Category: Basketball

In today’s Dub Hub:

• On a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, Draymond Green weighs in on Spurs’ 2-0 NBA Finals deficit.
• The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami outlines why a potential partnership between Lebron James and the Warriors would benefit both sides.
• Former Knicks’ star Jeremy Lin breaks down New York’s offensive success heading into Monday’s Game 3.

As a four-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green has never been shy about sharing his perspective on what separates good teams from championship-caliber ones. So, with the San Antonio Spurs staring at a dreaded 2-0 deficit against the New York Knicks, the veteran forward shared his concerns with San Antonio’s mentality during the most recent episode of The Draymond Green Show.

The Spurs advanced to the Finals after an emotional Game 7 victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Western Conference Finals MVP Victor Wembanyama was visibly overcome with emotion after the win, shedding tears following what was arguably the biggest victory of his career up to that point.

However, as Green pointed out, the inexperienced Spurs have looked a step behind to begin the Finals. They blew a fourth quarter lead in Game 1 last Wednesday, then followed that up with several critical mistakes in the final seconds of Game 2 on Friday.

The Knicks, by contrast, have looked hungry. A franchise that hasn’t won a championship since 1973, playing in front of a city that has waited over five decades, they’ve carried that urgency into every game. They’ve now won 13 straight playoff games — the second-longest streak in NBA playoff history — with no signs of slowing down either.

Green may be onto something with the Spurs’ inexperience revealing itself on the biggest stage, and if they can’t rediscover that competitive edge starting in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, New York could be on the verge of celebrating very soon.

For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Monday, June 8th:

Warriors News:

Richard Jefferson admits Cavs’ Finals plan vs. Steph Curry was to ‘beat him up’ | NBC Sports Bay Area

NBA on ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson, who faced Golden State in the 2016 and 2017 NBA Finals as a member of the Cavaliers, detailed Cleveland’s brutal game plan for Curry on Friday night’s broadcast. While discussing a hard foul on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson during Game 2 of the 2026 Finals, Jefferson recalled his job against Curry a decade ago.

“When we played Steph Curry in the Finals, our job was to beat him up like that,” Jefferson said in the first quarter. “And it wasn’t anything dirty, but if you’re going to foul him, foul him in a physical nature.”

Kawakami: LeBron + Warriors? A late marriage that might never be more convenient | The San Francisco Standard

Yes, I get it. At this point, Warriors fans are bellowing: How would signing LeBron make the team younger and healthier? My answer: LeBron is old but actually remains quite durable; he registered 1,989 minutes this regular season, more than every Warrior except Brandin Podziemski. (More info: LeBron has averaged 2,195 minutes over the last five seasons.)

Warriors Window Still Open?? Jerry Stackhouse on Head Coach Job Openings, Mike Malone to UNC!

NBA News:

NBA Finals: Spurs’ chances of surviving hinge on unlocking Victor Wembanyama | Yahoo Sports

I’d argue, if you’re looking to unlock Wembanyama more, that the roll direction needs to tilt the other way more often. Second Spectrum has Wembanyama down as the empty side PnR screener nine times in this series; he’s rolled or popped to the empty side once. Surely there’s room for more, right?

Force a back-pedaling Karl-Anthony Towns (Finals MVP right now, in my opinion) or Mitchell Robinson to high-point and contest lobs consistently. See how aggressive the Knicks want to peel in their low man within that context.

Former Knicks’ star Jeremy Lin breaks down New York’s offensive success

In case you missed it at Golden State of Mind:

Report: Steph Curry plans to meet with LeBron James to discuss joining Warriors

The Warriors clearest path to signing James is with the non-taxpayer mid-level exception (worth roughly $15 million per season), which would still mark a 70% pay cut for LeBron. A sign-and-trade could be a different path to paying James more, but that would require Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, or Kristaps Porzingis heading out in the deal.

Follow @unstoppablebaby on X for all the latest news on the Golden State Warriors.

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The San Antonio Spurs are desperate. Can their superstar turn that desperation into success against the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals?

TheseVictor Wembanyama picksand Spurs vs. Knicks predictions see the added day of rest as the biggest key before tip at 8:30 ET on Monday, June 8.

Victor Wembanyama prop pick for Game 3

Victor Wembanyama best bet: Over 11.5 rebounds (-110 at bet365)

The start of the Western Conference Finals was only 19 days before Game 2 of the NBA Finals, which is to say, Victor Wembanyama played nine high-stakes games in 19 days, concluding Friday night. In a very real way, that clearly had the San Antonio Spurs’ superstar worn out.

One could reasonably wonder if his game-costing gaffe resulted from mental fatigue. His attempt at a game-winner falling short almost certainly was the result of physical fatigue. And all understandably so.

But the NBA slotted an extra day between Games 2 and 3 for precisely this reason (It must be for this reason. A game in prime time on Sunday night is about as ideal as it could have gotten for television ratings).

Wemby may not be fully rested, but that added day off, combined with desperation, should give him some renewed energy.

When fatigued, his rebounds have sagged a bit, both in the postseason and the regular season.

Wembanyama has cleared this modest rebounding prop only once in his last seven games after notching it in eight of his first 12 games these playoffs — and more genuinely, that would be eight of his first 10 games once discounting a concussion and an ejection.

In the regular season, Wembanyama averaged only 10.8 rebounds on the second night of back-to-backs, 11.4 rebounds when enjoying a day off and 12.75 when getting two days off.

This may not be an aggressive bet, and it may be priced at a ho-hum -110, but given the chance to catch his breath, trusting Wembanyama on the glass in Game 3 is exceedingly logical.

Victor Wembanyama same-game parlay

While rest should help Victor Wembanyama crash the glass regardless of the venue — he averaged 11.75 rebounds at home this regular season compared to 11.25 on the road — neither he nor the Spurs should be trusted to shoot on the road.

Wembanyama has always been more reluctant to heave away from San Antonio, and with good reason. He shot 37.9% from deep at home this regular season, compared to 31.3% on the road, while taking 5.9 threes per game at home and just five per game on the road.

Those trends have held up in the last two rounds of this postseason.

Logic expects the Spurs’ role players to have similar struggles and/or reluctance, thus cutting into Wemby’s assists total.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

The New York Knicks are back home for Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals with a chance to wrap up the series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Despite having a 2-0 lead in the series, Jalen Brunson and the Knicks are trying to keep their focus ahead of Game 3.

"I do my best to stay present in the moment, to do the things I can to make sure my mind is right,” Brunson said. “Being mentally and physically ready every day. Trusting my work. That's what's gotten me here."

The Knicks will have the opportunity to provide a sense of accomplishment for the franchise and fanbase with their first NBA Championship in 53 years.

Members of the Knicks and the Spurs spoke with the media during the off day on Sunday ahead of Game 3 to answer questions and provide their perspective on how the first two games of the series went.

Being back home in one of the country’s biggest media markets, the Knicks were faced with distractions, including those off-day media sessions.

Rappers Fat Joe and Jadakiss, who host a podcast together, were spotted in the back of the media room. Actor Ben Stiller was also present for the session. All three are notable Knicks fans who had also made the trip to San Antonio for the first two games of the series to support their team.

"This is a great day for me. For the first time, I got a chance to meet Ben Stiller. I got my man Fat Joe sitting in the back. This is a great day for Mike Brown!" 😭 pic.twitter.com/246KQZC8qn

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 7, 2026

Fat Joe stood up during the session to joke with Knicks coach Mike Brown about the shoes he wears during the games.

Mike Brown’s press conference was interrupted by an ambitious journalist @fatjoe has secured a signed pair of PF Flyers pic.twitter.com/Dx5xibkgbz

— Kris Pursiainen (@krispursiainen) June 7, 2026

While Brown was willing to embrace that moment, Brunson has tried to limit those distractions, remain focused on the task at hand, and avoid discounting his opponent.

