DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 27: Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket in the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena on March 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The NBA All-Rookie teams were announced today, and Ace Bailey landed a spot on the second team. This is the first Jazz All-Rookie team selection since 2024 – in 2025, both Collier and Filipowski narrowly missed out on a spot.
While many Jazz fans were hoping that Ace could snag a First Team spot, a place on either team is an honor during a year of remarkably productive rookies. If Ace was able to reach his post All-Star game heights earlier in the season, it’s likely he would’ve replaced Cedric Coward in the First Team. In his 23 games after the All-Star game, Ace increased his scoring average by 6.6 (11.7 to 18.3) and his assists and rebounds marginally. This offensive leap coincided with a more aggressive attitude defensively; after the All-Star break, Ace increased his stocks per game (steals + blocks) by a solid 0.78 (1.26 to 2.04). While it is true that his increase in opportunities coincided with the league-wide buffoonery of March and April, his in-season improvements were undeniable; he was more confident offensively, highlighted by a 37 point game against a Raptors team battling for playoff positioning, and more overwhelming defensively – just ask the Philadelphia 76ers how they felt after his 5 block performance on March 21st. I had my hesitations about Ace at the beginning of the year – do we really need an inefficient shot chucker? – but his clear willingness to learn and do the little things on the court impressed me, and may not have been caught by some of the voters who likely had little incentive to watch late-season shellackings of the Utah Jazz.
What is the next step for Ace? In all promotional content, he is expressed an excitement to work over the summer, and I hope that work is focused primarily on his ball-handling and POA (point of attack) defense. Watching the tenacious backcourts of the Spurs and Thunder, and I am preemptively worrying for Keyonte George in the 2027 playoffs being Utah’s lone ballhandler. These perimeter defenders are too good for the Jazz to hope for success against without multiple options. Ace will need to improve his dribbling, but if he does then we will have the luxury of simply handing him the rock and letting him create a shot at any level, without fear that Cason Wallace or Stephon Castle will swipe the ball from him before it even reaches the apex of its bounce. Until then, he’s best utilized as an off-ball piece, which we already have in bunches (Kessler, JJJ, Markkanen). Ball-handling is his true swing skill.
Additionally, defensive improvements are necessary. An obvious commonality of the powerhouses in San Antonio and Oklahoma City is their impenetrable perimeter defense. Assuming we pay Walker Kessler, Utah has invested much more of its salary to interior defense. Who’s our defensive stopper next year – Cody Williams? A rookie Darryn Peterson? Maybe Elijah Harkless gets some more run? These names do not strike fear into hearts the same way that Alex Caruso or Jalen Williams do. This could be Ace’s role on the Jazz, if he is able to translate his athleticism and flashes to consistent, game-to-game impact. An extra 10 pounds of muscle likely wouldn’t hurt him in this regard.
With Ace on board and our #2 pick likely working out somewhere in Provo, Utah or Lawrence, Kansas, the Jazz’s future is bright. On what skillset do you think Ace should center his off-season work? Do you think he should’ve been selected for All-Rookie first team? Sound off below!
The Oklahoma City Thunder face the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals. The teams split the first two games in Oklahoma City. Games 3 and 4 will be in San Antonio. San Antonio is favored by 1.5 points in Game 3. Thunder forward Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Spurs guards De’Aaron Fox (sprained ankle) and Dylan Harper (adductor) are questionable to play.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs
Moneyline: San Antonio Spurs -129 (54.0%) / Oklahoma City Thunder +108 (46.0%)
Over/Under: 218.5
Series schedule, results
Game 1:Spurs 122, Thunder 115 (2OT) Game 2:Thunder 122, Spurs 113 Game 3: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (Friday May 22, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 4: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (Sunday May 24, 8 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock) Game 5: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Tuesday May 26, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)* Game 6: Oklahoma City at San Antonio (Thursday May 28, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)* Game 7: San Antonio at Oklahoma City (Saturday May 30, 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock)*
SAN ANTONIO, TX - MAY 4: Assistant Coach Sean Sweeney and Devin Vassell #24 of the San Antonio Spurs talks during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves during Round Two Game One of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Since the firing of Jason Kidd, Mavericks fans have been speculating on who the Mavericks could hire to replace him, and with Masai Ujiri’s track record, it could be someone unexpected.
So with this search underway, who are some likely candidates, and are there unexpected names that could surprise the NBA world, all according to the Athletics’ Christian Clark.
1. Sean Sweeney
The first name that has come up for many Mavericks fans is former Maverick assistant Sean Sweeney.
Sweeney was an assistant for the Mavericks from 2021-2024, and was Jason Kidd’s lead assistant. Sweeney was instrumental to Dallas’ 2 deep playoff runs, specifically being the mastermind behind those teams elite defenses.
According to Clark, it is a matter of “when — not if — Sweeney will land a head coaching job”, with both the Bulls and Magic expected to show interest.
Sweeney would bring an intensity, and x’s and o’s focus that hasn’t been seen since Rick Carlisle, and could hopefully instill a defensive mindset that has been sorely lacking.
2. Micah Nori
The second name mentioned by Clark is current Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori. Nori has served under Chris Finch for 5 years, and technically has head coaching experience.
This came in the series against the Mavericks in 2024 after Finch injured his knee in game 4 of their previous series.
Nori has been a prime candidate for multiple hiring cycles, and would be a prime candidate for the Mavericks job.
3. Tiago Splitter
The third NBA coach mentioned by Clark is former Portland Trailblazers interim head coach Tiago Splitter.
Splitter was heading into the 2025-2026 season as an assistant before the Chauncey Billups gambling scandal, forcing Splitter into head coaching duties, in which he performed admirably.
The Trailblazers ended up making the playoffs, but with new ownership coming aboard, Splitter may be looking for a new team.
