BRISTOL, CT - NOVEMBER 18: NBA Draft Analyst, Mike Schmitz looks at his phone during the 2020 NBA Draft on November 18, 2020 in Bristol, Connecticut at ESPN Headquarters. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Mavericks announced that Mike Schmitz will be the team’s next general manager, working under Ujiri. All of a sudden, the uncertainty surrounding Ujiri’s titles, neither of which were “general manager,” becomes a little clearer.
Schmitz comes to Dallas from the Portland Trail Blazers, where he has served as assistant GM since 2022. He is widely regarded as a keen talent evaluator. Shams Charania of ESPN first reported the news.
The Dallas Mavericks have hired Mike Schmitz as the franchise's new general manager under Masai Ujiri.
Schmitz worked as an NBA Draft analyst for ESPN before the Blazers hired him in 2022. Portland’s picks during Schmitz’s tenure in the Trail Blazers’ front office include Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen.
Schmitz was suspended for two weeks without pay by the NBA in April after the team self-reported that Schmitz and his fellow co-general manager, Sergio Oliva, made illegal contact with Yang in 2023, two years before the youngster from China was eventually drafted by the team. The NBA fined the Blazers $100,000 for that self-reported violation.
In Dallas, Schmitz will “oversee the day-to-day management and strategic alignment of the Mavericks’ basketball operations department,” according to a press release from the Mavericks’ PR machine. His experience across both domestic and international ball-knowing landscapes make him a unique fit under Ujiri, who also specializes in procuring talent from overseas.
“Mike is one of the most respected evaluators and basketball minds in the NBA,” Ujiri said in the release. “He brings intelligence, discipline, humility and a relentless work ethic to everything he does. Just as importantly, he understands how to build an aligned, collaborative culture across every part of a basketball organization. We are building something special in Dallas, and Mike will be a major part of that vision.”
At least part of Schmitz’ quote in the release will be of interest to those fans wondering what the move means for Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi, who served as co-interim general managers for most of the 2025-26 season, following the highly satisfying ouster of former GM Nico Harrison.
“Joining the Dallas Mavericks is an incredible opportunity,” Schmitz said in the release. “I have tremendous respect for Masai, this ownership group and the vision they have for the future of this franchise. I’m excited to get to work alongside the talented people already in place and help build a championship-caliber organization.”
Finley and Riccardi are net positives in the front office, even if they didn’t have the juice to squeeze the GM seat in the end. The fact that Schmitz acknowledged “the talented people already in place” may bode well for Fincardi’s future with the organization. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Friday after Schmitz’ hiring that Riccardi is still planning to attend Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery, representing the Mavericks off-camera.
It was announced earlier today that Matt Riccardi, Dallas' co-interim GM alongside Michael Finley since Nico Harrison's November ouster, will represent the Mavericks in Sunday's lottery in the off-camera drawing room in Chicago … as planned before Masai Ujiri's hiring.
Schmitz has worked as an assistant coach for the Ugandan national team since 2018 and traveled around the globe as a scout for DraftExpress since 2012. Schmitz worked as a video coordinator for the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA G League during the 2012-13 season. He is a 2012 graduate of the University of Arizona.
The New York Knicks will try to take a commanding 3-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. The Knicks won the first two games. The 76ers are favored by 1.5 points in Game 3. Joel Embiid is listed as questionable for Game 3.
How to watch New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Moneyline: Philadelphia 76ers -121 (52.4%) / New York Knicks +101 (47.6%)
Over/Under: 213.5Series schedule, results
Game 1:Knicks 137, 76ers 98 Game 2:Knicks 108, 76ers 102 Game 3: New York at Philadelphia (Friday May 8, 7 ET, Prime Video) Game 4: New York at Philadelphia (Sunday May 10, 3:30 ET, ABC) Game 5: Philadelphia at New York (Tuesday May 12)* Game 6: New York at Philadelphia (Thursday May 14)* Game 7: Philadelphia at New York (Sunday May 17)*
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers before the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Five of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 28, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Philadelphia 76ers return home in desperate need of a spark down 0-2, leaning on the energy of the Wells Fargo Center crowd as they try to claw back into the series.
For Game 3 against the New York Knicks, our NBA player prop projections are locked in, highlighting several high-value opportunities identified by the model.
By analyzing the data against current market lines, we’ve identified where the strongest edges exist.
If you’re building your card, here are the model’s top NBA picks for Friday, May 8.
Knicks vs 76ers computer picks for Game 3
Knicks
76ers
Brunson o26.5 points -112
George o2.5 3-pointers -135
Towns u11.5 rebounds +100
Oubre Jr. o11.5 points -125
Hart o4.5 assists -135
Maxey o6.5 assists +120
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Knicks Game 3 computer picks
Jalen Brunson Over 26.5 points (-112)
Projection: 28.17 points
Jalen Brunson has been a driving force for the New York Knicks, helping them jump out to a 2–0 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers. He was incredibly efficient in Game 1, shooting 67% from the field en route to 35 points, then followed it up in Game 2 with 26 points on 43% shooting.
He’s either cleared this prop or landed just short of it in recent outings, and he looks like he's well in position to keep that production rolling as the Knicks head to Philadelphia for Game 3.
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Karl-Anthony Towns Under 11.5 rebounds (+100)
Projection: 11.97 rebounds
Karl-Anthony Towns has posted 6 and 10 rebounds in Games 1 and 2 as the Knicks head on the road, and the task won’t get any easier on the glass in a hostile Philadelphia environment where the crowd will be eager to rattle him.