"I think playing better with the lead that we had, the 14-point lead," Brunson told the media. "The way (the Spurs) fought back and took the lead is just a credit to how good they are."

While Brunson has played a key role in helping New York win 13 consecutive games entering Game 3 on Monday, he hasn't officially gone off yet in the finals. The Spurs have centered their defensive game plan around limiting Brunson and playing physical against him. Brunson has been limited to just 34% shooting from the field through the first two games in the series. If that trend continues, it would be the worst playoff shooting performance in his career.

Even with his shooting woes, Brunson helped establish the pace early in Game 2, scoring eight of the Knicks' first 13 points in the first quarter. Teammate OG Anunoby was responsible for scoring the other five points.

Brunson proved once again why he’d been named the Clutch Player of the Year in 2025. He swooped in during the final moments of the fourth quarter in Game 2 and stole the ball after Victor Wembanyama tossed the ball toward point guard Stephon Castle, who wasn't looking.

Brunson would collide with Wembanyama and fall out of bounds with the ball. Wembanyama was called for a foul and Brunson was sent to the line, where he would make what became the eventual game-winning free throw after the game was tied at 104.

“Those are the moments that he lives for, especially in the fourth quarter,” Spurs guard Devin Vassell said about Bruson. “He is clutch; there isn’t much we can change because we are forcing him to take difficult shots (throughout the game).”

When do Knicks and Spurs play Game 3?

• Date: Monday, June 8
• Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Madison Square Garden (New York)
• TV: ESPN
• Stream:Fubo, YouTube TV

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jalen Brunson, Knicks fighting distractions ahead of Game 3 at MSG

Intense playoff basketball calls for heightened scrutiny on the margins.

Every rotation matters. The margins are small enough that each small schematic shift can not only swing games, but also define entire seasons.

For that reason, coaching stands out this time of year. The good coaches are usually the ones who make it to this stage, and a team rarely makes a deep playoff run without coaching playing a big part in the team’s execution.

In Mike Brown’s case, no head coach has been watched closer throughout this entire postseason than him. The Knicks controversially fired their most successful head coach in 20 years after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years last June, and went on a highly publicized coaching search that saw them be “turned down” by five teams in their pursuit.

When they ended up with Brown, it was viewed as a desperation hire that was way down the Knicks’ list. Why fire Thibodeau if you didn’t have a plan, right?

After mixed results in the regular season and a 1-2 series deficit in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, the sharks were circling on not just the core, but the coach. Could he be one-and-done? How would he respond?

Well, after Game 3 in Atlanta, he made a key adjustment. The same way he made a big adjustment to end the three-week stretch from hell in January.

And then, he adjusted again.

And again.

And again.

Across this postseason, one in which the Knicks have carried a 13-game winning streak to being a pair of wins from ending their 53-year title drought, Coach Brown has been integral in making a multitude of adjustments, both mid-game and mid-series, to slow down and throttle everyone in the Knicks’ path.

Let’s start with Game 3, where the shellshocked Knicks were left picking up the pieces after being punched in the mouth twice by CJ McCollum’s heroics. The house of cards was collapsing. If they didn’t immediately bounce back with multiple victories, the Grim Reaper himself would be sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden to tear down this core.

So they went to work. Three massive adjustments were made on both ends of the court to give the Hawks a different look.

They switched from a Brunson-centric offense to a KAT-centric offense, putting the ball in the big man’s hands up high and making him the facilitator. From there, he’d have options. They’d run a back screen with Brunson and Anunoby that, most of the time, would generate an open cut to the rim by Anunoby or a clean look from three by Brunson. That switch alone kicked the half-court offense up a notch.

He abandoned the full bench lineups that had gotten crushed in the first three games. For all but a few minutes of the last 13 games (notably in the third quarter of Game 2 on Friday), there has been either Brunson or Towns on the court for every single minute outside of garbage time.

But the other adjustment also neutered McCollum’s impact. Instead of playing him 1-on-1, they hedged against Atlanta’s lack of creation and shooting depth by blitzing him to get the ball out of his hands. Predictably, when guys like Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels had the ball, the Hawks’ offense cratered.

By blitzing McCollum, his efficiency nosedived. He went from averaging 27 points on 51/39 splits across the first three games to 11.3 points on 39/10 splits in the final three. The Knicks won the final three games by a combined 96 points and made those two one-point defeats feel like a pity party.

The gameplan of blitzing the ball handler was also applied to their second-round series against the Sixers, forcing the ball out of Tyrese Maxey’s hands or forcing him into bad decisions. With a hobbled Joel Embiid not able to take command of the offense, it allowed the Knicks to put the clamps on Philadelphia’s offense.

There was also the offensive gameplan of abusing Embiid in the pick-and-roll, which they did to an almost mortifying degree. It was abuse out there.

There weren’t many opportunities for adjustments in a relatively uncompetitive series, but this was where Mike Brown really started to lean on Landry Shamet off the bench. When the team fell behind 20-8 in Game 3, behind fiery play by Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, he rode bench lineups that overwhelmed the Sixers, which was especially important as Towns dealt with foul trouble.

Moving into the Cleveland series, the same plan of blitzing the ball handler was falling apart… fast. The shooting depth that the Cavs had on display was hurting them throughout Game 1. A once close game had spiraled to a near 20-point hole late in the third that ultimately ended up at 22.

In the moment of facing the most adversity since Game 3 against the Hawks, there were three more big adjustments to be made.

The first was to start playing 1-on-1. Late in the third, they stopped showing two to James Harden, who had rebounded after a miserable first half to be the best facilitator on the floor. It immediately slowed down their offense.

The second was to optimize spacing with the five-out offense. Josh Hart was badly struggling, so Brown replaced him with Shamet and rode him the rest of the way as Cleveland was unable to use ghost coverage to load up on Brunson.

And that brings us back to Brunson, who began hunting the switch onto Harden before frying him into oblivion, single-handedly making this a ballgame before clutch threes by Shamet and Mikal Bridges took it home.

That massive 22-point comeback fundamentally broke the Cavaliers. After renewed confidence in Hart resulted in a playoff career-high 26 points in Game 2, it was abundantly clear that the Knicks were at a different level, steamrolling their way to a clean sweep to formally vindicate the decision to hire Mike Brown and reach the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years.

There hasn’t been anything too noticeable in terms of adjustments thus far in the Finals against San Antonio. The opening plans of Towns sticking with Wemby and playing with physicality, and going back to a Brunson-centric offense to take advantage of their desire to deny him at all costs have mostly worked to this point, but there will likely come a time where a big adjustment has to be made, whether in the rotation or in the scheme.

But based on how this postseason has gone, you have to like where the Knicks stand in that regard.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are returning to their roots next NBA season with a new logo, new uniforms and a new court.

The team revealed their wholesale updates on Sunday, June 7, including some subtle nods to the design elements present in the team's 1989 debut.

"This franchise means something different to every generation of fans," Timberwolves CEO Matt Caldwell said in a news release. "We wanted this new look to reflect the pieces of Timberwolves basketball fans have always connected with, while also feeling true to the team and culture surrounding this franchise today."

Fittingly, Timberwolves icon Kevin Garnett (1995-2007, 2015-16) helped model the new unis. 

Ticket approved. 🎟️ pic.twitter.com/9B402DxZQu

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 7, 2026

The most obvious change is a return to the franchise’s original blue, green and white color palette.

While the "Wolves" part of the team nickname is prominent on the updated jerseys and on the new on-court logo at Target Center, the team is also paying homage to the "timber" portion as well − with a ribbon of pine trees lining the sleeves of the uniform and waistband of the shorts.

