Joel Embiid had one of his best playoff performances of his NBA career in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 109-100 Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics on Saturday. The center had 34 points, 12 rebounds and six assists to lead Philly to the second round.
But, Warriors forward Draymond Green doesn’t think the performance was a “legacy game” for Embiid, who has now reached the Eastern Conference semifinals for the sixth time in his career.
“I know a lot of people are saying, ‘Yo, is this a legacy game for Joel Embiid?’ and I say no, ‘hell no,’ ” Green said on “The Draymond Green Show.” “Joel Embiid is a great player, Joel Embiid is an NBA MVP, Joel Embiid is all of those things. Gold medalist, perennial All-Star, one of the best bigs in this league.
“Joel Embiid, also for those same reasons, is the reason that a game in the first round, I don’t care if it’s Game 7 or Game 2. … It’s still a first-round game and we’ve seen Joel Embiid in the first round. In order for Joel Embiid to have legacy games, Joel Embiid has to get to the conference finals and then Joel Embiid needs to help push that team to the NBA Finals.”
Green said he believes the people stating that it was a legacy performance are the same ones who will be ready to blame Embiid if the 76ers fail to reach the conference championship – somewhere Embiid has never been since entering the league in 2014.
“I hate when people try to set guys up like, ‘Aw man, this is a legacy game for Joel Embiid,’ only to set him up to try to tear him down in the weeks to come,” Green said. “I don’t like stuff like that. There’s no way a guy of Joel Embiid’s stature can have a legacy game in Round 1 and he still hasn’t accomplished, ultimately, what he wants to accomplish.”
In eight first-round appearances with Philadelphia, Embiid has averaged 26.4 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists while leading the 76ers to a 6-2 record over those series.
However, Embiid and the 76ers – who hadn’t reached the conference semifinals since 2022-23 — are 0-5 in second round playoff series.
“I don’t think if you spoke to Joel Embiid, he would say ‘aw man, that game I had in Round 1 versus Boston is a legacy game,’” Green said. “No, you feel good about it, you feel great about it, you’re moving on. … but the job’s not done.
“If Philly goes out here and loses the series, no one is coming around this summer like, ‘Yeah, but Joel Embiid had a legacy game in that first-round series,’ Green said. “No one’s talking about that. The talk is going to be ‘Joel Embiid can’t win again, Philly needs to break the team up, Joel’s going to never be healthy.’ ”
The win over Boston was the first time the Embiid-led 76ers had defeated the Celtics in the postseason after falling to them three times prior. Philadelphia kicked off their second-round matchup with the New York Knicks on Monday.
Could LeBron James’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers end not with a bang, but with a whimper? This series against the Oklahoma City Thunder should certainly force that question.
MyLakers vs. Thunderpredictionsand NBA picks have no faith in L.A., not even in Game 1, on Tuesday, May 5.
UPDATE: Added prediction for who will win.
Lakers vs Thunder Game 1 prediction
Who will win Lakers vs Thunder Game 1?
Thunder: Perhaps LeBron James conjures up a vintage performance to steal one game in this series, but do not expect it and certainly do not expect it in Game 1 in Oklahoma City when the Thunder have a significant rest advantage.
They met four times this season. The Thunder covered the spread in each game by an average of 19 points compared to bookmakers’ expectations.
The Lakers fell short of their team total in three of the four meetings by an average of 11.6 points even when including the sole Team Total Over, which came by two points.
Without Luka, expect OKC to collapse on LeBron James at every moment.
Los Angeles played on Friday, and while that did become a rout, it was a rather tense moment heading into that game. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City has had a full week off after its easy sweep of Phoenix.
Every advantage lines up for a Thunder blowout to open this series, and once the game is out of hand, Lakers head coach JJ Redick likely will sit Austin Reaves to spare his oblique any added stress. Reaves played just 34 and 31 minutes in his two games back against the Rockets. There will be no logic to pushing him while trailing by two dozen.
Lakers vs Thunder SGP
Thunder First Half -9.5
Thunder -15.5
Austin Reaves Under 21.5 Points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Not Yet, LeBron
LeBron James may continue to get away with it, but there is no logic to pushing him in a lopsided Game 1. Every ounce of reason expects Los Angeles to lose this game handily. Chalk it up to rest, chalk it up to home court, chalk it up to anything you want. Just expect it.
Redick will be smart to preserve any massive game from James for when it is within reach.
Look at Game 4 of last round: The Lakers lost by 19 and trailed by more than that. Related: James played just 33 minutes and scored only 10 points.
