LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 29: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets smiles during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers during Round One Game Five on April 29, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rockets fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
This past week’s question asked Rockets fans about Kevin Durant. Following a tumultuous season in which KD played well on the court, was a vibe-killing disaster off of it, and a no-show come NBA Playoffs time, we asked our readers if they wanted the Rockets to trade him in the offseason. Not what they thought the Rockets would do. What they WANT the Rockets to do.
Here’s the results:
As you can see, a full 65 percent of Rockets fans want KD gone. You can count me in that 65. Sadly, it doesn’t appear that we will get our wish. In today’s ESPN article about the Rockets, Ramona Shelbourne reported that KD was a grumpy gus all season in the locker room, saying:
“Durant was predictably brilliant on the court throughout the 2025-26 season, averaging 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while playing in 78 games, but team sources said his “moodiness” took some getting used to and wore on the team’s young players throughout the campaign, a dynamic that was exacerbated without VanVleet and Adams as buffers.“
However, despite the burner incident playing a role in Houston’s chemistry issues this season, the Rockets fully intend to have KD back in the fold next season, calling Durant part of their core. The article also mentions that the locker room is supposedly fine now after some meetings, but I don’t think anyone who’s watched the Rockets recently doesn’t think the chemistry and comraderie was better without him. Were the Rockets a better team overall without him? That’s a different convo. Can they reach the next level by trading him for assets and being a little patient? I think that’s also a serious convo that needs to be had.
Anyway, it seems we’re not getting our wish, but if there’s one thing that I’ve learned in 25 years of writing about the NBA is to expect the unexpected.
Thanks for voting. We’ll be back soon with more Reacts.
Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons have notable frontcourts, but the Cavaliers’ big men were inconsistent in the first round against the Magic.
This Cavaliers vs. Pistons same-game parlay expects Detroit to win on the glass in Game 1 on Tuesday, May 5.
Our best Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP for Game 1
SGP leg #1: Jarrett Allen Under 7.5 Rebounds (+100)
Jarrett Allen starred on the glass twice in the first round, but that was twice in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ seven-game series win. Which is to say, he fell short of this very modest prop five times against the relatively undersized Raptors.
That kind of rate will age even worse against the Detroit Pistons. They thrive on the offensive glass, No. 3 in the NBA in offensive rebounding rate since the All-Star Break, the kind of strength that gets overlooked during the regular season and by casual fans but can be a massive postseason difference-maker.
SGP leg #2: Jalen Duren Over 9.5 Rebounds (-145)
Jalen Duren leads that offensive rebounding focus. He pulled in at least four offensive boards in five of Detroit’s seven games against the Magic. In each of the final three games of that series, Duren snagged at least five offensive rebounds.
This is Duren’s most reliable skill, and even if he is not scoring, every offensive rebound he finds creates another scoring chance for the Pistons.
SGP leg #3: Pistons Moneyline (-150)
Homecourt advantage plus what could be a distinct rebounding edge should be all the logic needed to trust Detroit in this series opener, particularly given how well Cade Cunningham was playing as the first round ended.
Get Douglas Farmer's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Cavaliers vs Pistons 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.
DETROIT, MI - MAY 3: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons drives to the basket during the game against the Orlando Magic during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 3, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The NBA Playoffs are a fickle beast, and that remains especially true for the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Three of the four first round series went the distance, which saw the pre-playoff favorite Boston Celtics be eliminated after blowing a 3-1 lead to the Sixers. The number one seed Detroit Pistons staged a 3-1 comeback of their own, highlighted by a 24-point comeback win in game six in Orlando. The Cavaliers toppled the Raptors in seven games, which saw the home team win all seven contests. And last, but certainly not least, the Knicks closed out the Hawks in game six, which was an all-time beat down.
What could the semifinals bring? Our brightest betting minds here at Mavs Moneyball have some disagreement about what the future might hold.
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Series moneyline: Detroit -120, Cavs +102
David’s pick: Cavaliers over Pistons 4-2
I do not think either of these teams are real. Detroit looked really bad after going down 3-1 to a Magic team that had no identity. But the Pistons won 60 games for a reason and ultimately did not fall victim to the same fate the Mavericks did 19 years ago. Donovan Mitchell has been a career loser in the playoffs and James Harden’s choking is well documented. Fortunately for them, experience will win out here and the Pistons’ dream season will fall short of their ultimate goal.
Series props:
Cavaliers to win (+105)
Series to go 6 games (+200)
Detroit to win game one/Cleveland to win series (+320)
The Cavaliers will bring Donovan Mitchell to the conference finals for the first time. James Harden will have a chance to go back to the NBA Finals. They will finish it in six games after Detroit runs out of shooting. I think the Pistons will come out and keep their momentum alive in game one, but will not win another game until game 5.
Tyler’s pick: Pistons over Cavs 4-1
The Pistons were just down 3-1 to the Orlando Magic, so you might be wondering why exactly I think they lay the hammer here. It’s simple for me: Detroit is going to physically beat Cleveland into submission. Jalen Duren was pretty brutal against Orlando, but in game seven he finally found some form. Instead of the physical front line of Orlando, he and his Pistons will face off with Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, who are not exactly known for their power game. Detroit is going to get the series they want here. It’ll be ugly, physical basketball with final scores rarely exceeding 100. If that is indeed the case, this will be over quickly.
Series props:
Pistons -1.5 series spread (+155)
Detroit to be leading 3-0 after game three (+490)
Jalen Duren to lead series in rebounds (-115)
There’s not much to be added here, I really like the Pistons to get the job done early. And as noted above, I don’t think Jalen Duren’s struggles against a very physical Orlando front line will carry over against the Cavs, who are a different team that plays a different brand of basketball. I would venture to guess that Duren has a great series here on the glass.
(3) Knicks vs (7) Sixers
(Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Series moneyline: Knicks -270, Sixers +220
David’s pick: Sixers over Knicks 4-3
This is going to be a fantastic series if Joel Embiid plays all of it. Even if he misses a game or two, there will be fireworks. Both teams will struggle to defend the other, and the bad blood runs through the veins of every player. It is not hyperbole to say that this is a legacy-defining series for Embiid. He just defeated his Celtics demons and now faces the easiest path to the NBA Finals that he has had in his career. On the flip side, Jalen Brunson is still looking to get over the hump as the number one guy. Every guy in this series has something to prove. The deciding factor will be who has the better player, and that honor goes to Joel Embiid and the Sixers. Philadelphia wins game seven in a close game.
Series props:
Sixers to come back from a 2 game deficit (+1000)
Sixers to win (+220)
Over 5.5 games (-150)
I think the Knicks hold serve at home and go up 2-0. After the extended rest, the Sixers get right and ultimately win four out of five. The over on 5.5 seems free, this has seven game classic written all over it.
Tyler’s pick: Knicks over Sixers 4-3
I’ve gone back and forth on this a couple of times. The Knicks are the kings of engaging in nonsense, while the Sixers are not immune to that themselves. This series will feature small guards everywhere, the rekindling of a feud between Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns. The coaching angle here is interesting as well, as I give a pretty strong edge to the Sixers staff.
So with that, why exactly am I taking the Knicks? I think the role players for New York are going to do circles around what Philly has outside of Maxey and Embiid. The Knicks have great main role players in Hart, Bridges and Robinson, and even then the fringe guys like Shamet, McBride and Alvarado can all do something well. When you look at the other side, Philly will basically run six or seven guys, with Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond being the only real guys who get minutes. Because the Knicks will run a couple guys deeper, they should have a massive advantage on rest and having their legs.
Series props:
Sixers +1.5 series spread (-120)
Knicks game one + series win (-105)
Josh Hart to lead series in rebounds (+500)
There are tons of trends about teams who just won a game seven facing a team who didn’t play seven games in a game one. Spoiler alert: the rested team does really well! I expect a resounding Knicks game one win, but that will not change my opinion on the series. As far as Hart goes, I wonder if Towns and Embiid cancel each other out in this series on the glass. They could be too busy fighting amongst themselves, which in turn would get KAT into foul trouble. Enter Josh Hart, who averaged over 10 rebounds per game against the Sixers last postseason.
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.
After a history-making Game 6 in the first round, the New York Knicks are onto Round 2 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. where they’ll face their longtime rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Knicks took down the Atlanta Hawks in six games to advance to the second round. The series included a 140-89 Game 6 victory that made history as the Knicks’ largest playoff win ever.
It took the No. 7-seeded 76ers all seven games to defeat the Boston Celtics and advance to the second round. Down 3-1 going into Game 5, the Sixers won three straight to shock the No. 2 seeded Celtics.
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 $49.99/month and gain access to over 90 live channels.
TRY DIRECTV FOR FREE
You can also stream the NBA playoffs with a subscription to Peacock, which costs $16.99/month after a seven-day free trial.
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.
Send in your questions now for this week’s episode of The Pindown: A Detroit Pistons Podcast to discuss everything Pistons. Submit your question to the comments section here or on X/Twitter to @TheRealWesD3 and/or @blakesilverman.
Join us live on Saturday afternoon for the show where we’ll recap the Pistons’ incredible 3–1 comeback to eliminate the Magic in the first round and preview the second-round series against the Cavaliers. How are you feeling heading into round two? How far can this Pistons team go? And how surreal is it to watch a playoff series win for the first time since 2008?
Plus, The Pindown has a phone line where you can leave a message and hear your voice on the show. Call (313) 355-2717 and leave us a voicemail with your question. Please try to keep the message around 45 seconds or less so we can fit everyone into the show.
The podcast will be uploaded to all audio platforms the following morning.
Joel Embiid had one of his best playoff performances of his NBA career in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 109-100 Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics on Saturday. The center had 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to lead Philly to the second round.
But, Warriors forward Draymond Green doesn’t think the performance was a “legacy game” for Embiid, who has now reached the Eastern Conference semifinals for the sixth time in his career.
“I know a lot of people are saying, ‘Yo, is this a legacy game for Joel Embiid?’ and I say no, ‘hell no,’ ” Green said on “The Draymond Green Show.” “Joel Embiid is a great player, Joel Embiid is an NBA MVP, Joel Embiid is all of those things. Gold medalist, perennial All-Star, one of the best bigs in this league.
“Joel Embiid, also for those same reasons, is the reason that a game in the first round, I don’t care if it’s Game 7 or Game 2. … It’s still a first-round game and we’ve seen Joel Embiid in the first round. In order for Joel Embiid to have legacy games, Joel Embiid has to get to the conference finals and then Joel Embiid needs to help push that team to the NBA Finals.”
Green said he believes the people stating that it was a legacy performance are the same ones who will be ready to blame Embiid if the 76ers fail to reach the conference championship – somewhere Embiid has never been since entering the league in 2014.
“I hate when people try to set guys up like, ‘Aw man, this is a legacy game for Joel Embiid,’ only to set him up to try to tear him down in the weeks to come,” Green said. “I don’t like stuff like that. There’s no way a guy of Joel Embiid’s stature can have a legacy game in Round 1 and he still hasn’t accomplished, ultimately, what he wants to accomplish.”
In eight first-round appearances with Philadelphia, Embiid has averaged 26.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists while leading the 76ers to a 6-2 record over those series.
However, Embiid and the 76ers – who hadn’t reached the conference semifinals since 2022-23 — are 0-5 in second round playoff series.
“I don’t think if you spoke to Joel Embiid, he would say ‘aw man, that game I had in Round 1 versus Boston is a legacy game,’” Green said. “No, you feel good about it, you feel great about it, you’re moving on. … but the job’s not done.
“If Philly goes out here and loses the series, no one is coming around this summer like, ‘Yeah, but Joel Embiid had a legacy game in that first-round series,’ Green said. “No one’s talking about that. The talk is going to be ‘Joel Embiid can’t win again, Philly needs to break the team up, Joel’s going to never be healthy.’ ”
The win over Boston was the first time the Embiid-led 76ers had defeated the Celtics in the postseason after falling to them three times prior. Philadelphia kicked off their second-round matchup with the New York Knicks on Monday.
Could LeBron James’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers end not with a bang, but with a whimper? This series against the Oklahoma City Thunder should certainly force that question.
MyLakers vs. Thunderpredictionsand NBA picks have no faith in L.A., not even in Game 1, on Tuesday, May 5.
UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win.
Lakers vs Thunder Game 1 prediction
Who will win Lakers vs Thunder Game 1?
Thunder: Perhaps LeBron James conjures up a vintage performance to steal one game in this series, but do not expect it and certainly do not expect it in Game 1 in Oklahoma City when the Thunder have a significant rest advantage.
They met four times this season. The Thunder covered the spread in each game by an average of 19 points compared to bookmakers’ expectations.
The Lakers fell short of their team total in three of the four meetings by an average of 11.6 points even when including the sole Team Total Over, which came by two points.
Without Luka, expect OKC to collapse on LeBron James at every moment.
Los Angeles played on Friday, and while that did become a rout, it was a rather tense moment heading into that game. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has had a full week off after its easy sweep of Phoenix.
Every advantage lines up for a Thunder blowout to open this series, and once the game is out of hand, Lakers head coach JJ Redick likely will sit Austin Reaves to spare his oblique any added stress. Reaves played just 34 and 31 minutes in his two games back against the Rockets. There will be no logic to pushing him while trailing by two dozen.
Lakers vs Thunder SGP
Thunder First Half -9.5
Thunder -15.5
Austin Reaves Under 21.5 Points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Not Yet, LeBron
LeBron James may continue to get away with it, but there is no logic to pushing him in a lopsided Game 1. Every ounce of reason expects Los Angeles to lose this game handily. Chalk it up to rest, chalk it up to home court, chalk it up to anything you want. Just expect it.
Redick will be smart to preserve any massive game from James for when it is within reach.
Look at Game 4 of last round: The Lakers lost by 19 and trailed by more than that. Related: James played just 33 minutes and scored only 10 points.
Lakers vs Thunder SGP
Thunder -15.5
LeBron James Under 20.5 Points
LeBron James Under 7.5 Rebounds
LeBron James Under 7.5 Assists
Lakers vs Thunder odds for Game 1
Spread: Lakers +16 | Thunder -16
Moneyline: Lakers +700 | Thunder -1100
Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
Lakers vs Thunder betting trend to know
In four meetings against the Lakers this year, the Thunder covered the full-game spread in just the first half in three of them. In the exception, they exactly matched the full-game spread of 18 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Thunder.
How to watch Lakers vs Thunder Game 1
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Lakers vs Thunder 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.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 03: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons guards James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on March 03, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 113-109. 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
The Raptors and Pistons share a similar offensive profile. Neither team loves to shoot three-pointers, primarily because they aren’t very good at it. They’d prefer to score from the mid-range or attack the basket — led almost entirely by one primary initiator (more on this later).
That means Cleveland’s defensive game plan will be similar to round one. Pack the paint, shrink the floor, and dare someone to beat you.
Toronto surprised most of us with its efficiency. They nailed 35.6% of their three-point attempts in round one, the fifth-best of any playoff team this year. But they also struggled to score for long stretches, often because the Cavs declined to pay them any respect behind the arch. Shrinking the floor makes it really hard to score if you don’t have the personnel to shoot with volume.
That’s why the Raptors took the third fewest three-point attempts per game in round one, despite shooting better than anyone expected. They just didn’t have guys who could launch ‘em.
Neither do the Pistons… mostly.
Detroit has some weapons that the Cavs will have to monitor. Duncan Robinson can burn you. Tobias Harris is capable of big games. Even Cunningham shot near 40% from deep in round one. But truthfully, perimeter shooting is a weakness that the Cavs can exploit.
Evan Mobley made more 3PTs in R1 than anyone on Detroit other than Cade, Duncan, and Tobias
The Pistons shot the second-fewest three-pointers in round one and converted on the fifth-worst percentage. Harris, Dannis Jankins, Caris LeVert, and Javonte Green all shot below 30% from downtown. Thompson only attempted one three-pointer, which he missed. Neither big man in Detroit is likely to push their luck from deep either.
I’d expect the Cavs to totally ignore Thompson, and to dare everyone other than Harris, Cunningham, and Robinson to make them pay. I’d also expect the Cavs to win that gamble, given that the Pistons ranked 20th in three-point accuracy during the regular season — even worse than Toronto (18th).
2. Put it all on Cade Cunningham
Both the Cavs and Pistons battled to the end in round one. A seven-game series can be draining. More so, if you’re the one carrying the entire team on your back.
This isn’t to discredit Harris, who showed up big in Game 7 for Detroit, but let’s be real… Cunningham’s usage was through the roof during that series. He posted an absurd usage rate of 37%, matching Joel Embiid for the highest load in round one.
For comparison, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with a usage rate of 30%.
Carrying that much weight will wear anyone down. The deeper you go into the playoffs, the more of a toll it takes. Cunningham averaged 32 points on 22 shots per game in the first round. He’ll be asked to do something similar versus Cleveland. That’s a benefit for the Cavs.
The more pressure you can put on Cade to win this series on his own, the better. That means the Cavs will do everything in their power to limit Detroit’s supporting cast. The weight could be unbearable if Cleveland keeps a lid on the Pistons’ role players.
The Cavs are well-equipped to make Cunningham work. Dean Wade just had a phenomenal defensive series, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will no doubt pack the paint and contest every drive. Even Max Strus and Sam Merrill have shown they can ramp up the intensity — while Jaylon Tyson is more than ready to be physical with Cunningham.
Cunningham averaged 18.5 points on just 34% shooting against the Cavs in four games this season. I’m sure he’ll be better than that in this series. But it shows the Cavs can give him problems offensively.
On the other end, Cleveland would be mistaken not to include Cunningham in as many screening actions as possible. He’s already being tasked with too much offensive responsibility, so the more they can challenge him defensively, the more exhausted he’ll become.
3. Attack mismatches
Not having to worry about Scottie Barnes will be nice.
Seriously, Barnes delivered one of the better defensive performances I can remember. It felt like he was everywhere, using his length, athleticism, and seemingly never-ending motor to disrupt everything Cleveland wanted to do. The backcourt struggled primarily because Barnes, along with Jamal Shead, RJ Barrett, Ja’kobe Walter, and Collin Murray-Boyles, made them struggle.
Can Detroit replicate any of that?
Some things are certain. The Pistons will try to muck things up by using Thompson on one of Donovan Mitchell or James Harden. He’ll pressure them up the floor and deny the ball whenever possible. Other Pistons will attempt to do the same.
But that’s where Cleveland starts to gain advantages.
The Raptors were loaded with length and athleticism on the wing. No matter who the Cavs brought into the action, Toronto was able to switch and swarm the ball with their wings. The Pistons — while a better defensive team — are arguably a better matchup for the Cavs from this perspective.
Thompson is a great defender. But Duncan Robinson is not. The Cavalier backcourt will feel significantly more comfortable attacking Robinson than anyone on the Raptors roster outside of Jakob Poeltl.
This extends down Detroit’s rotation. Harris is a fine defender, but I don’t see him matching Mitchell’s speed like any of Toronto’s best defenders. Duren isn’t as mobile as CMB. Jankins shouldn’t be as disruptive as Jamal Shead. Kevin Huerter might not even get on the floor, and if he does, could promptly be played off it.
That’s kind of a big deal.
The playoffs are matchup-dependent. You are only as strong as your weakest link. The Raptors’ baseline of having no bad defenders made it an eternal struggle for the Cavs offense to get rolling. But Detroit’s weak points will be tested at every available opportunity.
If that happens, Mitchell might remind us of why he’s become a perennial All-NBA player at this stage of his career.
How critical is Anthony Edwards to Minnesota's chances in a matchup with San Antonio? When they met in January, Edwards dropped 55 points on the Spurs (his season high) in a game the Timberwolves still lost by 3. Without him, it's going to be tough for them to score.
Which is why it's good news that Edwards is expected to suit up and play for Minnesota in Game 1 on Monday night, just nine days after he suffered a bone bruise in his knee, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic confirmed the news, but added that Edwards' exact role — whether he starts or comes off the bench and if there is a minutes limit — is still being discussed.
You can watch Edwards' return in Game 1 on Peacock, starting at 9:30 ET.
Edwards suffered a nasty knee hyperextension and, with that, a bone bruise in Game 4 against Denver. The Timberwolves went on to close out the series without him or his starting backcourt mate, Donte DiVincenzo, who tore his Achilles in that same game.
Officially, Edwards remains listed as questionable for Game 1, something not likely to change until much closer to game time. The team said a day before that Edwards "has been cleared for on-court basketball activities" after missing just two games due to a knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
The other looming question when Edwards returns: What version of him do we see? Is he at 80%? 90%? Will he look like himself?
Minnesota needs him to be close to his best in a tough matchup against the No. 2 seed Spurs and Victor Wembanyama.
Anthony Edwards, who suffered a knee injury in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, was upgraded to questionable for tonight's game earlier today against the San Antonio Spurs after being week-to-week just two days ago.
Things took an even better turn for the Minnesota faithful with the latest reports stating the superstar guard is set to suit up in Game 1.
This afternoon, Shams reported that Anthony Edwards was upgraded to questionable. Good news, Timberwolves fans: the newest update is even better and has caused a major shake-up to the odds.
Despite suffering a knee injury just nine days ago, Anthony Edwards is expected to play against San Antonio in Game 1 per @ShamsCharania 👀
Minnesota's odds before the news: +500 Minnesota's odds after the news: +280
In a follow-up tweet, Shams reported Ant went through several treatments over the last several days to cut down on his return time, including time spent in a hyperbaric chamber.
As long as things go well in warmups, Ant will be ready to go tonight.
Latest Timberwolves vs Spurs odds
Antony Edwards player props tonight
Sportsbooks have already posted player props for Antony Edwards for Game 1, marking his first game in nine days.
Market
Over 24.5 points
-110
Over 3.5 assists
-105
Over 4.5 rebounds
-105
Over 3.5 threes
+120
Over 0.5 steals
-235
Books are expecting Ant to hit the ground running, setting his points prop at 24.5 points. It should be noted that if Edwards goes through warmups and is unable to go, all pre-game bets will be voided.
For tonight, I will bet on him to exceed his assist line of 3.5. Nine days off can seriously affect a player's shooting rhythm, and I think Ant will opt to pass more tonight.
He averaged 3.7 assists in the regular season, and players like Jaden McDaniels have taken on a larger offensive role. Ant will get his, but he'll be sure to spread the love.
Pick: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 assists (-105 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.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: The sneakers worn by Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers before the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Bogoljub Markovic #23 and Markquis Nowell #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks high five during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 13, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks will play three games in the four-team California Classic Summer League, the NBA announced last Wednesday. The Bucks will face the Golden State Warriors on July 4, the Brooklyn Nets on July 5, and the Sacramento Kings on July 6 in the Golden 1 Center. This is Milwaukee’s first year participating in the California Classic. Broadcast information and specific team rosters will be released closer to July.
The other version of the expanded Classic will feature the Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs, hosted at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
Their two games in Sacramento will be followed by at least five games of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Last year, the Bucks, led by Pete Nance and 2025 second-rounder Bogoljub Markovic, went 1-4.
The additional two games will allow more of Milwaukee’s developing prospects to get crucial minutes before the NBA Summer League. Markovic, who has been one of the top players in Serbia’s ABA League, figures to join the team. So could Milwaukee’s two-way players in 27-year-old Cormac Ryan and Alex Antetokounmpo, or Wisconsin Herd standouts Mark Sears and Johnny Davis. The Bucks’ 2026 lottery pick will also see heavy game time.
Jason Love and Spencer Rivers, son of Doc, coached the Bucks’ 2025 Summer League squad. However, it’s unclear if the two will keep their assistant coaching spots with the arrival of new head coach Taylor Jenkins.
In preparation for tonight’s Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, we sat down with JR Wilco at our sister site Pounding the Rock to discuss what we’re looking out for from our respective opponents. If you want to engage in some light-hearted and kind (stressing this, don’t be obnoxious like Denver Nuggets fans were/are), you can do so at their site here.
J.R. Wilco
I think you’d agree that to say that you were down on Minnesota’s chances entering Game 6 would be a pretty serious understatement. Your piece on Denver’s win over the Wolves in Game 5 was about as serious an indictment of your team’s performance as the government’s charges against Harish Chidambaran.
And yet you guys made Nikola Jokić look ordinary and Jamal Murray look putrid. Minny too the “next man up” mantra to another level. See, that cliche is supposed to mean that when a guy goes down, his replacement is ready to play in his place. It’s not supposed to mean that the replacement suddenly auditions to be a starter on the all star team! I went from being ecstatic that the Spurs wouldn’t play Denver to being afraid that they’ve be hard pressed to take down a team that’s currently under attack from the injury bug.
So tell me, a) how did you guys take down Denver while so shorthanded, b) what should I be most concerned about in Game 1, and what are you most afraid of, besides Wemby?
Thilo
Beating Denver in Game 6 came down to a few factors: paint touches, paint deterrence, and sheer, unadulterated hatred.
MINNEAPOLIS , MN – APRIL 25: Jaden McDaniels (3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves locks up Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter of the Timberwolves' 112-96 win in game four of their NBA Playoffs series at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Before Ayo Dosumnu went down with a calf injury, his shot diet in his 43 point masterclass in Game 4 was functionally all layups outside of his 5/5 three point shooting. The rest of the Wolves team existed in a similarly slash-friendly environment.
There was, and this is no exaggeration, no rim protection whatsoever on the Nuggets roster to the point that Spencer Jones was the primary paint presence for Games 3-6. This enabled a TJ Shannon sighting (his only above-average skill at the NBA level is finding his way to the rim) and allowed the Timberwolves, one of the league’s most inconsistent offensive teams, to score over 110 in all but one game.
On the other side of things, Denver could not find a way to score at their normal level when run off the three point line. As much as we can point at Jamal Murray (and laugh), Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr turning back into pumpkins hurt just as much.
Funnily enough, Jaden McDaniels’ best defensive role is not as a perimeter stopper. While he’s more than capable there, he is arguably better suited as a help side defender (we’ll get to that later). To that point, I doubt we see a remotely similar strategy for San Antonio as we saw against Denver.
I’d say that role change for McDaniels is the biggest thing to be worried about. Outside of the obvious “we get to match your top-five player with our returning top-seven guy”, that’s the thing I hope would change.
A defensive matchup of Ayo on Fox, TJ on Vassell, and Gobert on Wemby, with Jaden roaming off of whoever of Castle or Champagnie is less intimidating could be incredibly fun, incredibly destructive, and disastrously low scoring.
As far as what’s the scariest in facing the Spurs, you guys just simply have more things you can count on than we do. While we have flexibility and house money, you have a winning formula that has been shaped by your whole season and has little to no restructuring needed.
For more concrete answers, the Wolves are already down a ton of initiators, and the defensive pressure the Spurs can put on guys who are already more used to and more prepared for facing third and fourth defensive options could instantly collapse the whole cobbled together formula the Wolves built so quickly.
That formula included a Game 6 lineup that was supersized, with Jaden McDaniels at the two, Naz Reid at the three, and both Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert filling out the space alongside TJ Shannon’s “go straight through them” play at point. The Spurs size comes primarily in the form of Wemby, how do the rest of the Spurs deal with that lineup and the size it brings?
J.R.
You say unadulterated hatred. I hear properly channeled distaste, because in my experience playing angry might work in spurts, but will wear you out over a full 48 minutes. Shoot, even half a basketball game would probably be too much. That said, the way your crew was able to stick around with a dwindling roster until the clock struck midnight on Denver was one of the more impressive things I’ve seen in the NBA this year. Watching those Nuggets turning into pumpkins and mice was as enjoyable as it was unexpected.
You say that McDaniels’ defense isn’t best suited for being a perimeter stopper, but I’m going to expect Fox and Castle and Harper to put enough pressure on the Wolves that he’s going to need to spend time out there on the regular, regardless of how much he would prefer to play weak side help.
SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Naz Reid #11 and Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 24, 2025 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As for the lineup you asked about, my primary concern with this series is Randle and Reid wrecking San Antonio from deep when they have the ball, and causing Wemby all kinds of problems as they defend. Honestly, besides Aaron Gordon, Julius probably played the best defense I saw on Victor all season. As for how San Antonio will deal with all that size, that’s the $64,000 question, and I’m so glad it’s being asked.
For so much of the season, Mitch Johnson has allowed the Spurs to play pretty ordinary sets without much imagination or complexity. Or to be more blunt, San Antonio’s offense has often been very straightforward and bordering on elementary. In defense of this strategy, it’s been effective. Why push the team to do more when a basic offense is enough to win? Well, the answer is: the playoffs. They’re here now and Minnesota’s defense and size might be exactly what forces the Spurs to pull out all the stops.
Now I’m not expecting them to start whizzing the ball around the court like the 2014 Spurs, but I wouldn’t complain if they did. Lacking that, I think San Antonio’s offense is at its best when Wemby is off the ball and the team takes advantage of the gravity his vertical threat creates. When teams are terrified of him getting downhill without the ball, or receiving passes anywhere close to the paint without a man bodying him, it opens up space for guys to shoot open threes and gash defenses with aggressive drives and timely cuts. That’s when defenses react to the pressure from the rest of the team such that Wemby gets single-teamed or even forgotten – which is obviously a death sentence.
Which brings me back to Wemby, and this time I won’t ask you to not use him as an answer to your question. With so much of your success against Denver being to attack the rim, and with Wemby being elite at protecting the paint and guarding multiple guys simultaneously, what do you see as the best chance that Minny has to produce points and make San Antonio’s defense uncomfortable?
Thilo
I could take this answer in so many different directions. The answer I want to give, or rather the thing that I think people can’t read about elsewhere, is Rudy Gobert’s impact as a passer on the short roll.
We often think of scoring in the paint as the only way to maximize drives. Either you lay it up or you don’t. Either you dunk it or you’re blocked, and so on.
Gobert has never been one to lay it up confidently, or even dunk it safely. Describing his offensive game as invisible was doing him a kindness for many, many years. When a player’s primary offensive impact is screen assists, you need to be a real basketball degenerate to give him some credit for that side of the ball.
However, a compliment that was once hard to give has now found itself to a more obvious, highlight-worthy place.
Taking a page from his mortal enemy, Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert has evolved not as a play finisher but as a play extender. There was a single play in Game 6 that led to a TJ Shannon three pointer in the right corner that comes to mind.
I think kind of lost in last night's game was the fact that Rudy Gobert had 8 assists.
Gobert was great on the short roll the whole series, which was critical for him to be in this series, given how Denver likes to play Nikola Jokic up the floor, at the level of the screen.… pic.twitter.com/i6eCAxoblY
Pointing out just one play implies that this was a special occurrence, but this happened throughout the series. The worry with Wemby is always as much about rim deterrence as it is actual block numbers. A past version of Gobert would’ve been more willing to flail wildly at the rim in an attempt to draw a foul or do anything once the original plan of “finish the pick and roll” was flushed.