Similar to Sweeney, Splitter has a connection to the Mavericks organization, that being newly hired GM Mike Schmitz.
4. Jon Scheyer
The first unexpected name mentioned by Clark is current Duke head coach Jon Scheyer.
Scheyer has been the head coach at Duke for the last 4 years, and has amassed a record of 125-24; although, he has been unable to win a national championship.
Scheyer’s connection is obvious, as he has coached both Dereck Lively II and Cooper Flagg, who both have expressed their admiration for the Duke coach.
While it would be a surprise for the Mavericks to hire a college coach, it would make sense if the focus was to build around Flagg, as Scheyer is the one who both recruited and developed the young star.
5. Dawn Staley
The final, and most surprising name that Clark mentioned was current South Carolina Women’s head coach Dawn Staley.
Staley has coached the Gamecocks since 2008, and has become one of the greatest coaches in women’s college basketball history.
And an NBA move doesn’t seem impossible, as Staley interviewed for the Knicks head coaching job last year, with her remarking on a podcast that she “would have had to do it,” and that “It’s the New York Knicks”.
It remains to be seen if the Mavericks would actually offer her the job, but it seems that Masai Ujiri would have some interest in the possibilty.
With the Western Conference Finals tied at 1-1 apiece, the series shifts to the Alamo City as the San Antonio Spurs look to regain the upper hand on the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
Our Thunder vs. Spurs predictions for Game 3 include no shortage of NBA player prop projections, and we have you covered for the best NBA picks on Friday, May 22.
Thunder vs Spurs computer picks for Game 3
Thunder
Spurs
Gilgeous-Alexander u7.5 assists +102
Harper o11.5 points -109
Holmgren o13.5 points -112
Champagnie u2.5 threes -105
Mitchell u14.5 points -115
Castle u7.5 assists +110
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Thunder Game 3 computer picks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Under 7.5 assists (+102)
Projection: 6.24 assists
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has failed to clear this line in seven of his last 10 games, and given the Oklahoma City Thunder's sixth-slowest pace, expect that to continue in Game 3.
OKC also ranks as the second-worst team in offensive rebounding on the road, so Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs should limit SGA's facilitating tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet sga Now at bet365!/span
Chet Holmgren Over 13.5 points (-112)
Projection: 16.02 points
Chet Holmgren has cashed this prop in seven of his last 10, and our computer projects a 18.77% EV advantage ahead of tip-off.
The Thunder have averaged 119.6 points per game away from the Paycom Center this season, and Holmgren should continue to be one of the main beneficiaries tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet holmgren Now at bet365!/span
Ajay Mitchell Under 14.5 points (-115)
Projection: 12.98 points
Ajay Mitchell has accumulated just 14 points through the first two games of this series, attempting only 13 shots in the process.
The OKC guard has finished below this number in six of his last 10 contests, and an elite San Antonio Spurs defense (third in defensive rating) is set to keep it that way.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet mitchell Now at bet365!/span
Spurs Game 3 computer picks
Dylan Harper Over 11.5 points (-109)
Projection: 12.57 points
Dylan Harper has really stepped it up in the postseason, averaging 16.4 ppg over his last five matches.
If Harper suits up tonight and De'Aaron Fox remains sidelined, the rookie should continue to shine against a Thunder defense that allows starting point guards to attempt the most threes per contest.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet harper Now at bet365!/span
Julian Champagnie Under 2.5 threes (-120)
Projection: 2.28 threes
Julian Champagnie has missed the cut on 2.5 threes in five of his last 10 games.
Shooting just 4-for-18 from 3-point range in the Western Conference Finals, look for the third-year Spur to take a backseat offensively tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet champagnie Now at bet365!/span
Stephen Castle Under 7.5 assists (+110)
Projection: 6.84 assists
Stephen Castle’s assist totals have dipped from 7.4 per game in the regular season to 6.6 in the postseason.
At plus money, it’s worth a look for the Spurs guard, who has cleared this prop in just four of his last 10 contests.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet castle Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Thunder vs Spurs Game 3
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Friday, May 22, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC
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.
After a 109-93 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night, the Knicks are in control of the Eastern Conference Finals with a 2-0 series lead. Game 2 was a balanced offensive attack as all five New York starters scored in double figures. Josh Hart also came alive with 26 points.
Now, the Knicks will look to extend their franchise record of consecutive postseason wins to 10 games. With the series scene shifting to Cleveland, let’s dive into some keys to Game 3.
Hart beat
Game 2 was a moment of redemption for Hart. Relegated to the bench for much of New York’s Game 1 comeback in the fourth quarter and overtime, Hart recovered with 26 points, four rebounds, and seven assists on Thursday night.
The story of this series so far has been Cleveland’s defensive strategy to have center Jarrett Allen guard Hart. Allen is largely ignoring the New York wing. Hart got off to a slow start, missing five of six treys in the first half, but he went on a run, knocking down four of five trifectas in the second half.
Many of the attempts Hart took were completely open. Cleveland is defending this way to keep the rest of New York’s lineup, including stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, in check. Allen has been able to protect the rim and limit scoring opportunities in the paint by ignoring Hart.
But Hart has shown he is capable. He shot 41.3 percent from the three-point line on 242 attempts in the regular season. The Cavs probably will continue to defend Hart with a center, but after this postseason career night, they might not leave him as wide open going forward. That could open up opportunities for other Knicks on Saturday.
May 21, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (2) during the second quarter of game two of the eastern conference finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs at Madison Square Garden. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Working the glass
Coming into this series, the Knicks were expected to have a rebounding advantage against Cleveland. However, through the first game and a half, the Cavaliers seemed to control the boards.
In the first half of Game 2, Cleveland dominated the glass, recording nine offensive rebounds to New York’s one offensive board. The Cavaliers had just four in the second half, where the Knicks created some separation.
