PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 16: Owner Mat Ishbia of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a press conference introducing Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns on February 16, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2022 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns duo of Mat Ishbia and Brian Gregory held a press conference in the Suns’ practice facility on Thursday. They discussed the team’s evolution, the overall progress made, and thanked the Suns fan base for their unwavering support.
Coming off a summer where they traded one of the world’s greatest scorers, the expectations for the Suns were low. Very low. Ishbia did not forget that and was proud to take some (deserved) victory laps. We heard them talk the talk all summer long, and boy, was it refreshing to see them walk the walk with the results.
It’s easy to feel disappointed after getting swept. It’s human nature. But even with how things ended, it’s clear that last season was a success and a step in the right direction, given the expectations.
Mat Ishbia: We’re not done, and Booker is not getting traded.
This is just the beginning, according to Mat Ishbia. The general feel was they were pleased with how the season went, but they are hungry to keep this thing growing. It’s a process.
Ishbia reaffirmed the job that Brian Gregory has done since stepping into his GM role, despite being a relative “unknown” in the NBA world from an experience perspective.
On the prospect of trading Devin Booker: “Devin Booker is our franchise player. I love Devin Booker. Devin Booker loves being here. Our coach loves Devin Booker. Our GM loves Devin Booker. Devin Booker is going to be here. Devin Booker is going to lead us to a championship here in Phoenix. That’s what he’s going to do, and we’re going to build the right team around him. He’s going to get better, just like I’m going to get better, just like everyone is going to get better in our organization,” Ishbia said.
He is going for the SEO titling strategy with the number of times he mentioned Devin Booker in that answer.
He made sure to make that point loud and clear to kill that rumor before it gained any (legitimate) legs. We all know the national talking heads will need clicks and run the Devin Booker trade tour all summer long, but it was made as clear as day. Devin Booker is not going anywhere.
Mat Ishbia shuts down Devin Booker trade speculation:
On the series vs. the Thunder: “I think what was great about watching our team and coach Ott is that Game 1 was not great. Game 2 was better. Game 3 was better. And Game 4, I mean, Games 3/4 we played really good basketball.”
Brian Gregory: We outperformed, and we are…aligned.
First-year general manager Brian Gregory went after Ishbia and said he felt they “outperformed” every situation and challenge they faced this season.
Gregory started by tipping the cap to the players, “embracing the culture” and doing what it took to be all-in on their vision of the Suns’ desired “DNA” entering the season.
Suns GM Brian Gregory said Suns "outperformed" every situation they faced this season.
The question many will ask about the future of the Suns all offseason long will revolve around the fit of Booker, Brooks, and Green as the pillars. While that’s the politically correct way to go about this, I think it’s fair for the Suns to explore all options in balancing the roster this offseason, and any significant move likely starts with Jalen Green from a contract and “position overlap” standpoint.
When it comes to the offensive balance between Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green, Brian Gregory "100%" believes they can figure it out with more time next year. Said all 3 will get better this year and have the ability to be "self-aware and self-critical."
Ishbia went on Burns and Gambo to confirm a lot of what he said earlier and double down on his take that Devin Booker is capable of leading the Phoenix Suns to a championship.
Suns owner Mat Ishbia is confident that Devin Booker "is capable of being the best player on a championship team, and he's going to be that here in Phoenix with us."
Ishbia also went on a brief hockey tangent: “This is a four-sport town, and disappointed that we don’t have hockey here,” he said. “I support having hockey here in any way I can. I don’t have really control over that right now, but I do like hockey, and I hope Phoenix gets hockey back.
Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) reacts to a play against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
There are many fans who believe the Sixers are cursed — and the evidence is fairly convincing.
Between injuries, guys forgetting how to shoot, front office drama and scandals, point guard holdouts, crushing playoff defeats and everything in between, it does feel like an otherworldly force has been against them in the Joel Embiid era. No championships in over 40 years. No Finals appearances in 25 years. There’s only so much a fanbase can take before it starts drawing supernatural conclusions.
But curses are meant to be broken. Sure, it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. It takes seismic shifts in both execution and luck.
For the Sixers, the early stages of that shift might have started on draft night in 2020, when they took a young guard out of Kentucky named Tyrese Maxey. Nearly six years later, Maxey’s imprint on the franchise has been indelible.
His talent and leadership are big reasons the Sixers were able to force a Game 7 in Boston this Saturday with a dominant win over the Celtics in Game 6 in Philly on Thursday.
After the Sixers staved off elimination in Game 5 on the road, Maxey was ready to get back to Philly. He was on a mission to make amends for the team’s no-show in Game 4 at Xfinity Mobile Arena, calling that performance a “disgrace” and “unacceptable.”
Well, the fans got everything they could ask for in Game 6.
