Obi Toppin Drops 20 Points in Pacers Win
Obi Toppin scored 20 points off the bench in 23 minutes in his team's Game 6 win, going 6-for-12 from the field and 4-for-7 from long range. He added six rebounds and two steals, and he continues to be a strong contributor off the bench for Indiana. In the NBA Finals, he is averaging 12.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers in 24.3 minutes per game. Toppin has at least 12 points in each of the last three games in the series and usually chips in a few rebounds and defensive numbers as well. He'll look to help the Pacers win the NBA Championship with another big game in Game 7 on Sunday night.Source: ESPN.com
Indiana Pacers forward/center Pascal Siakam Powers Pacers to Game 6 Win
Pascal Siakam led his team to a 108-91 rout of the Thunder in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, forcing a Game 7 on Sunday night in Oklahoma City. Siakam had 16 points to go with 13 boards, three assists, and one blocked shot in his 32 minutes. It was Spicy P's second double-double of the series and built on his strong Game 5 performance when he scored 28 points in 33 minutes. Siakam now has the Pacers just one win away from an NBA title, but they'll face a tough test on the road in Game 7. They did steal Game 1 in Oklahoma City, though, so there's definitely a chance they can get the win they need for Siakam to claim his second NBA Championship after winning in 2019 with the Raptors.Source: ESPN.com
Indiana Pacers forward Tyrese Haliburton Officially Questionable for Game 6
Tyrese Haliburton (calf) is officially questionable for Thursday's NBA Finals matchup with the Thunder. It was reported early on Wednesday that he would be a game-time call for Game 6. While it's an encouraging sign that Haliburton at least appears to have a chance to suit up, he could continue to struggle if he gets the green light, much like he did on Monday night. If the 25-year-old can't get on the floor, Pascal Siakam, who is coming off a 28-point effort, would be the favorite to get most of the scoring opportunities. Andrew Nembhard may also have the ball in his hands more often, with T.J. McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin in line to see more minutes as well.Source: NBA Injury Report
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton to Be a Game-Time Call Thursday
Tyrese Haliburton (calf) is expected to be a game-time decision for Thursday's Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. "He is going to be carefully evaluated over the next 36 hours and will likely be listed as questionable on the injury report and probably will be a game-time decision for Game 6," Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle told Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan on Wednesday morning. On Tuesday, it was reported that Haliburton is set to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of a right calf strain. Indiana's star guard struggled in Game 5 but has had a decent series overall, averaging 15.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 steals. If he is unavailable on Thursday, the Pacers must rely more on veteran playmaker T.J. McConnell, who is coming off a solid Game 5 effort. In 22 minutes, he amassed 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.Source: ESPN
Indiana Pacers point guard Chet Holmgren Has Tough Shooting Night in Game 5 Against Pacers
Chet Holmgren struggled to score the basketball in Monday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Indiana Pacers but still made a positive impact in a 120-109 victory. The 23-year-old settled for only nine points on 4-for-15 shooting. However, he was plus-12 on the court across 34 minutes of action. Holmgren compensated for his offensive shortcomings with his defensive efforts and another successful night on the glass. He grabbed 11 boards, including five on the offensive end, marking his third consecutive game with double-digit rebounds. Additionally, Holmgren blocked three shots and recorded one steal. While Holmgren has been a bit quiet in the Finals, he is close to averaging a double-double for the series, having posted 12.8 points and 9.6 rebounds in 31.6 minutes.Source: ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Outstanding at Both Ends Monday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a big mark at both ends in Monday's 120-109 victory against the Indiana Pacers, recording 31 points, two rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and four blocks. The MVP shot 9-for-21 from the field and 13-for-14 at the free-throw line. This was Gilgeous-Alexander's fourth game of the Finals with at least 30 points and marked his fourth outing in five games with multiple steals. The Thunder leader is on his way to adding the Finals MVP trophy to his resume, having been exceptional against the Pacers with averages of 32.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 2.4 steals.Source: ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams Erupts for 40 Points in Game 5 Win
Jalen Williams went off for a playoff career-high 40 points in Monday's 120-109 win over the Indiana Pacers, shooting 14-for-25 from the field and 9-for-12 at the charity stripe. Williams' night included three makes from behind the arc on five attempts, and he completed his line with six rebounds, four assists, and one steal. Williams has been one of the key players in the Thunder's success and has taken his offensive game to another level in the Finals. The 25-year-old is averaging 25.8 points per game against Indiana, along with 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists.Source: ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Pascal Siakam Has Best Game of Finals Monday
