembanyama Now at bet365!/span
Stephon Castle Over 16.5 points (-112)
Projection: 17.18 points
Stephon Castle has been operating like a well-oiled machine throughout the playoffs, especially against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s shot 50% or better in both Game 1 and Game 2 against Minnesota and has cleared his points prop in each outing.
With that level of consistency, there’s little reason to expect the trend to slow down anytime soon.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet castle Now at bet365!/span
De'Aaron Fox Over 5.5 assists (-105)
Projection: 6.18 assists
De’Aaron Fox has cleared this assists line in five of the Spurs’ last seven playoff games, reinforcing how effective San Antonio is when he’s setting the table and keeping them within striking distance — or outright in control.
Playmaking is built into Fox’s game, and he’s not likely to drift away from what makes him most effective.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet fox Now at bet365!/span
Timberwolves Game 3 computer picks
Anthony Edwards Under 23.5 points (-115)
Projection: 20.95 points
The Timberwolves are taking a cautious approach with Anthony Edwards’ health, making it no surprise that his points prop is leaning toward the Under.
While he’d undoubtedly like to bounce back and help erase the disappointment from Game 2, Minnesota’s priority is keeping his minutes in check to avoid aggravating his knee issue and risking further setback.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet edwards Now at bet365!/span
Rudy Gobert Over 10.5 rebounds (-135)
Projection: 11.56 rebounds
Rudy Gobert has been right on the edge of this rebounds line, grabbing 10 boards in both Games 1 and 2 against the Spurs.
With the Timberwolves looking to respond in Game 3, he should have another strong opportunity on the glass—and this time, it feels like he finally breaks through and hits the Over.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet gobert Now at bet365!/span
Naz Reid Over 1.5 3-pointers
Projection: 2.04 3-pointers
Naz Reid has been knocking down threes at a hot clip against the Spurs, shooting 67% in Game 1 and 75% in Game 2.
He’s consistently been good for at least one or two triples throughout the playoffs, and with the series shifting back to Minnesota, there’s little reason to expect that trend to slow down now. He'll do enough from beyond the arc to clear the Over in Game 3.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet reid Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 3
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Friday, May 8, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
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.
SACRAMENTO, CA - MARCH 27: Harrison Barnes #40 of the Sacramento Kings shoots against Dean Wade #32 of the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 27, 2021 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With free agency still more than a month away, teams already eliminated from the postseason are putting together their big boards. Targets they’re interested in. Assets they have available. Ways to start piecing together the puzzle that will become the 2026-27 Phoenix Suns roster.
We all have our theories about who the Suns should add, who they could add, and how they can make the money work. At the same time, the front office is building its own board. And according to reports, two names on that list are players still active in the postseason. Two players who bring very similar traits.
Per Clutch Points reporter Brett Siegel, the Suns have been linked to Dean Wade of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Harrison Barnes of the San Antonio Spurs.
Two early names are already being linked by sources to the Suns as free agent targets: Harrison Barnes and Dean Wade.
Inside Phoenix's offseason and other intel on the teams eliminated during the first round of the playoffs: https://t.co/KFbKYD4vHW
Both players are power forwards who can stretch the floor. Neither gives you much interior size, still, both provide a real presence from beyond the arc.
Harrison Barnes will be 34 next season and entering his 13th year in the league. He’s coming off his second season with the San Antonio Spurs and made $19 million last year. San Antonio does hold his Bird rights if they want to bring him back. Given the youth movement happening there, it’s hard to see them spending heavily to retain Barnes at this stage.
Dean Wade is interesting for different reasons. He’s 29 years old with six seasons of NBA experience, all spent with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s finishing up a three-year, $18.5 million contract. Cleveland is operating over the second apron, which means tough business decisions are coming. They also hold Wade’s Bird rights, still, retaining him could become difficult depending on how aggressive they want to be financially.
So the question becomes, what is their value on the open market? And is it something the Phoenix Suns would be willing to pay?
There are other factors involved as well. If the Suns move off either Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale, or both, then Dean Wade becomes a much more intriguing target. You don’t want to overpay for him, still, he could replicate parts of the outgoing skill set while giving you more size in the process.
Harrison Barnes is different for me. On a veteran minimum deal, sure. Beyond that, I’m not interested at this point.
