The UNC athletic department said Miller died Sunday in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. No cause of death was given. An athletic department spokesman said Miller was in hospice care and dealing with medical issues for some time.
Where the Mavs' 2025 NBA Draft Lottery win ranks among the most unlikely ever
Where the Mavs' 2025 NBA Draft Lottery win ranks among the most unlikely ever originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The ping pong balls bounced the Dallas Mavericks’ way in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
The Mavericks bolted to the top of the 2025 NBA Draft board thanks to one of the most unlikely draft lottery wins in event history.
Dallas, which was eliminated in the play-in tournament following a much-maligned midseason trade of Luka Doncic, entered the lottery with the 11th-best odds of landing the coveted No. 1 overall pick at 1.8%. The Mavs owned just 18 of the 1,001 possible four-digit combinations for the lottery drawing.
But one of them proved to be the winning combination for the top pick: 10-14-11-7.
The winning combination of ping-pong balls that earned Dallas the #1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft: 10, 14, 11, 7.
Watch the full lottery drawing below. https://t.co/StyERfjFoo
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 12, 2025
The Mavericks became just the fourth team with less than 2% odds to win the No. 1 pick since the weighted lottery system debuted in 1990.
The biggest lottery miracle came back in 1993. After winning the Shaquille O’Neal sweepstakes with the second-best odds in the 1992 lottery, the Orlando Magic came into the 1993 event with the worst odds at 1.52%. But Orlando jumped from No. 11 to No. 1, becoming the first franchise to win consecutive lotteries. The Magic selected Chris Webber first overall in 1993 and then promptly traded him to the Golden State Warriors for No. 3 pick Penny Hardaway and several future first-rounders.
There are two teams that have won the lottery with 1.7% odds. The Chicago Bulls in 2008 went from ninth to first before selecting hometown prospect Derrick Rose. And one year after claiming the 2013 No. 1 pick with the third-best odds, the Cleveland Cavaliers went back-to-back in 2014 by winning it with the ninth-best odds. Cleveland then used No. 1 pick on Andrew Wiggins and dealt him less than two months later to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a trade for Kevin Love.
Here’s a full look at the most unlikely draft lottery wins of all time, according to RealGM, along with the players who were selected:
1. Orlando Magic, 1993: 1.52% — Chris Webber
T-2. Chicago Bulls, 2008: 1.7% — Derrick Rose
T-2. Cleveland Cavaliers, 2014: 1.7% — Andrew Wiggins
4. Dallas Mavericks, 2025: 1.8% — TBD
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Clippers), 2011: 2.8% — Kyrie Irving
6.Atlanta Hawks, 2024: 3% — Zaccharie Risacher
7. New Jersey Nets, 2000: 4.4% — Kenyon Martin
8. Portland Trail Blazers, 2007: 5.3% — Greg Oden
9. New Orleans Pelicans, 2019: 6% — Zion Williamson
10. Milwaukee Bucks, 2005: 6.3% — Andrew Bogut
11. Toronto Raptors, 2006: 8.8% — Andrea Bargnani
12. Houston Rockets, 2002: 8.9% — Yao Ming
13.Golden State Warriors 1995: 9.4% — Joe Smith
Editor’s note: The original version of this story was published in 2022.
Larry Miller, star on North Carolina’s ACC championship teams in 1967-68, dies at age 79.
Larry Miller, a two-time ACC player of the year for North Carolina and 2022 inductee in the College Basketball Hall of Fame, has died. The UNC athletic department said Miller died Sunday in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. An athletic department spokesman said Miller was in hospice care and dealing with medical issues for some time.
Celtics' Jayson Tatum suffers ruptured Achilles tendon, has surgery, faces extensive recovery
It is the worst-case scenario for Boston, and what was feared from the moment Jayson Tatum collapsed to the floor, grabbing his ankle late in the Game 4 loss to the Knicks.
Tatum has a ruptured Achilles tendon and underwent surgery to repair it on Tuesday, the team announced.
Jayson Tatum today underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. No timetable is currently available for his return, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Further updates will be provided when appropriate. pic.twitter.com/TTXziFtMQB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 13, 2025
Obviously, Tatum is out for the rest of these playoffs, and he will likely miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season as well.
The injury came with just 2:58 left in the fourth quarter. Tatum — who had a game-high 42 points and had driven Boston's offense most of the night — took a hard step to go after a loose ball, then collapsed to the ground with a non-contact injury, grabbing his ankle.
Jayson Tatum was helped off the court late in Game 4 after an apparent leg injury on this play. pic.twitter.com/UF8D4mxqlo
— ESPN (@espn) May 13, 2025
Everyone knew it was bad immediately.