“Fans were amazing, man,” Maxey said. “They showed up and they showed out, so we appreciate them for that. I feel like they deserved the win and we came through.”
The team played about as well as Sixers fans’ wildest dreams could’ve conjured, but Maxey was exceptional Thursday night.
He scored 30 points on an efficient 11-of-22 from the field and 3-of-5 from three. He also dished out five assists and, mostly impressively, committed zero turnovers. It was about as clean and impactful a game as we’ve seen from a point guard around these parts.
In fact, Maxey now has the most 30-point games with zero turnovers by a point guard in NBA postseason history. He’s also the first Sixer to record 30 points, five assists and zero turnovers in a playoff game since Julius Erving back in 1982.
Maxey hasn’t been perfect, but he’s gotten better as the series has gone on. He’s seen how Boston is defending him and finding ways to manipulate their defense, as stars tend to do. The presence of Joel Embiid has helped a great deal, but Maxey is also proving he’s too good to be held down for long.
While there was an adjustment period reintegrating the big fella, Maxey is operating at a high level right now.
“It’s a completely different game for him,” Nick Nurse said postgame. “I think there’s so much more reading of what’s there. Is it time for him to go? Is it time for him to shoot? Is it time for him to go downhill? Is it too much help? Is it time to kick it back? … So I think he’s processing that better with some more games. And I do think he did a great job, again, of directing the team.”
The offensive production is tremendous and necessary, but Maxey has proven to be a complete player in this series.
There’s no denying defense was a weak spot for Maxey coming into the league. As he’s gotten stronger and gained experience, he’s vastly improved on that end of the floor. In years past, players like Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum could hunt Maxey and profit. They’ve sure tried in this series, but Maxey has been up to the task. There was even a play where Maxey wound up on Brown and Kelly Oubre Jr., who’s done a nice job on Brown most of the series, came to help. It led to an open three — and Maxey yelling at Oubre for helping.
In Game 5, Maxey pulled down a team-high 10 rebounds. When asked about it after the game, he said he was simply tired of watching the Celtics swarm the offensive glass and did something about it.
That’s leadership. That’s how you break a curse.
But the biggest opportunity to do so comes against the Boston Celtics, a team the Sixers haven’t defeated in the playoffs in over 40 years, in Game 7 Saturday.
“I believe in the group,” Maxey said. “We’ve been through a lot of adversity this year, last year and it’s a tough group, man. We don’t quit, we don’t give up and we really like each other and enjoy being around each other and enjoy seeing each other successful.”
Maxey’s postgame presser was a bit subdued. Known for his infectious smile and joy for the game, Maxey was business-like. You would never know he just dropped 30 points in a huge home playoff win. He appeared unburdened by the team’s previous missteps, let alone mindful of any curses.
His focus seemed singular — get ready for Game 7.
“Just got to go out there with the right mindset,” he said. “It’s going to be a dogfight, most definitely. It’s going to be fun. Just got to go out there and play as hard as we possibly can. That’s it, man. Just go out there and leave it all out on the floor.”
Apr 29, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden (1) in the fourth quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images | David Richard-Imagn Images
Today, there are three NBA games, but all are on Prime video.
Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic, 7 p.m. ET
Cleveland Cavaliers at Toronto Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Lakers at Houston Rockets, 9:30 p.m. ET
BOSTON, MA - APRIL 28: The sneakers worn by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Round One Game Six of the 2026 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2026 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
BOSTON — The Celtics will be at full strength when they face the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night for Game 7. Jayson Tatum, who did not play in the final 15 minutes of Game 6, is not on the injury report.
Tatum exited the game with four minutes left in the third quarter and briefly headed to the locker room with his trainer, Nick Sang. Tatum returned with ice around his left calf, the opposite leg from the one he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in last May. He spent most of the fourth quarter on an exercise bike in the tunnel.
“You guys probably saw when I went to the back, saw me on the bike, my leg just was a little stiff when I came out in the third quarter,” Tatum said. “But just kind of assessing the moment, the game was a little out of reach.”
Tatum said after Game 6 that he expected to play in Game 7.
“I expect to play,” Tatum said. “It was my other leg, not the one I injured last year. I mean, I wasn’t like overly concerned. Shit, I came out at four minutes, like I was supposed to. Just kind of assessed the game — he took the starters out fairly early in the fourth quarter.”
In a conference call with reporters on Friday afternoon, Joe Mazzulla confirmed that Tatum would play.
“He said he’s playing, right?” Mazzulla said. “He’ll play.”
Tatum has averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across 6 games this season, shooting 41.1% from the field and 32.9% from three.
Celtics-76ers tips off at 7:30pm ET on Saturday night at TD Garden.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after being called for a foul during the second quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
I thought this post from Beeeater58 in The Feed was well done and timely.