Towns had a solid offensive night with 18 points. But he also made an impact on defense. The center had 13 rebounds, all coming on the defensive end. Preventing offensive rebounds from Cleveland’s big man duo of Evan Mobley and Allen is crucial to picking up wins in this series. Mobley and Allen combined for just four points in the second half.
Balanced starting five
Game 2 was all about balance for New York. After Brunson took over the series opener, the Knicks got contributions from each of the club’s starting five. New York’s starters each scored at least 14 points.
Cleveland made more of an effort to prevent Brunson from isolating one-on-one against James Harden. The Cavs brought help to stop the Knicks point guard. It created opportunities for Brunson to get his teammates involved.
Brunson finished the game with 19 points and a career-high 14 assists. New York had 32 assists on 44 field goals on Thursday night. Playing together has been a regular occurrence for The Knicks, who have recorded at least 30 assists on four different occasions during this playoff run.
The pass is a larger part of New York’s offensive identity. The Knicks are sixth in assist rate during the playoffs (60.5 percent) among 16 teams during the playoffs. In last year’s playoff run, the Knicks ranked dead last.
It’s safe to say that moving the ball will be important to New York’s continued success.
LeBron James says he is just chilling after the end of his 23rd NBA season, and he isn't spending time thinking about his future.
"I'm still in the moment of just taking my time," LeBron said on the latest episode of his "Mind the Game" podcast with Steve Nash (hat tip Dave McMenamin of ESPN). "I haven't even really thought about it too much. Obviously, I understand that I'm a free agent and I can control my own destiny... but like, I haven't even really got to that point. I haven't even taken my family vacation yet, which is going to happen after Memorial Day. That's kind of the thing at the forefront of my mind."
LeBron may not be thinking about it, but the rest of the league is.
LeBron knows this isn't 2010 anymore, when he could make "the decision" on July 8 — at least 2/3 of free agency is done in handshake deals before free agency opens on July 1, a league source told NBC Sports a couple of years ago. By the time the Summer League starts (July 9 this year), all the major dominoes will have fallen, and teams are just filling out their rosters.
LeBron, for his part, does not want to be rushed.
"I think at some point in June, late June, as July rolls around, free agency starts to get going, and as July rolls around and maybe into August, we'll start to kind of get a feel of what my future may look like," LeBron said on his podcast.
LeBron would not commit to returning to play a record 24th NBA season, he can just retire, but the expectation in league circles remains that he will play one more season.
It's also much more likely we know where he plays that season by around the NBA Draft (June 23) or by July 1 than it is under LeBron's more casual timeline. He needs to wait out the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade situation — that is the big domino that must fall first for most free agents — but after that, things will move quickly. While LeBron is a huge name and the biggest brand on the board, and he's still an All-Star-level player at age 41, if he wants to prioritize winning (as he has said), then he is going to be more like the third-best player on whatever team he chooses. He accepted that role for the Lakers' best stretch of last season (in March) and he thrived in it.
The other big question: How big a pay cut is LeBron willing to take? That may be the biggest question about where he lands.
He's definitely taking less than the $56.2 million he made last season. The problem is that a lot of the teams he is linked to — Cleveland, Golden State, New York, Denver — can offer only a veteran minimum of $3.9 million. (While those teams could, in theory, work out a sign-and-trade with the Lakers to get LeBron more money, those teams are not going to want to give up a quality player to make this work, and the Lakers are only getting involved in a sign-and-trade if they get something back they want.)
LeBron could re-sign to stay with the Lakers, and they could offer him more money ($25-$30 million) on a one-year contract. The Lakers plan to re-sign Austin Reaves and then remake the roster to better fit Luka Doncic's playing style. LeBron has to fit into that roster reshaping, not be at the heart of it. Also, if winning is the ultimate priority, he just got an up-close look at how far the Lakers are away from the Thunder, even if Doncic had played in that series. If a shot at another ring is the highest priority, are the Lakers his choice? Of course, in reality, it's more nuanced than that, and it includes factoring in being close to his family and much more.
Whatever LeBron decides, expect it to happen faster than the casual timeline he laid out on his podcast.
After a fourth-quarter takeover, Jalen Brunson showed love to his favorite actress.
The Knicks’ star, who hit double-figures in points again in the final quarter of the Knicks’ 109-93 Game 2 win over the Cavaliers, celebrated by running over to Mariska Hargitay, the star of “Law & Order: SVU.”
The actress, who plays Captain Olivia Benson, gave Brunson a big hug for his latest heroics, as seen in a video posted by award-winning director and actor Ben Stiller.
“Jalen, from one captain to another, congratulations on becoming a 2025 NBA All-Star,” Hargitay said. “I cannot wait to see you work your magic in San Francisco.”
“Yeah, that’s my favorite person ever,” Brunson responded. “That’s my favorite person ever.”
Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay and Jalen Brunson are good friends. NBA
Brunson’s love of Hargitay is no secret of everyone else on Celebrity Row.
“The love that Mariska Hargitay gets from you postgame is the envy of every other Knicks fan, Knicks celebrity fan. She gets a hug after a loss,” Stiller told Brunson on his “Roommates” podcast last year.
Brunson was also seen with multiple other “Law & Order” stars on different occasions, including Christopher Meloni, who sat next to Hargitay in a clip that went viral last year as Brunson hugged her.
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.
Also in the photo was Hargitay’s son, August, whom she had with her longtime husband, Peter Hermann, with the two tying the knot in 2004.
The stars love Brunson, as he’s been seen hugging the likes of Francisco Lindor, Jimmy Fallon and many more before and after games.
There will be many more flocking to him, too, as the Knicks are up 2-0 in the Eastern Conference finals in this dominating run.
Jalen Brunson embraces with the Law & Order: SVU star.