After falling short of this rebound line even at home in New York, it’s fair to expect an even tougher night trying to get there on the road in Philly.
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Josh Hart Over 4.5 assists (-135)
Projection: 4.83 assists
Josh Hart is currently listed as probable for Game 3 with a thumb injury, but if he’s cleared to play, expect him to be heavily involved on both ends as he looks to impact the game in whatever way the New York Knicks need.
From a production standpoint, Hart has consistently delivered in this area, clearing his assists line in 5 of 8 playoff games so far. He’s also recorded six assists in each of the first two games of this series against Philadelphia, reinforcing his steady playmaking presence.
Even with the thumb issue in the background, the expectation is that he continues facilitating and keeping the offense moving without much drop-off in involvement.
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76ers Game 3 computer picks
Paul George Over 2.5 3-pointers (-135)
Projection: 2.74 3-pointers
Paul George has been knocking down shots from beyond the arc with consistency. After drilling 67% of his threes in Game 1 against the Knicks and opening Game 2 on a heater with five made triples, he’ll look to stay aggressive from deep.
With that kind of rhythm already established, he should be even more inclined to keep firing from three-point range in front of the Philly crowd and push past this prop line.
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Kelly Oubre Jr. Over 11.5 points (-125)
Projection: 12.89 points
After putting up 12 and 19 points in Games 1 and 2 against the Knicks, Kelly Oubre Jr.’s scoring line looks well within reach. Philadelphia will need his offensive output — and then some — to help keep New York in check.
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Tyrese Maxey Over 6.5 assists (+120)
Projection: 6.56 assists
Whether Joel Embiid suits up for Game 3 or not, Tyrese Maxey will be the focal point in Philadelphia’s effort to keep their season alive and they’ll need him to do a little bit of everything.
Getting his teammates involved will be key to slowing down the Knicks, while also easing some of the scoring burden on his shoulders. That balance should work in Maxey’s favor with so much being asked of him.
The more Maxey leans into his role as a facilitator, the better chance the 76ers have of keeping New York off balance and less locked in on their primary playmaker.
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How to watch Knicks vs 76ers Game 3
Location
Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Date
Friday, May 8, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks sits by the court before a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum on April 10, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks face a difficult decision this offseason regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo and his future with the franchise. Antetokounmpo could be seeking a trade to a team closer to competing for a championship as he enters his 30’s and the Bucks’ attempts at remaining competitive have fallen short, especially after a 50-loss campaign that saw Milwaukee miss the playoffs for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
What the Bucks are saying about Giannis
Bucks co-owner Jimmy Haslam spoke about Antetokounmpo’s future and what to expect from him to reporters, including Athletic insider Eric Nehm:
“Listen, Giannis has brought Milwaukee its second championship and the first in 50 years. He’s a phenomenal player. He’s a phenomenal person. He’s arguably one of the best basketball players in the world, and we will do what’s best for Giannis and what’s best for the organization… We don’t know whether Giannis will stay with us or not, but we’ll work through that with Giannis in the coming weeks.”
The Bucks appear to be putting the ball in Giannis’ court, at least publicly. If he wants to stay, the Bucks aren’t going to rush trading him away. As Haslam mentioned, he is one of the greatest players in franchise history, and the Bucks would be silly to trade him for a number of reasons. The owner also told reporters that if the decision is to trade him, they want to have it settled by the draft:
“I just think before the draft is a natural time, right? Because if Giannis does play somewhere else, then we ought to get a lot of assets, and it’s (general manager Jon Horst‘s) job to do it. If he’s here, then you build the team differently.”
Why the Bucks should trade Giannis
The Bucks could benefit from a trade as it will force them to start over with a clean slate to get the rebuild started. Antetokounmpo’s value may not be higher than what it currently is, so the Bucks should cash in and acquire a pillar or two that will help them lay the foundation for what the future of the team will look like. It’s not an easy decision to make and the Bucks have delayed this move for as long as possible, but they may be reaching the end of the road.
Why the Bucks should keep Giannis
Very few legends stay with one team their entire career, and it says something if the Bucks were capable of doing that with Giannis. It would help create a culture that could last way beyond the time Giannis plays his final game with the Bucks. This isn’t to say that once Giannis stops playing in Milwaukee, he won’t be remembered for his time with the franchise, but it will add an extra bit of legacy, satisfaction, and respect around the league if he were to stay with the Bucks for his entire career. The Bucks want to keep Giannis as long as possible, but their willingness to do right by their superstar is a sign of respect in itself, and the team has doubled down on that sentiment many times over the past several years.
Has Giannis played his final game with the Bucks? Chime in in the comments section below.
When last we saw the Lakers they were surrounding the Game 2 officials following their 125-107 loss to the Thunder. LA led that game at the half by a point but was outscored 68-49 in the second half to fall down 2-0 to OKC in the best of seven series.
Did they have a reason to gripe to the officials? There is no doubt that every game presents subjective situations. However, the larger question is will they get the calls they need to climb back into a series in which they are obviously the lesser team? Or does their attempt to question the game officials – which could easily be viewed as an attempt to intimidate them – merely showcase desperation? The Lakers need a spark and frankly, it matters not how they get one.
We will see the results on display Saturday night in Los Angeles for Game 3 of this Western Conference series.
The Thunder will take the court with immense confidence. They are 6-0 in the playoffs and on ethe verge of basically ending this series against the Lakers. Game 2 saw Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren led the way for the Thunder with 22 points apiece. Jared McCain had 18 in 18 minutes off the bench as OKC flexed in the second half to take the two games to none lead in the series. Austin Reaves had 31 and LeBron James 23 in the loss for LA. The supporting cast simply has not been good enough for the purple and gold.