Agree with the sentiment about expectations. The Celtics won fewer games this year than they did the prior year (coming off a title), but it was so much more fun because we didn’t have expectations. Then we won all those games that we weren’t expected to and Tatum returned and suddenly everyone’s looking at us like the favorites to win the East (something I believed myself). I think that’s what makes it hurt even more. The highs of expectation followed by the disappointment after losses.
I wonder how much of the weight of expectations caused the players to tighten up and get away from their normal style.
Still time to pull this out and get their groove back, but it has been a humbling first round thus far.
The Orlando Magic are on the brink of advancing and they'll look to get it done at home as our NBA player prop projections are all locked & loaded for Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons, with the model highlighting several high-value spots.
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 1.
Pistons vs Magic computer picks for Game 6
Pistons
Magic
Duren o13.5 points -120
Banchero o23.5 points -108
Cunningham o8.5 assists -125
Suggs o4.5 assists -107
Robinson u2.5 3-pointers -150
Carter Jr. u8.5 rebounds -130
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Pistons Game 6 computer picks
Jalen Duren Over 13.5 points (-120)
Projection: 16.68 points
The Detroit Pistons should see more opportunities against the Orlando Magic, which has played at the fifth-fastest pace over the last 15 games.
If Jalen Duren doesn’t capitalize on the glass, he’ll need to make up for it with increased offensive production to help Detroit avoid elimination.
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Cade Cunningham Over 8.5 assists (-125)
Projection: 9.2 assists
For the Pistons to stay alive in this series, they’ll need Cade Cunningham to do it all — score efficiently and create for others.
He’s cleared this assists line in two games already, and he’ll likely need to elevate his playmaking even further to get there again.
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Duncan Robinson Under 2.5 3-pointers (-150)
Projection: 2.35 3-pointers
The matchup against Orlando is a tough spot for three-point volume. At home, the Magic allow the 7th-fewest attempts per game to opposing starting shooting guards (5.2), and Duncan Robinson has been inconsistent from deep on the road in this series.
In Orlando, he shot 42.9% from three in Game 3 before dropping to 16.1% in Game 4. Even after a stronger showing in Game 5, the trend points toward another potential downturn from beyond the arc.
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Magic Game 6 computer picks
Paolo Banchero Over 23.5 points (-108)
Projection: 24.3 points
The Magic should see more scoring chances against a Pistons team that’s played at the 10th-fastest pace over its last five games, and in a high-stakes Game 6, Paolo Banchero’s free-throw shooting could be a key factor to take this points prop to the Over.
Opposing starting power forwards have averaged 5.0 free throw attempts per game against Detroit over the last 10 games (6th-most in the NBA), showing they’re drawing fouls consistently. The opportunity is there for Banchero — he’ll just need to convert at the line to steady his production after a shaky stretch in this series.
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Jalen Suggs Over 4.5 assists (-107)
Projection: 5.47 assists
Jalen Suggs will need to elevate his playmaking to help Orlando close out the series tonight. He’s hovered near this assists line throughout most of the matchup, clearing it only in Game 5.
With everything on the line, expect Suggs to do whatever it takes to help the Magic punch their ticket to the next round.
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Wendell Carter Jr. Under 8.5 rebounds (-130)
Projection: 8.0 rebounds
When Wendell Carter Jr. has controlled the glass, the Magic have usually come out on top.
He narrowly missed this rebounds line in Game 1, but if he’s near it again, Orlando will likely benefit from his ability to create extra possessions on the boards.
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How to watch Pistons vs Magic Game 6
Location
Kia Center, Orlando, FL
Date
Friday, May 1, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
Prime Video
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 28: Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks reacts during the second half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City. The Knicks won 126-97. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks have gone to six games in the first round in each of the last three seasons, but not all six-game playoff series are created equally.
While the Sixers and Pistons fought tooth and nail for all six games (especially Detroit), there are six-game series that aren’t as competitive as it sounds.
This was certainly that series.
Here are some stats. Do with them what you will:
The Knicks outscored the Hawks by 105 points in this series. It’s the most lopsided six-game series in NBA history.
The Hawks’ starting lineup had a +20.3 net rating in 391 regular-season minutes, the second-best high-usage lineup in the NBA. In this series? -14.4 in 86 minutes.
The series had a +18.1 net rating. LOL.
It was the third time this year the Knicks won a game by at least 49. In the first 79 seasons in franchise history, the largest margin of victory was 48 points.
In the two games the Knicks lost, they either were tied or had the lead in the final minute.
In 288 minutes in this series, the Knicks trailed for just 48:49. Outside of Game 3, the Hawks led for just 8:20 across the other five games. In total, Atlanta held a lead for just 17% of this series.
The Knicks held a 10+ point lead for 129:25, or 45% of the series.
