NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Assistant coach Steve Hetzel of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the game at Barclays Center on December 08, 2024 in New York City. 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s been quite the Spring for Brooklyn Nets assistant coach Steve Hetzel. In early April, Fred Katz and Eric Nehm of The Athletic mentioned him in a story meant to highlight the top candidates to be first-time NBA head coaches this offseason. Earlier this week, Sam Amick, also of The Athletic, reported that Hetzel is a finalist for the lead job with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Now, there’s another team after him, perhaps with a stronger lure. In his latest Substack release [subscription required], Jake Fischer linked Hetzel to the Portland Trail Blazer’s head coaching gig. As a bonus, beloved former Net Jared Dudley seems to be in the running as well.
“League sources say Hetzel (as well as Denver assistant Jared Dudley) is expected to draw interest from Portland if he does not get the New Orleans job,” Fischer wrote. “Hetzel spent three seasons with the Blazers before joining the Nets. And two of those seasons overlapped with Damian Lillard, who is very much poised to return to a prominent role with the organization. Sources say Lillard has indeed lobbed in some suggestions for the coaching search.”
As Fischer mentioned, the Blazers were Hetzel’s last stop before he linked up with Jordi Fernández here in Brooklyn. Most expect Portland to soon move on from Tiago Splitter, even after a season where he proved to be a spare key that fit the lock perfectly in Rip City. Splitter, who also spent four years on the Brooklyn bench, led the Blazers to a surprise playoff berth a few weeks ago, putting up a 42-40 record in the ever-competitive West.
Even if you disregard the promotional factor, it’d be hard to fault Hetzel for taking Portland job. They seem to be a few steps ahead the Nets in terms of competing after their successful startup season. Damian Lillard also waits in the wings.
It’s finally here, the big day. The NBA Lottery takes place Sunday. Is it the biggest day for the Nets franchise history since the move to Brooklyn? Hardly. That would be “Clean Sweep” back in June 2019 when the Nets signed Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan. (Less said about what happened next the better.)
That said, it is huge, for all the obvious reasons plus some less obvious that we’ll learn about in the days and weeks ahead. Maybe years! In the meantime, here’s a preview.
The Basics
The NBA Draft Lottery takes place in Chicago in separate rooms at the McCormick Place convention center
ESPN coverage of the NBA Lottery will begin at 3;00 p.m. ET. The actual drawing takes place in secure room where reps of the 14 lottery teams gather. Also present, 16 media reps, none of whom cover the Nets as their primary beat.
Vince Carter, Hall of Famer who played four years with the New Jersey Nets, will be on the dias along with the reps of the other Lottery teams. He will be the only member of the Hall on the dias and only one of two former players, the other being John Wall who will represent the Wizards.
Joe Tsai will be stationed in the room where it happens: the secure Draft Room where the ping pong balls are drawn from the hopper and order established. He will be the only owner – aka Governor — in the Draft Room
Mr. Whammy, aka Bruce Reznick, will also attend as a guest of Tsai.
The Draft Order
Fourteen teams qualified for the Lottery. In order of their final regular season records:
Washington Wizards
Indiana Pacers
Brooklyn Nets
Utah Jazz
Sacramento Kings
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans
Dallas Mavericks
Chicago Bulls
Milwaukee Bucks
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers
Miami Heat
Charlotte Hornets
Of the fourteen teams, two will have to give up their picks due to previous trades: the Pelicans traded their first rounder to the Hawks last year in return for Derek Queen. The Clippers traded their first to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the Paul George trade in 2019. Actually, it’s a LOT more complicated than that as Brian Windhorst told Ryen Russillo. (Both reporters will be in the Draft Room.)
Teams’ second round picks are not dependent on the Lottery. The Nets currently have the 33rd (their own) and 43rd (acquired from the Suns as part of a trade for the Nets 2025 second rounder last year.)
Draft Odds
The Nets, along with the Wizards and Pacers, have a 14.0% chance at the overall No. 1; a 13.4% chance at the overall No. 2; a 12.7% chance at the overall No. 3 and a 12.0% chance at the overall No. 4, for a total of 52.1% at a top four pick. Brooklyn also has a 14.8% chance at No. 5, a 26.0% chance at No. 6 and 7.0% at No. 7.