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 Live: Thunder vs. Lakers
Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Time: 8:30PM EST
Site: crypto.com Arena
City: Los Angeles, CA
Network/Streaming: ABC
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 Odds: Thunder vs. Lakers
The latest odds as of Friday courtesy of DraftKings:
Moneyline: Oklahoma City Thunder (-375), Los Angeles Lakers (+295)
Spread: Thunder -8.5
Total: 211.5 points
This game opened Thunder -8.5 with the Game Total set at 208.5.
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: Thunder vs. Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG Luguentz Dort
C Isaiah Hartenstein
SG Ajay Mitchell
PF Chet Holmgren
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Marcus Smart
SG Austin Reaves
C Deandre Ayton
PF Rui Hachimura
SF LeBron James
Injury Report: Thunder vs. Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Williams (hamstring) has been declared OUT for tonight’s game
Thomas Sorber (knee) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic (hamstring) has been declared OUT of tonight’s game
Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) is listed as questionable for tonight’s game
Important stats, trends and insights: Thunder vs. Lakers
The Lakers are 30-14 at home this season
The Thunder are 32-10 on the road this season
The Lakers are 49-40-1 ATS this season
OKC is 43-44-1 ATS this season
The OVER has cashed in 48 of the Thunder’s 88 games this season (48-40)
The OVER has cashed in 45 of the Lakers’ 90 games this season (45-45)
Chet Holmgren was 7-11 from the field including 3-5 from deep
Lu Dort scored 3 points in Game 2
Dort has failed to reach double digits in scoring in the playoffs this season
Jared McCain scored 18 points in 18 minutes in Game 2
McCain was the game’s top 3-point shooter knocking down 4 (in 5 attempts) for the second straight game
Deandre Ayton pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds
Marcus Smart had 5 assists in Game 2 and has 12 for the series
Rotoworld Best Bet
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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 Saturday’s Thunder and Lakers’ game:
Moneyline: Rotoworld Bet is staying away from a play on the Moneyline
Spread: Rotoworld Bet is leaning towards a play on the Thunder -8.5 ATS
Total: Rotoworld Bet is recommending a play on the Game Total OVER 211.5
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The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery will be the last of its kind.
Whatever it looks like next season, after Adam Silver pushes anti-tanking measures, the lottery is going to look very different. And likely more complex than the current one, which uses 14 numbered ping-pong balls in a lottery machine, creating 1001 possible combinations.
The reason for all the buzz — and the tanking this season — is that this is one of the deepest classes in recent memory, with scouts saying there are potentially three (some might say four) franchise cornerstone players at the top and great depth behind them. That starts with BYU's AJ Dybantsa (the No. 1 pick on most boards), Kansas' Darryn Peterson, and Duke's Cameron Boozer at the top of the list. Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery
How to watch the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery
The lottery will take place on May 10 at 3 pm ET and can be watched on ESPN.
What are each team’s odds?
Here are the odds for the 14 teams in the lottery.
No. 1 Washington Wizards
Odds to land No. 1 pick 14%; odds to land in top four 52.1% Washington is looking to add one more young, cornerstone player to a team that had a few nice young players already — Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson — plus added Trae Young and Anthony Davis. Whatever happens in this lottery, the Wizards expect to be in the postseason next year, not back here in the lottery.
No. 2 Indiana Pacers
Odds to land No. 1 pick 14%; odds to land in top four 52.1% If Indiana's pick falls out of the top four — basically a coin-toss chance — their pick goes to the LA Clippers as part of the Ivica Zubac trade. Either way, with Zubac, a healthy Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and the rest of a core that went to the Finals a year ago, it's going to be a bounce-back season in Indiana. But put a top-four pick in that mix and it gets more interesting.
No. 3 Brooklyn Nets
Odds to land No. 1 pick 14%; odds to land in top four 52.1% Brooklyn used all five of the first round picks they had on players last year in the draft and... meh. It was not a great showing, although some had flashes of potential. Brooklyn is a team that needs some lottery luck to jumpstart their rebuild.
No. 4 Utah Jazz
Odds to land No. 1 pick 11.5%; odds to land in top four 45.2% The lottery gods owe Utah some luck — and keeping AJ Dybansta in Utah would be huge for the franchise — but those gods can be fickle. Either way, Utah is done losing: Adding a high draft pick to a core of Keyonte George in the backcourt with Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr. up front, this is a team thinking playoffs next season.
No. 5 Sacramento Kings
Odds to land No. 1 pick 11.5%; odds to land in top four 45.2% Sacramento is in the midst of (another) rebuild, and they — and their passionate, long-suffering fans — deserve a break and a top pick to be a cornerstone for whatever is next.
No. 6 Memphis Grizzlies
Odds to land No. 1 pick 9%; odds to land in top four 37.2% With this team in a rebuild (including the expectation Ja Morant is traded this summer for more picks and/or young players), it's simple for the Grizzlies: Take the best player on the board. If the Grizzlies fall in the 5-8 range and get one of the dynamic young point guards in that mix, there would be a natural fit.
No. 7 Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Odds to land No. 1 pick 6.8%; odds to land in top four 29.3% Actually, Atlanta's odds are slightly better than that because it has the swap rights to the better of New Orleans or Milwaukee's picks, so technically they have a 9.8% chance at the top pick and a 43.2% chance of landing in the top four. Wherever they land, they're adding another good player to a core being built out around Jalen Johnson.
