June 17, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder forward/center
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.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
June 17, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard
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.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
June 17, 2025
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward
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.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
June 17, 2025
Indiana Pacers forward
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.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
June 17, 2025
Indiana Pacers point guard
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.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
June 17, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
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.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
June
16,
2025
Golden
State
Warriors
guard
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
not
read more...
June 16, 2025
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
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.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Michael Scotto
June 16, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Phoenix Suns forward
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.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
June 16, 2025
Indiana Pacers power forward
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.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Dan Devine
June 15, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Orlando Magic are trading guard
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.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
June 15, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies are acquiring guard
Cole Anthony from the Orlando Magic in exchange for guard
Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies will also receive guard
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a first-round pick swap. The 2020 No. 15 overall pick has spent his entire career in Orlando. His best season was in 2021-22, when he averaged 16.3 points per contest. However, Anthony amassed only 9.4 points in 67 games during the 2024-25 campaign, a substantial dip. Anthony could struggle to find a consistent role in Memphis, especially with
Ja Morant,
Scotty Pippen Jr., and Caldwell-Pope on the roster. Still, he may get an opportunity to get involved, considering Morant has had issues staying on the court over the years.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
June
15,
2025
According
to
ESPN's
Shams
Charania,
the
Memphis
Grizzlies
are
trading
guard
Desmond
Bane
to
the
Orlando
Magic.
In
exchange,
Memphis
will
receive
guards
Kentavious
Caldwell-Pope,
Cole
Anthony,
four
unprotected
read more...
June 15, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Houston Rockets center
Steven Adams agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension. The 31-year-old spent most of his career in Oklahoma City before making a stop in Memphis for two seasons. After missing the 2023-24 campaign due to knee surgery, he suited up for the Rockets last season. However, Adams averaged only 3.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 58 regular-season appearances. He played a more prominent role in the postseason, amassing 5.7 points and 6.6 boards in 22.1 minutes (seven games). With
Alperen Sengun on the roster, Adams' fantasy potential is significantly capped. Still, his leadership will go a long way in helping develop the young talent on the Rockets' roster.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
June 14, 2025
Indiana Pacers guard
Tyrese Haliburton struggled in Friday's loss to OKC. He had 18 points, his second-highest mark of the NBA Finals. However, after going 4-for-8 from downtown in Game 3, the 25-year-old made just one of his seven tries from behind the arc in Game 4. Haliburton is now averaging 17.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.0 rebounds throughout the series. He has also improved on the defensive end. Unfortunately, Haliburton hasn't been consistent offensively. In addition, he has amassed at least four turnovers in the last three contests, making him a somewhat risky DFS option for Game 5 on Monday evening.
--Dennis ClausenSource: ESPN
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