Given the fact that Phoenix will probably operate on the fringes instead of chasing splashy trades, these are the kinds of names you should expect them to be tied to. Moving off Allen or O’Neale is realistic, and doing so could open different ways to improve around the margins. You still have to replace what those players provide.
Wade shot 36.2% from three this season. Barnes shot 38.8%. Both are complementary pieces that can help in spot starts and rotational roles. The question becomes role expectation. They’re unrestricted free agents. Maybe they want more. Maybe they want starting opportunities, similar to what Tyus Jones once sought in Phoenix.
That’s where restraint matters. If starting promises are part of the pitch, the Suns should pass. You already have Rasheer Fleming sitting there. He should be getting starts at power forward next season, not veterans born during the Bush administration.
That’s my two cents. Let us know in the comments how you feel about the Suns being linked to these two players.
DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks hired Mike Schmitz as general manager on Friday, naming the Portland Trail Blazers' assistant GM to his new role three days after introducing Masai Ujiri as team president and alternate governor.
The announcement gives Schmitz the title Nico Harrison held until he was fired in November, nine months after trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a move that backfired badly on the franchise.
The Mavericks said Schmitz would oversee day-to-day management and strategic alignment in the club's basketball operations department.
The move comes with Dallas still not having provided any clarity on the future roles of Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi. They were named co-interim GMs when Harrison was fired and engineered the trade of Anthony Davis, the centerpiece acquired by Dallas in the Doncic deal, to Washington.
Schmitz and the Nigerian-raised Ujiri have strong ties to Africa. Schmitz has spent time working on youth basketball development in Ujiri's homeland and has served as an assistant coach with the Ugandan national team.
Schmitz joined the Trail Blazers in 2022 after spending five years as a draft analyst at ESPN.
“I have tremendous respect for Masai, this ownership group and the vision they have for the future of the franchise,” Schmitz said. “I'm excited to get to work alongside the talented people already in place and help build a championship-caliber organization.”
The San Antonio Spurs and Minnesota Timberwolves meet in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals series. The teams split the first two games in San Antonio. Game 3 is in Minneapolis. The Spurs are favored by 4.5 points. The over/under for the matchup is set at 216.5.
How to watch San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Moneyline: Minnesota Timberwolves +165 (36.2%) / San Antonio Spurs -198 (63.8%)
Over/Under: 216.5
Series schedule, results
Game 1:Timberwolves 104, Spurs 102 Game 2:Spurs 133, Timberwolves 95 Game 3: San Antonio at Minnesota (Friday May 8, 9:30 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: San Antonio at Minnesota (Sunday May 10, 7:30 ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 5: Minnesota at San Antonio (Tuesday May 12)* Game 6: San Antonio at Minnesota (Friday May 15)* Game 7: Minnesota at San Antonio (Sunday May 17)*
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 07: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots over Alex Caruso #9 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Paycom Center on May 07, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The game of basketball can be complex. But often, its solutions can be simple. For the Lakers, there are two things they consistently haven’t been able to do this postseason: grab rebounds and control the basketball.
Against Houston in the first round, they eventually won the battle of the boards as the series progressed, but now in the second round, the Thunder are winning in this department.
Across two games, OKC has outrebounded Los Angeles 76-71. Turnovers have been even more concerning. The Lakers lead the playoffs in turnovers, averaging 18.1 per game. In their Game 2 loss, the Lakers had 21 turnovers, and the Thunder scored 26 points off them.
“You can start seeing some trends here,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said postgame. “We probably need to go back to the two keys we had against Houston which is take care of the ball and box out. It’s not on a high volume, but they’ve killed us in both games. Every time they’ve gotten an offensive rebound, they’ve scored.”
If you give the Thunder additional opportunities, they will make you pay. OKC leads the NBA in 2nd chance points, averaging 18 per game in the playoffs. Against the Lakers, that number has increased to 19. With LA struggling to take care of the ball and unable to retain possession on misses, it’s no surprise they are down 2-0 in this series.
“I think tonight, we did a good job with our first defense, but we have to clean glass,” LeBron James said. “We have to do a better job. We let Chet get some offensive rebounds and some putbacks, either get to the free throw line or some putbacks. [Against] a team like that, you can’t give up second-chance points. We did a great job in the Houston series as the series went on of being better at that. We got to do a better job of hitting and not allowing them to get second-chance points. When you’re able to hold a team like that to a first stop, I think we can get better at that.”