The Knicks held a 20+ point lead for 56:29, or 19.6% of the series.
The Knicks spent more time with a 20+ point lead than they did trailing in a six-game series.
Game 6 was one of the most baffling blowouts I’ve ever witnessed. I was busy in the second half, and I worried about a close game turning my night into a worrisome mess, but it was over well before I turned the game off. Even better, the Celtics and Sixers are bogged down in a Game 7 on Saturday for the right to face the Knicks on Monday.
But enough about how jaw-dropping Game 6 specifically was. This is about something different.
After Game 3, the vibes were rancid. I don’t need to go too in-depth on how we felt at that moment, but the vultures were circling on the entire franchise. There was also a certain vibe heading into Game 4.
“Jalen Brunson is being exposed by Dyson Daniels.” “CJ McCollum is the next great Knicks villain.” “Mikal Bridges is soft.” “Quin Snyder is coaching circles around Mike Brown.” “Even if they get through this series, the Knicks will get smacked by Boston in Round 2.”
There’s a million other quotes I could pull, but it was all falling apart. CJ McCollum looked like the Black Mamba, for crying out loud. The 2024-25 Clutch Player of the Year was torpedoing the team in the final two minutes. Everything was just awful.
And then the Knicks beat the Hawks in each of the next three games by a combined 94 points. They practically spent 90% of the final three games with a 15-point lead. It was never, ever competitive after the buzzer sounded on Game 3.
What the hell happened?
Aside from the Hawks being complete and total fools’ gold, what happened was that a lion stopped playing with its food. Don’t believe me? Look at the stylistic changes after Game 3:
Mike Brown played lineups without Brunson or Towns (excluding garbage time) for 22:47 across the first three games. The final three games? 3:15.
After three games of Brunson trying to get his game off on Dyson Daniels, the Knicks moved to a more KAT-centric offense… until Daniels switched onto him, in which case Brunson took over again.
No longer did the Knicks allow McCollum to get easy switches onto Brunson. They threw a variety of bodies at him, from Josh Hart to Mikal Bridges to Jose Alvarado.
The defensive intensity. Not easy to quantify, but just watch the highlights and you’ll see.
Would a sweep have been more satisfying? Absolutely, nobody wants to deal with stress in the first round. But this wasn’t a typical six-game series. As much as you never quite felt safe until the very end, there was never a doubt in the world.
As soon as Game 3 ended, with the reports of emotions pouring out in the locker room, a switch flipped. It was exactly what the Knicks needed.
We know how inconsistent this team is. They went from looking like contenders to playing the worst defense in the sport for over a month before finishing the year with the second-best defensive rating in the final three months. We know they tend to sulk into bad habits. We know that the consequence of having a coach like Mike Brown, hired to be a stark difference to Tom Thibodeau, will trust his bench way too much.
After Game 3, the bench was tightened, the defensive scheme was shifted, the physicality increased, and the Knicks resembled a boa constrictor tightening around the entire city of Atlanta’s neck. No more Trae Young, no more 2021, this is the legacy of Knicks-Hawks now. Big difference between the way both teams act: rolling the dice on the Hawks logo at halftime wouldn’t have been disrespectful enough. That performance warrants a dump on that logo. Take notes, Rayford.
Those McCollum heroics gave them the kick in the ass they needed. And if they get to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, we’ll have him and the Hawks to thank.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game 6 was a dream I never want to wake up from. As the Sixers have forced a Game 7 in Boston against the heavily favored Celtics, I’ll share a new “5 Sixers thoughts” column with you all…
My Paul George apology form
I hated the Paul George contract before the ink even dried on it. I hated how the last two seasons had transpired for the Sixers, with the signing of the aging, over-the-hill former superstar being emblematic of it all. He appeared as fraudulent of a “third star” as there ever was.
Well, over the Sixers’ last two wins against the Celtics, George has been the two-way beast he was during his prime. George, who will turn 36 on Saturday for Game 7, has been a smothering presence defensively while shooting a whopping 54.3 percent on three-pointers in the series overall. This is the “Playoff P” who I’ve cracked jokes about for so long!
Another performance like this from George in a birthday Game 7 win will have him going down as premier 21st century playoff Sixer. It’s wild even typing that!
I can’t believe Sixers basketball has ever looked this smooth
This sequence is like the Industrial Revolution, but for Sixers playoff basketball:
This might be the best sequence of Sixers basketball I've seen in recent memory. Euphoric.
It has never looked that easy. What am I watching? Are the Sixers actually peaking at the perfect time with a previously omnipotent opponent’s ship starting to leak? The last few days have been a godsend for a fan base that’s been kicked in the teeth for far too long.