No. 8 Dallas Mavericks
Odds to land No. 1 pick 6.7%; odds to land in top four 29% Can you imagine the uproar around the league — and the conspiracy theories that will fly — if the Mavericks get the No. 1 pick again? Wherever they fall, the Mavericks are looking to add a young talent to play with Cooper Flagg long-term.
No. 9 Chicago Bulls
Odds to land No. 1 pick 4.5%; odds to land in top four 20.3% Bryson Graham, the Bulls new head of basketball operations (a former VP with the Hawks) will be making this pick. He's got a lot of work ahead of him, but some lottery luck would speed up the process.
No. 10 Milwaukee Bucks
Odds to land No. 1 pick 0; odds to land in top four 13.9% Technically, the No. 10 slot has a 3% chance of jumping up to the No. 1 pick, but because Atlanta has swap rights, the Hawks would swoop in if the Bucks got lucky, and Milwaukee would get New Orleans's pick. On the optimistic side, if both New Orleans and Milwaukee jumped into the top four, the Bucks would get that pick. However, there is an 84.9% chance the Bucks pick at No. 10 or 11. What the Bucks ultimately do with this pick will depend on what is decided with Giannis Antetokounmpo before the draft.
No. 11 Golden State Warriors
Odds to land No. 1 pick 2%; odds to land in top four 9.4% Stephen Curry is still there and still one of the league's best players, but the Warriors also need to look to what is next and draft (then develop) players that will be part of that future. They've had some high-profile misses on that front in the past.
No. 12 Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers)
Odds to land No. 1 pick 1.5%; odds to land in top four 7.1% Like if Dallas jumped all the way up, if the lottery gods favored the Thunder this year there would be an uproar. Whatever happens, the smartest drafting team in the league is going to add a lottery pick to its already dominant, young roster.
No. 13 Miami Heat
Odds to land No. 1 pick 1%; odds to land in top four 4.8% Miami could use the infusion of some more youth and athleticism in the roster, but this team isn't tanking and rebuilding, so what they will do with this pick remains a mystery.
No. 14 Charlotte Hornets
Odds to land No. 1 pick 0.5%; odds to land in top four 2.4% Adding another quality young player to a roster with standout rookie Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller will make this team even more of a must-watch group next season.
This is the last year the NBA will use this system to determine its draft order for teams that don't make the playoffs. Only the first four picks are determined by the lottery, picks 5-30 follow the reverse standings of whoever is left (although trades will impact which team actually makes those selections).
The system uses 14 numbered ping-pong balls, put into a lottery machine, creating 1001 possible combinations. Four numbered balls are randomly extracted at a time, and each lottery team is assigned a certain number of those combinations, based on its record, which gives us the odds for each team. This random extraction process is completed four times to select the top four picks.
Note that in the last two years, teams have jumped from way down the board up to No. 1. Two years ago, in 2024, it was Atlanta, with a 3% chance, that jumped to No. 1 and selected Zaccharie Risacher. Last year in 2025, it was famously Dallas with a 1.8% chance that leapfrogged everyone to get the No. 1 pick and select Cooper Flagg.
Which team has won the NBA Draft Lottery the most times?
Three teams have won the NBA Draft Lottery three times: The Cleveland Cavaliers, LA Clippers and Orlando Magic.
In an odd twist, the Cavaliers got the top pick in 2011 (the year they drafted Kyrie Irving) after acquiring the Clippers' pick at the trade deadline — if LA had held on to that pick, it would have made the top selection five times (and could have gotten Irving).
SAN ANTONIO, TX. - MAY 2026: San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) creates a turnover against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) in the second quarter at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs, NBA Western Conference Semifinals, Game 2. NBA Playoffs. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
While Game 2 did not go the way any Wolves fans would want, it’s still an opportunity to reload and reflect. Canis’ Thilo Widder is joined by our Spurs’ sister site Pounding the Rock EIC JR Wilco to discuss what could change in a pivotal Game 3 return to Minnesota.
Thilo Widder
Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have called the last frat “slightly braggadocious” but alas, when else am I going to be able to use that word?
That was certainly a game. Not a good one, but it was certainly one. The Wolves guards imploded under the weight of a Stephon Castle without foul trouble while Jaden McDaniels unfortunately found himself on the wrong side of Scott Foster.
The Wolves continue to be one of the least consistent teams in the league, but a 16-7 run was enough of a run to build a 25 point lead that just got worse and worse. That run was the least of the numerous problems Minnesota had, as their guards shot 10/36 on the game.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – MAY 06: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles against Stephon Castle #5 of the San Antonio Spurs during the second quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Frost Bank Center on May 06, 2026 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Ayo Dosumnu, who I highlighted as a swing player, had only a block and a steal in 10 minutes of playtime before getting injured again. Bones Hyland continues to play very badly. Anthony Edwards is still so clearly hobbled.
If that was a representation of the rest of the series, that would suck (for me as a fan at least, I’m sure you’d disagree). Fortunately for us as content creators and fans of good basketball, it probably won’t be.
On that note though, I’m curious what the biggest changes you saw and if they are sustainable. Obviously, DeAaron Fox and Victor Wembenyama played better, but that was always to be expected. What turned this from a neck and neck Game 1 to a blowout of that scale in Game 2?
J.R. Wilco
One of the reasons we watch sports is to see something that we don’t expect. And nothing fulfills that purpose less than a blowout. I had an absolute blast watching Game 1, and even though the evening ended poorly for me, I have good memories of that tightly contested game that felt like each play mattered.
In the regular season, when the other team goes on a run, you tell yourself that there’s plenty of time in the game and your team can definitely make it back. But in a game like we saw on Monday, even a seven point lead seems daunting. Both teams dialed into that extent is one of the joys of being a fan. Nothing else quite touches it.