So far, the Lakers haven’t been able to execute on all phases of a game for four quarters. The reason is a combination of the Lakers not taking care of things and the Thunder making that happen. This is a tough matchup for the Lakers. OKC is the favorite to win it all and hasn’t shown any cracks in its armor.
It’s up to the Lakers to create them, and that starts with controlling what they can control. In Game 3, they need to grab those boards and be smarter with the basketball. If not, they’ll be one step closer to elimination.
The Cleveland Cavaliers head home today looking earn a much-needed win over the Detroit Pistons, as they trail 2-0 in this second-round series.
My Pistons vs. Cavaliers predictions are looking for superstar guard James Harden to get back on track in front of the home crowd.
Here are my best free NBA picks for Game 3 from Rocket Arena on Saturday, May 9. Don't miss tip-off at 3 p.m. ET on NBC, and for more on this game, read Ed Scimia's Pistons vs. Cavaliers props.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win today.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 3 prediction today
Who will win Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 3?
Cavaliers: The Cavaliers kept things close in Game 2 despite a poor performance from James Harden, and Harden should get back on track in the pivotal Game 3. Donovan Mitchell has played his best basketball at home, and the Cavs are 31-14 at Rocket Arena compared to just 25-21 across all other venues this season.
Pistons vs Cavaliers best bet: James Harden Over 18.5 points (-120)
James Harden delivered a dud in Game 2, scoring 10 points on just 3-of-13 shooting while failing to do much as a rebounder or facilitator. He’s been hounded with a reputation for flopping in the playoffs throughout his career, and I expect him to respond with a bounce-back effort in Game 3.
Harden is averaging 19.6 points per game in the playoffs, and he’s scored 19+ in five of nine outings. He’s reached that scoring milestone in 21 of 35 games with the Cleveland Cavaliersoverall and in nine of 16 at home. He finished with exactly 18 points in three more home appearances.
The superstar guard has averaged 22.8 points at home compared to just 17 on the road in his first postseason run with Cleveland, scoring at least 18 in all four games at Rocket Arena and at least 19 three times.
It’s do-or-die time for Cleveland, and with the series — and his reputation — on the line, I’m betting on a big game from Harden.
COVERS INTEL:James Harden has scored 19+ points in 112 of 182 career playoff games, good for 61.5%.
Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 3 same-game parlay
Harden has averaged 7.2 assists across 35 appearances with the Cavaliers, and he's dished at least seven dimes 23 times. Harden finished with exactly seven assists in four of five matchups against the Detroit Pistons this season, failing to do so only in his disappointing Game 2 performance.
The Cavaliers have failed to cover the spread in five straight road games, but they're 4-1 ATS across their last five at home. Cleveland will be playing with a major sense of urgency, looking to avoid a 3-0 hole that has never been overcome in playoff history.
I expect Harden to be better, and the combination of him and Donovan Mitchell will be too much for Detroit to contain.
Pistons vs Cavaliers SGP
James Harden Over 18.5 points
James Harden Over 6.5 assists
Cavaliers -4.5
Our "from downtown" SGP: Comeback season
Donovan Mitchell averaged a career-best 28.7 points per game at home this season, scoring 26+ in 28 of 41 games at Rocket Arena and reaching that mark in 47 of 79 games overall. He averaged 29.8 points across four matchups with the Pistons, scoring 30+ and hitting the Over on this line three times.
Jarrett Allen bounced back from a poor showing in Game 1 with 22 points in Game 2. He's averaged 15.4 points across five matchups with the Pistons this season, hitting the Over on this line three times. Allen has averaged 12.8 points per game at home compared to just 10.6 on the road in this season's playoffs.
Over/Under: Over 212.5 (-110) | Under 212.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Cavaliers betting trend to know
The Cavaliers have covered the spread in four of their last five home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Cavaliers.
How to watch Pistons vs Cavaliers Game 3
Location
Rocket Arena, Cleveland, OH
Date
Saturday, May 9, 2026
Tip-off
3:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Pistons vs Cavaliers latest injuries
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.
Spurs
Timberwolves
COVERS INTEL: