DALLAS (AP) — Jason Kidd is out after five seasons as coach of the Dallas Mavericks, team says.
The case for trading Royce O’Neale
The Phoenix Suns have numerous decisions ahead of them this upcoming offseason, including multiple restricted free agents, unrestricted free agents, and players with trade value. The following series will examine those decisions as our writing team presents both a point and a counterpoint for each.
When you’re having these holistic conversations about which players should be retained and which players could potentially be moved, it’s hard not to inject a little emotion and bias into the equation.
In the case of Royce O’Neale, the third-longest tenured member of the Phoenix Suns, he’s honestly a player I like having on this roster. What he brings, especially in terms of consistency, has real value. It’s one of those things you don’t fully appreciate until it’s gone. Think back only eight years ago, when the Suns ranked 30th in the NBA in three-point shooting. You would’ve killed for an O’Neale-type player on that roster.
So if next season starts and Royce is still on the team, I’m completely fine with it.
In the spirit of the thought exercise though, there are absolutely reasons why he could become a trade candidate, and it starts with the simple reality that he possesses one of the more tradable contracts on the roster paired with skill sets that fit almost anywhere.
Three-point shooting carries massive value in today’s NBA. Every team needs it, and the teams that already have it are constantly searching for more. So when Royce O’Neale shoots 40.8% from three in a season and owns a career 38.9% mark from deep, that’s naturally going to attract attention from teams around the league looking to improve in that area.
Then you factor in the contract. O’Neale is scheduled to make $10.9 million next season, which makes him even more attractive as a trade target. Plenty of teams will look at that combination of shooting, versatility, and contract value and see someone worth pursuing.
Of course, simply because other teams want what you have doesn’t mean you need to hand it over. For the Phoenix Suns, though, the primary reason I could see them moving O’Neale wouldn’t necessarily be basketball-related. It would be financial. More specifically, avoiding repeater tax territory.
This is an organization that appears interested in bringing back Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin, and rightfully so. If the number makes sense, probably Mark Williams as well. The challenge is that retaining all three would put Phoenix in a very uncomfortable luxury tax situation. At that point, shedding salary where you can starts becoming part of the equation, and O’Neale’s contract becomes one of the more logical avenues to explore.
Let’s go ahead and do some math here.
The current luxury tax for the 2026-27 season is projected at $201 million. Before signing anyone, the Suns sit at $185.5 million (thank you very much, $23.2 million dead cap). Let’s say they bring back Collin Gillespie at $11 million next season and Jordan Goodwin at $5.5 million. That adds $16.5 million, pushing Phoenix to $202 million, barely above that tax line. Then comes the Mark Williams question. If his health hurts his value on the open market and the Suns bring him back on the $9.6 million qualifying offer, now you’re at $211.6 million. That puts Phoenix over the first apron with one open roster spot still left to fill.
So how do you shed salary? How do you get under the luxury tax and avoid repeater tax penalties? The path is pretty simple. You trade Royce O’Neale, and you do it with a team where you can take back a contract worth roughly half of his.
Need an example? How about the Portland Trail Blazers, a team that finished dead last in bench three-point shooting last season at 32%. A deal where Phoenix sends O’Neale to Portland for Kris Murray and a second-round pick would save the Suns $5.6 million in payroll.
That drops Phoenix to $206 million, $3 million under the first apron with one roster spot to fill. That means they can sign one more player to a veteran minimum deal, provided the player has 5 years of experience or less. It gets them under the tax and opens up a little flexibility.
And yes, I know it’s not about where you start the season relative to the luxury tax. It’s about where you finish. Still, that’s a tightrope the Suns walked this past season very carefully, and they may have to do it again if staying under the tax is part of the plan.
Of course, you could always make the same argument, and instead of Royce’s name, you insert Grayson Allen’s. My response to that is Allen is much more servicable in the rotation than Royce. Allen spent 84% of his time playing a guard position, so he fits in nicely as the backup two. Royce? Only 7% of his time was spent ot the shooting guard position, and he primarily played as a wing. Unfortunately, O’Neale starts to look like the odd man out in the rotation.
Let’s say the Suns are running a 10-man rotation, and let’s say they do it in the way I think they should:
- PG: Booker/Gillespie
- SG: Green/Allen
- SF: Brooks/Goodwin
- PF: Fleming/Oso
- C: Williams/Maluach
There simply aren’t enough consistent minutes in that group for O’Neale. Sure, he becomes useful when injuries occur, and we know they will. You still don’t build your roster around injuries, and you probably shouldn’t have a $10.9 million player sitting outside the regular rotation. Moving off him gives you cleaner rotations, more defined roles, and a better opportunity for the youth movement to actually take hold.
These are the decisions facing the Phoenix Suns.
If the organization values Mark Williams more than Royce O’Neale, then O’Neale is probably the player you move in order to create apron flexibility. If O’Neale is viewed as the more important piece, then Williams is likely the one who doesn’t return.
There is, of course, another scenario where the Suns simply don’t care about the luxury tax or the penalties attached to it and bring both players back regardless. There’s also the possibility that Phoenix understands the real goal is to be under the tax by the end of the season, not necessarily at the beginning. In that case, you could absolutely see them bring back both Williams and O’Neale with the intention of moving salary later in the year once the market shifts and opportunities present themselves.
But if you are looking for reasoning as to why the Suns could and perhaps should move off of Royce O’Neale, now you have a more complete picture as to what, why, and how.
Adou Thiero anticipates playing in Summer League, excited to work on game after playoff experience
The moments Adou Thiero played for the Lakers were exciting and promising. As a young player with an incredible athletic burst, he had some of the best dunks of the year for the Lakers.
The problem was that playing time was rare.
Part of the reason for that was health-related. Thiero wasn’t able to play in Summer League or the preseason and didn’t make his NBA debut until mid-November, as he was recovering from left knee surgery. Add in an MCL sprain in late December, and most of Thiero’s rookie year, he was unavailable.
Once Thiero was healthy, the Lakers were in the final stretch of the season and fighting for playoff positioning, making it difficult for him to crack the rotation.
Now that the summer is here and Thiero is healthy, he’ll have a chance to maximize his offseason, which includes playing in Summer League events in San Francisco and Las Vegas. Thiero all but confirmed his participation in the summer competition during his exit interview.
“Most likely,” Thiero said. “I didn’t get to play last year, so I’d assume they’d have me out there this year.”
While Summer League isn’t the end-all be-all of player development, it’s good to hear that Thiero will likely play. Ideally, he looks too good for that level of play and can gain some confidence as a second-year player, dominating and playing for a few days in July.
Beyond those handful of games, Thiero should be spending most of the time in the gym. He is already near the top of the list when it comes to athletic players on the Lakers, but there is basketball work that needs to be done.
“Getting my shot a lot more consistent, but just getting the confidence to take the open shot when it’s there,” Thiero said. “Just keep building on my offensive game. Try and get more comfortable with the speed of the NBA. I feel like still a couple more reps would do that some good, but just trying and make myself a little bit more ready for the next season. Try to be a little bit more of an impact player for the team.”
It’s rare to hear a player admit that they don’t have confidence in their shot, so Thiero’s honesty and self-awareness are appreciated.
On the season, Thiero shot 51% from the field and a woeful 33% from 3-point range. These numbers are similar to his collegiate stats. In his final season at Arkansas, he made 54% of his shots and only 25% from deep.
Despite his shooting struggles, he did play in the playoffs for the Lakers and was a positive contributor.
He had some nice highlights in the team’s series win over the Rockets and played for shifts here and there against the Thunder. Playing in the postseason and proving he belongs were invaluable experiences for Thiero.
“Just being out there, seeing how teams are playing me,” Thiero said. “What reads I’ll have to make in the offense we run and everything. Just picking that up and seeing where I can be better at and now I can go into the offseason knowing what I got to work on.”
Thiero knows where the improvement needs to come from, and that’s half the battle. The other half involves a path towards improvement and then execution of said plan.
The Lakers have had mixed results with their draft picks as of late. Jalen Hood-Schifino didn’t work out, and Dalton Knecht has been out of the rotation for over a year now.
However, Thiero has shown promise.
If Thiero’s words are backed up with actions, we will see early returns on his efforts in Summer League. And next year, he’ll be in a prime position to take a leap in his career, which will greatly benefit himself and the Lakers as they try to bolster their depth and compete for a title.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
Where to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks Game 1 NBA playoffs: Live stream, start time, TV channel, odds for Tuesday, May 19
The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks meet in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals. The Cavaliers reached the East finals after beating the Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons in seven games in the first and second rounds, respectively. The Knicks beat the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the first round then swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the East semifinals.
How to watch Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
Date: Tuesday, May 19
Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York
TV Channels: ESPN
Live Stream:NBA League Pass | Follow on Yahoo Sports
Odds
Spread: New York Knicks -7.5
Moneyline: New York Knicks -262 (69.4%) / Cleveland Cavaliers +213 (30.6%)
Over/Under: 217.5
Series schedule, results
Game 1: Cleveland at New York (Tuesday May 19, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 2: Cleveland at New York (Thursday May 21, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 3: New York at Cleveland (Saturday May 23, 8 p.m. ET, ABC)
Game 4: New York at Cleveland (Monday May 25, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 5: Cleveland at New York (Wednesday May 27, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)*
Game 6: New York at Cleveland (Friday May 29, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)*
Game 7: Cleveland at New York (Sunday May 31, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN)*
*if necessary
2026 NBA Draft rumors: AJ Dybantsa not a lock at No. 1, center Aday Mara climbing fast
We are a little over a month away from the NBA Draft, and rumors are starting to fly around. Here are some of the latest — and also check out the latest NBC Sports Mock Draft.