The Nets have never won the Lottery while in Brooklyn. In 2000, with 4.4% odds at the No. 1, they got the overall No. 1 and chose Kenyon Martin. Brian Lewis wrote about that Draft earlier in the week. Here is their overall record which is mixed…
Nets will be lottery bound for 20th time in franchise history .
Here are the prior 19 years of lottery results. (Didn't retain all those picks)
The Nets have been in the top 3 nine times and landed the top pick three times before.
Over the past 15 NBA Drafts, the Nets have had a single lottery pick, No. 8 last year which they used on Egor Demin. Prior to that, their most recent pick was the No. 3 pick in the 2010 when they took Derrick Favors who they traded four months into the season as part of the Deron Williams trade.
Literally, the room where it happens. The group of 14 team reps along with representatives of the league and 16 media witnesses will join the accounting firm Ernst & Young who runs the lottery. All will be told to remove any communications devices prior to entering the room. The room is sealed. Here’s how the NBA describes what happens next:
The drawing uses 14 ping-pong balls, numbered 1 through 14. There are 1,001 possible combinations when four balls are drawn out of 14, without regard to their order of selection. Before the lottery, 1,000 of those 1,001 combinations will be assigned to the 14 participating lottery teams.
For the drawing, all 14 balls are placed in the lottery machine. They are mixed for 20 seconds, and then the first ball is drawn. The remaining balls are mixed in the lottery machine for another 10 seconds, and then the second ball is drawn. There is another 10-second mix, and then the third ball is drawn. There is a final 10-second mix, and then the fourth ball is drawn. The team that has been assigned the combination of the four balls drawn from the machine will receive the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.
The ping-pong balls are then placed back in the machine and the same process is repeated for the second through fourth picks. If the same team comes up more than once (or if the one unassigned combination is drawn), then the result is discarded and another four-ball combination is drawn.
The 20-second and 10-second intervals at which the balls are mixed in the machine are monitored by a timekeeper who faces away from the machine and signals to the machine operator that the applicable period of time has elapsed.
Envelopes will then be prepared with the logos of each team and dispatched by Ernst & Young to the studio and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum. The Draft Room will remain sealed until Tatum completes reading the final draft order. So, Joe Tsai will be the first team official to know the Nets fate but will not be able to tell anyone outside the room till after Tatum announces the draft order.
The Big Reveal
Tatum will open the envelopes in reverse order (i.e., the 14th pick first and the first pick last). No one on stage will know the order. If ESPN and the NBA follow recent history. Tatum will open the envelopes for the 14th through the 5th picks first. If the order of picks does not match the reverse order of lottery teams, in other words if the 10th team is missing from the order of picks, that means said team has moved up to the top four. ESPN will take note. It could happen more than once.
Should the Nets wind up with the 5th, 6th or 7th pick, call it a day at that moment. The Lottery will be over for he Nets and their fans. If not, they will have to deal with the (dreaded) commercial break before the top four are announced. Finally, after picks No. 4 and No. 3, the most dramatic moment arrives, the announcement of top two picks. As Tatum opens the envelope containing the logo for the team that won the No. 2 pick, the No. 1 pick will also be revealed by process of elimination.
Post-Game
ESPN will interview reps of the winning team. They will also talk to prospects. In the past, stationary live cameras have been set up in the offices of all the lottery teams to record the staff reaction.
Don’t be surprised to hear from Brian Windhorst who was among the 16 media reps in the Draft Room about how things went down and Shams Charania about ramifications, including possible trades.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 head coach Kenny Atkinson and James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers talk during the second quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Rocket Arena on April 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers’ head coach Kenny Atkinson used his media availability before Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers last year to complain about how officiating changes drastically from the regular season to the playoffs.
“I know there’s this rhetoric going around the league about, you know, ‘Oh man, that’s playoff basketball.’ To me, that’s not playoff basketball,” Atkinson said last year when asked about two plays that kept Evan Mobley and then Cavs’ forward De’Andre Hunter from playing Game 2.