Of course, another joy of being a fan is watching your team absolutely pummel a squad that they’ve recently lost to, and so I’m not gonna lie: Wednesday night was fun too. Just a different kind of fun. Fox was slithering through the lane. Wembanyama was flying all over the court — I mean that literally and not just vertically, because I saw a still shot of the rebound dunk he threw in for his first points, and Victor isn’t even on the screen when Julian Champagnie starts his shooting motion. And the screen covered all the way to mid court! Julian and Vassell pilled off one of the most rare plays in basketball, the alley-oop three-pointer. I’m still geeking out about it.
I’m also geeking out about the chess match Johnson and Fitch are engaged in. Here are the things that I think our responsible for the way, the Spurs ran the table.
They turned Edwards and Randle into passers by doubling and trapping, much like OKC did in last year’s WCF. When the Wolves doubled back on all of the talk about how Wemby would have to keep blocking every shot they took, he recognized that they weren’t coming at him and stayed down so he could just challenge and rebound instead of trying to go after every attempt. That kept Minnesota’s possessions mostly one and done. Third, San Antonio committed to running at every opportunity, especially after scores. They just had so many buckets early in the shot clock and Minny looked unprepared for those quick strikes.
Those are the things Finch needs to respond to. What do you see happening in Game 3?
Thilo
God, hard to say. The Wolves of yesteryear (or yesteryesteryear, I forget) were absolutely incapable of stopping the fast break, or any team with pace in general. I don’t doubt that this is a return to that form.
The Wolves are built first and foremost on turning defense into offense, not in the typical sense but by wearing out their opponents with their defense until Minnesota faces no pushback on the other end.
It is, by and large, a war of attrition.
However, for that to work, you cannot allow any easy points. 29 fast break points is far too much. Hell, 15 is probably too much for the “beat them with hammers” approach to work.
I think part of that problem will fix itself with Ayo and Ant getting healthier – more bodies back typically means less opportunities on the break – but I think the solution is in committing to one of two extremes
The Wolves of the past, the ones that would bleed points in transition, were violently pursuant of offensive rebounds. Karl-Anthony Towns would crash the glass. Rudy Gobert would crash the glass. Jaden McDaniels would crash the glass. There were even possessions where Minnesota would leave Michael Conley Jr. as the only man back in pursuit of those ever alluring extra possessions.
Now, would I suggest doing that against the eight foot demigod and his trusty sidekick, possibly the fastest player in the league? No, probably not. That would be dumb and obscenely risky and I simply would not have the heart to bring that up in fear of being yelled at like an old school scout on the set of Moneyball.
But it is an option.
SAN ANTONIO, TX. – MAY 2026: Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch reacts during a timeout in the second quarter at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs, NBA Western Conference Semifinals, Game 2. NBA Playoffs. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images) | Star Tribune via Getty Images
The other, more likely option is far less fun. Instead of going all in on extra possessions, you do the opposite. You abandon the offensive glass as much as you can. A five-on-four break is infinitely easier to defend than a two-on-one or three-on-one alternative. Rudy Gobert becomes your only offensive rebounder. Julius Randle commits to getting back after his mid-range shots.
This sucks though. And more importantly, it doesn’t fix the turnover problem. Quite simply, this is also a part of who the Wolves are. They’re not 22 per game bad, but they tend to play fast and loose with the ball far too often.
Ultimately, I think Chris Finch will try incredibly hard to make this series be played in the half court entirely. That could mean a lot of conservative calls. Rebounding is the start of that, but I think Mike Conley probably gets more run, simply because he’s not as prone to bad choices as TJ Shannon or Bones Hyland.
To follow that up, I think Bones has lost his spot in the playoff rotation of this series. While the Thunder of last year absolutely broke Julius Randle with ball pressure and pass-forcing, the Spurs are breaking Bones by simply letting him overdribble.
That may not be a full answer, but it’s certainly a start: play slower, be more boring, keep going to the rim, and, Jaden, stop fouling.
To that point, it feels like the underspoken most important data point of this series will be who can foul out the opposing team’s perimeter stopper first. McDaniels and Castle are so hugely important in these next three to five games that it feels like losing either loses the game.
How did the Spurs play without Castle during the regular season? Is there a backup plan if he’s sitting like he was in Game 1? How do the Wolves attack him without burning through their usable possessions?
(God, Donte would be eating the Spurs drop coverage alive right now. Truly a crushing loss. Fly high, Big Ragu.)
J.R.
There was a point when one of the main fears I had about the T-wolves was how we could keep DiVincenzo from going off for an entire series. Talk about a man who can’t be left alone at the arc! I’ve been an admirer of Dante’s for a while now. All the best to him, and a quick recovery. Now to your questions.
San Antonio was 11-3 without Castle this year, but that was the regular season and we know that the playoffs are a different animal. But one of the accidental benefits of the Spurs’ bottoming out wasn’t just the timing, it was the repetition. Trading for Fox and then getting the second pick last draft means that we have a three-headed guard lineup, which is an incredible crutch to lean on when any of them have to take a breather, need a night off … or happen to foul out.
We love our Castle, no doubt, but I know a number of Spurs fans who swear that Harper will be even better than Steph. Yeah, the fact that backup plan is a rookie point guard would usually terrify me, but Harper isn’t your typical rookie, and he’s not yet the defender that Castle is, Dylan shoots for a higher percentage, is impossibly smooth around the basket, and takes better care of the ball. As much as Steph’s defense is missed when he’s not on the floor, the team plays quite well without him.