AJ Dybantsa not lock to go No. 1
AJ Dybantsa helped his cause at the NBA Draft Combine — he was everything teams expected, and his 42-inch vertical leap solidified him as one of the best pure athletes in the draft. Which is why most teams have the BYU wing on top of their draft boards, projected to go No. 1.
But it's not a lock that Dybantsa goes first, reports Jeremy Woo at ESPN.
Rival teams don't view Dybantsa as a lock to go first, however, as there has been no true consensus No. 1 among scouts all season. Darryn Peterson, Cam Boozer and Caleb Wilson are all expected to receive consideration as the Wizards go through their process.
With all due respect to Boozer and Wilson, if it's not Dybantsa at No. 1, it will be Darryn Peterson out of Kansas — he was the guy on top of draft boards before the season, and scouts have told NBC Sports he still has the highest ceiling of the group. What has dropped Peterson's stock in the eyes of most teams is health concerns in a season where he yo-yoed in and out of the Jayhawks' lineup due to cramping and other injuries. Scouts and front office people have told NBC Sports they want to see Peterson's medical reports, and ESPN's Woo echoes that, also reporting Peterson did well in his combine interviews with teams.
NBA teams are still awaiting the results of Peterson's medical evaluation, which is viewed around the league as the most important off-court piece after he dealt with serious cramping concerns, which he attributed to high dosages of creatine. According to team sources, Peterson came across as quiet but serious in interviews last week and handled that part of the process well, addressing questions about his strange season.
One thing is clear out of the Combine: Those top four — Dybantsa, Peterson, Boozer and Wilson — are considered by teams in their own tier, something Woo and others at the combine report.
Other draft notes
• Aday Mara climbing. One of the winners of the draft combine, Michigan center Aday Mara is climbing draft boards, and it's not out of the question that he could be the surprise pick that disrupts the run on point guards expected in picks 5-8 (Brooklyn at No. 6 reportedly is taking a look). The Spanish native had physical measurements at the combine similar to Zach Edey — 7'3" with a 9'9" standing reach — and he showed during the season (and reminded everyone at the combine) that he moves well for a man his size.
• Don't expect Jazz to trade up for Dybantsa. It's easy to see why the speculation started: Dybantsa went to prep school in Utah, then attended BYU for college — a place that owner Ryan Smith, as well as team president Danny Ainge and GM Austin Ainge, all have ties. And, it would be a hit with the fan base. However, multiple reports — including Sarah Todd of The Deseret News — say the same thing: Don't expect the Jazz to move up to No. 1. The price to swap picks with Washington to go No. 1 and ensure the Jazz get Dybantsa is likely a quality young player — the Wizards reportedly really liked Ace Baley a year ago — and another first-round pick. Unless the Jazz rate Dybantsa on his own tier and well above anyone else in the draft — and as noted above, that's not how anybody sees it — then the price is far too steep to play that game.
• Kings eye Darius Acuff Jr. The lottery gods were not kind to the Sacramento Kings — again — but they could still land a difference maker at No. 7. Sacramento reportedly is interested in Arkansas' Darius Acuff, reports Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports. There is a real logic to this: the Kings need someone to inspire the fan base (and help them win games), and all you need to know about Acuff is that Allen Iverson says Acuff reminds him of him. He's just fun to watch. Acuff is a dynamic scorer who can play on or off the ball and is averaging 22.2 points and 6.4 assists per game.
• Bucks acting like a team about to get another pick. Milwaukee has one pick in the first round, No. 10, but they are acting like a team that is going to make multiple picks in this draft, reports ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. If, as widely expected, Milwaukee trades Giannis Antetokounmpo before the draft, that will very likely come with a pick this season from whichever team lands the two-time MVP. Consider it another sign that the Bucks are serious about making a deal this time around.
These Cavaliers aren’t the same team Knicks bullied in 2023 playoffs
It became an instant meme.
After Jarrett Allen and the Cavaliers were bullied and eliminated by the Knicks in five games in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, his brutal honesty made for an unforgettable quote.
“The lights were brighter than expected,” Allen said at the time.
Ever since, those words have been used to describe players who underperform in big moments.
But now, Allen has a chance for redemption. Here he is, three seasons later — again facing the Knicks, again playing under those bright Madison Square Garden lights. This time around, it’s in the Eastern Conference finals.
“That comment was that comment,” Allen said when asked by The Post at Cavaliers shootaround Tuesday morning ahead of Game 1. “What I said is what it is. For me personally now, I’ve grown, evolved, had a lot more playoff series under my belt, a lot more games under my belt, experience. What I said then was what I said then.”
Both teams are certainly in different spots now. They were both upstarts three years ago, coming off a season (and in the Cavaliers’ case, four seasons) in which they missed the playoffs.
“Everybody’s evolved, everybody’s grown, everybody’s come into their own skin,” Allen said. “Everybody’s just a different person coming here. So it’s good to see how everybody’s grown.”
The Knicks core is now way different — Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges have been added to the mix. Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and Isaiah Hartenstein are all long gone.
The main Cavaliers figures, though, are the same — Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Allen. They acquired James Harden midseason in exchange for Darius Garland in a move they envisioned to take that core to the next level.
Dean Wade and Sam Merrill were both on the team in 2022-23. But Wade played just 11 minutes in that first round against the Knicks. Merrill did not play at all. Now, they are both key bench pieces for the Cavaliers.
“For most of the team, the core that was there, it was their first time in the playoffs,” Mitchell said Tuesday morning. “We’ve had a few series under our belts [since then]. We didn’t like how it went, obviously. This is different. We’re not here to rehash the past. This is a different scenario. This is something that, even last season, we came into it like, ‘This is our goal, to get to this point, to get to the Finals.’ Not really looking at it like, ‘Man, what happened [three] years ago?’ It’s just the opportunity in front of us.”
Knicks Merch Shop
- SOAR wireless speaker and bottle opener
- Customizable jersey
- Hydrapeak 30-ounce stainless steel tumbler
- ZHATS adjustable cap
- Pro Standard double knit full zip hoodie
- Ultra Game team crew socks (3-pack)
New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase.
Entering the season, this conference finals matchup was one that many could see coming. The NBA seemed to, at least.
They were scheduled against each other for the NBA’s opening-night game and a marquee Christmas Day game. And they had the two best preseason odds to win the East.
For most of the year, though, it felt more far-fetched. The Cavaliers got off to a rough start, and the Knicks went through their own lulls.
“I think for us, we weren’t saying, ‘It’s gonna be us vs. New York.’ We were really just focusing on ourselves,” Mitchell said. “Especially how we started the year, it was a long road. I think now, it’s more so like we gotta steal the first one. And if we don’t steal the first one, steal the second one. That’s the mentality. It’s just like ‘hey, we’re here, we haven’t come this far just to be excited to be here.’ I think that’s the biggest feeling around the group — that we’re not just like, ‘We did it.’ Now, it’s more so that this is an opportunity for us to play and get to the Finals, and we have to get through these guys to get there.”
Cavaliers vs Knicks Same-Game Parlay for Tonight's NBA Playoffs Game 1
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
New York Knicks fans have been waiting a while for the Eastern Conference Finals to begin, and our Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictions and same-game parlay believe it will be a Garden party on Tuesday, May 19.
However, that doesn't mean Donovan Mitchell won't make an impact in Game 1.
Our best Cavaliers vs Knicks SGP for Game 1
SGP leg #1: Jalen Brunson Over 2.5 3-pointers
Jalen Brunson has knocked down 40.9% of his 66 3-point attempts in the postseason, good for fourth-best among players with at least 60 3-point shots. Brunson has hit 3+ triples in seven of 10 playoff games, including four of five at MSG.
Opponents have burned the Cavaliers from downtown in these playoffs, especially in the semifinals. Detroit shot just 35.6% from deep in the regular season, and 32.7% in the first round before Cleveland allowed them to hit at a 39% clip in their seven-game series.
SGP leg #1: Knicks moneyline
If not for a pair of one-point losses to the Hawks in the first round, the Knicks would be undefeated in the postseason.
The Knicks have rattled off seven straight victories by an average of 26.4 points. New York has played four fewer games than Cleveland, and its combination of fresh legs, home-court advantage, and stellar play on both ends of the floor will lead it to victory tonight.
SGP leg #1: Donovan Mitchell Over 3.5 assists
Donovan Mitchell’s assists have dropped from 5.7 in the regular season to just 2.9 in the playoffs. However, the Knicks present an easier matchup for him, ranking ninth-worst in assists allowed per game to shooting guards.
Mitchell's playmaking has translated to wins. In 63 total games with at least four assists, Cleveland went 44-19 straight up, including 4-0 in the playoffs.
If Cleveland wants to stay competitive in Game 1, they'll have to try and funnel the offense through Mitchell.
Covers NBA betting tools
See our full Cavaliers vs Knicks Game 1 preview
Get Zak Hanshew's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Cavaliers vs Knicks predictions for Game 1.
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.
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.
The Brooklyn Podcast: How to find a ‘homegrown star’ at #6 with Corey Tulaba
TIMBER! The Brooklyn Nets fell back in the NBA draft lottery AGAIN last week, leaving them at pick number six. However, with the draft almost a month away, there’s no time to sulk. The Nets can still get a homegrown star, and Corey Tulaba of No Ceilings is here to point out who that player is…
In this episode of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we touch on:
- Darius Acuff vs Mikel Brown Jr.
- Who the steals and reaches are at pick six
- Some Egor Dëmin development
You can also check out this episode on Apple Music or Spotify. Follow us on X, Instagram, and Tik Tok.