The Cavs are in a similar spot a year later. They lost two close games at the start of their second-round series, this time against the Detroit Pistons. Their opponent was physically stronger in both games and wore the Cavs down.
Instead of using it as an excuse and pleading for the league to change how these games are called, Atkinson is instead challenging his players to adjust.
“It’s on us to adapt to how the game is being called,” Atkinson said on Saturday afternoon. “That’s a big part of this… It’s on us. This isn’t on the referees. This is on us to adapt and understand how the game is being called.”
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Few teams take advantage of the extra leeway more than the Pistons. They’re one of the most physically imposing teams in the league, and that’s by design.
“We just wear on you,” Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said before Game 3. “We legally hit you, we legally bump you. We’re legally handsy, and we just make it difficult.”
The Cavs’ three best players, Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Evan Mobley, have struggled with this at times. Mitchell has seen his free-throw rate cut in half from the regular season. Harden has had a difficult time valuing possessions. And Mobley hasn’t been able to get to his spots in the first two games of the series.
This has also affected the Cavs’ three-point shooting. Cleveland had their third-worst shooting game of the season (21.9%), which included going 0-11 in the fourth quarter. Many of those looks were wide open.
According to Atkinson, there’s a correlation between Detroit’s physicality and his team missing threes. He made an analogy to NBA 2K, saying that his team’s stamina meter was drained too low by the end of the game. “Every time you get hit or you run a sprint, your [stamina] level goes down. … I think there’s something to that fatigue effect on shooting and that’s why they try to wear teams down.”
Atkinson is right on all of this. At the same time, I’m not sure how you get your team more prepared for physicality at this point in the season. This isn’t a playing style this team has thrived in since their inception.
We’ll see if the Cavs have a response in Game 3.
“We get this one, and it’s on,” Atkinson said. “We were there. I don’t think we played great. Let’s play great. Let’s get this one.”
After falling short in Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs, Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves will look to tie up the series at the Target Center tonight.
SGP leg #1: Anthony Edwards Over 31.5 points + rebounds
Anthony Edwards has logged 30+ minutes in just three playoff games this postseason, but he’s delivered 32+ points + rebounds in two of them and finished with exactly 31 in the other.
The Minnesota Timberwolves superstar has started four games against the San Antonio Spurs this season, hitting the Over on this combo line three times while averaging 41.3 points + rebounds.
SGP leg #1: Timberwolves +4.5
The Timberwolves have covered the spread in four of their last five games at home, and the team nearly covered the 5.5-point spread despite awful shooting performances from Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels.
With Edwards off his minutes restriction, I expect him to do everything he can to will his team to victory with the necessary support from his teammates.
SGP leg #1: Over 217
Improved shooting from Randle and McDaniels means more scoring for Minnesota, and the total is set far too low for Game 4.
These teams have hit the game total Over in two straight and four of six head-to-head matchups this season.
Get Zak Hanshew'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 4.
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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.
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Live NBA Playoff bracket
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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.
May 7, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles defended by Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley (4) in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Basketball is a funny thing. Or maybe it’s a byproduct of being a fan. Here we sit on the eve of Game 3 in the best-of-seven series between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers. Detroit is up 2-0, protecting its homecourt advantage. It feels like if the Pistons win this game, this series is over. If Cleveland wins this thing, it feels like the series could stretch to seven games. Just one game, could be decided by just a point, but the effect of the outcome seems seismic. In reality, the Pistons played two solid games at home, but also let the Cavs back into both contests before pulling away late. The scores were closer than the games felt, as it seemed Detroit really had an answer for anything Cleveland was doing and was also moving the ball on offense with a confidence and a freedom that belied a blowout. Neither game was a blowout, however, and now Detroit finds itself in unfriendly territory. Does that mean the team struggles to build a big lead for the third game in a row? Does it mean any Cleveland comeback would actually be successful? Or have we seen two good Detroit team games but relatively mediocre Cade Cunningham games, and Cade puts it all together tonight and puts the series away? What does Donovan Mitchell have to say about all that? We will find out!
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 07: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons shoots against Evan Mobley #4 and Max Strus #2 of the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena on May 07, 2026 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against the Boston Celtics on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win the game.
Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4 prediction today
Who will win Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4?
Timberwolves: The Minnesota Timberwolves were undefeated at home in this postseason before Friday’s loss, and they can get back on track with another healthy game from Anthony Edwards and a little bit more from fellow starters.
Edwards was dominant in his first start of the series, but Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels finished with a combined 29 points on 8 of 34 shooting. Expect both of them to get back on track in Game 4 and for Edwards to stay in his groove in a pivotal contest.
Spurs vs Timberwolves best bet: Anthony Edwards Over 31.5 points+rebounds (-105)
Anthony Edwards came off the bench in Games 1 and 2 and totaled 30 points and six rebounds in 49 total minutes. He started Game 3 and eclipsed those totals with 32 points and 14 rebounds in 41 minutes.
He’s logged 30+ minutes in just three playoff games this postseason, but he delivered 32+ points+rebounds in two of them and went for exactly 31 in the other.
Ant-Man has started four games against the San Antonio Spurs this season, and he hit the Over on this combo line three times while averaging 41.3 points+rebounds.
Through the regular season and playoffs, he’s averaged 33.7 points+rebounds and gone for 32+ in 43 of 68 appearances.
COVERS INTEL:Anthony Edwards’ season highs in points (55) and rebounds (14) both came against the Spurs.
Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4 same-game parlay
The Timberwolves have covered the spread in four of their last five home games, and the team nearly covered the 5.5-point spread despite awful shooting performances from Julius Randle and Jaden McDaniels.
With Edwards off his minutes restriction, I expect him to do everything he can to will his team to victory with the necessary support from his teammates.
Improved shooting from two starters means more scoring for Minnesota, and the point total is set far too low for Game 4. These teams have hit the Game Total Over in two straight and four of six head-to-head matchups this season.
Spurs vs Timberwolves SGP
Anthony Edwards Over 31.5 points + rebounds
Timberwolves +4.5
Over 217
Our "from downtown" SGP: Wolves Like Me
The Timberwolves went into halftime of Game 3 tied, then San Antonio went on a third-quarter run and stayed ahead late. Minnesota has the personnel to hang with the Spurs, and the Wolves are battle-tested after some deep, recent playoff runs.
With Edwards off of his minutes restriction, Minnesota can get a win if Ant-Man’s teammates step up.
Jaden McDaniels is averaging 16.9 points per game in the playoffs, and he’s scored 16+ in five of nine postseason appearances. He scored 17 in Game 3 on 5-of-22 shooting, but he shot better than 50% in eight games prior.
Julius Randle scored just 12 points in Games 2 and 3 after dropping 21 in Game 1. He’s averaged 17.8 points per game in the playoffs and put up 18+ in four of nine games.
Randle averaged 21.1 points per game in the regular season, and I expect positive regression at home after Friday’s dud.
Spurs vs Timberwolves SGP
Anthony Edwards Over 31.5 points+rebounds
Julius Randle Over 17.5 points
Jaden McDaniels Over 15.5 points
Timberwolves moneyline
Spurs vs Timberwolves odds for Game 4
Spread: Spurs -4.5 | Timberwolves +4.5
Moneyline: Spurs -180 | Timberwolves +150
Over/Under: Over 217 | Under 217
Spurs vs Timberwolves betting trend to know
The Minnesota Timberwolves are 4-1 ATS across their last five games at Target Center. Find more NBA betting trends for Spurs vs. Timberwolves.
How to watch Spurs vs Timberwolves Game 4
Location
Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
Date
Sunday, May 10, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
Spurs vs Timberwolves 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.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - MAY 07: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts during the fourth quarter of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers 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
Here are the NBA playoff games for Saturday, May 9, 2026:
Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers — 3 p.m. ET (NBC/WRC-TV, Peacock)
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers — 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC/WJLA-TV, ESPN)
The New York Knicks will look to sweep the Philadelphia 76ers and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive season on Sunday.
Despite Philly's best efforts, my Knicks vs. 76ers predictions and NBA picks expect Jalen Brunson to lead the charge in silencing the City of Brotherly Love on May 10.
Our best Knicks vs 76ers SGP for Game 4
SGP leg #1: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points
Jalen Brunson is no stranger to big moments, and he’s averaged 29 points across six road closeout games since joining the New York Knicks.
He’s recorded 30+ points in three of them, including a 41-point eruption in the 2024 postseason against the Philadelphia 76ers.
SGP leg #1: Knicks -1.5
The Knicks have won six in a row and covered the spread five times during that span.
With Joel Embiid obviously banged up and Brunson putting up strong numbers, New York should be able to close this series out on the road and cover the spread.
SGP leg #1: Under 212.5
The game total Under has hit in two straight games and in four of seven head-to-head matchups this season.
Additionally, the Knicks and 76ers have hit the Under in two of the last three regular-season matchups in Philadelphia.
Get Zak Hanshew's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Knicks vs 76ers predictions for Game 4.
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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.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter in Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
With each passing day, there’s only one thing that crosses my mind whenever I think about the Knicks.
What the hell happened in the locker room after Game 3 in Atlanta?
Highest point differential through first 9 games of the postseason: +164 2025-26 #Knicks +146 2008-09 Nuggets +140 1986-87 Lakers pic.twitter.com/DrRRAdc0W3
The Knicks have won six consecutive playoff games. That hasn’t happened since 1999. They’ve never won seven in a row, which they’ll look to do in tomorrow’s first sweep opportunity in 13 years.
Their fans are invading home arenas and making proud sports cultures look pathetic.
Maybe the biggest takeover of a road arena in NBA history. Knicks fans absolutely packing this arena after the win to go up 3-0 🙌 pic.twitter.com/d7zJ2MO7o9
(Granted, I firmly believe Philly fans are fairweather in everything but football but…)
It’s just so different than years past. Every Knicks team of this era of revival has had an identity.
In 2021, they were a gritty defensive team that rode a spectacular individual season from Julius Randle to motivate a city out of COVID.
In 2023, they were legitimately 10-deep and played with fervor, but didn’t have the high-end talent.
In 2024, they were shorthanded, gritty dogs that the city fell in love with, even as injuries held them back from their ceiling.
In 2025, they compiled the high-end talent and had to overcome self-inflicted adversity, rallying back from huge deficits to conquer demons that threatened to swallow them.
What is their identity this year? That book isn’t written yet, but this is by far the most Terminator-esque I have ever seen from a Knicks team.
The Sixers started Game 3 with a flurry as they tried to save their season. It was 9-0, 20-8, 29-20. They wanted to punch the Knicks in the mouth early and make a team missing its best defender and arguable playoff MVP lick their wounds and prepare for Game 4 early, the same way Philly did four nights earlier.
As we know, that didn’t happen. I do wonder what was going on in the heads of the Knicks during the early timeout or during the stoppages on the floor. Was there coaching going on? Probably.
But in the way they responded, all you can imagine them thinking was,
“That’s it? That’s their best shot?”
These guys haven’t been fazed by absolutely anything since their hearts got ripped out in Game 3 against the Hawks. Any run, any push, any attempt for their opponent to get physical. It’s like they spend shootaround every day playing videos of media talking heads calling them soft and weak-willed.
The times they look disjointed or confused are abbreviated. They bully their opponents into submission every other second of the game.
They told Jalen Brunson he was the third-best player in this series. He’s one more 30-piece and a win away from getting crowned “King of Philadelphia” at Xfinity Mobile Arena by Pope Leo like Charlemagne was in 800 AD.
Alright, enough of my anti-Philly rant. Let’s talk about basketball. What’s the real difference between this team and teams of the past?
The biggest difference is that they’re balancing high-end talent and depth in a way that I don’t think many of us saw coming.
For years, you’d worry about guys like Hart, Brunson, and Anunoby running on fumes late in playoff games. Instead, they’re reasonably rested as Tyrese Maxey is gasping for air, Embiid grabs some Patrick Ewing icepacks, and
Anunoby didn’t play in Game 3, yet you couldn’t tell from how the game went after the first quarter. They made up for his absence with Mikal Bridges stepping up to be a two-way beast and Landry Shamet coming off the bench.
How about Shamet, by the way? He was out of the rotation at the beginning of this series and stepped up to outplay every single Sixers role player. The Knicks are 10-deep playing a team whose sixth man went scoreless through three quarters. There are levels to this.
The Knicks' bench is averaging more than 30 points per game in the 2026 playoffs and has outscored thier opponents by 56 points.
Ever since CJ McCollum went out of his way to hunt Brunson on the defensive end, the Knicks have done a fantastic job of keeping him away from the action. When people were picking the Sixers to win this series, they assumed Maxey and Edgecombe would abuse this mismatch often. Turns around, only Kelly Oubre Jr. can.
We’re now running on six games of stifling Knicks defense, usually coupled with potent offense. Even with some inconsistent three-point shooting, they’re shooting a baffling 64% from inside the arc over the last six games. It’s unprecedented paint dominance.
I’m not old enough to know what the Knicks looked like in the 1990s, but I’ve seen many P&Ters who lived through it say that what this team is doing feels even better than what those teams accomplished, making multiple NBA Finals.
Every time you look up, they’re doing something they haven’t done since 1973.
The Nuggets won’t be trading Nikola Jokic — but nothing else is guaranteed.
Denver’s season ended earlier than expected last week when the Timberwolves dispatched the Nuggets out of the playoffs in the first round in six games.
And team president Josh Kroenke hinted that some changes could be on the way as he spoke about Denver’s offseason plans.
“I think everything’s on the table, outside of trading Nikola,” he told reporters.
Nikola Jokic struggled at times against the Timberwolves as Denver lost in the first round Getty Images
The Nuggets rarely had a fully healthy group this season, as Aaron Gordon played just 36 games in the regular season, while Christian Braun, Cam Johnson and Peyton Watson all missed extended time/
Denver has made just one conference finals run since the 2020-21 season — during its 2022-23 championship season — and team brass may feel it is time to shake up the team’s core.
Gordon, who missed three games in the first round series with a calf issue, has been with Denver since March 2021, while Jokic and Jamal Murray have been teammates for 10 years.
“I think this season was, in a lot of ways, the season that never was, because this group never fully got a chance to show any kind of rhythm,” Kroenke said, referencing the team’s injury issues.
They were ousted by Minnesota in six games, even as Anthony Edwards missed two games (and much of another one) with a knee injury.
Murray had a career year, as he averaged 25.4 points and finally earned his first All-Star nod.
Josh Kroenke suggested that some moves could be on the way, but said Jokic would be staying put YouTube- Denver Nuggets
However, he could be a prime candidate to be moved due to his hefty $50 million cap hit for next season.
Jokic, 31, was not at his best against Minnesota as he shot just 44.6 percent from the field and 19.4 percent from 3 as Rudy Gobert did a commendable job of guarding him.
The three-time MVP will look to bounce back next season — but time will tell just how many of his teammates return, too.
Apr 22, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) screams after dunking against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images | Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Welcome to our Phoenix Suns Season in Review series, where we revisit every player who suited up during the 2025–26 campaign through the lens of expectation, reality, and what it ultimately meant.
Player Snapshot
Position: C
Age: 19
2026-27 Contract Status: $6.3 million
SunsRank (Preseason): 12
SunsRank (Postseason): 12
*SunsRank is based on Bright Side writers’ ranking.
Season in One Sentence
The process is underway, and it’s doing its job thanks to a clear evolution in his game.
By the Numbers
GP
MIN
PPG
RPG
APG
BLK
FG%
3PT%
FT%
OFFRTG
DEFRTG
+/- (TOTAL)
46
8.9
3.0
2.9
0.1
0.7
53.3%
23.8%
71.0%
106.0
103.5
+47
The Expectation
Before the season started, Khaman Maluach was viewed as one of the highest‑upside prospects in the 2025 draft. Mainly thanks to an extremely rare profile: lateral mobility for his size, rim deterrence, huge potential in drop coverage, and offensive flashes that hinted at a possible stretch‑five outcome in the medium term.