"The fact that he had to be carried off… he's the type of guy that gets right up," Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said.
Tatum, a six-time All-Star, took a step forward this season, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 6 assists a game, shooting 34.3% from 3. He is expected to finish fourth in MVP voting and make First Team All-NBA. He was at the heart of the Celtics' 2024 NBA title, then joined USA Basketball last summer to win gold at the Paris Olympics.
Tatum's injury also brings some of the salary cap challenges the Celtics face into focus.
Boston has $227.8 million in salary on the books for next season, a number that is already $20 million over the dreaded second apron with five roster spots to fill, plus dealing with potential free agents Al Horford and Luke Kornet. There was already speculation heading into this summer that the Celtics would have to lose a rotation player to keep their payroll within reason, but if this team struggles without Tatum next season and looks middle of the pack in the East, might they move on from a player like Derrick White at $28 million? Or Kristaps Porzingis at $31 million?
Warriors must avoid another catastrophic quarter to survive Game 5
Warriors must avoid another catastrophic quarter to survive Game 5 originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Erasing the white board and starting from scratch, the Warriors’ Game 2 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semifinals was a wash.
Steve Kerr tried, quite literally, everybody. When the final buzzer rang, the Warriors lost by 24 points. The feeling of the game didn’t resemble the score. Kerr’s objective of experimental minutes was finding something that could work with Steph Curry out to a strained left hamstring.
Emerging from the rubble in that loss were Jonathan Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Kuminga has been a go-to scorer without Curry, and Jackson-Davis has regained his old title of starting center. The last two losses are where frustration and disappointment has to kick in.
Games aren’t decided by one quarter. Throughout the playoffs, major leads have been lost in a flash. That’s the modern NBA. And yet, if it weren’t for two terrible quarters, one in each of the past two games, this series could be looking a lot different than the Warriors staring at a three-games-to-one deficit, still waiting for Curry, who officially has been ruled out for Game 5 on Wednesday.
In the Warriors’ 102-97 Game 3 loss, it was the fourth quarter that spelled doom for them. They held a four-point lead, 73-69, entering the final 12 minutes and wound up losing by five.
“It felt like a couple of offensive rebounds for them turned into threes,” Kerr said after that Game 3 loss. “I think [Anthony] Edwards had one out of the corner. [Naz] Reid, there’s a big sequence where Jimmy [Butler] had a shot at the rim. Looked like he was going to convert it, looked like he might have gotten fouled and then they went the other way and got an offensive board and Reid hit the three from the corner.
“I thought that was the sequence that really shifted the game and the momentum.”
With 10 minutes left and the Warriors ahead 75-69, Butler stepped up to set a screen for Draymond Green and rolled behind Julius Randle. Butler caught Green’s high pass, came down for his signature two-footed jump stop and rose for an attempt at the rim. Randle’s left hand was on Butler’s hip the whole time, but no foul was called and the Timberwolves gained possession.
Edwards then hit a step-back three to make it a three-point game. Kuminga countered with a layup, but on the Timberwolves’ next offensive possession, Edwards’ missed three bounced off Jaden McDaniels’ hand, Butler’s hand and into the hands of Mike Conley, who found Reid in the right corner for three points.
From that point on, the Timberwolves outscored the Warriors 27-20 the rest of the game. Butler scored 28 points through three quarters, and then went 1 of 7 for five points in the fourth.
In the Warriors’ 117-110 Game 4 loss, it was the third quarter that was disastrous.
The Warriors at halftime led by two points. While the Timberwolves had doubled the Warriors’ output from 3-point range, 10 to five, the Warriors had more rebounds (25-15), points in the paint (26-16), fastbreak points (9-8) and second-chance points (10-2). Their two-point lead then was wiped away to a 20-point Timberwolves lead going into the fourth quarter.
They went from having just six turnovers in the first half to seven in the third quarter alone. It’s their defense, Kerr believes, that preceded bigger problems.
“Defensive connection,” Kerr said Tuesday in a Zoom with media members, one day after the Warriors’ Game 4 loss. “We had done a really good job the previous couple games of just staying connected. I thought our offensive woes in the middle of the third quarter led to some of the transition stuff. They hit some tough shots, but it didn’t feel like we ever had control of them in the third.
“We have to stay better connected and make sure we’re forcing tougher shots than what we gave up in that fourth quarter.”
The Warriors went 7 of 19 from the field in the third quarter of Game 4, and missed all six of their 3-point attempts. The Timberwolves had more rebounds (10-5), points in the paint (18-12), fastbreak points (11-2) and second-chance points (7-2), while shooting 15 of 23 overall and 6 of 12 on threes.