And finally, the franchise offers an updated look for the beloved Old Shep mascot, with a brighter, more colorful wolf logo.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Timberwolves unveil new uniforms, logo for 2026-27 NBA season

Before this NBA finals series against the New York Knicks even started, there was one little thing that had been gnawing at the back the of my mind, and that was what has made the Knicks successful against the Spurs in the regular season did not align well with a strategy that had gotten the Spurs to the Finals in the first place: double teaming the star and making the role players beat you.

It worked well against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round for a few reasons, one being that Anthony Edwards can at times be a reluctant passer and try to be the hero by himself, but more than anything it was because his best target, Donte DiVincenzo, was out with a ruptured Achilles. The results were a little more mixed against the Oklahoma City Thunder in large part because Alex Caruso decided to go nuclear from beyond the arc for a few games. (If he could have done that in college, maybe Texas A&M’s greatest achievement in men’s basketball would be something beyond a handful of Sweet 16 appearances.)

However, what brought the Spurs back from a 3-2 deficit in the Western Conference Finals was their ability to adjust. Specifically, they switched things up from “stop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at all costs” to “stay at home on role players and make him beat us by himself”. The result was a big Game 7 performance from him, but it was for naught as he didn’t have enough help, allowing the Spurs to pull away as the game wore on.

That brings us to the Knicks. Coming into the series, I had this aching feeling the Spurs would at least start with the same approach: stop Jalen Brunson and make everyone else beat you. They’ve mostly achieved the first part (outside of crunch time) with Brunson shooting under 34%, but the problem is unlike their previous opponents, the Knicks have the shooters to punish you for leaving them open, and so far, they have done just that.

In the regular season, seven of the Knicks’ top nine rotation players hit greater than 36.8% from three on 3.5 or more attempts per game. The two that didn’t — Mohamed Diawara and Tyler Kolek — haven’t even played in this series. So that means the Knicks often have five above-average shooters on the floor at once. The only three Knicks getting minutes who aren’t on that list are Mitchell Robinson, whom you still have to stay home on down low, and of course Spurs fans know what killers Jose Alvarado and hometown kid Jordan Clarkson can be off then bench if they get hot.

The Knicks haven’t been at their best from three so far in this series (which is concerning as the series shifts to their home court), but they have been hitting them in timely fashion, and just like I have imagines implanted in my brain of Mikal Bridges nailing five open threes in their regular season blowout win over the Spurs in Madison Square Garden, I saw similar instances in Game 2 in particular, where a Spurs defender left his man open in the corner for a split second to double-team or swipe at Brunson, only for him to immediately find the open shooter before the defender could recover. And as Mike Breen would put it, bang.

I don’t know if this is the strategy the coaches have chosen up to this point or if the players are having momentary but costly lapses. Regardless of the reason, both parties need to make the adjustment back to staying at home on shooters, especially in that left hard corner. Just take a look at the Knicks shot chart in this series:

If this doesn’t scream “keep letting Brunson work in the midrange but stop leaving corner shooters open”, then I don’t know what does. (In case you’re wondering, the Spurs are also green in the left corner but on a smaller sample size of 4-9, otherwise they’re red everywhere except inside the restricted area, where they are a similar 35-55. You can check out all the stats and charts here.)

Of course, there are plenty more things the Spurs could do better besides defend one particular shot. They actually led in the final two minutes of both games before proceeding to blow it in crunch time, Game 2 in particularly painful fashion (but it still doesn’t beat Game 6 of 2013 — I don’t think anything ever could), so better decision making with the game on the line is paramount. Leaving a combined 12 points on the court via missed free throws (seven in game 2) is another thing they can go back and kick themselves over. (Speaking of which, blowing two games in which they had an optimal whistle is also costly, because how long will that last?)

Things happen in-game that no one can predict or control. What can be controlled is strategy and game plan, and the Spurs staff and players have shown throughout these playoffs that they can learn and adjust. They made the exact same adjustment of staying home on shooters and guarding the opposing star one-on-one last series, and hopefully the plan heading into Game 3 is to do that again. Brunson may be more capable of going nuclear than SGA — he has scored 60 points on the Spurs before — but guess what? The Spurs won that game.

There is nothing fun about being down 0-2, knowing you could just as easily be 1-1 or even 2-0, and facing the gauntlet of needing to win 4 of 5 games, including two on the road, to win a series — never mind a championship in an era when the Finals are a lot more difficult to reach than they were during the Spurs’ dynasty days (which is insane). However, if there is a silver lining, it’s that all pressure is on the Knicks now, and the Spurs can play free and make adjustments without fear of consequence. They’ve shown they can do it before, and now it’s time to do it again.

As much as everything seems stacked against the Spurs at this point, FanDuel Sportsbook only has them a 1.5 point underdog in Game 3. That’s how tight this series has been and should continue to be, coming down to minute details and split second decisions. However, with the correct adjustments and mindset, maybe the Spurs can force the pendulum to swing back their favor.

Welcome to our annual Lakers season in review series, where we’ll look back at each player on the team’s roster this season and evaluate if they should be part of the future of the franchise. Today, we take a look at Luke Kennard.

When Luke Kennard arrived in Los Angeles via mid-season trade with the Atlanta Hawks, he didn’t have big shoes to fill in replacing Gabe Vincent, who was underwhelmingly bad throughout his time as a Laker.

So when Kennard contributed to the table right off the bat, it was a welcome sight. The 29-year-old guard from Duke University aided the Lakers’ need for 3-point shooting and spacing, which you can never have too much of around Luka Dončić and LeBron James.

So, by that alone, acquiring Kennard was a fantastic move by Rob Pelinka that also paid dividends in the playoffs. The only caveat, however, was that the veteran was on an expiring contract when they acquired him, so even today, there’s no certainty as to whether or not he’ll be back on the purple and gold next season.

How did he play?

It’s hard to complain about Kennard’s short stint, especially since he won a handful of games for them. He also had that memorable game-winner in March against the Magic that kept the team’s win streak going. He’s an excellent fit on this team and his average of nine points per game on 44.8% 3-point shooting perfectly depicts that.

What also stood out about Kennard’s game during his time as a Laker was that he’s more than just a shooter. His ability to cut to the rim, handle the ball and move without it are some of his best qualities, not to mention his high basketball IQ, which is such an asset alongside James and Dončić. It didn’t take long for him to not only become an essential piece in head coach JJ Redick’s rotation.

Kennard will always be remembered for his performance in Game 1 against the Rockets when he put up 27 points on 5-5 shooting from three and 9-13 from the field. As the playoffs went on and the opponents’ defensive pressure intensified, he had his fair share of struggles.

Ultimately, Kennard’s time as a Laker was productive and he was a depiction of the type of role player that works well around the team’s superstars.

What is the contract situation moving forward?

Since the Lakers acquired Kennard while he was on an expiring deal, he’s set for free agency this offseason. Ideally, it would be nice to retain him for the right price.

Should he be back?

If the deal is right, then absolutely yes. Kennard is the type of player who is going to win the Lakers games, especially in the regular season. He got a feel of what it’s like to play alongside Dončić and James and bringing him back would do wonders for the team’s continuity. Re-signing Kennard addresses the Lakers’ 3-point shooting needs and adds a boost offensively.

You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.

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BetMGM’s ladder bettor - who already won nearly $325,000 in the first two games of the NBA Finals - has $450,000 riding on the Knicks in Game 3 as New York looks to take a stranglehold of the series.

Key Takeaways

• The bettor is backing the Knicks from +4.5 to -2.5 in Game 3.
  
  
• One of the user’s few losses came at the hands of the Spurs in the Western Conference finals.
  
  
• BetMGM bettors are split between supporting the Knicks and Spurs in Game 3

The Knicks find themselves up 2-0 over the San Antonio Spurs ahead of the series’ Monday transition to Madison Square Garden. They were +4.5 and +6.5 underdogs in Games 1 and 2 but are 2.5-point favorites ahead of tipoff.