But unlike other more “NBA‑ready” rookies, nobody really expected him to be immediately productive. Phoenix knew they were getting a raw prospect — a player who still had to learn a ton about NBA pace, defensive reads, and the physical impact required at the highest level. The idea behind drafting him was mostly long‑term: develop a modern center capable of protecting the rim in Jordan Ott’s system while eventually bringing real verticality on offense.
The Reality
Reality ended up matching those initial expectations pretty closely. Maluach almost never had a stable role in Phoenix’s rotation this season, finishing with only 46 games played and under 9 minutes per game. And yet… we saw the flashes, especially on defense, where as the season went on, Khaman slowly climbed toward the top of certain metrics.
Because even in an ultra‑limited role, he showed exactly why Phoenix believes in him so much. His physical presence immediately changes the geometry of the floor: rim contests, verticality, rebounding, massive defensive coverage despite his age, a real pick‑and‑roll threat, and a shooting touch that suggests he could stretch the floor.
The problem is that everything else was still under construction. His defensive positioning was inconsistent, his offensive game was heavily dependent on others, and his lack of experience was obvious at times against NBA centers who were smarter physically and tactically. But honestly, that was expected.
What It Means
I think Phoenix will continue with exactly the same development plan: lots of G League reps, lots of film work, and gradually bigger NBA sequences over time. And honestly, that’s probably the best thing for him. Because at only 19 years old, Maluach is still one of the youngest players in the league and surely one of the least experienced in this entire draft class.
Defensively, he needs to become more disciplined in his help rotations, better understand NBA timing, and learn to defend without relying on his size as a miracle solution. Offensively, he needs to develop his short roll game, improve his hands in traffic, and keep working on that outside shot that intrigues the organization so much.
I genuinely think that in 2–3 years, he can become a modern Rudy Gobert with a more varied and lethal offensive bag, or a more explosive but less stretch‑oriented version of Jay Huff.
Defining Moment
I’d like to talk about his performance against Dallas in April — not the most impressive offensively, sure. But he delivered an incredible defensive game, both in energy and reads — while being a major factor in the team’s success (14 rebounds and 3 blocks) — and it was also the first and only time he played more than 30 minutes.
Grade: B
I’d give him a B for his season, first because of his huge G League performances with completely insane numbers: around 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. On the NBA side, it’s less flashy, sure, but his on‑court impact through rim deterrence was noticeable. A strong performance against OKC late in the season capped off his first year in the big league.
May 8, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the first half during game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Coming off a blowout win in Game 2, the San Antonio Spurs traveled to the Target Center to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves for Game 3. The Spurs started the game with lockdown defense, limiting the Wolves to just one point in the first six minutes. After going up by 15, the Wolves, led by Anthony Edwards, managed to cut the deficit to one with a buzzer-beating three. The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair, ending with another buzzer-beating three, this time from Jaden McDaniels. With the score deadlocked at 51 apiece, the Spurs made it a point to keep the tempo high at all times. Despite multiple small scoring runs, the Wolves always seemed to counter. Until the end of the quarter, when the Spurs managed to hold a seven-point lead heading into the fourth. Anytime the Spurs made attempts to put the game out of reach, the Wolves would again come crawling back. With six minutes remaining, it was back to a one-possession game. Clutch shots from Victor Wembanyama, Julian Champagnie, and Dylan kept the Spurs afloat, but Minny would once again counter with clutch buckets of their own. With just over three minutes remaining, it was once again a one-possession game. However, Wembanyama drained a deep clutch three to put the Spurs back up by six. From that point on, it never became a one-possession game again. The Spurs ultimately won 115-108 to take a 2-1 series lead.
Victor Wembanyama dropped a near 40-point double-double: 39 points (13-18 FG, 3-5 3PT), 10-12 FT) and 15 rebounds to go along with five blocks, an assist, and a steal. Wemby was a man on a mission. He shot 72% from the field, 60% from three, and 83% from the free throw line. 16 of his 39 points came in the fourth quarter. He carried the Spurs on both defense and offense, especially when it became stagnant. Whether it was lob finishes, deep threes, or turnaround midrange jumpers, he showed off his entire arsenal. As stated earlier, he joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O’Neal as the fourth player in NBA history to record 35+ points, 15+ rebounds, and 5+ blocks in a postseason game. Oh, and he is only 22.