There’s a theme between both quarters: Edwards scored 13 points in the fourth quarter of Game 3, and 16 in the third quarter of Game 4.
Through the last two games, the Warriors have tied or won six of eight quarters. The only two that they lost were the fourth quarter of Game 3 and the third quarter of Game 4, when the Timberwolves outscored them by a combined 31 points. In the other six quarters, the Warriors have outscored the Timberwolves by 19 points the last two games.
To keep the season alive and the hopes of getting Curry back with three days in between Game 6, the Warriors simply have to avoid a catastrophic quarter in Game 5.
2025 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Cooper Flagg gives Mavericks new superstar, Dylan Harper goes to Spurs
Yes, the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery actually went the way it did. It wasn’t a fever dream.
The Mavericks, Spurs, and 76ers will make the first three picks of the draft, which isn’t an outcome that anyone expected at the start of last season.
This also was a big win for the Spurs and 76ers.
Kurt HelinIn a talented class headlined by Duke forward Cooper Flagg, the only thing that feels certain right now is that Dallas will have a new generational superstar to build around. However, with Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially available for a trade, and the path to a championship feeling more wide open than ever, plenty of lottery picks could be on the move in June.
NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin, Rotoworld’s Raphielle Johnson and myself got together to mock the first 14 picks of the draft now that the order is clear. We'll do more mock drafts in the lead up to the 2025 NBA Draft on June 25.
1. Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg, F, Duke
This is the obvious choice. Dallas somehow lucked into a generational prospect just months after trading one away. Flagg fits GM Nico Harrison’s motto of “defense wins championships” and should make an impact from day one on a team that will have championship aspirations next season. Flagg will provide playmaking while Kyrie Irving gets healthy while forming a formidable defensive front alongside Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and P.J. Washington. - Rubin
2. San Antonio Spurs: Dylan Harper, G, Rutgers
As we often hear in drafts, this is where the draft begins. The Spurs hold two lottery picks (No. 14 as well). Do they hold onto them, or is this viewed as an opportunity to add another star to the equation? With De'Aaron Fox in the fold, adding another point guard to the mix may not appear to be the best approach. However, Harper is the best available player on the board, and his combination of size and skill is too enticing to pass up here. - Johnson
3. Philadelphia 76ers: V.J. Edgecombe, G, Baylor
If Daryl Morey keeps this pick, he needs to think about the long-term play as a fit with Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, and I think Edgecombe works better there than the riskier play of Ace Bailey. Edgecombe can play on or off the ball, defends well, and gives the 76ers a three-guard rotation that will be the core of this team in a post Joel Embiid/Paul George era. - Helin
Michael Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, will join NBC Sports’ coverage of the NBA as a special contributor.
4. Charlotte Hornets: Kon Knueppel, F, Duke
Knueppel can provide a number of things for a Hornets team that is still trying to figure things out. He can slot in as a day-one starter alongside LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges and Mark Williams. Knueppel is known for his shooting, which will open up the offense for the aforementioned starters. He can be a secondary creator when needed and will compete on the defensive end. He also doesn’t need the ball in his hands to contribute. With some injury luck, Charlotte could return to the postseason. - Rubin
5. Utah Jazz: Ace Bailey, F, Rutgers
I was a bit surprised to see Bailey available in this spot. While his measurements at the NBA Draft Combine were somewhat concerning, with the forward being more than two inches shorter than his listing at Rutgers, games aren't played barefoot. Even with Utah selecting Cody Williams in last year's draft and also having Brice Sensabaugh in the wing rotation, neither has done enough to dissuade adding another competitor to the mix. If the athletic Bailey is available at five, the Jazz are going to have a hard time passing on him. - Johnson
6. Washington Wizards: Jeremiah Fears, G, Oklahoma
Washington needs help everywhere, and with all due respect to Bub Carrington, that includes point guard. Fears is an upside play. There are scouts that love him and think he's top five in this draft, others are not sold, but Washington should take big swings at this point in their roster-building process. - Helin
7. New Orleans Pelicans: Derik Queen, C, Maryland
The Pelicans drafted Yves Missi in the first round last season, but they still have questions at center, specifically with Missi’s fit next to Zion Williamson, who represented the team at the draft lottery. If that’s their way of saying they’re committed to Zion as the franchise player, then they need a center that fits better next to him. Insert Queen, who is a strong playmaker for a center and can space the floor enough to open things up for Williamson. There may be questions about that frontcourt defensively, but Herb Jones and Trey Murphy will help make up for it. Plus, the big man pick and rolls will be so much fun. - Rubin
8. Brooklyn Nets: Tre Johnson, G, Texas
Johnson is one of the best pure scorers in this draft class, as he can put up points from anywhere on the court. With the Nets holding four first-round picks and a lot of cap space, it's fair to wonder if lead executive Sean Marks will look to use this as an opportunity to fast-track the team's rebuild. If not, Johnson can be a solid building block for the Nets, regardless of what happens with Cam Thomas in free agency. - Johnson
Carter will be in studio one or more nights per week through the playoffs when the NBA returns to NBC and debuts on Peacock in October.
9. Toronto Raptors: Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
This is just a natural fit. The Raptors have been in love with playing a lot of interchangeable, switchable wings and Murray-Boyles slides right into that deep rotation in Toronto. - Helin
10. Houston Rockets: Khaman Maluach, C, Duke
Alperen Sengun is obviously the starting center for Houston, but that doesn’t mean he is a flawless player. Having Maluach off the bench provides the Rockets with a nice change of pace with a defensive stalwart that shot 71.2 percent from the floor for Duke last season. Houston had success with two-big lineups featuring Sengun and Steven Adams, and while Maluach isn’t the passer that Adams is, it’s an intriguing lineup. Plus, having a shot blocker like Maluach behind a perimeter defense featuring Amen Thompson, Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr. is enticing. - Rubin
11. Portland Trail Blazers: Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Illinois
The Trail Blazers' play after the All-Star break certainly sparked optimism, and rightfully so. However, they still have a logjam to clean out in the frontcourt, and they remain small at the guard positions with Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson. Jackucionis' ability to play on or off the ball would make for a good fit, even with there being concerns regarding how well he can separate off the bounce. - Johnson
12. Chicago Bulls: Carter Bryant, F, Arizona
Chicago needs defense, particularly wing defense, and that's where Bryant comes in. If Chicago is all-in on a Josh Giddey and Coby White backcourt, Bryant provides a transition finisher and needed defense. - Helin
13. Atlanta Hawks: Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown
Atlanta has tried to surround Trae Young with a ton of length, and that is something that Sorber can provide. He measured in with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and a 9-foot-1 standing reach at the combine. Sorber showcased shooting touch from the mid-range in college and was a solid passer at the center spot. Onyeka Okongwu is an undersized center, and while Sorber isn’t that tall, he makes up for it with length and strength. He’ll fit well in Quin Snyder’s offense and should make a day-one impact on defense. Of course, this could be another minutes split for Okongwu, who spent the last few seasons behind Clint Capela. This time, Okongwu will at least be the starter. - Rubin
14. San Antonio Spurs: Egor Demin, G, BYU
With the Spurs already selecting Harper in this mock draft, Demin probably isn't the best fit. But versatile forward Carter Bryant was off the board, so the 6-foot-9 Demin is the choice. He isn't much of a shooter, and the defense needs some work, but the Russian guard's ability to make reads in the two-man game makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft class. Unless the Spurs were to use the second overall pick to go "big game hunting," I'd keep an eye on this pick potentially being moved in favor of adding a more established option alongside Wembanyama, Fox, and Castle. - Johnson
Other potential lottery picks:
- Asa Newell, F, Georgia
- Jase Richardson, G, Michigan State
- Noa Essengue, F, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
- Danny Wolf, C, Michigan
- Nique Clifford, F, Colorado State
When is the 2025 NBA Draft? Dates, location, full draft order and more
When is the 2025 NBA Draft? Dates, location, full draft order and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Cooper Flagg sweepstakes resulted in a stunner.
The Dallas Mavericks jumped 10 spots in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery to capture this year’s No. 1 overall pick. Dallas had just 1.8% odds of landing the top pick, marking one of the most unlikely wins in draft lottery history.
Now, just months after they parted ways with Luka Doncic in a widely criticized move, the Mavs can add a new franchise cornerstone in Flagg, the Duke freshman forward who earned consensus national player of the year honors.
The draft lottery also saw the San Antonio Spurs and Philadelphia 76ers jump into the top three. The Spurs moved up six spots to No. 2, giving them an opportunity to bring in another young stud in Rutgers guard Dylan Harper, or to potentially use the pick to pursue an established star like Giannis Antetokounmpo. San Antonio owns the last pick of the lottery at No. 14, as well.
The Sixers, meanwhile, retained their top-six-protected pick as they moved from fifth to third.
From the full order to the dates and more, here’s everything to know about the 2025 NBA Draft:
When is the NBA draft?
The NBA draft will take place over two days for the second straight year. The first round is Wednesday, June 25, followed by Round 2 Thursday, June 26.
Where is the NBA draft being held?
The Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets, in Brooklyn, New York, is hosting the entire draft.
What time is the NBA draft?
Both rounds are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET.
Where to watch, stream the NBA draft
Round 1 will air across ABC and ESPN. ESPN will broadcast Round 2.
All of the draft action can also be streamed on ESPN.com and the ESPN app.
How many rounds are in the NBA draft?
There are two rounds in the draft.
How many picks are in the NBA draft?
The first round features 30 picks and the second round has 29. There are typically 30 picks per round, but the New York Knicks were docked their 2025 second-rounder after the league found they had violated tampering rules before signing Jalen Brunson in 2022 free agency.
What is the NBA draft order?
- Dallas Mavericks
- San Antonio Spurs
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Charlotte Hornets
- Utah Jazz
- Washington Wizards
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Brooklyn Nets
- Toronto Raptors
- Houston Rockets (from Phoenix through Brooklyn)
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Chicago Bulls
- Atlanta Hawks (from Sacramento)
- San Antonio Spurs (from Atlanta)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Miami through LA Clippers)
- Orlando Magic
- Minnesota Timberwolves (from Detroit through New York, OKC and Houston)
- Washington Wizards (from Memphis)
- Brooklyn Nets (from Milwaukee through New York, Detroit, Portland and New Orleans)
- Miami Heat (from Golden State)
- Utah Jazz (from Minnesota)
- Atlanta Hawks (from LA Lakers through New Orleans)
- Indiana Pacers
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from LA Clippers)
- Orland Magic (from Denver)
- Brooklyn Nets (from New York)
- Brooklyn Nets (from Houston)
- Boston Celtics
- Phoenix Suns (from Cleveland through Utah)
- Los Angeles Clippers (from OKC)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (from Utah)
- Boston Celtics (from Washington through Detroit and Brooklyn)
- Charlotte Hornets
- Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans through San Antonio, Phoenix and Memphis)
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Brooklyn Nets
- Detroit Pistons (from Toronto through Dallas and San Antonio)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Toronto Raptors (from Portland through Sacramento)
- Washington Wizards (from Phoenix)
- Golden State Warriors (from Miami through Brooklyn and Indiana)
- Sacramento Kings (from Chicago through San Antonio)
- Utah Jazz (from Dallas)
- Oklahoma City Thunder (from Atlanta)
- Chicago Bulls (from Sacramento)
- Orlando Magic
- Milwaukee Bucks (from Detroit through Washington)
- Memphis Grizzlies (from Golden State through Washington and Brooklyn)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (from Milwaukee)
- New York Knicks (from Memphis through OKC and Boston)
- Los Angeles Clippers (from Minnesota through Atlanta and Houston)
- Phoenix Suns (from Denver through Charlotte and Minnesota)
- Utah Jazz (from LA Clippers through LA Lakers)
- Indiana Pacers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Memphis Grizzlies (from Houston)
- Orlando Magic (from Boston)
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Houston Rockets (from OKC through Atlanta)
Who are the top NBA draft prospects?
This year’s draft features a consensus top two prospects, with Cooper Flagg as the anticipated No. 1 pick followed by Dylan Harper at No. 2.
The intrigue really begins at No. 3, where Rutgers forward Ace Bailey and Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe boast strong cases to hear their names called.
Other widely projected top 10 picks include Texas guard Tre Johnson, Duke guard Kon Knueppel, Duke center Khaman Maluach and Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears.
Sam Hauser (ankle) listed as probable for Celtics-Knicks Game 5
Sam Hauser (ankle) listed as probable for Celtics-Knicks Game 5 originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics will have to continue their title defense without Jayson Tatum, who had surgery Tuesday to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered Monday night in their Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
The Celtics are now without their best player and have been pushed to the brink of elimination trailing their Eastern Conference semifinals series 3-1.
One positive for the Celtics is that Sam Hauser has been upgraded to probable for Wednesday’s Game 5 at TD Garden. Hauser sprained his right ankle in the series opener and has missed the last three games.
If Hauser is able to return, that gives head coach Joe Mazzulla another option off the bench as the Celtics search for ways to replace Tatum’s team-leading 28.1 points per game in the playoffs.
Hauser is one of the league’s best outside shooters. He shot 41.6 percent from 3-point range in the regular season. The Celtics, as a team, have shot just 33.5 percent from beyond the arc in four games versus the Knicks.
Paul Allen estate formally puts Portland Trail Blazers up for sale, money going to philanthropy
Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen loved owning the Portland Trail Blazers, but he had a global perspective on what he wanted from the franchise after his death: His will called for the team to eventually be sold and all the money to be put into charitable efforts.
Tuesday that process started, the Trail Blazers announced.
It's been known in league circles for a while that this was coming, although the exact timing was always in question. Allen passed away in October of 2018, at which point control of the franchise transferred to Jody Allen, his sister, as well as the trustee of his estate. Jody Allen seemed to enjoy the spotlight of being an owner, and the process to put the team up for sale seemed to drag out longer than Blazers fans would have preferred. It also made some business sense to put the sale off until the new CBA was ratified and the new television deal was in place, upping the price for the franchise.