After going down 2-1 to the Hawks in the first round, the Knicks have won nine straight playoff games.
The Knicks have opened Game 3 as 2.5-point underdogs with the series shifting to Cleveland, as oddsmakers suspect a big boost from the Cavaliers’ home crowd.
LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 21: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up before the game against the Houston Rockets on April 21, 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
At times this season, the dynamic between Jarred Vanderbilt and Lakers head coach JJ Redick was rocky, in obvious and subtle ways.
It was never more apparent than their very vocal argument in a late regular-season loss against the Thunder. Redick called a timeout in the second quarter to take Vando out of the game, and they got into a heated debate.
It wasn’t a good look for either person. Vando didn’t play again in that contest, even though the Lakers were playing without Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, or Jaxson Hayes.
During Vando’s exit interview, he spoke about his dynamic with Redick.
“We ended up good,” Vanderbilt said. “Like I said, we’re both competitors. We’re competing at the highest level, so sometimes tensions rise and you have disagreements. But, it happens. Player to player, coach to player, staff to player, when you all have a goal like that of winning, sometimes disagreements happen. That’s all it was. We’ve been good ever since.”
Vando says they are good, but clearly, Redick prefers to play many players over him.
In Redick’s first year in charge, Vanderbilt averaged just 16.1 minutes per game. That was his lowest minutes total since the 2020-21 season.
This year, Vando played 17.4 minutes per game. That is well below his averages over the previous four seasons before Redick, when he was a 20-plus minutes-per-game player.
Given that Vando is the fifth-highest played player on the roster, but averaged the 11th most minutes, it’s clear his actual value on the team and what he’s compensated are out of whack.
This has been an adjustment for Vando, and given what we saw during that game against the Thunder in April, disagreements and frustration can boil over.
Still, Vando is a pro and handled it well. Not once did he publicly bash his coach or rant about wanting to play more. When his number was called, he gave his best effort, and that’s all one can ask for. It’s Redick’s team, and he gets to decide when people should play.
It’s good that the two are okay because Vando not only has value as a perimeter defender but also has a guaranteed contract next season and a player option the following year.
So, unless a trade happens, they have to figure out how to work well together. It seems that late into the year, after that disagreement, they found some common ground.
After splitting a pair of games at Paycom Center, the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs shift to Frost Bank Center for Game 3 tonight.
Our Thunder vs. Spurs props dive into the best NBA player prop values for Friday, May 22, headlined by Victor Wembanyama.
Game 3 Prop #1: Victor Wembanyama Over 14.5 rebounds
Victor Wembanyama has been unstoppable on the glass since the second round. Not counting the game in which he was ejected, Wemby has averaged 15.6 boards across his last seven contests.
The big man has corralled 15+ rebounds in six of those seven games, including two straight against the Thunder.
The Thunder have thrown Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein at him as primary defenders, but the result has been the same.
Oklahoma City has allowed the fourth-most offensive rebounds per game this postseason, and Wemby has gobbled up 14 of them across his last two outings.
Game 3 Prop #2: Ajay Mitchell Over 21.5 points + rebounds + assists
Jalen Williams re-injured his hamstring in Game 2, and he's questionable tonight. Given his injury history and risk of re-aggravation, it would be surprising if he took the court.
Ajay Mitchell filled in for Jay Dub admirably in the playoffs, starting six straight games. Mitchell’s usage skyrocketed from 15 to 28.3 in six games without Williams, and his PRAs jumped from 16.3 to 30.2 compared to the four games they played together.
Mitchell has the clearest path to picking up Williams’ vacated production, and I expect him to cruise past his PRA total tonight.
Game 3 Prop #3: Chet Holmgren Under 23.5 points + rebounds + assists
Wembanyama has Holmgren’s number, and he’s locked him down all season. Holmgren averaged a career-best 27.7 PRA in the regular season, but that number plummeted to 19.3 in four matchups with Wemby.
Holmgren has been even more limited in the Western Conference Finals, averaging just 17.5 PRA in Games 1 and 2.
Wembanyama ranks in the Top 3 in opponent FG% (39.4), opponent points per game (64.3) and defensive rating (98.8) this postseason. He’s expected to be on Holmgren again tonight, impeding the OKC big man once again.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
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.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 20: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs and Isaiah Hartenstein #55 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Finals on May 20, 2026 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We anticipated an epic clash of titans before the Western Conference Finals even began, and we’re getting it after two intense battles in OKC between the Spurs and Thunder. Mark Daigneault made some impressive moves to change things up in Game 2 after the Spurs stole Game 1, and now the series comes to San Antonio all tied up but with injury questions lingering for both squads. With that, I continue Fraternizing with the Enemy, in this round Cray Allred of the Daily Thunder, as we discuss what those chess moves were and what we can expect in Game 3.
As a reminder, this round is in honor of the late great J.A. Sherman: friend and former manager of Welcome to Loud City, who passed away last year at the age of 49.
J.R.
It’s never been a stretch to call playoff basketball a chess match. (I’ll bet someone made the comparison as far back as the 60’s.) But if it’s largely true, then it’ll be specifically true for any series. If it’s definitely true, then it’ll be phenomenally true for a series that conventional wisdom said would be epic before it even began. So let’s look at the chess moves made by the coaches and the players Wednesday night.
In order to fully evaluate a game of chess, you have to understand the context in which it was played. Same with basketball, so the place setting for Game 2 includes a quick cap of Game 1. The Spurs didn’t play particularly well with tons of turnovers and poor shooting but OKC shot well from deep. SA dominated the glass and got 10 more free throws. Chapagnie, Vassell, Harper, and Castle shot 8-33 from 3pt and the Spurs still won. SGA had what could be expected to be his worst game of the series; San Antonio turned the ball over a ton and hemorrhaged transition points, but won anyway, which set up round two in Oklahoma.