Lob City in Minny! Wemby throws down back-to-back lobs to start the game!
De’Aaron Fox dropped 17 points, five assists, three rebounds, and a steal. After an efficient Game 2, Fox took it upon himself to give the Spurs an extra scoring boost. He accomplished this by attempting 19 shots, with seven of them going in. Although it was not an efficient game, Fox’s shots inspired others to keep firing and to not to get complacent. He also dished out his share of dimes and played decent perimeter defense. To keep the pace up for Game 4, Fox will look to approach with the same aggression.
Too quick! Fox drives past McDaniels and finishes off the glass for a deuce!
Devin Vassell dropped 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The x-factor is back again with another solid performance. Dev hit timely shots and was active on defense. He seems to always be in the right spots on both offensive and defensive rotations. His ultimate highlight of the game was posterizing Gobert!
Stephon Castle dropped a double-double: 13 points and 12 assists to go along with four rebounds. Although Steph had a rough shooting night, he got to the line and dished out double-digit dimes. Most of his highlights are literally from diming up several different Spurs. Most of his dimes came from getting trapped inside the paint. He was finding open shooters like it was target practice. Steph has been guarded tightly by multiple Wolves defenders, especially McDaniels. Regardless, the 21-year-old continues to stand his ground and fight through contact.
DIMER BRONZE. Steph gets into the paint and finds an open Keldon Johnson for the trey! KJ finished with 11 points, two rebounds, an assist, and a steal.
DIMER GOLD! Steph returns the favor by finding a wide-open Julian for the corner three! Julian finished with six points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
This was such a gutsy win on the road. This was the Spurs’ first win in Minnesota since 2022. Besides the supporting cast stepping up in their roles, Wemby showed up and showed out. He dropped his most dominant (on the offensive end) performance since Game 1 against the Portland Trail Blazers. He showed the world why he was an MVP candidate. Now, the silver and black look to Sunday to keep the pressure on Minny to hopefully take a commanding 3-1 lead.
Finally, here are the full game highlights.
Game 4 is this Sunday at 6:30 P.M. (CST) on NBC/Peacock.
ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MAY 25: Ilja Kurucs, #00 of U18 Zalgiris Kaunas and Luigi Suigo, #19 of U18 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan in action during Adidas NextGen Euroleague Finals Championship game between U18 EA7 Emporio Armani Milan vs U18 Zalgiris Kaunas at Mubadala Arena on May 25, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by David Grau/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images)
The saga surrounding Italian center Luigi Suigo has been one that Villanova fans have kept a close eye on.
Suigo is currently entered into the 2026 NBA Draft but has expressed interest in coming to college if he is not one of the top 20 picks — or at least in the first round. The early thought is that Suigo would go in the second round, which could lead to him playing in college for one year and potentially coming to Villanova.
But will that change in the coming weeks?
Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports put together his latest mock draft and it features Suigo going No. 27 to the Boston Celtics. Would this be enough to keep Suigo out of college?
O’Connor writes:
“Suigo has said he wants to be the Italian Wemby and, at 7-foot-3 with passing feel and shooting touch, you can see why a teenager might put that out into the universe. Suigo lacks the handle and self-creation chops to ever be the best player on a team, but his dynamic skills as a passer, shooter, and lob threat layer cleanly on top of baseline center duties as a screener, finisher, and rim protector. Becoming the Italian Marc Gasol is a more realistic goal, and would still be an excellent outcome. Sounds like a perfect fit for the Celtics system.”
Suigo, who hails from Milan, played this past season with KK Mega Basket in Serbia. He has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft and was invited to the NBA Combine this weekend. Suigo averaged 8.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 18.6 minutes per game in the Adriatic League last year. At 7-foot-3, Suigo has good mobility and length. He has the makings of a future NBA center but could opt to come to college for one year first.
Suigo reportedly will not enter the draft if he is not considered a first-round pick, as high as the top 20. This has not been confirmed directly. Many publications have viewed Suigo as a second-round pick but that could be changing leading up to the draft.
Suigo has until June 13 to withdraw his name from the draft. This would allow him to play in college next season.
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