Today’s version of Gobert can rethink and create a new plan.
What does this mean on a larger scale? Improvisation is alive and well in Minnesota. Each player that should be getting rotation minutes for the Wolves has some way to deal with the court ending eight or so feet further from the rim than they are used to.
Jaden McDaniels’ mid range was fantastic in Game 6. TJ Shannon is a blur in transition. Julius Randle has his elbow touches. The list goes on. The playoffs are often about good players losing their favorite options and having to make due with their third or fourth choice.
This is no different.
The “motion offense” has been a bit of a running joke in Wolves circles ever since Chris Finch arrived in Minnesota. As much as higher management has approached roster building, Finch individually has valued one skill above all else: consistency.
Whoever is guarded by Wemby will be responsible for pulling him from the rim. Even moreso, I assume that whoever the Wolves will want to attack on switches will be the target for four of five players on the court. For the Suns in 2024, that player was Devin Booker. Last series, it was Jamal Murray. Against the Spurs? My guess would be DeAaron Fox.
There are so many more questions I’d have, but I’m sure Mitch Johnson reads this, and I don’t want to give away too many answers! We will see how this game turns out!
Tennessee basketball keeps adding to its star-studded transfer portal haul, adding Wake Forest guard Juke Harris on Monday, May 4.
Harris, the No. 2-ranked overall player in the transfer portal in USA TODAY's rankings, averaged 21.4 points with 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season on 44.4% shooting. He chose the Vols over Michigan, which he visited, and North Carolina, among others.
Harris is Tennessee's third transfer portal addition inside USA TODAY's top-50 rankings, along with former VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. (No. 17) and former Notre Dame forward Jalen Haralson (No. 33). The Vols will likely be one of the best offensive teams in the country next season, as they also added Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames (16.9 points per game in 2025-26) and sharpshooter Tyler Lundblade from Belmont (15.6 points per game).
The All-ACC second-team selection was the conference's Most Improved Player last season, and has the longest streak of games (over 35) with 10 or more points in Wake Forest history. His 730 points in 2025-26 were also the second-most in program history.
The Salisbury, North Carolina, native was a four-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class, tabbed as the No. 88-ranked player and No. 15 shooting guard in the class, per 247Sports' Composite rankings. He visited Tennessee as a high school recruit before choosing Wake Forest.
Harris scored 30 or more points in three games last season, two of which resulted in losses against NC State and Boston College. He scored 38 points in Wake Forest's 68-67 loss to Boston College in February, scoring more than half of the Demon Deacons' points.
Coach Rick Barnes should have his best roster on paper at Tennessee next season, with Harris assuredly being the Vols' go-to scorer.
"Flopping has ruined our game. Joel Embiid is a great player, one of the best bigs in f****** basketball history... [he] flops. He know it. This ain't breaking news."
Playing in four games in the series, Embiid had 37 free throw attempts, a little more than nine a game. He had more total attempts from the stripe than any other 76ers player and everyone on Boston except Brown, who played in all seven games. That alone is not evidence of flopping, it's evidence of Embiid playing a physical style in the paint and attacking the rim with the ball, which leads to drawing fouls.
Brown called out the referees, too, particularly about the offensive foul calls against him, usually for using his off arm to create space (which he did pretty blatantly at times). Brown said on the Twitch stream that he was doing what every other player in the league does.
"That is such the common basketball play, every player does it. So why are you targeting me? They clearly had an agenda, maybe because I spoke, you know I was critical other refs in the regular season... And I've actually spoke to some refs, and they said it was, it was an agenda going into each game, that anytime Jaylen brings his arm up, just from reputation, just call it like But Paul George does the same thing. Jalen Brunson does the same thing. S***, I can go down the list. It's a basketball play."
Brown can expect a fine from the league for that. I would also argue that while a lot of drivers do use their off arm at times, Brown uses his off arm more forcefully — and often — than others to create space.
Yet another push-off that Jaylen Brown got away with & this one directly impacts Joel Embiid…
He was able to luckily stay in the game & seems to be fine, but my hell… Tatum & Brown truly get away with more push-offs than any other players in the entire NBA. Clear as day. pic.twitter.com/YNdfWsmNxL
Ultimately, none of this changes the fact that Brown had an All-NBA season, his best as a pro, nor does it change the fact that his Celtics got bounced from the playoffs much earlier than expected.
COVERS INTEL: Los Angeles had far fewer worries against Houston’s offense, 