The biggest move from Game 1 to Game 2 was MD’s decision to place one of his knights, Hartenstein, on the opposition’s queen, Wemby, with the instructions that no holds are barred. This was the biggest move of the game and all others pale by comparison. Freed from having to defend the pivot, the other knight, Caruso, was a terror all over the court. Knights move oddly, show up where they’re not expected, and are difficult to nail down. The incisive use of Thunder’s supplemental pieces tilted the game their way.
But the match wasn’t decided. The rooks were in play, and they were making themselves felt when one was taken out from each side. JDub and Harper left the game with injuries and without being able to expect either’s return, the series will likely not be the same. Without a major piece to support his most powerful piece, Daigneault leaned on SGA, his most powerful piece, and was not disappointed.
What did you see as the second match went to the home team, and what do you expect from match number three?
Cray:
I love the chess analogy, but I’d call Game 2 closer to a round of “Chesskers: We Gave the Checkers a Pieces a Gun” (yes, that’s a real game). Hartenstein didn’t just provide more physicality against Wemby; he applied all his might to block, hold, lane screen, pull, smack, pin, and spend as many hard playoff fouls as the refs afforded him. That he hit some pretty moonball floaters over Wemby’s umbilicals made him look a little more like a chess piece at times. That Daigneault didn’t just use his championship starting center to guard the tallest starting center in the NBA *at all* for Game 1 made the adjustment less brilliant.
And who better to fill in for both Spurs Rooks than San Antonio’s Castle? Well, Stephon Castle is more of a gunslinger than a finesse piece. The guy is powerful, applying enough brute force and speed to keep Shai from breaking into space, and yamming all over Hartenstein for one of the fiercest dunks of the season (iHart’s hair pull on Castle, if even 1% accidentally-on-purpose, was the furthest thing from a power move). Castle can sling lethal passes to the corners and lob grenades for Wemby to detonate from the highest rung of the ladder, but he can’t keep a live dribble or make clean passes against the Thunder pack of defenders for the duration of the game. Now averaging 10 turnovers in the series, Castle is being tasked with work that De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper have been underappreciated for.
In the 18 minutes Castle shared the court with Harper, the Spurs were +6. In his other 20 minutes, they were -17. When Caruso and Cason Wallace smell blood, ball handlers are never safe.
If Williams is out, Daigneault won’t even have the Mighty Mouse in the House option outside of Alex Caruso’s minutes. I expect the Spurs to find ways to get Wemby back on the prowl, and/or for different officiating crews to blow the whistle more. Wembanyama earned about 7 fewer free throws per-36 than normal, and SGA was down about 4 attempts per-36. I also expect San Antonio to get a needed boost of energy from their home crowd after such a demanding open to the series. They have to be tired. Shoot, I’m tired just watching.
Both teams seem poised to maintain sky-high intensity all series, but now it’s OKC’s turn to try and keep their oomph for 48 minutes on the road. They’ll need another night of steady shotmaking to steal the first in San Antonio, and not just from Shai. And as fluid and effective as the Spurs have been flying around on defense, they haven’t generated many of the live ball turnovers that can power huge runs and overwhelm the opponent.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 21: Josh Hart #3 reacts after scoring a basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter of the New York Knicks in Game Two of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Last night the five-man lineup that’s caught more flack than any in the NBA for two years led the New York Knicks to a 109-93 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, a 2-0 lead in the conference finals and their ninth straight playoff win. For a little more than half the game, neither team led by double-digits; for the last 20 or so, the Knicks did almost entirely. In the process, they’ve presented their opponents with an all-new kind of nightmare.
Three years ago, the Cavs were eliminated in five games by the Knicks. Two years ago, it was 4-1 Celtics. Last year the gentleman’s sweep came courtesy of the Pacers. Now the only double-apron payroll in all the land — whose all-in move was trading a quicksilver 26-year-old All-Star point guard (albeit once in the past four years) for a molasses-legged 37-year-old All-Star point guard (albeit once in the past four years) — are in danger of being swept in a decidedly un-gentlemanly manner by a Knick team that marries the traits of Cleveland’s past three conquistadors.
You wouldn’t know off of last night, when no Knick starter played fewer than 32 minutes and Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell were the only Cavs to play more, but the Knicks are the deeper team. Their much-maligned starting five are the superior quintet. Jalen Brunson’s better than Mitchell. Karl-Anthony Towns clears Evan Mobley. James Harden is a first-ballot HOFer, but in 2026 OG Anunoby is the better player. I’d grant you Jarrett Allen may have done more over 82 games for his team than Mikal Bridges did for his, but in the playoffs Bridges has played like he’s worth 10 draft picks. And while Dean Wade looks better with a mustache-less beard than most, Josh Hart looks better doing everything else.
Two years ago New York were down to three healthy players and a couple assistant coaches by Game 7 against Indiana. Last year the Knicks ran seven-deep. This series, 10 Knicks have played in both games for a total 14-plus minutes, to just eight Cavs. If that doesn’t seem like much of a difference, multiply it by two or three, depending how long this series goes. Then square it by this: since April Fool’s Day, the Knicks have played 17 games and flown three times, all to Atlanta; the Cavs have played 22 (including two Game 7s) and flown nine times. It adds up.
In 2025 the Cavs ran into a Celtic squad on its way to the title. That Boston team featured a five-out offense, with each starter a two-way player. The only answer to that kind of firepower is to feature a five-out offense with five two-way players yourself, but that ain’t easy; if it were, the Mavs would’ve already tried and failed to re-invent it.
Hart’s growth as a shooter, crystallized by last night’s John Starks-like explosion from deep, plus the presence of shooters like Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson — all two-way players — means the Knicks can play five-out whenever they want. The only time they don’t is when Mitchell Robinson is gobbling 50% of the available offensive rebounds. Pick your poison. Either way, the Cavs look sick.