Lakers vs Thunder SGP
Thunder -15.5
LeBron James Under 20.5 Points
LeBron James Under 7.5 Rebounds
LeBron James Under 7.5 Assists
Lakers vs Thunder odds for Game 1
Spread: Lakers +16 | Thunder -16
Moneyline: Lakers +700 | Thunder -1100
Over/Under: Over 213.5 | Under 213.5
Lakers vs Thunder betting trend to know
In four meetings against the Lakers this year, the Thunder covered the full-game spread in just the first half in three of them. In the exception, they exactly matched the full-game spread of 18 points. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Thunder.
How to watch Lakers vs Thunder Game 1
Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Date
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Tip-off
8:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Lakers vs Thunder latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MARCH 03: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons guards James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena on March 03, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 113-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Raptors and Pistons share a similar offensive profile. Neither team loves to shoot three-pointers, primarily because they aren’t very good at it. They’d prefer to score from the mid-range or attack the basket — led almost entirely by one primary initiator (more on this later).
That means Cleveland’s defensive game plan will be similar to round one. Pack the paint, shrink the floor, and dare someone to beat you.
Toronto surprised most of us with its efficiency. They nailed 35.6% of their three-point attempts in round one, the fifth-best of any playoff team this year. But they also struggled to score for long stretches, often because the Cavs declined to pay them any respect behind the arch. Shrinking the floor makes it really hard to score if you don’t have the personnel to shoot with volume.
That’s why the Raptors took the third fewest three-point attempts per game in round one, despite shooting better than anyone expected. They just didn’t have guys who could launch ‘em.
Neither do the Pistons… mostly.
Detroit has some weapons that the Cavs will have to monitor. Duncan Robinson can burn you. Tobias Harris is capable of big games. Even Cunningham shot near 40% from deep in round one. But truthfully, perimeter shooting is a weakness that the Cavs can exploit.
Evan Mobley made more 3PTs in R1 than anyone on Detroit other than Cade, Duncan, and Tobias
The Pistons shot the second-fewest three-pointers in round one and converted on the fifth-worst percentage. Harris, Dannis Jankins, Caris LeVert, and Javonte Green all shot below 30% from downtown. Thompson only attempted one three-pointer, which he missed. Neither big man in Detroit is likely to push their luck from deep either.
I’d expect the Cavs to totally ignore Thompson, and to dare everyone other than Harris, Cunningham, and Robinson to make them pay. I’d also expect the Cavs to win that gamble, given that the Pistons ranked 20th in three-point accuracy during the regular season — even worse than Toronto (18th).
2. Put it all on Cade Cunningham
Both the Cavs and Pistons battled to the end in round one. A seven-game series can be draining. More so, if you’re the one carrying the entire team on your back.
This isn’t to discredit Harris, who showed up big in Game 7 for Detroit, but let’s be real… Cunningham’s usage was through the roof during that series. He posted an absurd usage rate of 37%, matching Joel Embiid for the highest load in round one.
For comparison, Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with a usage rate of 30%.
Carrying that much weight will wear anyone down. The deeper you go into the playoffs, the more of a toll it takes. Cunningham averaged 32 points on 22 shots per game in the first round. He’ll be asked to do something similar versus Cleveland. That’s a benefit for the Cavs.
The more pressure you can put on Cade to win this series on his own, the better. That means the Cavs will do everything in their power to limit Detroit’s supporting cast. The weight could be unbearable if Cleveland keeps a lid on the Pistons’ role players.
The Cavs are well-equipped to make Cunningham work. Dean Wade just had a phenomenal defensive series, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen will no doubt pack the paint and contest every drive. Even Max Strus and Sam Merrill have shown they can ramp up the intensity — while Jaylon Tyson is more than ready to be physical with Cunningham.
Cunningham averaged 18.5 points on just 34% shooting against the Cavs in four games this season. I’m sure he’ll be better than that in this series. But it shows the Cavs can give him problems offensively.
On the other end, Cleveland would be mistaken not to include Cunningham in as many screening actions as possible. He’s already being tasked with too much offensive responsibility, so the more they can challenge him defensively, the more exhausted he’ll become.
3. Attack mismatches
Not having to worry about Scottie Barnes will be nice.
Seriously, Barnes delivered one of the better defensive performances I can remember. It felt like he was everywhere, using his length, athleticism, and seemingly never-ending motor to disrupt everything Cleveland wanted to do. The backcourt struggled primarily because Barnes, along with Jamal Shead, RJ Barrett, Ja’kobe Walter, and Collin Murray-Boyles, made them struggle.
Can Detroit replicate any of that?
Some things are certain. The Pistons will try to muck things up by using Thompson on one of Donovan Mitchell or James Harden. He’ll pressure them up the floor and deny the ball whenever possible. Other Pistons will attempt to do the same.
But that’s where Cleveland starts to gain advantages.
The Raptors were loaded with length and athleticism on the wing. No matter who the Cavs brought into the action, Toronto was able to switch and swarm the ball with their wings. The Pistons — while a better defensive team — are arguably a better matchup for the Cavs from this perspective.
Thompson is a great defender. But Duncan Robinson is not. The Cavalier backcourt will feel significantly more comfortable attacking Robinson than anyone on the Raptors roster outside of Jakob Poeltl.
This extends down Detroit’s rotation. Harris is a fine defender, but I don’t see him matching Mitchell’s speed like any of Toronto’s best defenders. Duren isn’t as mobile as CMB. Jankins shouldn’t be as disruptive as Jamal Shead. Kevin Huerter might not even get on the floor, and if he does, could promptly be played off it.
That’s kind of a big deal.
The playoffs are matchup-dependent. You are only as strong as your weakest link. The Raptors’ baseline of having no bad defenders made it an eternal struggle for the Cavs offense to get rolling. But Detroit’s weak points will be tested at every available opportunity.
If that happens, Mitchell might remind us of why he’s become a perennial All-NBA player at this stage of his career.
How critical is Anthony Edwards to Minnesota's chances in a matchup with San Antonio? When they met in January, Edwards dropped 55 points on the Spurs (his season high) in a game the Timberwolves still lost by 3. Without him, it's going to be tough for them to score.
Which is why it's good news that Edwards is expected to suit up and play for Minnesota in Game 1 on Monday night, just nine days after he suffered a bone bruise in his knee, reports Shams Charania of ESPN. Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic confirmed the news, but added that Edwards' exact role — whether he starts or comes off the bench and if there is a minutes limit — is still being discussed.
You can watch Edwards' return in Game 1 on Peacock, starting at 9:30 ET.
Edwards suffered a nasty knee hyperextension and, with that, a bone bruise in Game 4 against Denver. The Timberwolves went on to close out the series without him or his starting backcourt mate, Donte DiVincenzo, who tore his Achilles in that same game.
Officially, Edwards remains listed as questionable for Game 1, something not likely to change until much closer to game time. The team said a day before that Edwards "has been cleared for on-court basketball activities" after missing just two games due to a knee hyperextension and bone bruise.
The other looming question when Edwards returns: What version of him do we see? Is he at 80%? 90%? Will he look like himself?
Minnesota needs him to be close to his best in a tough matchup against the No. 2 seed Spurs and Victor Wembanyama.
Anthony Edwards, who suffered a knee injury in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, was upgraded to questionable for tonight's game earlier today against the San Antonio Spurs after being week-to-week just two days ago.
Things took an even better turn for the Minnesota faithful with the latest reports stating the superstar guard is set to suit up in Game 1.
This afternoon, Shams reported that Anthony Edwards was upgraded to questionable. Good news, Timberwolves fans: the newest update is even better and has caused a major shake-up to the odds.
Despite suffering a knee injury just nine days ago, Anthony Edwards is expected to play against San Antonio in Game 1 per @ShamsCharania 👀
Minnesota's odds before the news: +500 Minnesota's odds after the news: +280
In a follow-up tweet, Shams reported Ant went through several treatments over the last several days to cut down on his return time, including time spent in a hyperbaric chamber.
As long as things go well in warmups, Ant will be ready to go tonight.
Latest Timberwolves vs Spurs odds
Antony Edwards player props tonight
Sportsbooks have already posted player props for Antony Edwards for Game 1, marking his first game in nine days.
Market
Over 24.5 points
-110
Over 3.5 assists
-105
Over 4.5 rebounds
-105
Over 3.5 threes
+120
Over 0.5 steals
-235
Books are expecting Ant to hit the ground running, setting his points prop at 24.5 points. It should be noted that if Edwards goes through warmups and is unable to go, all pre-game bets will be voided.
For tonight, I will bet on him to exceed his assist line of 3.5. Nine days off can seriously affect a player's shooting rhythm, and I think Ant will opt to pass more tonight.
He averaged 3.7 assists in the regular season, and players like Jaden McDaniels have taken on a larger offensive role. Ant will get his, but he'll be sure to spread the love.
Pick: Anthony Edwards Over 3.5 assists (-105 at bet365)
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
BOSTON, MA - MAY 2: The sneakers worn by Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers before the game against the Boston Celtics during Round One Game Seven of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 13: Bogoljub Markovic #23 and Markquis Nowell #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks high five during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2025 NBA Summer League game on July 13, 2025 at the Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks will play three games in the four-team California Classic Summer League, the NBA announced last Wednesday. The Bucks will face the Golden State Warriors on July 4, the Brooklyn Nets on July 5, and the Sacramento Kings on July 6 in the Golden 1 Center. This is Milwaukee’s first year participating in the California Classic. Broadcast information and specific team rosters will be released closer to July.
The other version of the expanded Classic will feature the Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and San Antonio Spurs, hosted at San Francisco’s Chase Center.
Their two games in Sacramento will be followed by at least five games of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Last year, the Bucks, led by Pete Nance and 2025 second-rounder Bogoljub Markovic, went 1-4.
The additional two games will allow more of Milwaukee’s developing prospects to get crucial minutes before the NBA Summer League. Markovic, who has been one of the top players in Serbia’s ABA League, figures to join the team. So could Milwaukee’s two-way players in 27-year-old Cormac Ryan and Alex Antetokounmpo, or Wisconsin Herd standouts Mark Sears and Johnny Davis. The Bucks’ 2026 lottery pick will also see heavy game time.
Jason Love and Spencer Rivers, son of Doc, coached the Bucks’ 2025 Summer League squad. However, it’s unclear if the two will keep their assistant coaching spots with the arrival of new head coach Taylor Jenkins.
In preparation for tonight’s Game 1 against the San Antonio Spurs, we sat down with JR Wilco at our sister site Pounding the Rock to discuss what we’re looking out for from our respective opponents. If you want to engage in some light-hearted and kind (stressing this, don’t be obnoxious like Denver Nuggets fans were/are), you can do so at their site here.
J.R. Wilco
I think you’d agree that to say that you were down on Minnesota’s chances entering Game 6 would be a pretty serious understatement. Your piece on Denver’s win over the Wolves in Game 5 was about as serious an indictment of your team’s performance as the government’s charges against Harish Chidambaran.
And yet you guys made Nikola Jokić look ordinary and Jamal Murray look putrid. Minny too the “next man up” mantra to another level. See, that cliche is supposed to mean that when a guy goes down, his replacement is ready to play in his place. It’s not supposed to mean that the replacement suddenly auditions to be a starter on the all star team! I went from being ecstatic that the Spurs wouldn’t play Denver to being afraid that they’ve be hard pressed to take down a team that’s currently under attack from the injury bug.
So tell me, a) how did you guys take down Denver while so shorthanded, b) what should I be most concerned about in Game 1, and what are you most afraid of, besides Wemby?
Thilo
Beating Denver in Game 6 came down to a few factors: paint touches, paint deterrence, and sheer, unadulterated hatred.
MINNEAPOLIS , MN – APRIL 25: Jaden McDaniels (3) of the Minnesota Timberwolves locks up Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter of the Timberwolves' 112-96 win in game four of their NBA Playoffs series at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post) | Denver Post via Getty Images
Before Ayo Dosumnu went down with a calf injury, his shot diet in his 43 point masterclass in Game 4 was functionally all layups outside of his 5/5 three point shooting. The rest of the Wolves team existed in a similarly slash-friendly environment.
There was, and this is no exaggeration, no rim protection whatsoever on the Nuggets roster to the point that Spencer Jones was the primary paint presence for Games 3-6. This enabled a TJ Shannon sighting (his only above-average skill at the NBA level is finding his way to the rim) and allowed the Timberwolves, one of the league’s most inconsistent offensive teams, to score over 110 in all but one game.
On the other side of things, Denver could not find a way to score at their normal level when run off the three point line. As much as we can point at Jamal Murray (and laugh), Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr turning back into pumpkins hurt just as much.
Funnily enough, Jaden McDaniels’ best defensive role is not as a perimeter stopper. While he’s more than capable there, he is arguably better suited as a help side defender (we’ll get to that later). To that point, I doubt we see a remotely similar strategy for San Antonio as we saw against Denver.
I’d say that role change for McDaniels is the biggest thing to be worried about. Outside of the obvious “we get to match your top-five player with our returning top-seven guy”, that’s the thing I hope would change.
A defensive matchup of Ayo on Fox, TJ on Vassell, and Gobert on Wemby, with Jaden roaming off of whoever of Castle or Champagnie is less intimidating could be incredibly fun, incredibly destructive, and disastrously low scoring.
As far as what’s the scariest in facing the Spurs, you guys just simply have more things you can count on than we do. While we have flexibility and house money, you have a winning formula that has been shaped by your whole season and has little to no restructuring needed.
For more concrete answers, the Wolves are already down a ton of initiators, and the defensive pressure the Spurs can put on guys who are already more used to and more prepared for facing third and fourth defensive options could instantly collapse the whole cobbled together formula the Wolves built so quickly.
That formula included a Game 6 lineup that was supersized, with Jaden McDaniels at the two, Naz Reid at the three, and both Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert filling out the space alongside TJ Shannon’s “go straight through them” play at point. The Spurs size comes primarily in the form of Wemby, how do the rest of the Spurs deal with that lineup and the size it brings?
J.R.
You say unadulterated hatred. I hear properly channeled distaste, because in my experience playing angry might work in spurts, but will wear you out over a full 48 minutes. Shoot, even half a basketball game would probably be too much. That said, the way your crew was able to stick around with a dwindling roster until the clock struck midnight on Denver was one of the more impressive things I’ve seen in the NBA this year. Watching those Nuggets turning into pumpkins and mice was as enjoyable as it was unexpected.
You say that McDaniels’ defense isn’t best suited for being a perimeter stopper, but I’m going to expect Fox and Castle and Harper to put enough pressure on the Wolves that he’s going to need to spend time out there on the regular, regardless of how much he would prefer to play weak side help.
SACRAMENTO, CA – NOVEMBER 24: Naz Reid #11 and Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves look on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on November 24, 2025 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
As for the lineup you asked about, my primary concern with this series is Randle and Reid wrecking San Antonio from deep when they have the ball, and causing Wemby all kinds of problems as they defend. Honestly, besides Aaron Gordon, Julius probably played the best defense I saw on Victor all season. As for how San Antonio will deal with all that size, that’s the $64,000 question, and I’m so glad it’s being asked.
For so much of the season, Mitch Johnson has allowed the Spurs to play pretty ordinary sets without much imagination or complexity. Or to be more blunt, San Antonio’s offense has often been very straightforward and bordering on elementary. In defense of this strategy, it’s been effective. Why push the team to do more when a basic offense is enough to win? Well, the answer is: the playoffs. They’re here now and Minnesota’s defense and size might be exactly what forces the Spurs to pull out all the stops.
Now I’m not expecting them to start whizzing the ball around the court like the 2014 Spurs, but I wouldn’t complain if they did. Lacking that, I think San Antonio’s offense is at its best when Wemby is off the ball and the team takes advantage of the gravity his vertical threat creates. When teams are terrified of him getting downhill without the ball, or receiving passes anywhere close to the paint without a man bodying him, it opens up space for guys to shoot open threes and gash defenses with aggressive drives and timely cuts. That’s when defenses react to the pressure from the rest of the team such that Wemby gets single-teamed or even forgotten – which is obviously a death sentence.
Which brings me back to Wemby, and this time I won’t ask you to not use him as an answer to your question. With so much of your success against Denver being to attack the rim, and with Wemby being elite at protecting the paint and guarding multiple guys simultaneously, what do you see as the best chance that Minny has to produce points and make San Antonio’s defense uncomfortable?
Thilo
I could take this answer in so many different directions. The answer I want to give, or rather the thing that I think people can’t read about elsewhere, is Rudy Gobert’s impact as a passer on the short roll.
We often think of scoring in the paint as the only way to maximize drives. Either you lay it up or you don’t. Either you dunk it or you’re blocked, and so on.
Gobert has never been one to lay it up confidently, or even dunk it safely. Describing his offensive game as invisible was doing him a kindness for many, many years. When a player’s primary offensive impact is screen assists, you need to be a real basketball degenerate to give him some credit for that side of the ball.
However, a compliment that was once hard to give has now found itself to a more obvious, highlight-worthy place.
Taking a page from his mortal enemy, Draymond Green, Rudy Gobert has evolved not as a play finisher but as a play extender. There was a single play in Game 6 that led to a TJ Shannon three pointer in the right corner that comes to mind.
I think kind of lost in last night's game was the fact that Rudy Gobert had 8 assists.
Gobert was great on the short roll the whole series, which was critical for him to be in this series, given how Denver likes to play Nikola Jokic up the floor, at the level of the screen.… pic.twitter.com/i6eCAxoblY
Pointing out just one play implies that this was a special occurrence, but this happened throughout the series. The worry with Wemby is always as much about rim deterrence as it is actual block numbers. A past version of Gobert would’ve been more willing to flail wildly at the rim in an attempt to draw a foul or do anything once the original plan of “finish the pick and roll” was flushed.
Today’s version of Gobert can rethink and create a new plan.
What does this mean on a larger scale? Improvisation is alive and well in Minnesota. Each player that should be getting rotation minutes for the Wolves has some way to deal with the court ending eight or so feet further from the rim than they are used to.
Jaden McDaniels’ mid range was fantastic in Game 6. TJ Shannon is a blur in transition. Julius Randle has his elbow touches. The list goes on. The playoffs are often about good players losing their favorite options and having to make due with their third or fourth choice.