BetMGM’s ladder bettor backed New York in the first two contests and isn’t changing their tune now. The anonymous high-roller dropped six new five- or six-figure wagers on the Knicks, with values ranging from +4.5 (-225) to -2.5 (-105).

The bets are as follows:

• $200,000 on Knicks +4.5 (-225)
• $125,000 on Knicks +3.5 (-200)
• $50,000 on Knicks +2.5 (-175)
• $35,000 on Knicks +1.5 (-155)
• $20,000 on Knicks -1.5 (-120)
• $20,000 on Knicks -2.5 (-105)

BetMGM confirmed the wagers were accepted, meaning the user has now risked $1.05 million on the Knicks through just three games of the Finals.

Knicks have history on their side

No team has ever recovered to win the NBA Finals after dropping the first two games of the series at home. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are up against it, although the 7-foot-4 Frenchman isn’t feeling the pressure. 

Wemby on dealing with the pressure of being down 0-2 in the Finals:

"This is everything that I wish for, so there's no reason to really overthink it. I mean, this is what I'm built for." pic.twitter.com/TXMaDPU5cV

— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) June 7, 2026

Which team is public backing?

The Spurs are effectively playing for survival, seeing as no team has ever recovered from a 3-0 deficit in any round.

One of the bettor’s few disappointing nights in these playoffs occurred in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals when they lost $350,000 backing the Oklahoma City Thunder; Wembanyama dropped 33 points in the Spurs' dominant 21-point victory that leveled the series.

While the Knicks may have begun the series as +185 underdogs, they are now anything but overlooked. Sixty-eight percent of bets and 82% of the Game 3 handle in the spread market are on the Knicks to cover the 2.5-point line. 

That said, 59% of bets and 54% of the moneyline handle are still on the Spurs. The Knicks are also only -140 favorites in NBA championship odds, meaning they have a 58.3% implied chance - far from as dominant as the NBA’s precedent of no team ever overcoming home losses in Games 1 and 2.

“Before the NBA Finals began, the Spurs were the biggest remaining liability on the futures market,” said BetMGM senior trading manager Christian Cipollini. “The sportsbook was initially hoping for a Knicks win, but that has flipped after bettors jumped on New York following their first two wins. Now the series going seven games and the Spurs winning is the best outcome.”

Three of the most bet Spurs versus Knicks Game 3 player props involve players from the visiting Spurs. The full top five list includes:

• Dylan Harper Over 21.5 total points, rebounds, and assists (-135)
• Stephon Castle Over 11.5 total assists and rebounds (+105)
• Dylan Harper Over 13.5 points (-105)
• Josh Hart Over 12.5 total assists and rebounds (-135)
• Miles McBride Under 6.5 points (-140)

Finals MVP odds

The NBA Finals MVP odds market has seen a ton of movement throughout the playoffs and the first two games of the championship series. Jalen Brunson is the new leader, having shortened from +2,800 at the beginning of the playoffs to his current value of +110.

Karl-Anthony Towns is second in odds, down from +15,000 to +165. Wembanyama leads all Spurs players at +375, down from +600.

A whopping 20.1% of wagers and 63.1% of the money is on Brunson to win the award. Towns has 17.5% of bets and 10.7% of the pot, while Wembanyama has 12.1% of tickets and 9.9% of the handle.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

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The NBA Finals swing to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 tonight, with the New York Knicks holding a commanding 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs.

Our NBA experts have you covered with a trio of NBA picks for you to get in before tip-off at 8:30 p.m. on June 8.

Spurs vs Knicks Expert Picks Tonight

Pick	Odds
Jon Metler: Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points	-125
Jason Logan: De'Aaron Fox Over 5.5 assists	-135
Joe Osborne: Knicks -2.5	-105

Odds courtesy of bet365.

Jon Metler's expert pick: Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points

Price: -112 at bet365

There was one takeaway from Game 2 that seemed to be universally shared by the broadcast crew and anyone watching: While playoff basketball is naturally more physical, the officials let the game get a little too far out of hand.

I expect that to be a point of emphasis heading into Game 3, and if the whistle tightens up even slightly, Jalen Brunson stands to benefit more than anyone. A few extra trips to the free-throw line could be all it takes for this prop to cash.

What stands out most to me, though, is the volume. Despite constant hand-checking and limited freedom of movement, Brunson still attempted 25 shots in Game 2.

Through two games, he has already put up 56 field-goal attempts, an elite workload that’s difficult to overlook. This handicap is far more about opportunity than efficiency. With Brunson continuing to dominate the offense, I price the Over 26.5 points closer to -155.

Jason Logan's expert pick: De'Aaron Fox Over 5.5 assists

Price: -135 at bet365

De’Aaron Fox has topped out at five assists in the first two games of the NBA Finals, despite sitting second on the San Antonio Spurs in total potential assists at 22. We’re seeing more pairings of him and Dylan Harper, with Fox taking a back seat in scoring when San Antonio goes small. 

The Spurs need to jump-start their transition attack and play a quicker pace, so we’ll see Fox running the point more with Harper and Stephon Castle playing off the ball as the team banks on his steady veteran hand in what will be an insane MSG. 

He’s shown success getting inside on the New York Knicks defense and dropping the ball into Victor Wembanyama at the rim or kicking to spot-up shooters. 

Most Game 3 projections lean toward six assists from Fox, with a ceiling at 6.2 dimes.

Joe Osborne's expert pick: Knicks -2.5

Price: -105 at bet365

I’m sticking with the Knicks in Game 3. Their historic playoff run has now reached 13 consecutive victories, and they continue to find ways to separate themselves when games are hanging in the balance.

New York was the better team in crunch time in the opening two games of the series, while San Antonio’s young core is showing its age. Now the series shifts to Madison Square Garden, where the atmosphere should only amplify the Knicks’ edge.

More Spurs vs Knicks Game 3 picks

• Spurs vs. Knicks prediction
• Spurs vs. Knicks props
• Jalen Brunson odds and props
• Victor Wembanyama odds and props
• Free NBA picks
• Best NBA betting sites

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Tonight is one of the biggest nights in the history of Madison Square Garden.

That may sound like hyperbole. After all, we’re talking about “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” a building that has hosted Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and just about every major cultural event imaginable over the last half-century. And yet tonight somehow feels different.

The New York Knicks return home holding a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals. Two road games. Two victories. Two punches landed directly on the jaw of a Spurs team that entered the series believing it was destined to become the NBA’s next great dynasty.

Now the Knicks stand two wins away from ending a championship drought that has lasted 53 years. Entire generations of New Yorkers have lived their entire lives without witnessing a Knicks championship. Some of the loudest fans who will be inside Madison Square Garden tonight weren’t even alive the last time New York reached this stage.

That’s why the atmosphere surrounding Game 3 feels less like a basketball game and more like a city-wide event. As someone sitting just across the river from Manhattan, I can tell you firsthand that the energy is impossible to ignore. You hear it everywhere. The Knicks have completely consumed the sports conversation throughout the New York metropolitan area.

They’re no longer just a basketball team. They’ve become a movement.

We’ve seen the ticket prices reach absurd levels. We’ve watched celebrities scramble for seats. There will be a sitting president in attendance NBA Finals game for the first time. Whether you love that fact or hate it (and let’s be honest, I think we know how most people reading this blog feel), it speaks to the scale of what is happening.

Knicks Mania has officially crossed over from sports story into cultural phenomenon.

And right in the middle of it all stands Karl-Anthony Towns. Our guy. The same player who spent nearly a decade carrying the weight of the Timberwolves franchise. The same player who endured coaching changes, roster overhauls, and endless criticism. Now he’s two wins away from becoming an NBA champion. If you’re a Wolves fan and that doesn’t stir something inside you, I don’t know what to tell you.

And so here we are.