CNBC’s 2025 NBA franchise valuations listed the Trail Blazers as worth $3.65 billion. That list also had the Boston Celtics listed as worth $5.5 billion, and that team was recently sold to Bill Chisholm and partners for $6.1 billion. How much the Celtics' sale price might impact the Portland price is hard to say.
Plenty of buyers will likely throw their hat in the ring, but don't expect the team to be on the move. The NBA is about to bring another team to the Pacific Northwest — Seattle is a lock for an expansion team when the league makes that official — and Adam Silver does not want to lose the one other team in the region. Whoever the new owner is will likely want to look at building a new arena, probably as part of a larger development (a trend around the league).
On the court, the Blazers showed real promise at the end of last season and with that locked up GM Joe Cronin and coach Chauncey Billups with extensions.
Trail Blazers Hire Bank to Begin Long-Awaited Sale Process
The Portland Trail Blazers have hired a bank to begin the long-expected process of selling the NBA team.
The Blazers said in a social media post on Tuesday that the team had hired Allen & Co. The team is currently owned by the estate of late owner Paul Allen, who died in 2018. Allen asked that his sports teams—mainly the Blazers and NFL’s Seattle Seahawks—be sold after his death. The NBA team’s statement said that this news doesn’t affect the status of the Seahawks.
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Sportico values the Trail Blazers at $3.6 billion, according to its latest NBA valuations. That ranks 23rd in the 30-team league.
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What can we expect from Celtics without Tatum in Game 5 vs. Knicks?
What can we expect from Celtics without Tatum in Game 5 vs. Knicks? originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury could have a huge impact on the future of the Boston Celtics, but they aren’t eliminated from the 2025 NBA playoffs just yet.
The Celtics trail 3-1 in their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the New York Knicks after losing 121-113 in Monday night’s Game 4 at Madison Square Garden. Tatum suffered his injury late in the fourth quarter of that defeat.
The loss of Tatum can’t be overstated. He is the team’s best player and one of the league’s top-five players overall. The superstar forward leads the Celtics with 28.1 points, 11.5 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 2.1 steals per game in the playoffs.
Overcoming a 3-1 deficit with Tatum would have been a difficult challenge. Doing it without him is an enormous obstacle.
But the Celtics do have a lot of talent and playoff experience. So, what can we expect from Boston without Tatum in Game 5 at TD Garden on Wednesday night?
The Celtics are 16-3 (1-0 in playoffs) over the last two seasons without Tatum, but 11 of those 19 games were against teams that didn’t make the playoffs, including a couple late regular season matchups last month versus the Wizards, Hornets and Trail Blazers.
In those 18 regular season games that Tatum has missed since the start of the 2023-24 campaign, Jaylen Brown leads the Celtics with 26.8 points per game. Brown played in 13 of those 18 games Tatum missed.
Brown is obviously the player who needs to step up the most with Tatum out.
The reigning Finals MVP is more than capable of scoring 30-plus points in a playoff game. In fact, he did it in Game 2 of the first round with 36 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a win over the Orlando Magic that Tatum missed due to a wrist injury. Brown has 14 30-point playoff games in his career.
White is another player who has to provide more scoring in Tatum’s absence. He shot pretty well in Game 4, going 6-for-11 from 3-point range and finishing with 23 points.
Holiday has to be more aggressive offensively, too. He has scored only 12 points in the last two games combined, and he’s shooting 4-for-14 on 3-pointers in the series.
Pritchard deserves to see a larger role with Tatum out of the lineup. The Sixth Man of the Year Award winner played just 20 minutes in Game 4 after scoring 23 points in 35 minutes during Boston’s Game 3 win. The C’s need his outside shooting and tenacity at both ends of the floor. He also pushes the pace as well as any player on the roster.
Porzingis making an impact would be a massive lift for Boston. He has struggled to be effective in the playoffs as he deals with the effects of an illness he battled in the regular season. The 7-foot-3 center has scored 20 points in the four games against the Knicks combined. He has only played more than 20 minutes in one of those matchups. Can Porzingis give the Celtics 12-15 points and good interior defense in Game 5?
🔊 Celtics Talk POSTGAME POD: C’s season pushed to the BRINK after losing Game 4, Jayson Tatum to injury | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
The best way for the Celtics to survive without Tatum might be to keep letting it fly from beyond the arc.
The C’s are fully capable of getting hot from 3-point range, but outside of going 20-for-40 in Game 3, they have largely struggled on these shots against the Knicks. Boston is shooting just 33.5 percent on 3-pointers in the series.