This is no different.
The “motion offense” has been a bit of a running joke in Wolves circles ever since Chris Finch arrived in Minnesota. As much as higher management has approached roster building, Finch individually has valued one skill above all else: consistency.
Whoever is guarded by Wemby will be responsible for pulling him from the rim. Even moreso, I assume that whoever the Wolves will want to attack on switches will be the target for four of five players on the court. For the Suns in 2024, that player was Devin Booker. Last series, it was Jamal Murray. Against the Spurs? My guess would be DeAaron Fox.
There are so many more questions I’d have, but I’m sure Mitch Johnson reads this, and I don’t want to give away too many answers! We will see how this game turns out!
Tennessee basketball keeps adding to its star-studded transfer portal haul, adding Wake Forest guard Juke Harris on Monday, May 4.
Harris, the No. 2-ranked overall player in the transfer portal in USA TODAY's rankings, averaged 21.4 points with 6.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season on 44.4% shooting. He chose the Vols over Michigan, which he visited, and North Carolina, among others.
Harris is Tennessee's third transfer portal addition inside USA TODAY's top-50 rankings, along with former VCU guard Terrence Hill Jr. (No. 17) and former Notre Dame forward Jalen Haralson (No. 33). The Vols will likely be one of the best offensive teams in the country next season, as they also added Cal transfer Dai Dai Ames (16.9 points per game in 2025-26) and sharpshooter Tyler Lundblade from Belmont (15.6 points per game).
The All-ACC second-team selection was the conference's Most Improved Player last season, and has the longest streak of games (over 35) with 10 or more points in Wake Forest history. His 730 points in 2025-26 were also the second-most in program history.
The Salisbury, North Carolina, native was a four-star recruit in the 2024 recruiting class, tabbed as the No. 88-ranked player and No. 15 shooting guard in the class, per 247Sports' Composite rankings. He visited Tennessee as a high school recruit before choosing Wake Forest.
Harris scored 30 or more points in three games last season, two of which resulted in losses against NC State and Boston College. He scored 38 points in Wake Forest's 68-67 loss to Boston College in February, scoring more than half of the Demon Deacons' points.
Coach Rick Barnes should have his best roster on paper at Tennessee next season, with Harris assuredly being the Vols' go-to scorer.
"Flopping has ruined our game. Joel Embiid is a great player, one of the best bigs in f****** basketball history... [he] flops. He know it. This ain't breaking news."
Playing in four games in the series, Embiid had 37 free throw attempts, a little more than nine a game. He had more total attempts from the stripe than any other 76ers player and everyone on Boston except Brown, who played in all seven games. That alone is not evidence of flopping, it's evidence of Embiid playing a physical style in the paint and attacking the rim with the ball, which leads to drawing fouls.
Brown called out the referees, too, particularly about the offensive foul calls against him, usually for using his off arm to create space (which he did pretty blatantly at times). Brown said on the Twitch stream that he was doing what every other player in the league does.
"That is such the common basketball play, every player does it. So why are you targeting me? They clearly had an agenda, maybe because I spoke, you know I was critical other refs in the regular season... And I've actually spoke to some refs, and they said it was, it was an agenda going into each game, that anytime Jaylen brings his arm up, just from reputation, just call it like But Paul George does the same thing. Jalen Brunson does the same thing. S***, I can go down the list. It's a basketball play."
Brown can expect a fine from the league for that. I would also argue that while a lot of drivers do use their off arm at times, Brown uses his off arm more forcefully — and often — than others to create space.
Yet another push-off that Jaylen Brown got away with & this one directly impacts Joel Embiid…
He was able to luckily stay in the game & seems to be fine, but my hell… Tatum & Brown truly get away with more push-offs than any other players in the entire NBA. Clear as day. pic.twitter.com/YNdfWsmNxL
Ultimately, none of this changes the fact that Brown had an All-NBA season, his best as a pro, nor does it change the fact that his Celtics got bounced from the playoffs much earlier than expected.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout!
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review!
Sign Up Now atimg src="https://img.covers.com/betting/sportsbooks/2/bet365.svg" alt="bet365" width="100" height="28" style="vertical-align: middle;"
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Timberwolves Game 1 computer picks
Rudy Gobert Over 8.5 points (+100)
Projection: 10.81 points
This number is plus money because of Victor Wembanyama, and he's also the reason this is a five-star play with a 26.57% EV edge. Rudy Gobert will see plenty of minutes in this series to try to contain Wemby, and that time on the floor will naturally result in more shots.