Game 3. Madison Square Garden. A 2-0 Knicks lead. The biggest home game New York has hosted in decades.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well, if you’ve watched enough basketball, you already know the answer. Plenty.

Because as impressive as New York has been through the first two games, anybody ready to start engraving the trophy is getting way ahead of themselves. The Knicks absolutely can win this championship. In fact, after taking the first two games in San Antonio, they’re now the clear favorites.

But favorites aren’t champions. Not yet.

And the biggest reason remains standing seven-foot-whatever-he-is in a Spurs jersey: Victor Wembanyama.

For two games, the Spurs superstar has looked surprisingly mortal. That’s not to say he’s been bad, but he hasn’t looked like the unstoppable force that dismantled the Timberwolves. He hasn’t looked like the player who survived a seven-game war with Oklahoma City and emerged as the face of the Western Conference.

He’s looked uncomfortable and out of rhythm. The man nicknamed “the alien” has looked very much human.

History suggests that won’t last. The Wolves learned that lesson the hard way. In Minnesota’s second-round series against San Antonio, Wembanyama had stretches where he looked vulnerable. Then he adjusted and reminded everyone why he’s already being discussed alongside the best players in basketball despite still being at the beginning of his career.

That’s what makes Game 3 so fascinating. The Knicks are playing with house money. The Spurs are playing with desperation. This isn’t LeBron’s 2007 Cavaliers stumbling into the Finals ahead of schedule and simply being happy to participate. This Spurs team earned its place. They survived the Western Conference gauntlet. They knocked off Oklahoma City. They beat the Wolves. They have every reason to believe they’re still capable of winning this series.

Young teams may lack experience, but they don’t lack pride. That’s why tonight feels less like an opportunity for New York to celebrate and more like a test. Can they withstand the inevitable punch that’s coming? Wembanyama knows what’s at stake. The Spurs know what’s at stake. No team wants to fall behind 3-0 in the Finals because basketball history tells us exactly what happens next.

Nothing.

San Antonio is going to come out swinging, and the Knicks have to match that intensity. They have to let Madison Square Garden become the sixth man and ride the energy. Karl-Anthony Towns has to continue doing what he’s done throughout this playoff run. Play smart, physical basketball, avoid foul trouble, and make Wembanyama work.

While Wembanyama may be the future of the league, Towns is chasing something that has eluded him his entire career: validation. As someone who watched virtually every chapter of Towns’ Minnesota journey, I genuinely hope he gets there.

Tonight isn’t the finish line. Not even close. But it might be the most important non-elimination game of his life. Win tonight and the Larry O’Brien Trophy is practically within arm’s reach. Lose tonight and suddenly all the pressure shifts back.

That’s what makes this game so compelling. Everything feels enormous. Everything feels consequential. And if the first two games are any indication, we’re in for another unforgettable night.

The Garden is ready.

The city is ready.

Karl-Anthony Towns is two wins away from the promised land.

Now we’ll find out if the next step is the easiest one yet, or the hardest one of all.

Go get it, KAT.

Stacey King, a three-time NBA champion and beloved TV broadcaster with the Chicago Bulls, has died, the team announced Sunday. He was 59.

No cause of death has been disclosed.

“Stacey King was a cherished member of the Bulls family and one of the truly unique personalities in our organization’s history,” Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement. “His connection to Chicago, the Bulls and our fans spanned more than three decades — first as a player and later as the unmistakable voice that helped bring Bulls basketball into the homes of generations of fans.

“We will miss him deeply and remember the joy, energy, humor, candor and passion he brought to our organization, our broadcasts and our fans every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Read more:Brandon Clarke, Memphis Grizzlies forward and former first-round pick, dies at age 29

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan said in a statement he is “deeply saddened” by his former teammate’s death.

“We shared some special years together as teammates, and he was part of a group that helped define an era of Chicago Bulls basketball. My thoughts are with Stacey’s family, friends and everyone whose lives he touched.”

Born Jan. 29, 1967, the Lawton, Okla., native became a star playing at Oklahoma from 1985 to 1989, leading the Sooners to the national championship game in 1988 and back into the Sweet 16 the following year.

King ranks sixth in Oklahoma history with 2,008 career points and eighth with 825 career rebounds.

“We are heartbroken over the passing of Stacey King, a true Oklahoma legend,” current Sooners coach Porter Moser said in a statement. “Stacey was one of the most accomplished and likeable players in OU men’s basketball history, and he meant so much to our program because of his passion for the sport and the university.

“His smile, energy and spirit were his hallmarks, not to mention his silky-smooth left-handed stroke. ... Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones, and we will thoughtfully honor him throughout our upcoming season.”

Read more:Kyle Busch, two-time NASCAR Cup winner and 'a giant of the sport,' dies at 41

Selected by the Bulls at No. 6 overall in the 1989 draft, King became mainly a backup on a team that starred Jordan and Scottie Pippen and won three consecutive championships from 1991 to 1993.

During King’s rookie season, Jordan scored a career-high 69 points during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 28, 1990.

King, who scored one point during the game, quipped afterward, “I’ll always remember this as the night that Michael Jordan and I combined to score 70 points.”

In four-plus seasons with the Bulls, King averaged 6.6 points and 3.3 rebounds.

“Sad to hear about the passing of Stacey King,” Pippen wrote on X. “A champion, a great teammate, and a true ambassador for the game. His impact on the Bulls organization and the city of Chicago will be remembered for generations. Rest in peace, King.”

Read more:Claude Lemieux, feisty four-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at 60

King rounded out his eight-year career with stints in Minnesota, Miami, Boston and Dallas, then spent some time as a coach in the Continental Basketball Assn. and the NBA’s G League. He started appearing on Bulls broadcasts in 2006 and became the full-time color commentator in 2008, which also happened to coincide with the start of the Derrick Rose era in Chicago.

“Stacey loved being a Bull,” Bulls president and Chief Executive Michael Reinsdorf said in a statement. “You could feel it in everything he did — the way he played, the way he called games and the way he connected with our fans. He had a unique gift for bringing people together and making every game feel personal. He brought an energy and love for the game that came through in every broadcast, helping fans feel connected to our team.”

Chicago Sports Network president and CEO Michael McCarthy said: “Stacey had a unique ability to connect generations of Bulls fans. Whether through his basketball insight, his humor, or his unforgettable calls, he made every game more enjoyable and every broadcast better.”

A fan favorite for his witty wording and player nicknames, King turned his most famous catchphrase, “Gimme the Hotsauce,” into the name of his podcast.

“We enjoy what we do,” King said of his broadcasting gig on a podcast episode last month. “It’s a fun job. It never seems like work for me. Every night, I go to work, win, lose or draw, I’m having fun.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

NEW YORK – The NBA has warned fans that United States President Donald Trump's expected appearance at NBA Finals Game 3 would lead to extra security measures, and they were already visible around Madison Square Garden nearly 12 hours before the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs tip off on Monday, June 8.

A security wall around the perimeter of the "World's Most Famous Arena" in midtown Manhattan is in place, according to multiple videos and photos on social media that surfaced Monday morning. NYPD officials said during a news conference about 12 hours before the scheduled start time for Game 3 that the police's security perimeter will run from West 35th Street to West 30th Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue around Madison Square Garden.

All fans will encounter TSA-style magnetometer screening before entering the arena, according to Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service, who encouraged those attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals to arrive at MSG at least two hours before Monday's 8:30 p.m. ET tip.

Security perimeter has been installed ahead of Game 3 of NBA Finals at MSG pic.twitter.com/ARC6vnYUq1

— TickPick (@TickPick) June 8, 2026

TRUMP, DOLAN RELATIONSHIP: Knicks owner is major donor, Mar-A-Lago member

"The Secret Service's focus is straightforward," McCool said, "to ensure everyone attending the game can enjoy the game and have a safe experience while we carry out our responsibility to protect the President of the United States. To enforce that mission, there will be enhanced law enforcement and security presence in and around Madison Square Garden."