The Celtics have built a lead of at least 14 points in every game this series. They have a lot of talent on their roster, even without Tatum. Two of the last three games are at TD Garden, including a potential Game 7.
Yes, beating the Knicks three straight times without Tatum is going to be extraordinarily tough. And the Knicks, to their credit, have played fantastic in the fourth quarters of this series. But to totally count out the Celtics would be foolish.
Nuggets vs. Thunder Game 5 Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for May 13
Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
It’s Tuesday, May 13, and the Denver Nuggets (50-32) and Oklahoma City Thunder (68-14) are all set to square off from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
The Thunder leveled the series with a 92-87 win in game four. They outscored the Nuggets 29-18 in the fourth quarter.
The Nuggets are currently 24-17 on the road with a point differential of 4, while the Thunder have a 8-2 record in their last ten games at home.
We’ve got all the info and analysis you need to know ahead of the game, including the latest info on the how to catch tipoff, odds, recent team performance, player stats, and of course, our predictions, picks & best bets for the game from our modeling tools and staff of experts.
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Game details & how to watch Nuggets vs. Thunder live today
- Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- Time: 9:30PM EST
- Site: Paycom Center
- City: Oklahoma City, OK
- Network/Streaming: TNT
Never miss a second of the action and stay up to date with all the latest team stats and player news. Check out our day-by-day NBA schedule page, along with detailed matchup pages that update live in-game.
Game odds for Nuggets vs. Thunder
The latest odds as of Tuesday:
- Odds: Nuggets (+374), Thunder (-493)
- Spread: Thunder -10
- Over/Under: 221 points
That gives the Nuggets an implied team point total of 109.45, and the Thunder 114.66.
Want to know which sportsbook is offering the best lines for every game on the NBA calendar? Check out the NBC Sports’ Live Odds tool to get all the latest updated info from DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM & more!
Expert picks & predictions for Tuesday’s Nuggets vs. Thunder game
NBC Sports Bet Best Bet
Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas) is betting on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over 8.5 1st quarter points...
Thomas: "Taking SGA over first quarter points after back-to-back slow stars from the future MVP. With the highest first-quarter utilization on the court and the expectation of playing the entire quarter, this number is more than obtainable."
Our model calculates projections around each moneyline, spread and over/under bet for every game on the NBA calendar based on data points like recent performance, head-to-head player matchups, trends information and projected game totals.
Once the model is finished running, we put its projections next to the latest betting lines for the game to arrive at a relative confidence level for each wager.
Here are the best bets our model is projecting for today’s Nuggets & Thunder game:
- Moneyline: NBC Sports Bet is recommending a play on the Denver Nuggets on the Moneyline.
- Spread: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play ATS on the Denver Nuggets at +10.
- Total: NBC Sports Bet is leaning towards a play on the under on the Game Total of 221.
Want even more NBA best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert NBA Predictions page from NBC Sports for money line, spread and over/under picks for every game on today’s calendar!
Important stats, trends & insights to know ahead of Nuggets vs. Thunder on Tuesday
- The favorite has a record of 36-23 this postseason
- The Thunder have covered the spread in 7 of their last 10 home games against teams with winning records
Betting the Nuggets on the Money Line in all games this season would have shown a 109% return on investment
If you’re looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our NBA Top Trends tool on NBC Sports!
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Tatum has ruptured Achilles in worst-case scenario for Celtics star
Tatum has ruptured Achilles in worst-case scenario for Celtics star originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The Boston Celtics were bracing for bad news Monday night, and they got it Tuesday.
Jayson Tatum has a ruptured right Achilles tendon, the team announced Tuesday afternoon. Tatum underwent “successful” surgery Tuesday after undergoing an MRI earlier in the day in New York and is “expected to make a full recovery,” per the Celtics.
Boston didn’t give a timetable for Tatum’s return, but it’s very likely the injury causes him to miss most if not all of the 2025-26 season; according to ESPN’s Stephania Bell, NBA athletes average about 10 months of recovery time after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Celtics star suffered the injury with 2:58 remaining in the fourth quarter of Boston’s Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden when he dove for a loose ball. Tatum fell awkwardly without making contact with Knicks wing OG Anunoby and had to be carried off the court before being transported through the halls of MSG in a wheelchair.
“The fact that he had to be carried off — he’s the type of guy that gets right up,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game. “… It’s tough to watch a guy like him get carried off like that.”
Tatum’s injury is devastating in the short term for a Boston team that trails the Knicks 3-1 in their second-round series and will need to win three games in a row without its star player to avoid an early playoff exit.