If the rest of this series turns into a battle of defensive aces struggling against foul trouble, that’ll be a shame. We already have too much talk about the timing and the frequency of the whistles in the rest of the matchups for that mess to invade ours too. But it’s 2026 after all, what else should we expect if not some top-tier controversy? Hopefully, we’re spared that, and Friday night’s game is another competitive and enjoyable contest.
SECAUCUS, NJ - AUGUST 20: Deputy Commissioner of the NBA, Mark Tatum holds up the card of the Golden State Warriors after they get the 2nd overall pick in the NBA Draft during the 2020 NBA Draft Lottery on August 20, 2020 at the NBA Entertainment Studios in Secaucus, New Jersey. 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 2020 NBAE (Photo by Steven Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This weekend marks an important date for the future of the Golden State Warriors.
The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery is set for Sunday, May 10 at 12:00 p.m. PT on ABC, as the league’s 14 lottery teams vie for the top spot in what is viewed as one of the strongest draft classes in recent history. For the Warriors, they enter the lottery with the 11th-best odds for the No. 1 overall pick at 2.0% after finishing the 2025-26 regular season with a 37-45 record.
Here’s a full look at the odds for every team entering Sunday’s lottery:
According to the chart, Golden State holds a 9.4% chance of jumping into the top four. However, the Warriors’ most likely outcome is remaining at No. 11, where they currently hold a 77.6% probability of selecting. It should also be noted that there is a 12.6% chance they fall to No. 12 and a 0.4% chance they slide to No. 13.
While Golden State’s chances of landing the top pick remain slim, Sunday’s lottery results will still play a major role in determining the franchise’s direction as they attempt to balance competing around Stephen Curry while also preparing for the next era of Warriors basketball.
For more on this and other news around the NBA, here is our latest news round-up for Friday, May 8th:
Most likely pick if they stay at No. 11: Karim Lopez, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers
Similar to Milwaukee, the direction Golden State takes here will be indicative of where the franchise’s goals lie. The Warriors can try to continue to maximize the final phase of Stephen Curry‘s career with a more NBA-ready prospect, or they could take a longer view. Assuming they don’t move up, this would become an interesting juncture in the draft, with the top freshmen all potentially off the board.
Lopez might marry those two goals, with a good mix of size, skill, feel and pro experience for a teenage prospect. On the other end of the age spectrum, forward Yaxel Lendeborg should get a long look from the Warriors because of his versatility to plug in right away.
“Why don’t you play me 1-on-1, Draymond?” Rivers exclaimed on Tidal League’s “To The Baha” podcast. “You can’t do handoffs in 1-on-1. You can’t set no pick-and-roll in 1-on-1. So, all that extra talk was BS.”
One of the top prospects in this year’s NBA draft spent much of his freshman season at Kansas trying to solve mysterious and sometimes debilitating cramping. But in an extended interview with ESPN this week, Peterson said that a new round of bloodwork and other tests after the college basketball season led his doctors to conclude that his use of high doses of creatine created the condition.
“I’d never taken it before [going to college],” Peterson said of the popular supplement which helps to increase muscle strength, power and growth. “But after the season I took two weeks off and they did tests which showed my baseline level was already high. So, they said when I dosed [a process of increasing a dose over time to create maximum benefit at the beginning of taking a supplement], it must’ve made the levels unsafe.”
I’d be surprised if they trade their first-round pick for anything other than a star player. It seems unlikely that they would want to trade down to get more draft picks, and put more young, raw players on the roster, though they’ll probably do something in the second round, because that’s just what they do. But with the first-round pick, they’ll want to get the best player they can, rather than multiple lesser players.
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The Knicks are heading to Philadelphia with a 2-0 lead ahead of Game 3.
In a Game 2 defined by lead changes and physical defense, the Knicks pulled away from the Sixers late thanks to Jalen Brunson, who finished with 26 points and hit a series of clutch jumpers in the final minutes.
Despite being without Joel Embiid, who was sidelined with hip and ankle soreness, the 76ers remained competitive throughout the night thanks to a 26-point effort from Tyrese Maxey and double-doubles from both Paul Reed and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Knicks vs. 76ers: what to know
What: NBA Playoffs Second Round, Game 3
When: May 8, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Channel: Streaming exclusive
Streaming: Prime Video (try it free)
Embiid is listed as questionable tonight, and the Knicks have two starters who left Game 2 with injuries. Both Josh Hart (thumb) and OG Anunoby (hamstring) will be game-time decisions tonight.
Tonight’s (May 8) Knicks vs. 76ers Game 3 is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET.
How to watch Knicks vs. 76ers for free:
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This article was written by Angela Tricarico, Commerce Streaming Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping, Page Six, and Decider.com. Angela keeps readers up to date with cord-cutter-friendly deals, and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and movies on every streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers are getting the best prices, but she’s also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, tech, sports, and pop culture. When she’s not writing about (or watching) TV, movies, and sports, she’s also keeping up on the underrated perfume dupes at Bath & Body Works and testing headphones. Prior to joining Decider and The New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer tech at Insider Reviews.
The Sixers fell into a 2-0 series hole Wednesday in New York without Embiid and used Andre Drummond, Adem Bona and Dominick Barlow at center. Barlow gave the Sixers a strong second-half stint and Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said pregame that he’ll remain an option at center.
According to Nurse, Embiid has been “getting better all the time” and participated in the Sixers’ Friday morning shootaround.