The decision to go away from the black uniforms was wise
The Sixers, before the playoffs began, announced that they would be wearing their beloved Allen Iverson-era throwback black uniforms for every home postseason game. After losing a thriller in Game 3 and getting rocked in Game 4, however, that plan went out the window. With the Sixers winning Game 2 and Game 5 in Boston in their classic white uniforms, the team made the switch and went with them for Game 6 at home. Superstitious? Just riding the wave? Whatever it may be, it worked on Thursday.
I’ve long been a proponent of the old-school concept of home teams always wearing white in the NBA. If the Sixers can be victorious in Game 7 and advance to the second round against New York, they should keep up with this vibe until it stops working.
I’ve seen enough Payton Pritchard for a lifetime
A new villain emerges every Philadelphia sports playoff run and the latest is Payton Pritchard. The Celtics guard’s penchant for last-second, clutch shot-making has made him the player I’ve screamed at the TV about the most over the first six games this series. Every three he hoists feels like it’s going in. A 1-for-8 shooting night from deep in Game 6, however, had me elated. Another off game like that from Pritchard and the Celtics’ bench marksmen would do a whole host of good for the Sixers’ chances of nabbing a Game 7 win.
Even so, after Saturday night, I never want to see Pritchard go against the Sixers in the postseason ever again.
Going the distance
I can be quite tongue-in-cheek when it comes to my Sixers fandom, but I am living and dying with this series. The team has not advanced beyond the second round of the playoffs in a quarter of a century. I’ve been writing on and off this Sixers blog legitimately since I was a junior in college. I have dedicated immense mental bandwidth to this franchise that has provided very little return on investment. That’s the nature of sports, so it is what it is.
I know it would be pathetic to say about a mere first-round series, but, sheesh, I have only faint memories of Allen Iverson’s 2001 Finals run, so this legitimately might be the greatest moment of my life watching the Sixers if they can win Game 7 in Boston. With the way that Embiid has missed time with appendicitis, with how infuriated I’ve been with both Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse and, frankly, how disillusioned I’ve been with the failed promises of the Process, stealing yet another game in Boston would be downright cathartic.
I didn’t think the Sixers had it in them to win both Game 6 and Game 7 heading into Thursday night, but screw it. Let’s go for the throat. I have been adhering to the “house money” sentiment and I want the Celtics to sweat out every single one of the 48 minutes remaining in the series if the Sixers aren’t going to beat them outright, but I would love nothing more in this world than upsetting Boston one last time this spring.
He has a longer rope than almost any NBA player. This is perhaps the best player in NBA history. He’s got this writer’s vote, and this writer can vaguely recall Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls, so…
Well, unless you’re in your late 70s, you don’t recall Bill Russell’s prime anyway.
Let’s stick to the present. LeBron James gave Reed Sheppard a little shove in the last Rockets-Lakers game. Nobody flinched. Consider it a badge of honor for the young guard. If Sheppard was bothered, it didn’t show:
He proceeded to win the game for the Rockets.
It was a redemptive arc. Sheppard has been, to use technical language, not good in the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs.
Ime Udoka needs to trust him anyway.
Rockets need to lean on Sheppard
It’s been a season-long story. The Rockets have a desperate need for shooting and ball-handling. Sheppard provides plenty of the former…and more of the latter than Josh Okogie.
Yet, it’s not offense that has limited Sheppard’s opportunities. It’s the other end of the floor. Sheppard is a short guard. He is an undeniable liability on defense.
Udoka needs to play him anyway.
If anything, this series is a golden opportunity to test Sheppard’s postseason meddle (side note: Does anyone use the word “meddle” unless it’s being tested?). The Lakers are not exactly flush with guards whom he can’t handle. Amen Thompson has been dealing with Luke Kennard. Austin Reaves is currently something closer to The Ghost of Austin Reaves, and time will tell whether he can get right in Game Six. Marcus Smart is, and always has been, Marcus Smart.
Granted, postseason defense is not generally as simple as man-to-man. The Lakers have been hunting Sheppard, and rightly so. They’ll screen their way to a James crossmatch all night.
OK. How’s that working out? In Game Five, the Lakers scored a whopping 93 points. Thompson finally took Kennard out of the game. Reaves was rusty. The Rockets dared James to shoot. He won’t go 0/6 from deep regularly, but turning James into a shooter has always been the optimal strategy, and like lemonade’s status as a popular drink, it still is.
Simply put, without Luka Doncic, the Lakers just don’t have that much juice (or lemonade for the sake of thematic consistency). Their 107.6 Offensive Rating through this series is 12th out of 15 playoff teams. The issue is that the Rockets’ 9th-place 109.4 rating isn’t much better.
Let’s take a sidebar to talk about Ime Udoka. Frankly, the pendulum has swung too far in the negative direction. Udoka’s offensive playbook is relatively rudimentary, but results-wise, what he’s done with this team is ultimately commendable.