The All-Star forward was brilliant in Game 4 prior to his injury — he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 42 points, seven made 3-pointers, eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in a playoff game — and his absence likely is a death knell to Boston’s playoff hopes.
But the bigger concern is in the long term, as the Celtics are deep in the luxury tax and already were facing some difficult roster decisions this offseason prior to Tatum’s injury. The Celtics already have committed to $228 million in contracts for next season, and if they want to avoid stiff penalties for being in the second apron of the luxury tax, they’ll need to shake up their core.
Now that Tatum is expected to miss a large part of the 2025-26 campaign, it’s possible that shake-up takes a different form, as president of basketball operations Brad Stevens and new majority owner Bill Chisholm try to chart a new path forward.
Boston will aim to keep its season alive Wednesday in Game 5 at TD Garden. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET, with NBC Sports Boston’s coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET with Celtics Pregame Live.
Jayson Tatum has ruptured Achilles in worst-case scenario for Celtics star
Jayson Tatum has ruptured Achilles in worst-case scenario for Celtics star originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The Boston Celtics were bracing for bad news Monday night, and they got it Tuesday.
Jayson Tatum has a ruptured right Achilles tendon, the team announced Tuesday afternoon. Tatum underwent “successful” surgery Tuesday after undergoing an MRI earlier in the day in New York and is “expected to make a full recovery,” per the Celtics.
Boston didn’t give a timetable for Tatum’s return, but it’s very likely the injury causes him to miss most if not all of the 2025-26 season; according to ESPN’s Stephania Bell, NBA athletes average about 10 months of recovery time after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon.
The Celtics star suffered the injury with 2:58 remaining in the fourth quarter of Boston’s Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden when he dove for a loose ball. Tatum fell awkwardly without making contact with Knicks wing OG Anunoby and had to be carried off the court before being transported through the halls of MSG in a wheelchair.
“The fact that he had to be carried off — he’s the type of guy that gets right up,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said after the game. “… It’s tough to watch a guy like him get carried off like that.”
Tatum’s injury is devastating in the short term for a Boston team that trails the Knicks 3-1 in their second-round series and will need to win three games in a row without its star player to avoid an early playoff exit.
The All-Star forward was brilliant in Game 4 prior to his injury — he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 42 points, seven made 3-pointers, eight rebounds, four assists, four steals and two blocks in a playoff game — and his absence likely is a death knell to Boston’s playoff hopes.
But the bigger concern is in the long term, as the Celtics are deep in the luxury tax and already were facing some difficult roster decisions this offseason prior to Tatum’s injury. The Celtics already have committed to $228 million in contracts for next season, and if they want to avoid stiff penalties for being in the second apron of the luxury tax, they’ll need to shake up their core.
Now that Tatum is expected to miss a large part of the 2025-26 campaign, it’s possible that shake-up takes a different form, as president of basketball operations Brad Stevens and new majority owner Bill Chisholm try to chart a new path forward.
Boston will aim to keep its season alive Wednesday in Game 5 at TD Garden with tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET.
Steph officially ruled out of Warriors' Game 5 vs. Timberwolves
Steph officially ruled out of Warriors' Game 5 vs. Timberwolves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
Dub Nation didn’t receive the news they wanted to hear ahead of the Warriors’ Game 5 matchup against the Timberwolves on Wednesday in Minnesota, as star point guard Steph Curry will remain sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Golden State officially listed Curry as out for the team’s win-or-go-home game against Minnesota on Tuesday’s 6:30 p.m. ET NBA injury report — the fourth consecutive game Curry will miss after sustaining a Grade 1 hamstring strain in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on May 6.
Curry is set to be re-evaluated Wednesday, and the Warriors, down three games to one in the series, desperately need him back if they manage to defeat the Timberwolves in Game 5 at Target Center. After Golden State’s 117-110 loss in Game 4 on Monday night at Chase Center, coach Steve Kerr offered a vague answer on Curry’s potential return Wednesday when asked if the two-time NBA MVP would be permitted to play if he felt like he could go.
“When are we giving the update?” Kerr asked, looking at Warriors PR personnel. “Wednesday, we’ll have an update.”
Draymond Green appeared to advise his longtime teammate not to return before he’s ready shortly after Kerr’s answer during his own postgame press conference.
“Nah, we’re not going to Superman this thing. If he’s in a place where he can play, I’m sure he will,” Green told reporters.
“Him and Rick [Celebrini] and everyone else will figure that out, but we don’t need Superman. You got to play the long game, so, if he can, we know he will. But there’s no pressure. We got to find a way to win whether he plays or not.”
While Curry won’t be on the floor in Game 5 — bad news for Golden State’s struggling offense — there still is hope he could return for Game 6, should the Warriors make it that far.