The Knicks ruled out OG Anunoby (right hamstring strain) for Game 3. Josh Hart (left thumb sprain) and Mitchell Robinson (illness) were both available.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown said that Anunoby is “day-to-day.”
His absence is a significant development. Anunoby has been great in the 2026 playoffs, averaging 21.4 points and 7.5 rebounds.
“OG’s been unbelievable,” said Nurse, who coached Anunoby at the start of his NBA career with the Raptors. “He’s been amazing both in the Atlanta series and this series. OG has been as good as I’ve ever seen him. He just keeps getting better and better. That’s a testament to him.
“His shooting’s been great. His cutting game is great. You used to think, ‘Well, let’s force him inside the line and see what’s going to happen.’ Now he’s dunking on people and hitting that 17-footer. He’s been doing everything at a super-high level. … Let’s hope he’s out there. I’m a big fan of OG’s.”
The Knicks shifted to a smaller starting lineup without Anunoby, sliding guard Miles McBride up to the first unit. Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns rounded out the Knicks’ Game 3 starters.
DETROIT, MI - MAY 7: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a free throw during the game against the Detroit Pistons during Round Two Game Two of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Houston Rockets are sitting at home for the second round of the playoffs trying to make sure they don’t suffer the same fate next season.
This could lead to another aggressive offseason where the team scours the trade market. One player that could be on the Rockets’ radar is Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell.
“The one thing they (the Rockets) do have, they’ve got assets. They’ve got the 2027 and 2029 Suns picks. They’ve got the 2029 Mavs pick. They’ve got a swap in 2027 with the Brooklyn Nets. They are loaded, and they’ve got their own picks moving forward,” MacMahon said h/t Rockets Wire reporter Ben DuBose.
“So, if they want to make a blockbuster trade… and look, we’ll see what happens with the Cavaliers. If Donovan Mitchell’s available, that is a guy I could see the Rockets being aggressive to go get.“
The Rockets should value the experience of going deep in the playoffs, much like they have with Fred VanVleet and Kevin Durant. Mitchell has won a playoff series in each of the last three years with the Cavs and has 72 playoff games under his belt since 2018, reaching the postseason in all of his nine NBA seasons.
Mitchell’s contract expires at the end of the 2027-28 campaign, so it’s possible the Cavs may look to trade him this offseason if they were to fall short once again and he doesn’t want to sign an extension.
TDS community, what do you think of the idea of trading for Mitchell? Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
The Boston Celtics will look to upgrade their roster this offseason after a stunning first-round exit in the 2026 NBA playoffs. During his end-of-season press conference, C’s president of basketball operations Brad Stevens identified one area of the team that needs addressing.
“One of the things that we’ve got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim, and I think we do need to add to our team to do that,” he said. “Everybody plays a role in that, but at the end of (Game 7), (Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel) Embiid is standing at the rim on all those possessions, or a lot of those possessions.”
Boston’s frontcourt was exposed when Embiid returned to the Sixers lineup, and that was among the biggest reasons for its collapse after taking a 3-1 series lead. While Neemias Queta and Luka Garza played significant roles all season long, the Celtics need someone they can count on to anchor their frontcourt when facing tough playoff matchups. Nikola Vucevic wasn’t the answer, and even if he re-signs this summer, it’s worth wondering whether he’d have a major role.
Unfortunately for the C’s, this year’s free agent class of centers leaves plenty to be desired. The good news, though, is that Boston can add an impactful big man via the trade market with the $27.7 million traded player exception (TPE) it gained from the Anfernee Simons/Vucevic trade back in February.
So, what are the top realistic trade options? Here are five big men the Celtics should consider acquiring with their TPE.
Nic Claxton is coming off a down year, but he’d fit what the Celtics need as a versatile defender at the five.
The Celtics have been linked to Claxton in trade rumors before, and it’s easy to see why. The 6-foot-11 center is an above-average defender who can switch and guard anyone on the court at a high level. He consistently averages double digits in points per game while racking up rebounds and blocks.
Claxton is an athletic, versatile rim protector who should be relatively affordable in a deal with the rebuilding Nets. He’s coming off a down season by his standards, but joining a contender could help him return to form.
P.J. Washington is a difference-maker on both ends of the floor.
At 6-foot-8, Washington isn’t the prototypical big man you may have had in mind, but the 27-year-old can play the five when the Celtics go small. Boston would benefit from his versatility, as he can protect the rim as well as switch and hold his own defensively against players of all sizes. Offensively, he’s capable of shooting the 3 and making his presence felt in the post.
Washington is a rell-rounded player who could help the C’s in a wide variety of ways.
Wendell Carter Jr. is an above-average defender and a versatile big man.
The Magic might look to move Carter Jr. to get under the second apron of the luxury tax. If so, the Celtics should give them a call.
Carter Jr. is a rock-solid defender who can also occasionally provide a spark on the offensive end. He isn’t the best rim protector, but he’s a versatile big who excels at switching and can anchor the paint. His play style would work well in Boston.
Daniel Gafford is a traditional center who excels in rim protection.
If the Celtics prefer a more traditional center, Gafford could be their guy. The 27-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks over 55 games last season in the first year of his three-year contract extension with Dallas
Gafford is an exceptional rim protector. Offensively, he offers little upside but can do some damage in the paint.
If the C’s are looking for a Kristaps Porzingis-like big man who can shoot the 3 and provide rim protection, they should look elsewhere. If they want an elite presence in the paint, Gafford should be on their list of targets.
Santi Aldama is a jack of all trades with a versatile skill set that would help Boston in a variety of ways.
Aldama checks a lot of boxes for Boston. The 7-footer is only 25, he’s affordable, and he provides value on both ends of the court.