Nine points is not asking a lot, as Gobert cleared this line three times vs. Denver.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet gobert Now at bet365!/span
Naz Reid Over 12.5 points (-110)
Projection: 12.58 points
Naz Reid is one of the best bench players in the NBA, and he'll be able to go to work against the San Antonio Spurs' bench unit. Reid is fresh off a 15-point performance in Game 7, and he'll carry that shooting stroke into Game 1.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet reid Now at bet365!/span
Julius Randle Over 18.5 points (-120)
Projection: 19.50 points
Julius Randle's Game 1 points total is right around what he averaged against the Nuggets in Round 1. Anthony Edwards' status remains questionable, meaning several shots are still up for grabs.
Randle will get more than enough shots to reach 19 points.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet randle Now at bet365!/span
Spurs Game 1 computer picks
Dylan Harper Over 9.5 points (-120)
Projection: 11.70 points
Dylan Harper balled out against Portland, averaging 12.6 points per game on 56% shooting. It's no surprise this prop is showing a 23.76% EV edge. Harper is trusted to lead the Spurs' bench unit, and our model suggests he'll do that to perfection again tonight.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet harper Now at bet365!/span
De'Aaron Fox Over 17.5 points (-112)
Projection: 20.26 points
De'Aaron Fox has awakened. The point guard cleared this line in three of the five outings against the Blazers, finishing with 17 in the other two.
Fox should put up plenty more points tonight, which is why this is the third five-star play according to our model.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet fox Now at bet365!/span
Julian Champagnie Over 8.5 points (-112)
Projection: 10.34 points
Julian Champagnie's job gets a whole lot easier when Wemby is on the floor. The wing just needs to knock down his catch-and-shoot threes, and he'll clear this line with little resistance.
span style="font-size: 14px;"🔥/span spanBet champagnie Now at bet365!/span
How to watch Timberwolves vs Spurs Game 1
Location
Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX
Date
Monday, May 4, 2026
Tip-off
9:30 p.m. ET
TV
NBC/Peacock
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
UPDATE: Added a prediction for who will win tonight.
The Detroit Pistons and the Cleveland Cavaliers struggled in their own ways to advance, but here we are, with Game 1 set for May 5.
My Cavaliers vs. Pistons predictions and NBA picks expect Jarrett Allen to struggle to grab rebounds in the series opener.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 1 prediction
Who will win Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 1?
Pistons: You cannot cite the wear-and-tear of a seven-game series for any edge when both teams played a Game 7 on Sunday. But one does wonder if Detroit’s three straight wins to prevail in the first round were a reflection of something greater, of a better understanding of the postseason.
Trust the momentum when combined with home court on short notice.
Cavaliers vs Pistons best bet: Jarrett Allen Under 7.5 rebounds (+100)
Jarrett Allen’s Round 1 numbers were inflated by two astounding performances. In the other five games, he failed to clear this very modest rebounding prop.
The Cleveland Cavaliers ranked only No. 11 in the NBA following the All-Star Break in defensive rebounding percentage, very notable against the Detroit Pistons, the No. 3 offensive rebounding team in that time. Detroit is led by Jalen Duren’s relentlessness on the offensive glass.
A few extra Duren offensive boards should cut directly into Allen’s total, particularly since Allen managed only five total offensive rebounds in the five games last round, he fell short of this conservative number.
COVERS INTEL: Allen fell short of this prop in two of his three games against the Pistons this season, grabbing as few as three rebounds in their most recent matchup.
Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 1 same-game parlay
Allen’s and Cleveland’s overall struggle on the defensive glass should come specifically to Duren’s benefit. He lived on the offensive glass against the Magic, grabbing at least four offensive boards in five of those seven games and at least five in the last three games, all Pistons wins.
When finding five offensive rebounds, double-digit boards becomes exceedingly likely.
And combining a rebounding edge with homecourt advantage should assure Detroit of a Game 1 win.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP
Jarrett Allen Under 7.5 rebounds
Jalen Duren Over 9.5 rebounds
Pistons moneyline
Our "from downtown" SGP: Duren's dichotomy
Perhaps it should be considered impressive. Despite grabbing at least four offensive rebounds in five of the seven games in the first round, Duren scored more than 12 points just once, when he topped out at 15 points in Game 7. He is not turning those boards into points, thus creating value in a rather counterintuitive same-game parlay.
Cavaliers vs Pistons SGP
Jarrett Allen Under 7.5 rebounds
Jalen Duren Over 9.5 rebounds
Jalen Duren Under 15.5 points
Pistons -3
Cavaliers vs Pistons odds for Game 1
Spread: Cavaliers +3 | Pistons -3
Moneyline: Cavaliers +130 | Pistons -155
Over/Under: Over 215.5 | Under 215.5
Cavaliers vs Pistons betting trend to know
Five of Cleveland’s seven first-round games went Over their totals, including the last three. Find more NBA betting trends for Cavaliers vs. Pistons.