Starting at 4 p.m. ET, according to the NYPD, only those with a ticket to the game or a train ticket, those going to a store, or those with proper credentials for another authorized reason to be there will be allowed into the secure area. There are five designated screening areas in which to enter the security perimeter. Backpacks, bags and alcohol will not be permitted inside the perimeter, aside from travelers going to Penn Station.

Federal law enforcement will be visible throughout Madison Square Garden, with drones and anti-drone technology in use to protect and reassure fans at the game. The locker rooms will also be closed to reporters before the game "due to the presence of the President and related security concerns," the NBA announced.

“I think the president being here just makes it inconvenient for everybody else," Spurs guard De'Aaron Fox told reporters, according to the San Antonio Express-News. "...We’re getting screened like it’s TSA. It’s a little inconvenient for the people that’s got to play, but it is what it is.”

McCool reiterated that "we do not want you to miss tip off" on Monday while emphasizing an early arrival to the game.

"The message is simple," New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. "Celebrate the Knicks, but avoid the MSG area tonight if you do not have tickets to the game or some other valid reason to be there."

As fans watch the 2026 NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, front offices are using the final weeks to scout the 2026 NBA Draft.

The postseason has taught us which type of players are able to get on the floor and earn rotational minutes in key moments, which can hep inform where players might get selected during draft nights at Barclays Center on June 23 and June 24.

Expect second-round picks to consist of seniors (including Zuby Ejiofor, Alex Karaban, Baba Miller, Ryan Conwell, Braden Smith, Richie Saunders, Jaden Bradley, and Trevon Brazile) automatically eligible for the draft.

Following conversations with decision-makers around the league and other reporting, here are our latest predictions.

Note: All heights and wingspans (as well as the distance between the two) are listed to the nearest inch and players were measured without shoes.

1. Washington Wizards: AJ Dybantsa

• TEAM: BYU
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Massachusetts
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Wizards finished with the worst record in the NBA and benefited tremendously from a lottery win. They had the second-worst offense in the league and could instantly inject life into their offense by selecting AJ Dybantsa, the NCAA scoring champion and Julius Erving Award winner.

While the battle for No. 1 is far from over, the former five-star recruit emphasized his case during his one game for BYU in March Madness, putting up 35 points and 10 rebounds. The Big 12 Rookie of the Year led the nation in unassisted points scored (680) by a wide margin this season, per CBB Analytics. The emerging star also had 40 points against Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament on March 10 and averaged a stellar 28.8 points per game over his final 17 appearances. 

He would be a fascinating fit next to Trae Young and Anthony Davis, who could help him play alongside veteran talent early in his career.

2. Utah Jazz: Cameron Boozer

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+5)
• DRAFT AGE: 18

While nearly every mainstream mock draft has the Jazz selecting Darryn Peterson to join Keyonte George in the backcourt, this is far from a foregone conclusion. Duke freshman Cameron Boozer was dominant during his sole NCAA season, earning national collegiate player of the year honors.

The ACC Player of the Year isn’t a human highlight reel, though he performed better than expected during athletic testing at the combine in Chicago. He offers consistency and a diverse, impactful skill set, and he can bring a culture of winning after multiple championships in high school and playing on an elite Duke team that made it to the Sweet 16.

It is important to note that his father, former Jazz player Carlos Boozer, currently works as a scout for Utah. Even if this is an awkward positional fit with a crowded frontcourt, the Jazz are building a stronger core. As of right now, fans should operate under the assumption this pick is not yet decided and any one of these top prospects is in play.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Darryn Peterson

• TEAM: Kansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+5)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

While he is certainly no longer perceived as the near-certain No. 1 overall pick that he once was due to relative inconsistency and injury issues, many scouts and evaluators still feel that Darryn Peterson is the most talented player in this class.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, he has received “largely positive” feedback and was "quiet but serious" during the pre-draft interview process of the combine. Overall, it is incredibly rare to find a prospect who is able to score as efficiently as Peterson did while holding a usage rate as high as his was this season. 

If the Grizzlies draft Peterson, it would give them a fresh start with a new floor general to run the offense and give them even more incentive to potentially trade longtime franchise star point guard Ja Morant.

4. Chicago Bulls: Caleb Wilson

• TEAM: North Carolina
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Bryson Graham, who was recently hired as the new executive vice president of basketball operations for the Bulls, has a simple task: Select whichever of the four players is still available.

North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson is not just a consolation prize. He is a perfect fit for what Graham wants to build in Chicago as he values size, length, athleticism and physicality. Wilson did more than enough to earn this placement before his injury.

According to Bart Torvik, before the injury, the All-ACC big man led the nation with 67 dunks recorded and was one of the best vertical athletes who tested at the combine in Chicago. He was also the only player under 20 years old to reach specific thresholds for both block, steal and defensive rebound percentage.

5. Los Angeles Clippers: Keaton Wagler

• TEAM: Illinois
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Kansas
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+1)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Clippers received this pick from the Indiana Pacers as part of a package involving Ivica Zubac, but Jake Fischer reported that he is "hearing considerable curiosity" about whether or not the Clippers will actually use this pick or potentially trade it for a win-now player. Whether it's their front office or another on the clock at No. 5 overall, look for them to potentially call on Illinois standout Keaton Wagler, an ideal fit next to Darius Garland.

“I’ve always played with a chip on my shoulder,” Wagler told USA TODAY Sports. “Just trying to go out each game and prove myself and do whatever it takes to win.”

The 19-year-old guard played a crucial role in helping the Fighting Illini reach the Final Four, finishing with 20 points and eight rebounds against UConn in the national semifinals after scoring 25 points in the Elite Eight. He projects as one of the best 3-point shooters in this class, hitting 39.7% from beyond the arc as a freshman and connecting on as many as nine 3-pointers in a game. Wagler is a cerebral basketball player who averaged 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season.

6. Brooklyn Nets: Mikel Brown Jr.

• DRAFT AGE: 20
• TEAM: Louisville
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Florida
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+4)

During this rebuilding chapter, the Nets would love to add a player like the talented Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr., even though they drafted three point guards last season.

Brown Jr. was averaging 29.2 points per game over his last five appearances, including a 45-point outing against NC State on Feb. 9 in which he hit 10 3-pointers, before an injury on Feb. 28 forced him to miss March Madness. “I got cleared by the medical staff from the league at the Combine, so we’re all green,” Brown Jr. told USA TODAY Sports. “I feel like myself again.”

The All-ACC guard has deep shooting range and ranked among the freshman leaders in 3-pointers made from beyond 25 feet (27) this year, per CBB Analytics. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, some scouts feel Brown has the highest “upside” of the guards in this range. 

7. Sacramento Kings: Darius Acuff Jr.

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Michigan
• HEIGHT: 6-2
• WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+5)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

The Kings need a potential star and according to Yahoo's Kevin O'Connor, folks around the league "widely believe" they are targeting Arkansas freshman Darius Acuff Jr. in this class.

En route to the Sweet 16, the SEC Player of the Year proved he is one of the most enticing offensive prospects in recent memory. Acuff Jr. led the nation for points created (1,394) either by himself or through an assist, per CBB Analytics. The speedy guard led freshmen for field goals made in transition (72) and field goals made from both the left and right side of the court. He was among the freshmen leaders in alley-oop assists (17) as well.

He has significant defensive deficiencies but is one of the most exciting offensive prospects in recent memory. It's also worth noting Kings executive Scott Perry coached Acuff's father in college.