The 2023 Knicks were just plain tougher than the 2023 “Lights Too Bright” Cavaliers. Darius Garland, Isaac Okoro, Caris LeVert — those are total sweeties. Meanwhile those Knicks featured the sinister, sinewy musculature of RJ Barrett and Julius Randle, plus granite block Isaiah Hartenstein. If you landed from the planet Xylar at the start of that series and just looked at the Earthlings for each squadron, you’d know who was gonna win.
And that, beyond Brunson’s brilliance and Hart’s heroics and KAT contorting the very question of what is and isn’t possible for an NBA offense, is the subatomica powering the Knicks to their 2-0 lead: their power.
In one of the few moments last night when the fourth-quarter lead was double to single-digits, and the game was a Cav three away from squeaky-bum time, OG Anunoby went baseline and got to the basket and just powered the ball through the hoop. It wasn’t a dunk. Wasn’t a lay-up or a floater. It was just literally like when three little kids are all giggling and hanging on their dad’s arm, trying to hold it down, and he just pulls whatever strength he needs from whatever reservoir he has and raises it. The arm doesn’t flow with the grace of its usual freedom, nor struggle or tremble beneath the added weight. It is simply what is going to be, visibly being.
These Knicks are big and strong and good. All of them. Brunson is a power point. Hart’s a 4 that’s tough enough to play 5 in the body of a 2. KAT is big and brilliant and beautiful. This playoff offense has spawned some interesting new species. Por ejemplo: what is this feeling when the ball moves around and Towns of all people is wiiiiide-open? When Towns-as-shooter is an afterthought, given how good he and his teammates look with him doing more with less?
Could there be any sweeter justice from the basketball gods than Towns becoming a superior version of his envious troll, Draymond Green: a brilliant passing big and face-up fulcrum, plus he can actually shoot? And work out of the post?
Donovan Mitchell moved for much of the game like something isn’t 100%. He refuses to confirm that, as you’d expect from anyone in his position. During the game, Kenny Atkinson confirmed to ESPN — during the game! — that he, the coach of the Cavaliers, the team Mitchell plays for, agreed that Mitchell looked off.
WHAT?!
How is that real??
Quoth DWilTheKnicksfan: “Finish strong.” The Knicks continue to play strong. They put the Hawks to the sword the first chance they got, and Games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia were your classic no-rope, no-hope one-two. The Cavs are going to play their best* game of the season tomorrow. Elimination games are almost always the hardest to win, but trying to go up 3-0 is often the same energy.
In my lifetime the Knicks have taken 2-0 leads in the ECF twice. In 1993 they followed that up with four straights Ls. In 1994 they lost the next three, before rallying to win the last two. Normally I’d say this time I’ll settle for a split, but today I wouldn’t.
I don’t think that does these Knicks enough credit. They can finish this in four, both because they are in fact that good, and because these Cavaliers do not exactly have a 2004 Red Sox vibe to them.
The Knicks have learned what works the past few seasons and now represent the best of what the East has been. If they can finish the Cavaliers off sooner than later, they can rest before pitting their best against the West’s.
New York, N.Y.: New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) in 2nd quarter during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by J. Conrad Williams Jr./Newsday RM via Getty Images) | Newsday via Getty Images
Welcome to the conference finals and the last step to see who goes to the NBA Finals.
If you’re wondering who to root for in the Conference Finals as we near the end of the playoffs this season, you are in luck.
Let’s have a look at the teams in the conference finals and how they match up.
Knicks vs. Cavaliers
Both teams are led on offense by high usage guards. Both teams have a front court that has a floor spacing four and a defensive five. On the wings, there are 3-and-D players. While the teams are similar in roster make-up, the way they play makes this matchup different from what one would expect.
Both the Knicks and the Cavaliers are in the top five in playoff scoring. The Knicks are second and the Cavs are fifth with 119.9 and 109.9 points per game, respectively.
Jalen Brunson leads the Knicks in scoring at 27.6 points per game. Donovan Mitchell, in contrast, averages 29 points per game for Cleveland.
Karl Anthony Towns and Evan Mobley lead their teams in rebounding with 10.5 and 14 rebounds per game, respectively. The combined rebounding of KAT, Hart and Mitchell Robinson propels them to the fourth spot as a team in the playoffs.
The series will be decided on if the Cavs can slow down the Knicks from continuing their playoff-leading shooting from the field and three. The Cavs are leading the playoffs in 3-pointers made. Which teams can slow down the scoring in those areas will be the main deciding factor for this series.
Game 3: New York at Cleveland | Saturday May 23 (8 ET, ESPN)
Game 4: New York at Cleveland | Monday May 25 (8 ET, ESPN)
Game 5: Cleveland at New York | Wednesday May 27 (8 ET, ESPN)*
Game 6: New York at Cleveland | Friday May 29 (8 ET, ESPN)*
Game 7: Cleveland at New York | Sunday May 31 (8 ET, ESPN)
Thunder vs. Spurs
This is a series mainly focused on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Victor Wembanyama and on how the teams will defend them. The Thunder will have Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein and, at times, will have Alex Caruso defending Wemby. On the Spurs side, they have Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell to defend SGA.
Both SGA and Wemby lead their respective teams in most stats, including in scoring. Wemby leads the Spurs in rebounding while SGA leads his team in assists. Castle and Hartenstein are the other two players leading their sides in stats with assists and rebounding, respectively.
Both teams are in the top three in points in the playoffs. The Thunder lead the playoffs with 26.6 in assists and the Spurs lead in rebounding and blocks. with 48.4 and 7.9, respectively. The Thunder and Spurs are very close in field goal percentage, 3-point percentage, made 3-pointers and free throw percentage.