We also recently surpassed 1,000 subscribers on YouTube. Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far!
Will OG Anunoby Play Tonight vs Cavaliers? NBA Playoffs Injury Update for Game 1
Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.
OG Anunoby was playing some of the best basketball of his career before suffering a right hamstring strain in Game 2 against the 76ers, but a long layoff ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals has given him extra time to recover.
He's been a full participant in practice three days in a row and is probable to play in tonight's Game 1 against the Cavaliers.
Keep reading for a full slate of OG Anunoby odds and Cavaliers vs. Knicks predictions should he suit up, and more on his status tonight.
Will OG Anunoby play tonight?
OG Anunoby was listed as probable for tonight's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers after being a full participant during Monday's practice.
Barring a major setback during pre-game shootaround, expect to see him in uniform tonight.
Latest Cavaliers vs Knicks odds
OG Anunoby player props tonight
Sportsbooks have posted player props for OG Anunoby for Game 1, marking his first game in 13 days.
| Market |  |
|---|---|
| Over 15.5 points | -115 |
| Over 1.5 assists | +120 |
| Over 5.5 rebounds | -115 |
| Over 2.5 threes | +135 |
| Over 1.5 steals | +132 |
Anunoby is not known for being a prolific passer, but he did log multiple assists in two of his last three games before going down with the hamstring strain.
He may be more eager to keep the ball moving and make the extra pass if he's struggling to find his scoring touch in his first game back. The +120 price makes this even more appetizing.
Pick: OG Anunoby Over 1.5 assists (+120 at bet365)
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.
NBA Playoff Tuesday discussion
Today is Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Here’s the game:
- Cleveland Cavaliers at New York Knicks — 8:00 PM ET (ESPN)
That’s the only playoff game tonight — Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Trail Blazers layoff 70 employees in another cheap move by new owner
Tom Dundon purchased the Portland Trail Blazers from the estate of Paul Allen in March of 2026. Dundon has been a successful owner in the NHL with the Carolina Hurricanes, but his cost-cutting methods have been shocking since taking control of a beloved NBA team.
Dundon low-balled head coach Tiago Splitter after he guided the team to the playoffs for the first time in five years, and has reportedly been offering perspective head coaches a starting salary around $1 million, far below NBA norms. He wouldn’t let players on two-way contracts travel for the playoffs. Now, Dundon is doing mass layoffs on the business side for the Trail Blazers that will reportedly cut about 70 jobs.
Sean Highkin covers the Trail Blazers as well as anyone at his newsletter, The Rose Garden Report. Highkin previously broke the news of two-way players being unable to travel for the postseason, and now he’s reported the layoffs on the business side.
Layoffs in pro sports don’t happen all that often. Some of the employees impacted after been with the team for decades, including insider Casey Holdahl, who started in 2007. If you’ve consumed NBA coverage on the internet over the last 20 years, you have probably come across Holdahl’s byline.
On Tuesday, he announced he was among the affected by the layoffs.
More names will be announced in the coming days.
Dundon’s Carolina Hurricanes are currently in the Eastern Conference Finals of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. He’s unquestionably built a successful hockey team, and will reportedly make a deep investment in winning once he sees proof of concept. Dundon is quickly learning there’s a much higher degree of scrutiny in the NBA, and his methods are already being judged. Perhaps Dundon will be able to find a successful head coach for half the cost of the lowest-paid coach elsewhere in the league. Maybe he’ll eventually get the Blazers to championship contention like he did with the Hurricanes.
For now, there will be healthy skepticism about his brazen cost-cutting moves. This is clearly a trend in the early days of Dundon’s Blazers ownership, and I wouldn’t expect it to stop here. Follow our legendary Trail Blazers community Blazer’s Edge for more coverage of the team and Dundon’s ongoing cheapness.
How to watch Cavaliers vs. Knicks NBA Playoffs Game 1 for free: Start time, livestream
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change.
The battle for the East officially begins tonight as the Cleveland Cavaliers travel to Madison Square Garden to face the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference finals.
The Knicks are entering the series well-rested as their last game, a 144-14 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers to sweep them in the second round, was over a week ago on May 10. OG Anunoby, who got injured early in the series with the Sixers, is likely to play tonight after sitting out the last two games.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, played just two days ago in Sunday’s Game 7 against Detroit. Both of the Cavs’ playoff series so far have gone to seven games.
The Knicks haven’t advanced to the NBA Finals since 1999 and haven’t won it all since 1973. The Cavaliers are in the Eastern Conference finals for the first time without LeBron James since 1992 and have never made the Finals without James on their roster.
NBA Eastern Conference Finals: what to know
- What: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, Game 1
- When: May 19, 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Madison Square Garden (New York, New York)
- Channel: ESPN
- Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
Game 2 in the series is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET.
Cavaliers vs. Knicks start time:
Game 1 between the Cavaliers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Final is scheduled to tip off at 8 p.m. ET tonight, May 19.
How to watch Cavaliers vs. Knicks for free:
If you don’t have cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service to stream the game for free.
DIRECTV is our top pick for watching basketball live for free — its five-day free trial includes ESPN (plus nearly every other channel you’ll need for the rest of the NBA postseason). When the trial is over, you’ll pay as low as $44.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.
If you aren’t ready to commit to a full-on subscription, you can try a Sling Orange Day Pass. Priced at $4.99, you’ll get 24 hours of access to all Sling TV Orange has to offer, including ESPN. Sling also offers weekend and week-long passes for its Orange plan, which offer between three and seven days of access.
Knicks-Cavaliers second round playoff schedule
- Game 1: Tuesday, May 19 (8 ET, ESPN)
- Game 2: Thursday, May 21 (8 ET, ESPN)
- Game 3: Saturday, May 23 (8 ET, ESPN)
- Game 4: Monday, May 25 (8 ET, ESPN)
- Game 5: Wednesday, May 27 (8 ET, ESPN)*
- Game 6: Friday, May 29 (8 ET, ESPN)*
- Game 7: Sunday, May 31 (8 ET, ESPN)*
* if necessary
Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
Boston Celtics Daily Links 5/19/26
HeraldCeltics draft pick, ex-two-way player reportedly seeking to play at LSU
Stephen A. Smith fires back at Jaylen Brown: ‘Be careful what you wish for’
Globe The Celtics need to take a big swing this offseason, maybe even something Giannis-sized
Celtics fans voted NBA’s ‘most obnoxious’ in anonymous player poll
Shams Charania expects Celtics’ pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo to carry into ‘this offseason’
Here’s why the Celtics should trade Jaylen Brown for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Victor Wembanyama has 41 points, 24 rebounds and Spurs top Thunder in double OT to open West finals
CelticsBlog CelticsBlog exit interview: Jayson Tatum’s return was the best moment of the 2025-26 season
Jaylen Brown’s gripe with ‘clickbait’ speaks to a larger crisis in sports media
CLNS MediaWhat Should the Celtics do this Offseason? | You Got Boston
NBC Sports BostonWest Finals are a reminder of why Celtics must explore all paths this summer
NESNNick Wright Has Crucial Reminder For Stephen A. Smith Amid Jaylen Brown Beef
Bird Gets Flowers in All-Time NBA Ranking — Lakers Fans Won’t Like It
Why Western Conference Finals Game 1 Was Brutal Reality Check For Celtics
Insider Suggests Celtics May Have Already Checked In On LeBron James’ Free Agency
Kendrick Perkins Piles On Jaylen Brown Hate, Leaks Texts From Former Celtics’ Players
NBA Insider Reveals Massive Update On Celtics’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit
Mass LiveFormer Celtics two-way wing signs with LSU, hoping for NCAA return
Celtics’ 2020 draft pick in talks to play for LSU for $5 million
Celtics WireFormer Celtics short-timer RJ Luis to join Yam Madar at LSU
Shams: Celtics had interest, made a call about Giannis trade
Should the Boston Celtics sign Pritchard to a contract extension?
Will Joe Mazzulla show growth after the Celtics postseason loss?
What would a Giannis trade look like for the Celtics?
Today in Boston Celtics history: Kevin Garnett, Bill Fitch born
The AthleticNBA Players Tiers 2026: Dylan Harper, Jarrett Allen and stars in their role in Tier 4
Boston Sports Journal Simone: Spurs-Thunder proves how tough a spot the Celtics are in
BSJ Live Q&A: Simone on Celtics/NBA, 8:00 p.m. Tuesday 05.19.2026
Hardwood Houdini Celtics fans must swallow their pride & root for the Knicks in the ECF
Jaylen Brown’s looming contract extension may be x-factor in potential Giannis trade
Rajon Rondo could be unanticipated missing piece in Celtics’ puzzle this offseason
LeBron to Boston pipe dream may not be that crazy if latest report is true
NBA player poll reveals a stunning expectation for Giannis’s NBA future
Cavaliers’ playoff success makes Celtics humiliation look even worse
Celtics draft and stash guard is finally coming overseas, just not how you’d think
Celtics coach turned rival could take over chastened Eastern Conference foe
Chowder and ChampionsCeltics’ latest draft workout could help solve major frontcourt problems
CLNS Media/YouTube What Celtics Need to TRADE to Get Giannis Antetokounmpo | Celtics Daily
Locked on Celtics Victor Wembanyama FORCES Boston Celtics to RETHINK Championship Window?