Pascal Siakam led the team with 28 points in Monday's 120-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. It was his best effort of the series all around, as Siakam pulled down six rebounds and finished with five assists, three steals, and two blocks. He went 9-for-15 from the field, including 3-for-6 from downtown, and missed only once on eight attempts at the free-throw line. With Tyrese Haliburton (calf) limited by injury, Siakam must step up again offensively on Thursday night in Game 6. He has been an impactful player at both ends in the Finals, averaging 20.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 2.0 steals.Source: ESPN
Indiana Pacers forward Tyrese Haliburton Determined to Battle Through Calf Injury
Tyrese Haliburton played through a calf injury in Monday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder and has no plans to sit out Thursday's Game 6. "It's the Finals," Haliburton said. "I've worked my whole life to be here and I want to be out there to compete, help my teammates any way I can. I was not great tonight by any means, but it's not really a thought of mine to not play here. If I can walk, then I want to play." Haliburton failed to make a field goal in Monday's 120-109 loss, finishing with four points, seven rebounds, and six assists. He has also been dealing with a right ankle injury during the Finals.Source: ESPN
Indiana Pacers point guard LeBron James Progressing Well From Knee Injury
LeBron James (knee) shared a positive update regarding his recovery from a Grade 2 MCL sprain. He said the knee is feeling "good," and he appears to be progressing well. "I have a lot of time to take care of my injury, my knee, the rest of my body and make sure I'm as close to 100 percent as possible when training camp begins in late September," James said. James has a $56.2 million player option to return to the Lakers for the 2025-26 campaign and is expected to exercise it. He will be entering his 23rd year in the Association and should continue to lead the Lakers team alongside Luka Doncic.Source: ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers forward Stephen Curry "Not Even Close" to Retirement
Stephen
Curry
doesn't
appear
to
have
retirement
on
his
mind.
"He
still
loves
the
game,"
said
Dell
Curry,
Steph's
father.
"He's
a
competitive
guy.
He
wants
to
win
another
title,
so
we're
notread more...
Golden
State
Warriors
guard
Jonathan Kuminga Linked to Bulls, Heat
Jonathan Kuminga. The 22-year-old averaged 15.3 points and 4.6 rebounds last season. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 47 games due to injury. Kuminga also saw his role reduced dramatically during the postseason, starting only once in eight appearances. He is eligible for restricted free agency. Still, things may remain at a standstill until Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant is traded. At any rate, there is still a chance Kuminga remains in Golden State, although he could benefit significantly by getting a fresh start with a new club.Source: Michael Scotto
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are "teams to monitor" as possible sign-and-trade candidates for Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Kevin Durant reportedly has "no desire" to be traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. There are a number of teams interested in making a move for the 36-year-old. However, it appears he is only interested in suiting up for the Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets. Granted, KD doesn't have an official no-trade clause. But some teams may lose interest if he doesn't commit to an extension beyond the 2025-26 campaign. With the start of the new NBA year right around the corner, discussions should intensify, with some even speculating a trade could happen ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. With that said, Durant is still performing at an All-Star level. That shouldn't change, regardless of where he is playing come October.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns forward Jarace Walker Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Jarace Walker (ankle) will remain sidelined for Monday's Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Walker has yet to suit up in the series due to a sprained right ankle. According to Dan Devine of Yahoo Sports, head coach Rick Carlisle said Sunday that it's "very unlikely" he'll play during the Finals despite making progress in his recovery. Walker has averaged 3.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 9.8 minutes this postseason. While his absence isn't a significant loss for the Pacers, Walker would be an additional frontcourt option on the bench for Carlisle if he were available.Source: Dan Devine
Indiana Pacers power forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on the Move to Memphis
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of the deal for guard Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies will also receive guard Cole Anthony, four unprotected first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. The 32-year-old has bounced around the league since entering it in 2013, suiting up for the Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, and Washington Wizards. However, his stock rose after he helped the Denver Nuggets win a championship in 2023. KCP would go on to sign with the Magic last offseason. Unfortunately, he wasn't as productive, averaging 8.7 points. He also shot 34.2% from behind the arc, a significant decline from his final season in Denver. With that in mind, Caldwell-Pope could get more scoring opportunities in Memphis. His durability is also a plus for fantasy managers. Still, he isn't a consistent fantasy producer, although he'll likely have some solid showings throughout the 2025-26 campaign, regardless of his role.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic are trading guard