How to watch Cavaliers vs Pistons Game 1
Location
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI
Date
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
NBCSN/Peacock
Cavaliers vs Pistons latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA. Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers players on the bench react after a basket by Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James (23, not shown) against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images
As normal, it’s been a while since we’ve had a mailbag. And I won’t make any promises of it returning with any regularity, particularly with the chaotic schedule coming up for the Lakers this series, but let’s have some fun and ask some questions!
We’re going to have a quick turnaround on this one with the answers coming on Tuesday afternoon prior to Game 1. So, if you have any questions about the upcoming Lakers-Thunder series, fire away.
Similarly, if you have any thoughts or questions about the rest of the NBA playoffs so far — of which the Nuggets and Celtics are no longer part of, notably — then send those, too. And lastly, the WNBA season is set to kick off this weekend, so fire those in as well if you have them.
Is the tanking man a sucker? We’ll know in about a week. The NBA lottery is just a few days away, and we’re nervous as ever in Brooklyn. At the same time, a few ex-Nets are making noise in the NBA playoffs while the Liberty are gearing up for a title run of their own. Lucas Kaplan rejoins the show to talk us through it all!
In this episode of The Brooklyn with Pooch & Collin, we touch on:
How a handful of ex-Nets are looking in the playoffs
The importance of landing a top pick (duh, right?)
What to expect from the New York Liberty this year
The Minnesota Timberwolves are about to embark on their climb over Mount Wembanyama. Before things tip off, let’s take a look at the 56 voters and their predictions on the series in…
(Note: Canis Pulsus Vol. 49 data was collected through 5/4)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 15: Victor Wembanyama #1 of World Team and Anthony Edwards #5 of the USA Stars Team go up for the opening tip off during the 75th NBA All-Star Game as part of NBA All-Star Weekend on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Atiba Jefferson/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
What will be the result of round two vs San Antonio Spurs matchup?
Wolves in 6 (28.6%)
About 20% of voters went with Wolves in seven so I think it’s safe to say that you all know ball. No one picked Wolves in a sweep against the Spurs, but over 63% of you were Raised by Wolves. Anthony Edwards’ return will have a huge impact on how this series goes, but it’ll be intriguing either way.
Full voting results:
The key for the Timberwolves to defeat the Spurs is…
Physical defense and Julius Randle
The main two themes from the various answers to this question were playing hardnosed, physical defense, as the play of Julius Randle. If there’s one word to describe Randle as a basketball player, it’s physical. Now is Julius going to be the head of the snake on the defensive end? Certainly not. But many Wolves talking heads have zeroed in on his opportunity on both ends of the court.
Other answers here include perimeter shooting, Ant’s return to form, and “stopping guard penetration.” (SMUT)
My hot take from the Wolves-Spurs series is…
Julius is going to steal Wemby’s underpants
You might have missed it, but “someone” allegedly jacked the ol’ undergarments of Nikola Jokić after their dramatic game four loss. It must’ve worked because the Wolves won the series. Can they pull off the same miracle for a very different size and shaped underwear?
There were certainly some fun ones in the answer pool here too:
Sorry, I don’t really know ball
Beringer will get meaningful minutes in 1 game
Alien crashes
Conley, TJ, Julius and Jaden will each win the Wolves a game
This is the last time we see Julius in a Wolves uniform
Wolves will avoid meltdowns
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 30: Terrence Shannon Jr. #1 and Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves are interviewed after defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-98 in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 30, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Timberwolves season will be a success if…
It’s already a success (40%)
Almost half of our voters felt that this season was already a success, and it’s hard to disagree with that considering the barrel they were staring down in the first round. Underdogs, homecourt disadvantage, injuries out the ying yang, the list goes on. The best part of this mindset is that no matter what the Wolves do now, they can only go up! Right?
Full voting results:
With the regular season over, my feelings on the direction of the Timberwolves are…
I was surprised to see optimism wan just a little bit after Minnesota eliminated Denver. That said, overly 80% of voters were optimistic which is much higher than the nice 69% of voters heading into the post season. To the moon!
Full voting results:
We’ll see if Wolves fans overestimated their playoff opponent against this round. Regardless, the receipts are in and the check will come due soon enough. I think I’m doing that analogy wrong, but whatever. Wolves in 4.
COVERS INTEL: Los Angeles had far fewer worries against Houston’s offense, 
Timberwolves
Spurs