Hoops Rumors Eastern Notes: Wizards, Brown, Celtics, Pacers
The Sports HubCeltics lead multiple categories in The Athletic’s NBA Player Poll
Celtics Chronicle A Deep Dive Into Boston’s Cap Situation W/ Yossi Gozlan
The Sporting News Celtics urged to acquire $186 million ex-Lakers star forward, NBA champion
Celtics may have unexpected, albeit logical alternative to pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo
HeavyCeltics’ Jaylen Brown Takes Parting Shot at Sixers After Knicks Sweep
NBA Free Agency 2026: Jalen Duren, James Harden Lead Big Board Updates
Jaylen Brown Sends Strong Message to the Knicks Ahead Conference Finals
Celtics Add ‘High-IQ’ Forward In Latest Mock Draft
Celtics Trade Pitch Swaps Jaylen Brown for Antetokounmpo After Report of Unrest in Boston
ForbesBiggest Offseason Questions For Eliminated NBA Playoff Teams
SI .com NBA Mock Trade: Rockets Acquire MVP Candidate in Blockbuster Deal
Awful AnnouncingStephen A. Smith threatens to expose Jaylen Brown: ‘Careful what you wish for’
Basketball NetworkJayson Tatum on his lifelong connection with hip-hop legend: “That is family…That’s my guy”
“Sprinting back on defense is a skill” – Jaylen Brown explains how pace-and-space changed the NBA
AL .comLSU signs former St. John’s star who played in 3 Celtics preseason games in 2025, reports say
BET Jaylen Brown Put a Target On His Back By Calling Stephen A. Smith A Clown
Celtics RoundtableHere’s How ESPN Sees Boston Celtics Handling Two Picks in Latest Mock Draft
Is Former Boston Celtics Draft Pick Trying to Play College Basketball?
Last Word on SportsLeague-Leading Offensive Rebounder Is The Shocking Solution To Celtics’ Biggest Weakness
Bleacher ReportKendrick Perkins Reveals Former Celtics Players’ Texts on Jaylen Brown on Video Amid Stephen A. Beef
Fan Recap Celtics Blockbuster Plans Just Got Louder
BasketNewsJaylen Brown extension not an offseason priority for Celtics
Clutch PointsJaylen Brown takes shot at Sixers for effort in Knicks series
Hoops WireNBA Rumors: Wizards, No. 1 pick, Celtics, Jaylen Brown, Pacers
The historic stat that predicts a Spurs series win
Game 1 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and Thunder will go down as one of the most epic playoff games for both the Spurs and NBA — something this rivalry has had a knack for generating over the last 15 years. The young Spurs led most of the time against the defending champions despite no De’Aaron Fox but still found themselves having to overcome their own mistakes to pull it out in double-overtime.
They were able to do so with a series of insanely clutch plays and historic stat lines, all while reaching many milestones both in franchise and NBA Playoff history, and we’re about to go through all if them that I could find (many courtesy of Spurs stat guru Jordan Howenstine). But first, we’ll start with the one that may matter the most when looking at the long-term outlook of this series, courtesy of Michael C. Wright of ESPN:
The Spurs are the fifth team in NBA history to win five of their first six games against the team that owned the best record in the NBA that season. The previous four all won a playoff series against the team that had the best record.
In other words, no team has beaten an opponent in 5 of their first 6 match-ups in a season and gone on to lose a playoff series to them. Of course, there is the added quirk of one of those five games being the NBA Cup Semi-finals, so it’s not like the Spurs swept the Thunder in the regular season or are up 2-0 to start the series, but history is still on their side.
Now we move on to stat milestones specific to Game 1. Without Fox, the Spurs trotted out the youngest starting lineup in Conference Finals history, averaging just under 23 years old. That beat out the Portland Trail Blazers 1977 championship team’s starting lineup by 279 days.
This was also the Spurs’ first road win in Game 1 of the Conference Finals since 2005, when they beat the Suns in Phoenix Game 1. (We all know how that turned out!)
Next up is Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 41 points on 14-25 shooting, 24 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in a career-high 49 minutes of action. He had already become the first player since Chris Webber in 2002 to have double-double at halftime in his first ever conference Conference Finals game with 14 points and 10 rebounds (and the first Spur since Tim Duncan against OKC in 2012), and by the end he was the youngest player to post a 40/20 game in playoffs history, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, as well as the second Spur after David Robinson.
But it didn’t end there. He’s also the first player since Dirk Nowitzki in 2003 to have 25+ points and 15+ rebounds in his first Conference Finals game (which was against the Spurs, and some may forget he missed most of that series). He was also only the second player 22 or younger to post 30+ and 20+ in playoff game since the 1976 merger, along with Moses Malone in 1977, and the first to do it in his first Conference Finals game since Wilt Chamberlain in 1960.
Then we have Dylan Harper, whose rookie star keeps shining brighter the deeper we get into the playoffs. He got the start with Fox out, posting 24 points on 8-20 shooting (albeit 0-7 from three), 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 7 steals. (And perhaps just as importantly, just 1 turnover to help mitigate Stephon Castle’s 11 on the night. If Fox sits again for Game 2 — which may be a strategic move since it’s no longer a must-win game, although I personally take every game extremely seriously — the ball needs to be in Harper’s hands more.)