8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans): Brayden Burries

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: California
• HEIGHT: 6-4
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+2)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

With the pick the Hawks received from New Orleans, Atlanta is expected to pick a guard, and one potential target is Arizona freshman Brayden Burries. He was an exciting prospect to watch during the Big Dance, making it all the way to the Final Four and dropping 23 points against Arkansas. He had two breakout games in January, which helped solidify his draft stock. But the All-Big 12 guard continued to display his tantalizing talent, scoring 31 points with seven rebounds and five steals against Colorado on March 7 and 20 points with 12 rebounds and five assists during a victory against No. 14 Kansas on Feb. 28. He has proven productivity, and he is able to defend, relocate, move the ball and make 3-pointers off the dribble.

9. Dallas Mavericks: Kingston Flemings

• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Texas
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-4 (+1)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

After hiring Masai Ujiri as president of basketball operations and Mike Schmitz as general manager, the Dallas Mavericks can add a lottery talent to grow alongside Cooper Flagg. One name to consider is Houston freshman Kingston Flemings.

The All-Big 12 guard has several games when he has recorded at least three steals, notching eight against Arizona State earlier this season. He scored 42 points against No. 11 Texas Tech on Jan. 24. Flemings helped lead Houston to the Sweet 16, and with highs as high as his were this season, it will not take long for him to hear his name called on draft night. 

Flemings' smaller wingspan did him no favors at the combine but he measured with a 40.5-inch max vertical and elite speed across all his agility testing, projecting as one of the fastest guards since De'Aaron Fox.

10. Milwaukee Bucks: Aday Mara

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Spain
• HEIGHT: 7-3
• WINGSPAN: 7-6 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 21

While leading his team to win the NCAA championship, Aday Mara became one of the prospects who helped himself the most during March Madness. The 7-foot-3 big man, who transferred from UCLA, is a fantastic rim protector. Opponents only attempted 20.4 percent of their field goals at the rim when the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year was on the court, per CBB Analytics, which ranks near the lowest among all NCAA players. He could potentially hear his name called even higher than this, too, as teams look for large defenders like Mara (who measured with a 9-foot-9 standing reach) as front offices value bigger bodies to throw at Victor Wembanyama.

11. Golden State Warriors: Karim López

• TEAM: International
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Mexico
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Karim López had a low usage rate and played fewer minutes than other players in this range while playing against pros, but was still very productive for the NBL Next Stars program in Australia. The Mexican-born forward is physically gifted, athletic, and universally seen as the top prospect from this class currently playing overseas. He exploded for 32 points (11-of-13 FG) with eight rebounds, two blocks and one steal against Melbourne on Jan. 30. Despite his age, he played a huge role for his team defensively for a team that won the NBL Ignite Cup. López measured well, weighing just shy of 222 pounds and 38-inch max vertical. According to The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, his "range" starts at this pick to Golden State.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Nate Ament

• TEAM: Tennessee
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Virginia
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+2)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

While the Thunder may not actually use this pick because they have such an abundance of talent on its roster already, this is a fair range for Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.

The forward reportedly considered returning to college to aim for the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NBA Draft. His decision to declare for this class, instead, suggests he is likely comfortable with the pre-draft feedback he received.

The freshman averaged 21.6 points per game, while shooting 38.9 percent on 3-pointers, during a 13-game stretch before an injury against Alabama on Feb. 28. The All-SEC forward then had 27 points (4-of-6 on 3-pointers) with eight rebounds, four assists, three blocks and a steal against Auburn on March 12. He was not as efficient during March Madness, but it will only take one team to fall in love with Ament, and that team is likely picking this forward with a standing reach exceeding 9-foot-1 near the lottery.

13. Miami Heat: Hannes Steinbach

• DRAFT AGE: 20
• TEAM: Washington
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Germany
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+4)

German big man Hannes Steinbach, who will get looks starting as early as around No. 10 overall, should make some sense for the Miami Heat. The center reportedly turned down NIL opportunities “worth up to $10 million” rather than return to college. While his Washington team missed the tournament, the All-Big Ten center is an instinctive rebounder with great hands, including an absurd 24 rebounds against USC on March 4. Additionally, Steinbach was one of the more prolific pick-and-roll finishers in college basketball. He impressed during the FIBA U19 World Cup, too, and scouts love that he is a smart basketball player who can make great reads.  

14. Charlotte Hornets: Morez Johnson Jr.

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Illinois
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best two-way players in the NCAA. He was a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson's shooting form at the free-throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should carve out minutes at the next level. Johnson was a big winner during measurements at the combine, recording a 39-inch max vertical and testing with elite agility for his position.

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers): Cameron Carr

• DRAFT AGE: 21
• TEAM: Baylor
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Minnesota
• HEIGHT: 6-5
• WINGSPAN: 7-1 (+8)

The Chicago Bulls received this additional pick because the Portland Trail Blazers advanced past the play-in tournament and the player who improved his draft stock the most during the combine was Baylor junior Cameron Carr.

He scored 30 points in a five-on-five scrimmage, recorded a 42.5-inch max vertical and had great physical measurements. This should grab the attention of teams that tend to like athletic prospects, which new Bulls executive Bryson Graham indicated.

The All-Big 12 wing brings sincere athleticism and shooting and, per Bart Torvik, he was the only player to make at least 40 field goals that were dunks and more than 60 field goals that were 3-pointers this season. Baylor outscored opponents by an additional 28.5 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor relative to when he was not, via CBB Analytics, which ranked as the fourth-most of any high-major player in the NCAA. 

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns): Yaxel Lendeborg

• TEAM: Michigan
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: New Jersey
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-3 (+7)
• DRAFT AGE: 23

Yaxel Lendeborg showed on his way to winning the national championship that he is perhaps the most NBA-ready player in this draft class. The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, however, reported that "there is potential for him to slip out of the lottery" on draft night.

Despite his age, he will intrigue teams like the Grizzlies, who have another first-round pick thanks to the Desmond Bane trade. The Grizzlies have shown a willingness to pick older, more experienced players in the past.

A few years ago, research indicated that the Memphis front office tends to value a few statistical similarities in their draftees: Efficient shot selection, added value beyond scoring and defensive playmaking. For the second year in a row, the Big Ten Player of the Year was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who met many of the qualifications that led Memphis to find players who spent many years on their roster.

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers): Chris Cenac Jr. 

• DRAFT AGE: 19
• TEAM: Houston
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+7)

If the Thunder do not trade this pick, one name to consider is Chris Cenac Jr., whose range begins around No. 14 overall.

It was an up-and-down season for former five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American big man at Houston. But he played into his role and caught fire at the perfect time. In his first NCAA tournament game, the big man recorded a season-high 18 rebounds while also knocking down a 3-pointer and grabbing a steal. He followed that up in the Round of 32 by showcasing more scoring touch, finishing cuts to the basket for 17 points against Texas A&M. Cenac was quieter in the Sweet 16 but still pulled down 10 rebounds.

Cenac also impressed at the NBA Combine, posting a 37-inch max vertical and strong agility numbers for his size.

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic): Labaron Philon

• TEAM: Alabama
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Alabama
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

The Hornets could find a fairly compelling player in Alabama sophomore Labaron Philon. Even though the All-SEC guard was not playing at 100 percent during March Madness due to injury issues, he played well in the tournament, recording 35 points during a loss against Michigan. He also notched 29 points in his first-round game and 12 assists in his second. The guard averaged 22.0 points per game this season, and he improved his 3-point shooting from 31.5 percent as a freshman to 39.9 percent as a sophomore, while also managing 5.0 assists per game in the process.

19. Toronto Raptors: Bennett Stirtz

• TEAM: Iowa
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Raptors need another guard and should have Bennett Stirtz, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, on their priority list. After transferring from Division II to a mid-major and then to a high-major program, he is at the top of the class in creating his own shot off the dribble in isolation or the pick-and-roll. The All-Big Ten guard can also finish plays from dribble handoffs. His play during March Madness, which included 24 points against Illinois and 20 points against Nebraska, earned a spot in the Elite Eight. The Raptors play at a slow pace, which would translate well for Stirtz, who did the same at Iowa. 