Last season with Memphis, Aldama averaged a career-high 14.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game while shooting 35 percent from 3-point range. He also notched just under one block and steal per game. The only concern with Aldama is injuries, as he was limited to only 43 games last season.
Too bad those long shots are reserved to the silver screen and not the purple and gold hardwood of Crypto.com Arena.
The Los Angeles Lakers are back in La-La Land buried in a 0-2 series hole to the Oklahoma City Thunder. My Thunder vs. Lakers predictions and same-game parlay for Game 3 doesn’t buy into that Tinsel Town magic, taking OKC to cover on the continued dominance of their big man in the middle, Chet Holmgren.
The Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t got the best from their top star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and honestly haven’t looked dominant in the first two games of this Round 2 series. However, OKC has won the battle over 48 minutes, wearing down a talent-thin Los Angeles Lakers squad to pull away and cover massive spreads in the first two contests.
The 8.5-point spread for Game 3 is just the second time Oklahoma City has laid single digits in the playoffs and OKC seems to have L.A.’s number, boasting a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS mark against the Lakers so far this season.
SGP leg #2: Marcus Smart Over 3.5 assists
Marcus Smart is shooting too much in the first two games of this series. Los Angeles needs the veteran point guard to be just that, prompting extra playmaking from Smart in Game 3.
He’s already dished out five and seven assists in the opening two games of this series and passing on shots and generating more potential assists will see him top four or more dimes for the seventh time in nine postseason games Saturday.
SGP leg #3: Chet Holmgren Over 16.5 points
The Lakers don’t have the size or versatility in their frontcourt to properly counter Chet Holmgren.
With the Lakers focused on flustering SGA, Holmgren is getting plenty of space to operate down low and is killing the Lakers whenever he steps outside the arc. He’s scored 22 and 24 points so far in this Round 2 set and his Game 3 models all sit above this modest total of 16.5 points for Saturday night.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his Thunder vs Lakers predictions for Game 3.
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 06: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks is helped to his feet by Mikal Bridges #25 and Jalen Brunson #11 during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 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 Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I enter tonight’s game more calm and serene than any other game this postseason. And I don’t particularly think I’m the only Knicks fan who feels that way. For many, the last 36 hours involved being an involuntary passenger on a roller coaster ride of emotions.
After seeing the Knicks win an ugly and gritty Game 2, the win almost felt meaningless due to the large void left by the uncertainty surrounding OG Anunoby’s injury. His suffering a significant injury would be a gutshot to fans, and a death sentence for a Knicks championship run.
Following hours and hours of refreshing social media feeds, trying not to have PTSD from Anunoby’s hamstring injury in 2024, and role-playing as an orthopedic doctor, fans let out a collective sigh of relief when reports started surfacing that Anunoby’s hamstring strain was mild and that he was just day-to-day.
Because fans, for the most part, were expecting the worst, his diagnosis feels like a bullet dodged, making tonight’s game against the 76ers somehow feel less dire. That being said, it’s still a road playoff game against a desperate and hungry rival looking to claw itself back into the series. A loss tonight means a little less room for error moving forward, while also giving Philadelphia a bit more confidence and momentum. Meanwhile, a win tonight would buy them, and more specifically, Anunoby, more time.
While the weight and emotions going into the game may feel different, the significance of the game doesn’t change. Nick Nurse and the 76ers will continue to change some things up. They’ll likely be better prepared to deal with the aggressive trapping of Tyrese Maxey. They’ll also likely double down on pressuring Jalen Brunson now with OG Anunoby out. And as backup point guard Kyle Lowry mentioned, they’ll make sure to pressure Karl-Anthony Towns more on the perimeter.
Unlike the fans, though, the Knicks likely aren’t going into this game as though they have multiple lives. While human nature may take over and give them at least a slight sense of relief, these Knicks have displayed more sense of urgency and focus since their Game 3 loss to the Hawks in the last round. From Brunson, Towns, and Mikal Bridges, who have been playing incredibly well, to bench players Deuce McBride, Landry Shamet, Jordan Clarkson, and Jose Alvarado, along with the now probable Josh Hart, and Mitchell Robinson, this team should come into the game ready to compete.
Whether they win or not is still up in the air, but they have the depth, offensive firepower, and defense to defeat what is still a fatigued and very thin 76ers team.
Prediction
If Joel Embiid is out again tonight, which I suspect will be the case with the Knicks being sans Anunoby, I expect another close back-and-forth affair between these two teams. I do think the 76ers will come up hot, much like they did in Game 1. They’ll be back home, knowing they are a loss away from going down 3-0, and will also know that the Knicks are wounded, missing one of, if not, their best postseason performers.
But this battle-tested Knicks have been like roaches, and I mean that in the most endearing way someone can use that word. Even when they look tired, or out of sorts, or are just not executing well, they have a remarkable tendency to always give themselves a chance. They’ve got the will and the grit that cannot be quantified by counting stats or analytics. And I think that bodes well for them tonight in a game where things may not go their way. But unlike the last time Anunoby missed a postseason game with a hamstring injury, this team also has depth.
McBride, Shamet, Clarkson, Robinson, and even Mo Diawara have all had huge moments for this team this season and have won multiple games. Replacing Anunoby with one player will be impossible. But they might just be able to recreate him in the aggregate (yes, that was a Moneyballreference).
Knicks win: 105–102
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (2-0) vs Philadelphia 76ers (0-2) Date: Friday, May 8, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET Place: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA TV: Prime Video Follow: @ptknicksblog and bsky
Knicks
76ers
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