The main factors in this series will be slowing down field goals on drives. The Spurs will have to continue their fast break scoring, where they average 16.5 points per game. Despite the Thunder being second in the playoffs in steals, they are not in the top five in fast break points. San Antonio is leading the playoffs in points in the paint.
Finally, the Spurs need to keep their league-leading defensive rating going of 103.9. The Thunder, despite having the defensive talent, are not in the top five in the playoffs in defensive rating. On the other side of the court, the Thunder lead in offensive rating at 123.4 while the Spurs third at 116.3.
So, if the Spurs can slow down the Thunder’s 3-point shooting and double SGA, they can make the series pretty close.
Game 7: San Antonio at Oklahoma City | Saturday May 30 (8 ET, NBC/Peacock)*
My Predictions
Knicks in 6 games
Spurs in 6 games
If you want to discuss anything, you can do so below. I will update this thread as the two conference finals series continue. In the meantime, you can share your thoughts of the conference Finals in the comments below.
When I am not posting ridiculous trades on here you can find me talking about Nintendo, LGBT content, music, and the Lakers on my Twitter. You can follow Alexis on Twitter at @BeautifulShy_RSand on BlueSky at @msshyskye.bsky.social.
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 11: Morez Johnson Jr. participates in the shuttle run drill during the 2026 NBA Draft Combine on May 11, 2026 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
We here at Maize n Brew of course support Johnson in all his future endeavors and harbor no ill will towards him. Today, we want to discuss whether or not you think he made the right decision by electing to stay in the NBA Draft.
Johnson spent his freshman season at Illinois, appearing in 30 games and averaging 17.7 minutes per game. He tallied a modest seven points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game before hitting the transfer portal in hopes of finding a larger role, as the Illini front court was a logjam and playing time would be tough to come by.
Under Dusty May at Michigan, Johnson started all 40 games he appeared in. His usage blossomed, as Johnson averaged 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 steals per game while being a secondary scoring option. He was an excellent free throw shooter at 78.2 percent and was ruthlessly efficient from the field, as he shot 62.3 percent.
Prior to the NCAA Tournament, most mock drafts had Johnson as either a late first-round or an early second-round pick. There was some optimism Michigan would be able to retain him for another season, but that optimism faded after Michigan’s tournament run for the ages. Johnson capped it off with a double-double in the National Championship (12 points, 10 rebounds) at a time when the Wolverines were playing with a severely limited Yaxel Lendeborg.
Even following the NCAA Tournament, Johnson was still only projected as a mid-to-late first-rounder. The beauty of NIL is that player retention has gotten somewhat easier with regards to players going pro. What players would make on the rookie scale in the NBA pales in comparison to what they could be paid to return to college depending on how high the prospect is projected to be drafted.
While Michigan has had success retaining such players in the past, this one just didn’t go Michigan’s way. Several mid-to-late first-round prospects opted to return to school, which caused Johnson to ascend up draft boards. He is now viewed as a mid-first-round pick, with Oklahoma City being a popular mock destination.
As much as Michigan fans are sad to see him go, Johnson has a legitimate argument for why now is the best time for him to enter the NBA Draft. His stock has risen exponentially, and he also plays a brand and style of basketball that relies heavily on athleticism and energy. The NBA values youth and potential over experience. I don’t expect Johnson to develop a reliable three-point jumper any time soon, and there aren’t many other attributes he could reasonably develop in one more season of college basketball.
Do you think Johnson make the right decision to remain in the draft? Let us know your thoughts down in the comments section below.
Tyrese Maxey has done nothing but get better year in and year out. In his rookie season, Maxey was every bit the part of a small guard drafted outside of the lottery. He had a few brilliant flashes, but only started eight games in 2020-21 and averaged just over 15 minutes a night.
While he became a starter in his second season in Philadelphia, the 17.5 points per game that he averaged in 2021-22 were still a far cry from the 28.3 points per game he just averaged this past season. His scoring averages have improved every season as have his totals in lots of statistical departments. There’s a reason Maxey has become such a fan favorite in Philadelphia. He works hard, gets better all the time and isn’t satisfied with just making it to the second round.
But as we head into the offseason, it’s fair to question what kind of ceiling a team built around Maxey and his backcourt mate VJ Edgecombe will have. The Sixers didn’t just get swept by the Knicks due to a lack of depth. Their bench problems might have been the most jarring concern and the single biggest reason Daryl Morey got fired, but their starters were also outplayed by New York’s starting lineup. Therefore, it’s fair to surmise that a deeper Philadelphia roster in seasons ahead could be more competitive in the second round, but still lose in the same round if Maxey can’t ever be the best player in a series of that caliber.
For what it’s worth, during the media session after Game 4 against the Knicks, Maxey did admit that the finger injury flared up again in the Knicks series. He indicated that it had been an issue late in the regular season, then started to feel better by the play-in tournament and in the Boston series, only for it to become a nagging issue against New York. Maxey, the consummate professional he is, did however quickly admit that the finger issue was not an excuse for his inefficient performances against the Knicks.
The big thing the 2020 first-round pick out of Kentucky can take from getting swept out of the playoffs in the second round is the way New York defended him. If Maxey is going to be the straw that stirs the drink for the Sixers in future postseasons, he’ll have to get used to some of the looks he saw from the Knicks and find better ways to combat them.
“I saw multiple bodies every single night, like every single pick-and-roll,” Maxey said of New York’s defense. “It was the trap. Every single Brunson action. It was a trap. Every single time I got downhill. The entire team was in the paint. I was trying to kick out and I gotta really watch because I think this was definitely one of the hardest series I played in for just myself, and I had to be better for my teammates.”
