Chet Holmgren Bounces Back in Game 2 Victory
Chet Holmgren needed a bounce-back performance after putting up just six points and six rebounds in Game 1. During the 123-107 win in Game 2, the second-year big man registered 15 points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block while shooting 6-for-11 overall and 1-for-3 from downtown. While the Thunder don't need to rely on Holmgren to score 20 or more points every night, his efficiency and defensive presence are keys to their success. So far, in his second postseason run, Holmgren averages 15.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.Source: Basketball Reference
Oklahoma City Thunder center Pascal Siakam Struggles in Game 2
Pascal Siakam had a tough time getting the lid off the rim in Game 2 as the Oklahoma City Thunder coasted to a 123-107 win to tie the series at one game apiece. The former Toronto Raptor finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two turnovers. He was only able to knock down three of his 11 field goal attempts and went 1-for-4 from beyond the arc, but did make eight out of nine free throws. After being named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP, Siakam will need to bounce back in Game 3 if the Pacers want to stay on track and win their first championship in the NBA.Source: Basketball Reference
Indiana Pacers forward Jalen Williams Provides A Bit Of Everything In Game 2
Jalen Williams provided support in all aspects during the 123-107 win over the Indiana Pacers, which pushed the NBA Finals to a 1-1 tie. The former lottery pick registered 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting with five rebounds, five assists, and one steal to go along with just two turnovers. When Williams is contributing in more ways than one, it usually results in a score like this one. His efficiency hasn't quite been the same as his first playoff run last season, but Williams averages 20.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 turnovers per game across 18 postseason contests.Source: Basketball Reference
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Tyrese Haliburton Collects 17 Points In Game 2
Tyrese Haliburton was the team's top scorer in a lopsided 123-107 loss in Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder's defense was on full display as Haliburton and company struggled all night long. The dynamic point guard finished the game with 17 points on 7-for-13 shooting from the floor and 3-for-8 from downtown. He also added six assists, three rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and five turnovers. The good thing for the Pacers is that Haliburton has been noticeably better at home as he averaged 20.2 points, 9.9 assists, and 3.6 rebounds per game with shooting splits of .499/.415/.862 across 37 contests. Game 3, on Wednesday, will be the first NBA Finals game in Indiana in 25 years to the day.Source: Basketball Reference
Indiana Pacers guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dominates In Game 2 Victory
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander proved why he was named the NBA's MVP this season after leading all scorers in the dominant 123-107 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 2. He finished with 34 points, eight assists, five rebounds, four steals, and one block while shooting 11-for-21 from the floor and 11-for-12 from the charity stripe. This was his second consecutive game with 30 or more points, which further pushes his lead for most points this postseason (548). Gilgeous-Alexander also boasts the highest number of win shares in the playoffs, with 3.5, as the series shifts to Indiana for Game 3 on Wednesday.Source: Basketball Reference
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Christian Braun May Receive Contract Extension Soon
Christian Braun is expected to be offered a new deal ahead of the 2026-27 season, possibly as early as this fall. The 24-year-old is nearing the end of his rookie agreement. However, he's easily coming off the best season of his career, averaging 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 39.7% shooting from downtown, meaning retaining him is certainly in the team's best interest. The Nuggets will likely try to avoid entering the second round, so who will remain on the roster in the coming years is unknown. Yet, the anticipated movement of certain players moving forward means Braun has an excellent chance to see more scoring opportunities, making him an ideal dynasty stash for fantasy managers.Source: Bennett Durando
Bennett Durado of The Denver Post believes Nuggets guard Michael Porter Jr. Not a Lock to Remain in Denver
Michael
Porter
Jr.
on
the
roster,
at
least
for
one
more
season.
While
Durando
didn't
rule
out
the
possibility
of
MPJ
getting
moved
thisread more...