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks): Ebuka Okorie

• TEAM: Stanford
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: New Hampshire
• HEIGHT: 6-1
• WINGSPAN: 6-8 (+7)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Stanford freshman Ebuka Okorie is an interesting early entry candidate in the 2026 NBA Draft. The first-team All-ACC guard was a day-one starter in the NCAA who is potentially capable of earning rotation minutes for a team like the 76ers. He averaged 23.2 points per game, recording 40 points against conference rival Virginia Tech and seven other games with at least 30 points. Okorie has earned serious first-round buzz and should intrigue the Spurs, who often fall in love with players who boast a high assist-to-turnover ratio like he did (2.3) last season. Expect the Spurs to also consider Allen Graves, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization.

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves): Dailyn Swain

• TEAM: Texas
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-7
• WINGSPAN: 6-10 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

After transferring from Xavier to Texas during the offseason and helping lead the Longhorns to the Sweet 16, Dailyn Swain emerged as one of the more intriguing breakout players in college basketball.

The All-SEC forward is versatile and contributed across the board on both ends, scoring efficiently in the paint and in transition. Another appealing element is his effectiveness in isolation, where he can create for himself against defenders. Swain is quick, bouncy and a solid rebounder, and his 81.5% free-throw percentage suggests promising shooting touch. While he has three years of college experience, he’s still just 20 years old, the same age as several NCAA freshmen.

Expect the Pistons to have serious interest in Swain. Detroit will also strongly consider shooters like Christian Anderson and Isaiah Evans.

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets): Joshua Jefferson

• TEAM: Iowa State
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Nevada
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 22

The Philadelphia 76ers have a new front office led by president of basketball operations Mike Gansey and vice president of basketball operations Jameer Nelson. One name they may have their eyes on with the first-round pick they acquired after trading Jared McCain is Iowa State forward Joshua Jefferson. The All-Big 12 standout was an impactful dribble-pass-shoot forward who got hurt during March Madness and otherwise could have come into the pre-draft process with even more hype and momentum due to his unique skill set.

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers): Jayden Quaintance

• TEAM: Kentucky
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Ohio
• HEIGHT: 6-9
• WINGSPAN: 7-5 (+8)
• DRAFT AGE: 18

Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. Health may cause some concern for evaluators. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hawks. During his freshman year when he was just 17 years old, per CBB Analytics, he led all D-I players in blocks per 40 minutes (0.7) on 3-pointers, regularly swatting shots on the perimeter. While his draft stock is not what it once was due to health concerns, his youth and frame give him an opportunity to become a special player in the NBA.

24. New York Knicks: Allen Graves

• TEAM: Santa Clara
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Louisiana
• HEIGHT: 6-8
• WINGSPAN: 7-0 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

One of the most under-the-radar prospects in college basketball this season was Santa Clara freshman Allen Graves, who came close to becoming a March Madness hero. The WCC Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year turned heads after posting 30 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and two steals on Feb. 7 against Washington State. The only players under 21 with a higher box plus-minus, per Bart Torvik, were Cameron Boozer and Caleb Wilson. The Knicks have prioritized scrappy, high-motor players like Josh Hart, capable of winning the possession battle through rebounds and turnovers. That's an area where Graves stands out among the best in this class and is likely one of the reasons he chose to turn pro rather than return to college.

25. Los Angeles Lakers: Koa Peat 

• TEAM: Arizona
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: Arizona
• HEIGHT: 6-7
• WINGSPAN: 6-11 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Arizona forward Koa Peat is potentially an appealing option for the Los Angeles Lakers. He is naturally bouncy and athletic with good positional size, a strong frame and a near 7-foot wingspan. Peat is also a solid rebounder and passer for his position. The All-Big 12 forward will need to improve his jumper to carve out consistent, high-impact minutes at the next level, but he’s still worth first-round consideration based on his body of work so far. Peat arguably had the most interesting decisions to make when it was finally his turn to announce if he would stay in college or turn pro.

26. Denver Nuggets: Christian Anderson 

• DRAFT AGE: 20
• TEAM: Texas Tech
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Georgia
• HEIGHT: 6-1
• WINGSPAN: 6-6 (+5)

The Denver Nuggets tend to look for players with a strong assist-to-usage ratio because they rely on high-efficiency passing and off-ball movement. Texas Tech sophomore Christian Anderson is a potentially perfect fit. After moving from the two-guard to point guard, the All-Big 12 Most Improved Player recorded more than twice as many assists per 100 possessions as a sophomore compared to when he was a freshman. Anderson managed to do that while also scoring well on spot-up possessions and handoffs. Even though he is a bit undersized, there are few better offensive creators in this class than Anderson.

27. Boston Celtics: Isaiah Evans

• TEAM: Duke
• POSITION: Wing
• BORN: North Carolina
• HEIGHT: 6-6
• WINGSPAN: 6-9 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 20

Boston tends to favor players with a high effective field goal percentage, low turnover percentage and low usage rate. They also like players who make quick decisions on catch-and-shoot opportunities and on corner 3-pointers. Evans scored 218 points when shooting off the catch, per Synergy, which ranked third-best among ACC players last season. He also matched 30 corner 3-pointers, according to CBB Analytics, which trailed the top-ranked high-major player (34) by just four field goals made. Expect the Celtics to potentially have Evans higher on their big board than other teams might. UConn's Alex Karaban, who reportedly had a pre-draft workout with the organization, also fits the bill.

28. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons): Meleek Thomas 

• TEAM: Arkansas
• POSITION: Guard
• BORN: Pennsylvania
• HEIGHT: 6-3
• WINGSPAN: 6-7 (+4)
• DRAFT AGE: 19

Arkansas freshman Meleek Thomas averaged 16.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 43.2 percent on 3-pointers during his 21 games as a starter last season. He was efficient using off-ball screens and handoffs and occasionally showed some on-ball flashes as a pick-and-roll ball handler as well. He led the SEC in corner 3-pointers made (32) last season, per CBB Analytics, and his plus-four wingspan gives him solid length as a young guard who is still improving on both sides of the court. Thomas answered one of the biggest questions in college basketball when he decided to turn pro rather than return to the NCAA.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Henri Veesaar

• TEAM: North Carolina
• POSITION: Forward
• BORN: Estonia
• HEIGHT: 6-11
• WINGSPAN: 7-2 (+3)
• DRAFT AGE: 22

We have seen a remarkable improvement from Henri Veesaar after transferring from Arizona to North Carolina. The 7-foot big man from Estonia has an excellent shot diet on offense. The All-ACC big man is scoring efficiently at the rim (especially when cutting or rolling) and on 3-pointers, while also holding his own as a rebounder and passer. Any team looking for a big man who can provide NBA minutes will have him high on their priority list. He presumably feels comfortable with his draft range, considering he was reportedly offered "at least $6 million" in the transfer portal, per CBS Sports.

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder): Tarris Reed Jr. 

• DRAFT AGE: 22
• TEAM: Connecticut
• POSITION: Big
• BORN: Missouri
• HEIGHT: 6-10
• WINGSPAN: 7-4 (+7)

UConn senior Tarris Reed Jr. helped himself quite a bit during the NCAA tournament en route to an appearance in the national championship game. He recorded four double-doubles during March Madness, notching 31 points and 27 rebounds against Furman. Reed also had 26 points with 9 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 steals during a win over Duke. During the combine, he did the dirty work, recording 5 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 block in his first game and then scored 17 points (7-of-9 FG) with 5 rebounds and 2 blocks in the second. Reed also tested with elite agility for his position. Expect him to come into the league and find a role sooner, especially considering his paint dominance, rather than later.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA mock draft: Projecting all 30 first round picks