But dear God, the man is stubborn. When it comes to defense, Udoka is like an obsessive dictator. Were those 93 points too many? Udoka wants what, 85-73 victories? Are we recreating the Spurs/Pistons Finals? Adam Silver will not like that. He may change the rules to outlaw defending shots within three feet.
So, why not try to score a few more points?
Rockets’ offense needs Sheppard
To be clear, this isn’t a harsh criticism of Udoka. Sheppard is averaging 31.2 minutes per game in this series. All that’s being suggested here is that he needs to be on the floor during any pivotal moment in Game Six (and hopefully, Game Seven).
More to the point, Sheppard has struggled to shoot the ball in this series. Yet, the offense hums when he’s on the floor. Sheppard is a better point guard than Amen Thompson, and the mere threat of his shooting changes the way the Lakers play defense. Relying on Sheppard gives the Rockets the best chance at making history and completing the first 0-3 comeback in NBA history.
Yet, there’s a bigger picture reason to play Sheppard. He’s 21. If he’s part of the future, he needs these reps. If he’s trade fodder, he needs to showcase his value.
If the data and eye test alike didn’t suggest that Sheppard is helping the Rockets win, that argument would not hold water. If the Rockets had acquired a point guard at the deadline, it’s possible that they’d be better off playing that point guard. They do, and they didn’t, so in Game Six, Udoka needs to put his full trust in Sheppard.
Jan 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) and guard Jaden Bradley (0) celebrate a win against the Arizona State Sun Devils at the end of the game at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images
Through graduation and early entry, Arizona has six players from the Final Four team eligible for the 2026 NBA Draft. And four of them are on the list of invitees to the annual NBA Draft Combine.
Seniors Tobe Awaka and Jaden Bradley and freshmen Brayden Burries and Koa Peat are among the 73 players invited to the combine, set for May 10-17 in Chicago. Also invited are ex-UA players Kylan Boswell and Henri Veesaar, who finished their college careers at Illinois and North Carolina, respectively.
An invite to the combine is usually a strong indication of whether NBA scouts consider a player worthy of being taken in two-round draft, which is set for June 23. Last year Carter Bryant was the only player with UA ties invited to the combine, and he ended up going 14th overall to the San Antonio Spurs, while Bradley went through the draft process but returned to Arizona for his senior season.
The deadline to withdraw from the draft and return to college is May 27, and according to ESPN some NBA scouts view Peat as a player who may end up coming back despite currently being projected as a late first-round pick.
Burries and Peat were among the 71 college players with eligibility remaining who declared for the draft, of which more than 20 didn’t get invites to the main combine. Many will participate in a G League combine, which provides the opportunity for a few to also get an invite to the second combine.
One ex-Wildcat that didn’t make the cut for either list was guard Anthony Dell’Orso, who is likely to play overseas and figures to end up back in his native Australia.
Apr 30, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives against Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
While the Sixers went into their round one series against the Boston Celtics not knowing whether Joel Embiid would be available for it, they did have something they haven’t in their previous three playoff matchups against Boston: wings to throw at their stars.
Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. possess enough length, speed and strength to hang with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Not having formidable defenders to throw at those two is what’s made Boston a matchup nightmare in years past, and that difference is a big part of what’s helped the Sixers come back to even up the series at 3-3.
The big adjustment the Sixers have made defensively is cutting down on over helping. Fewer double teams on drives has given the Celtics fewer opportunities to kick out to open threes. That starts with being able to stay in front of your man 1-on-1, and George has done a phenomenal job leading that effort.
“Those two guys are great wings and he’s got a battle every possession,” Nick Nurse said of George after Game 6. “They’re scoring, they are, but he’s making them really work for it.”
When asked specifically how they’ve been able to limit the drive and kicks, George didn’t want to give anything away — that’s for Boston to figure out watching film. He did get into the challenges of guarding the Jays and what he’s trying to do against them.
“Jayson and JB is as good as it gets,” George said. “They’re going to make tough shots, they’re going to challenge me, they’re gonna make me look bad at moments, they’re gonna embarrass me at moments, but I enjoy the matches, I enjoy the challenges. My whole career, I’ve always been excited on the defensive end.”
That excitement has been noticed by his teammates throughout the series. After Game 6, Tyrese Maxey said that George has been a great voice and leader in the locker room.
“Once he came back from his 25 games [suspension] he had a mission,” Maxey said, “and I think he’s accomplishing that mission, and he’s been really good. And we appreciate him and appreciate his sacrifice. He’s done a great job.”
Not only has George’s defense given the Sixers a fighting chance since the beginning of the series, but he’s helped unlock the offense as his shot continues to fall. He had his highest scoring game of the series, dropping 23 in Game 6, thanks in large part to going 5-of-9 from three-point range.