His 7 steals beat out Dejounte Murray, who had 5 against the Warriors in Game 4 in 2017, for the Spurs rookie record for a playoff game. He also joined some elite Spurs company with Alvin Robertson, Avery Johnson, Manu Ginobili and Kawhi Leonard as the only Spurs with 6+ steals in a playoff game.
At the NBA level, he became just the second rookie to record 20/10/5/5 (steals) in a playoff game, with the other being Magic Johnson, and the first to post 20/10/5/7. But it wasn’t just a historic rookie stat line: since steals began being recorded in 1973-74, he joins Larry Bird and Julius Irving as the only players to post that stat line in the playoffs AT ALL!
The Spurs could hardly have asked for a better start to the series. Of course, nothing is set in stone, and they must remain focused and not get too high or confident while working for three more wins because it won’t be easy. Thunder fans will point to how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could have been much better on offense, and they would be right. At the same time, the Spurs certainly could have been better themselves (especially from three, where they shot just 13-43), likely won’t be giving up 21 turnovers again (especially if Fox is back), and it would be a stretch to think the Thunder get 31 points and 8 threes from Alex Caruso again, who is a very erratic shooter.
Regardless, this is just the start of what should be an amazing series. Game 1 has already gone down in Spurs history as one of the best performances we’ve seen (which is saying a lot), but it will only carry so much weight into the future if the Spurs don’t take this series. We can all revel in it today, and then tomorrow, it’s back to work.
Make sure to add any more milestones I may have missed in the comments below! (It’s quite the rabbit hole to go down and almost impossible catch them all.)
Carmelo Anthony invites Jeremy Lin on podcast to address years-long Knicks beef
Carmelo Anthony said he wants to “clear the air” with his former Knicks teammate Jeremy Lin more than a decade after “Linsanity” took over New York in 2012.
During Monday’s installment of the “7PM In Brooklyn” podcast, Anthony invited Lin to come on his podcast to “speak the truth” — but Anthony offered no other explanation.
“Jeremy Lin, I’m giving you my invite to come sit on the couch,” Anthony said.
“Let’s have a conversation, let’s clear the air on a lot of bullshit that’s out there please. And I love what you’re doing right now, man … Come speak the truth.”
NY Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony invites his former teammate Jeremy Lin on his podcast so they can clear the air of any prior misunderstandings
— Slime
Melo has previously said he believes Lin’s Houston Rockets contract (3 years-$25 million) was “ridiculous” and sources suggested… pic.twitter.com/cxwsRDp2e7(@ItsKingSlime) May 18, 2026
Knicks faithful know that rumblings of a reported feud came about during Lin’s rise to fame during the 2011-12 season.
At the time, Lin led the Knicks to 10 wins in 13 games when he averaged over 22 points and nine assists after the Knicks called him up.
Anthony was dealing with a groin injury at the time.
After that season, Anthony made waves when he called Lin’s Houston Rockets contract offer — three years and $25 million — “ridiculous,” which led to reports that he was jealous of Lin’s fast success and it was disrupting what he was trying to build in New York.
Anthony has discussed the matter on multiple occasions.
During a May 2024 installment of his podcast, Anthony and Baron Davis, who was a member of the 2012 Knicks team, said they were supportive of Lin’s fame behind closed doors.
“People always talk about … nobody liked the Linsanity … personally me, you get what I’m saying? They throw that out there,” Anthony said.
“But people don’t know that, behind the scenes, we were very supportive of this.
“… Linsanity could have been a $100 million business easy and I’m trying to get this through to him,” Anthony recalled. “He was like, ‘Nah, I’m not brought up on that, my parents. But I respected that. I hear that, matter of fact, bring your parents in here, let us talk to them… It was [happening] so fast.”
Davis added, “Yeah, he wasn’t trying to hear that s–t from nobody.”
Lin acknowledged “the theory” that Anthony being jealous played a part in his Knicks exit — but declined to “feed the speculation train” in a 2022 interview with the Daily Beast.
“I know, and I’m saying this truthfully, that there were multiple points of opposition completely outside of Melo within what was going on, and once [head coach Mike] D’Antoni resigned, there was already opposition within the organization — whether it was the coaching staff that took over or certain members of the front office,” Lin said.
“But there was definitely, from what I’ve heard or gathered in the few years after, it wasn’t all as rosy as people thought it was. I don’t know who to attribute it to, but I know there were multiple points of opposition.”
Lin had stints with the Warriors, Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, Nets, Hawks and Raptors after going undrafted out of Harvard.
He was part of the 2019 Raptors team that won the franchise’s first championship.
Lin later went on to play for the Beijing Ducks.
He most recently played for the New Taipei Kings of the P. League+ in Taiwan, alongside his brother Joseph Lin.
Lin announced his retirement from professional basketball in an Instagram post last August.