According
to
Bennett
Durando
of
The
Denver
Post,
the
Nuggets
may
keep
forward
Darius Garland Available "Under the Right Circumstances"
Darius Garland may be available "under the right circumstances." There was once a point where it appeared Garland was on his way out of Cleveland. However, a deal never transpired. Yet, it seems now the topic could be revisited. Garland had a quality season in 2024-25, averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists. He also shot 40.1% from deep and appeared in 75 contests, both career-highs. It's unknown what kind of deal it will take for the Cavs to move on from Garland. However, if he is traded this offseason, the team may think more about keeping Ty Jerome, who is an unrestricted free agent.Source: Brian Windhorst
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Zach Edey to Undergo Surgery, Expected to Miss Start of the Season
Zach Edey (ankle) sustained another left ankle injury during a recent workout. Unfortunately, he will need surgery and is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 campaign. The 23-year-old appeared in 66 games in his inaugural season, averaging 9.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. However, now that he will undergo a procedure to stabilize the ankle, it's unknown when he'll be back on the floor. While Edey is out of commission, Jay Huff, who averaged 10.0 points, 3.0 boards, and 1.5 blocks in two starts last season, should take on a bigger role in the rotation. The same can be said for Brandon Clarke (knee), assuming he's healthy.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Memphis Grizzlies center Sam Hauser Possibly on the Move?
Sam
Hauser
is
a
player
who
could
be
on
the
move
this
offseason,
according
to
Sports
Illustrated's
Chris
Mannix.
The
direction
of
the
franchise
is
at
a
crossroads,
with
superstar
forward
read more...
Boston
Celtics
forward
De'Aaron Fox: "I'll be Ready for Next Year"
De'Aaron Fox (finger) said he's doing well after undergoing season-ending surgery on his left pinkie finger in March. "I'm doing well," said Fox. "I've been cleared, so I played a little five-on-five, and I've done contact stuff, so I'll be ready for next year." The 2017 No. 5 overall pick spent his entire career in Sacramento before he was traded to San Antonio ahead of last season's deadline. He appeared in 17 contests for the Spurs before his year ended abruptly, averaging 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists while shooting a career-low 27.4% from behind the arc. With that said, the tendon damage in Fox's pinkie could have been the cause of his struggles, so there's a good chance he'll get back on track. He is also eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension come August, which would keep him paired with superstar center Victor Wembanyama for years to come.Source: Danielle Lerner
San Antonio Spurs guard Alex Caruso Shines Off the Bench in Game 1
Alex Caruso was excellent in his team's Game 1 loss to the Pacers in the NBA Finals. While playing 28 minutes to lead the Thunder's second unit, he finished with 11 points, six rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and two assists. He would have been hailed as one of the heroes for the Thunder if the game hadn't gotten away from them in the closing minutes. Caruso's multi-faceted role will continue to be critical for the Thunder as they look to bounce back and win on Sunday to tie the series before it shifts to Indiana. Caruso's value on both ends of the floor is huge for OKC, so he should continue to log plenty of minutes off the bench.Source: ESPN.com
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort Knocks Down Five Triples in Game 1
Luguentz Dort finished with 15 points in Game 1 against the Pacers, finishing as the team's third-highest scorer behind only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. All 15 of his points came on three-pointers, as he went 5-for-9 from long range and also added four steals, four rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. His non-scoring numbers are always solid, but he'll be a key contributor for the Thunder and fantasy managers if he stays so involved in scoring as well. The 26-year-old has double-digit points in seven of his 17 games this postseason while averaging 8.2 points per contest.Source: ESPN.com
Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Cason Wallace Moves into the Starting Lineup in Game 1 Loss
Cason Wallace moved into the starting five in place of Isaiah Hartenstein for Game 1 of the NBA Finals, as the team went with a smaller look. Wallace played 33 minutes, compared to just 17 for Hartenstein, and finished with six points, two rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block. He missed all three of his three-point attempts but still had a solid overall game since he got so many minutes. For DFS contests, Wallace will bring good value if he continues to start and play so many minutes, so keep an eye of if he gets the call again in Game 2 or if the team goes back to Hartenstein in the starting lineup.Source: ESPN.com
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Scores 38 Points in Game 1 Defeat
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led all scorers with 38 points in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, but his Thunder couldn't hold on to defeat the Pacers. SGA missed a shot with 11.0 seconds remaining, and Tyrese Haliburton knocked down the game-winner to give the Pacers an upset, 111-110 victory on the road. It was another huge game for Gilgeous-Alexander, who has posted great numbers throughout the playoffs and added five rebounds, three assists, three steals and just two turnovers in his game-high 40 minutes. He and the Thunder will look to bounce back and level the series in Game 2, which is scheduled for Sunday night at the Paycom Center.Source: ESPN.com
Oklahoma City Thunder guard