It should be noted that this was probably a first for Maxey when it comes to being the offensive focal point of the Philadelphia attack. Certainly an argument could be made that a lot of respect was paid to him in the 2024 series against the Knicks, but Joel Embiid was playing at a higher level then, having had a 50-point game in that series. In the 2022 and 2023 postseasons in which Maxey was a regular in Philly’s starting lineup, James Harden was also handling the ball a lot.
Heading into 2026-27, there is no doubt that Maxey is going to have to be the primary option for the Sixers offensively, and really the player that makes the entire engine go for the Sixers. Everyone knows at this point that Embiid can’t be counted on to be the team’s best player on a nightly basis. If Paul George is back with the Sixers next season, it’s also abundantly obvious that George is best suited as a 3-and-D wing who isn’t handling the ball a ton. It all went through Maxey for most of 2025-26 and that’s going to have to continue moving forward. The question for Maxey will be if he can continue to improve as the team’s A-lister.
One thing that should be helpful for Maxey is the comfort and peace of mind he can take from knowing that Edgecombe will be a fixture in Philadelphia’s starting lineup for years to come. The two-time All-Star noted that improving his play off the ball will be an area that he’ll look to focus in on during the offseason. Maxey implied that the drafting of Edgecombe started to allow him to handle the ball less in 2025-26 and that continuing to improve as an off-ball guard will allow the Sixers to throw different looks at opposing defenses.
It might feel hard to believe, but Maxey is entering his seventh season in the NBA come the fall. He sure sounded like a leader as well after Philly’s season ended. There’s a lot of focus pointed in Edgecombe’s direction and understandably so. But Maxey made references to the invaluable experience that younger players like Justin Edwards and Adem Bona got having appeared in playoff games for the first time in their careers. There’s no doubt Maxey carries himself like a leader off the court. As we approach the summer, he’ll need to figure out the next step that comes with being at the top of the opponent’s scouting report.
The Western Conference Final has shifted to San Antonio with the series now tied at one game apiece following the Thunder’s 122-113 win Wednesday night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 30 points and Isaiah Hartenstein’s physicalitysomewhat slowed Victor Wembanyama, but the storyline coming out of Game 2 of this clash of the titans was injuries.
For the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox (ankle) has yet to play in this series and Dylan Harper (abductor) left Game 2 early. For the Thunder, Jalen Williams (hamstring) left Game 2 early as well as he continues the battle that has plagued him all season. The loss of Williams is not to be entirely discounted, but OKC has had nearly a full season to adjust to life without one of their All-Stars. Their depth was on display in Game 2 when they outscored the San Antonio bench 57-25. The loss of Fox for the Spurs has meant their floor general is missing and Harper’s play has been integral in the playoffs specifically in Game 1 of this series. The challenge for the young Spurs is immense even with a healthy roster. It grows exponentially more difficult without those two guards should they be unable to play in Game 3.
In Game 3, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get in the lane and draw fouls (not to be confused with contact) will be central to OKC’s attack. The injury issues for San Antonio means more of the burden is heaped on Victor Wembanyama. He of course remains San Antonio’s anchor, posting 21 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks in Game 2. The true elephant in the room for the Spurs, though, is the turnover. As a team they have 44 turnovers in the first two games. Central to this issue is Stephon Castle. The de facto point guard in the absence of Fox has turned the ball over 20 times.
Game 3 is about who plays and who stays composed under the bright lights of one of the most intense and high-level series the NBA has seen in years.
Lets take a closer look at tonight’s matchup and take into consideration lineups, injuries, and other factors affecting the line and total.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on how to catch tipoff, odds courtesy of DraftKings recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
After 24 years, the NBA is back on NBC and Peacock, combining the nostalgia of an iconic era with the innovative future of basketball coverage. The NBA on NBC YouTube channel delivers fans must-see highlights, analysis, and exclusive and unique content.
Game Details and How to Watch Game 3 Live: Thunder vs. Spurs
Date: Friday, May 22, 2026
Time: 8:30PM EST
Site: Frost Bank Center
City: San Antonio, TX
Network/Streaming: NBC/Peacock
Rotoworld has you covered with all the latest NBA Player News for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type!
Game 3 Odds: Thunder vs. Spurs
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder (+105), San Antonio Spurs (-125)
Spread: Spurs -1.5
Total: 218.5 points
This game opened Thunder -1.5 with the Game Total set at 215.5.
Be sure to check out DraftKings for all the latest game odds & player props for every matchup this week on the NBA schedule!
Expected Starting Lineups for Game 3: Thunder vs. Spurs
Oklahoma City Thunder
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG Ajay Mitchell
C Isaiah Hartenstein
SF Luguentz Dort
PF Chet Holmgren
San Antonio Spurs
PG Stephon Castle
SG Devin Vassell
SF Keldon Johnson
PF Julian Champagnie
C Victor Wembanyama
Injury Report: Thunder vs. Spurs
Oklahoma City Thunder
Thomas Sorber (knee) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Jalen Williams (hamstring) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
San Antonio Spurs
De’Aaron Fox (ankle) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Dylan Harper (abductor) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
David Jones Garcia (ankle) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Thunder vs. Spurs - Game 3
The Thunder are 34-10 on the road this season
The Spurs are 36-10 at home this season
The Spurs are 54-40-2 ATS this season
OKC is 45-46-1 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 52 of the Thunder’s 92 games this season (52-40)
The OVER has cashed in 44 of the Spurs’ 96 games this season (44-52)
Alex Caruso is shooting 61.5% from the field this series including 61.1% (11-15) from deep.
Chet Holmgren has scored just 21 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in the first two games
Keldon Johnson had 5 rebounds in Game 2 after failing to get even 1 in Game 1
Stephon Castle has 19 assists but 20 turnovers through 2 games of this series
Rotoworld Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for tonight’s Thunder and Spurs’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Thunder on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Thunder +1.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Game Total OVER 218.5
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:
Thunder
Spurs