After the game, Nurse said he felt he’s seen George get more confident offensively every game of the series. They very much needed that to be the case after George only attempted eight shots in Game 1.
“I tell people I’ve just been gifted to score and be able to have a smoothness on the offensive end,” George said, “but defensively, I’ve always appreciated that side of the ball.”
The max contract the Sixers doled out has opened George up to a lot of criticism. The knock being that on the best version of this team, he’s a souped-up role player. Game 6 showed that when he, along with Maxey and Embiid, are rolling, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“When I first came here, I told them I’ll get the stops that we need,” George said. “I was more than fine coming here to be the third option and allowing those guys to be themselves offensively.”
Between a 24-win season and a 3-1 series deficit, it took a long time for the Sixers’ signing of George to bear any fruit. There’s still no guarantee they complete the comeback and have a playoff series win to show for it.
But even if the Celtics prevail, George has at least shown to be the player the Sixers paid for two summers ago.
The Philadelphia 76ers have clamped down on the Boston Celtics the past two games, keeping Boston from the offensive glass while getting in the shorts of the C’s star players.
No matter what, the Celtics have a bad habit of sticking to their 3-point plan, and they’re dying on the perimeter. With Joel Embiid beating up Boston inside, Game 7 is going to be a lot closer than oddsmakers expect.
SGP leg #2: Kelly Oubre Over 9.5 points
Kelly Oubre Jr. is doing it all on both ends for the Sixers in this series. Not only is he guarding Boston’s best, but the versatile forward has shown flashes of offense as well.
Oubre has dropped 10+ points on the Celtics in four of the first six games and is coming off a 14-point performance, with projections calling for at least 13 points in Game 7.
SGP leg #3: Joel Embiid Over 4.5 assists
Embiid’s return has flipped this series on its ear. The 76ers center is exposing Boston’s lack of depth inside, and when the Celtics do send double teams, the seven-time All-Star is finding cutters and open shooters.
He’s dished out 22 total assists on 30 potential dimes through three games and will continue to serve as a conduit for the Sixers on Saturday.
Get Jason Logan's full breakdown of this game, including his best bet, plus the latest NBA odds, injuries, and betting trends, in his 76ers vs Celtics predictions for Game 7.
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In the midst of a Knicks beatdown, Mitchell Robinson wanted to administer one of his own.
The Knicks center was ejected in the second quarter of Thursday’s 140-89 massacre for going after Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, and video taken from the stands at State Farm Arena in Atlanta is even more chaotic than what viewers saw on TV.
Robinson tried to fight through anyone and everyone on the court, using every last inch of his 7-foot, 240-pound frame to muscle his way toward Daniel in a scene that did a number on a crowd with a heavy Knicks fan bent.
The alternate angle of this Knicks-Hawks fight is WILD.
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) May 1, 2026
“Oh my god,” one onlooker said before letting out a scream. “I’m terrified.”
Other simply cheered for some sign of life from a Hawks team on the wrong side of a 72-22 score.
The entanglement with Robinson and Daniel began with 4:39 left in the first half, following OG Anunoby’s free throw that made it a 50-point lead.
Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu tried to separate Robinson from Daniels, with Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson trying to hold his big man back as things moved toward the stands.
One official took a tumble, and Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson isolated Robinson before things went too far and spilled off the court.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson #23, fighting with Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels #5, in the second quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostKnicks center Mitchell Robinson #23, fighting with Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels #5, in the second quarter. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The brouhaha did not reach the crowd, though. If it had the NBA would be taking a closer look at things, according to The Post’s Stefan Bondy.
That’s a sigh of relief for the Knicks, who can take some solace in knowing the league has one fewer thing to take into account for potential punitive measures.
“It’s tough because when you’re up that big, stuff happens,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “If somebody feels like something that shouldn’t happen to them happened, it’s hard to keep your composure in that moment.
BROOKLYN, NY - APRIL 7: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks, AJ Green #20, Andre Jackson Jr. #44 and Dave Joerger of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on April 7, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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
With apologies to Thanasis and Alex, the final edition of our pop quiz series focuses on the Bucks’ gaggle of off-ball guards/wings to round out the roster. Aside from Ryan, you’d be hard-pressed to say the other four met or exceeded expectations, and at least one fell well short of them. Here’s hoping for better results next here from whichever of this crew remains in Milwaukee.
On the one hand, Green broke Ray Allen’s franchise record for made threes in a single season. On the other, it wasn’t until the Bucks were truly out of the race that Dairy Bird really showed up. Prior to the season’s final month, he shot .417/.407/.810, just 9.7 PPG on 6.9 3PA/game. He averaged 13.0 PPG with .445/.457/.950 on 8.1 3PA/game thereafter, highlighted by a career-high 35 points on April 10th. That’s production the Bucks really could have used in January or early March, as they tried to claw back into the play-in conversation amid Giannis injuries. AJG missed only four games and started 68, but after looking the part in 2024–25, he appears much less like an NBA starting guard today. That has a lot to do with his regression as a defender: the prior two years, he flashed really solid on-ball D, despite struggling a fair bit with team coverage (chalk that up to inexperience, maybe). He provided next to nothing on that end this season, which was a huge disappointment in my eyes. The only strides I really saw him make were as a playmaker: even if 1.9 APG looks like nothing, he had four-plus dimes a dozen times in 2025–26, up from seven the year prior.
I don’t think anyone expected much from Harris, who many speculated would take on the Pat Connaughton break-in-case-of-emergency veteran role. At first, he scarcely played while the team wasn’t ravaged by injuries, but down the stretch, he played even less often, with just 13 appearances and 11 DNPs after February 1st. He too dealt with minor injuries during that span. However, he had several nice games in the first half, usually providing solid perimeter defense even at age 31, plus the occasional three. He hit double figures just once on November 14th. I would say he did what was expected of him as a deeper reserve on a minimum deal. Can’t ask for much anyway.
Ajax keeps hanging on in Milwaukee despite his fewest minutes since his rookie campaign. Believe it or not, this was the first time he shot worse than 37% from deep in a season, and it’s not as if his volume has ever changed. He continues to be a void on offense without showing any of the ball-handling and facilitation acumen he developed on UConn’s 2023 national championship team. So it’s up to him to prove his worth on defense, and he didn’t hang his hat on that either. He fell out of favor with Doc last season, but maybe Taylor Jenkins thinks he can take whatever defensive skills Jackson has left and create an actual NBA player. I’m not betting on it.
Ah, finally something positive. I admit, Ryan deeply unimpressed me last summer league, and also didn’t stand out in limited preseason action. So I was nonplussed by Milwaukee’s decision to ink him on a two-way in late February. Looks like I was wrong about him, as the 27-year-old journeyman (he spent six seasons at three universities!) might just belong after all. Sure, it’s just 11 games, but the shot is definitely there, and he appears to have a bit more variety to his game than Green, the similarly-sized shooter he was naturally compared to. Ryan seriously popped in April with four games over 20+ and was in double-digits for eight of his 11 appearances. His two-way contract continues next season, and who knows, maybe the Bucks found themselves yet another rotation player not taking up a standard roster spot.
I saved the worst for last. GTJ famously started slowly in 2024–25 but, after being benched in early November, was great the remainder of the year, culminating in a sensational Pacers series. He was probably Milwaukee’s second-best player for those five games, so fans were thrilled when he took a Non-Bird raise to stay put last offseason. Once again, he kind of started slowly, but unlike last year, he never broke out of it. His best two-game stretch was probably Milwaukee’s 2-0 start out of the gate, because he shot just 37.4% over his next 19 games, taking us to the end of November. His shooting numbers sank further as we entered 2026, and after the season’s midpoint, he was generally out of the rotation. But a shoutout for 36 points in a loss to the Clippers on March 29th. That came during an eight-game stretch where he averaged 12.8 PPG on .450/.463/.625 shooting. Like Green, where was this when the games actually mattered?
Tantalising totals
(1) Green established a new career-best in assists against Miami in November. How many, and what was his previous best?
Click to reveal answer
Eight, topping six from December 2024.
(2) True or false: Jackson also set a career-high in assists this season.
Click to reveal answer
True, on March 23rd.
(3) In 11 games, Ryan topped which three former All-Stars in FG% and 3P%, all of whom played fewer than 20 games?
Click to reveal answer
Trae Young (15 GP), DeJounte Murray (14), and Jayson Tatum (16). He was just 2.3% shy of overtaking Domantas Sabonis (19) in FG%. He also was no more than 3.6 PPG away from all but Tatum.
Atypically advanced
(1) True or false: Trent’s 3PAr (three-point attempt rate) was higher in 2024–25 than in 2025–26.
Click to reveal answer
False: he took a career-high 72.3% of his shots from deep, shattering the previous high from last year at 65.9%
(2) According to Cleaning The Glass, Harris’ assist-to-usage ratio of 1.23 led the team. Whose was higher: Harris’ or James Harden’s?
Click to reveal answer
Harris’. Harden was at 1.11.
Obscure optics
(1) Trent’s notorious plus-minus issues resulted in a -9.2 net rating, per CTG. What two-time All-Star was just 0.2 points per 100 possessions better?
Click to reveal answer
Brandon Ingram. Trent’s net was also better than Isaiah Stewart’s and Bruce Brown’s!
How did you fare? Share your score in the comments, and don’t forget to drop your thoughts along with it—which stat stands out?
Pistons
Magic
