Obi Toppin Drops 17 Points in Game 1
Obi Toppin played an extremely important role off the bench for his squad in their Game 1 win over the Thunder in Oklahoma City. He knocked down five three-pointers and finished with 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists in his 25 minutes. He finished with the second-most points on the team and played the most minutes of any player in Indiana's second unit. Toppin hit multiple key three-pointers to keep the Pacers within striking distance, and ultimately, his team stormed back and took the lead on Tyrese Haliburton's game-winning jumper. Toppin is set to be a key piece off the bench for Indiana in the NBA Finals, and he'll look to help his team take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series on Sunday night.Source: ESPN.com
Indiana Pacers forward/center Aaron Nesmith Posts a Double-Double in Pacers Game 1 Victory
Aaron Nesmith had 10 points and a team-high 12 rebounds in 31 minutes in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. He was one of three Pacers with a double-double on the night, joining Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton. Nesmith knocked down three three-pointers and added an assist and a blocked shot while also finishing with five turnovers. Nesmith's supporting role will continue to be extremely important for the Pacers in the Finals, and it looks like he'll continue to get plenty of minutes and opportunities from his spot in the starting five.Source: ESPN.com
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam Leads the Pacers with 19 Points in Game 1 Win
Pascal Siakam scored a team-high 19 points on Thursday night to help the Pacers secure a road win in the first game of the NBA Finals. Siakam added 10 rebounds to finish with a double-double and also chipped in three assists and a blocked shot. Siakam led a balanced scoring attack that featured six players with double-digit points, but no one with 20 points or more. He led the team with 15 field goal attempts as well. After winning MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals, the 31-year-old will continue to play a critical role for the Pacers as they look to claim the championship with three more wins. SiakamSource: ESPN.com
Indiana Pacers forward Tyrese Haliburton Hits Game-Winning Shot as Pacers Steal Game 1
Tyrese Haliburton emerged as the hero once again for his team in a thrilling Game 1 victory in Oklahoma City. The Pacers trailed most of the game and by as many as 15 points in the fourth quarter, but outscored the Thunder by ten points in that final quarter to claim a 111-110 win in the first game of the NBA Finals. Haliburton's game-winner with 0.4 seconds left gave him 14 points on the night to go with 10 rebounds, six assists, two three-pointers, and three turnovers. After seizing home court advantage, he and the Pacers will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead on Sunday, when Game 2 is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.Source: ESPN.com
Indiana Pacers guard Karl-Anthony Towns Undergoes Treatment for Knee, Finger Issues
Karl-Anthony Towns (finger, knee) has received treatment for his bruised left knee and ligament damage in his left finger. It's unknown what kind of treatment KAT has received. It's also not clear if this will impact him heading into training camp. However, Towns was able to play through the ailments during the playoffs, so he'll likely be ready to go when the new season commences in October. The 29-year-old had an excellent campaign, his first in New York, averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 42.0% shooting from downtown. Fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to the news, although some might question things if the team doesn't provide more clarity on Towns' condition during the offseason.Source: Ramona Shelburne
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, New York Knicks forward/center Knicks Reportedly Make an Offer for Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant ahead of the trade deadline. Of course, that didn't happen. Still, with Durant not a lock to remain in Phoenix this offseason, it's possible both sides may revisit things. The 36-year-old is still playing at an All-Star level, finishing the 2024-25 campaign by averaging 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks while shooting an impressive 43.0% from behind the arc. This probably won't be the last time Durant's name is mentioned in the coming months. However, it's unknown how the Knicks would acquire the multi-time All-Star in a trade, although it's safe to assume Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns won't be included.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the New York Knicks reportedly made an offer for Phoenix Suns forward Clippers Expect Nicolas Batum to Return for Next Season
Nicolas Batum will likely spend another campaign with the team. According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, the Clippers expect the French veteran to return for next season. Batum, who will celebrate his 37th birthday in December, has a $4.9 million player option for 2025-26. This season, Batum averaged 4.0 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 17.5 minutes. While his fantasy value is at an all-time low, the Clippers appear to value Batum's veteran presence highly and want to keep him around for a little longer. In a recent interview with BeIN Sports, Batum mentioned that "there's a very good chance" next season will be his last in the NBA.Source: Michael Scotto
Los Angeles Clippers forward Tyus Jones Reportedly on Kings Radar
Tyus Jones may once again be on the move this offseason. Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype reports that the Sacramento Kings are keeping tabs on Jones, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Jones reportedly sacrificed money and term last summer to sign with the Suns in hopes of contending for a championship. Unfortunately, reality turned out to be completely different. He's had three teams in three seasons and seems poised to move on again. The 29-year-old appears to be a good fit for the Kings, who lost their point guard De'Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs midseason. Jones has provided solid value to fantasy managers, averaging 10-plus points for three consecutive seasons. He also recorded 2.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists this season, while shooting 41.4 percent from downtown on 5.0 attempts.Source: Michael Scotto
Phoenix Suns point guard Jeff Green Wants to Play for Two More Years
Jeff Green will turn 39 in August but wants to play two more years in the NBA. "I want to play as long as I can," the veteran said on The Zach Lowe Show. "The goal is to get to 20 years, so two shy. Houston has been home for me for the last couple of years, and I want to keep it that way. Hopefully, we can make something work where I can retire there, whether it be 20 or 21 years. My wife says 20 and that's it. So, I think I know what that is. So, two more years it is." Considering he missed the entire 2011-12 campaign due to open-heart surgery, Green's longevity in the game has been remarkable. However, it's been a few years since he was a factor in fantasy basketball. In 2024-25, Green was limited to 5.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 12.4 minutes across 31 games.Source: Matt Young
Houston Rockets forward/center Rockets Desperate to Get Steven Adams Under a New Contract
Steven
Adams
is
scheduled
to
become
an
unrestricted
free
agent
in
the
summer,
but
the
team
is
hoping
to
keep
him
around.
Team
sources
have
told
The
Athletic's
Kelly
Iko
that
Adams
isread more...
Houston
Rockets
center
Fred VanVleet Likely to Remain in Houston
Fred VanVleet is expected to remain with the team for the 2025-26 season. League sources have told The Athletic's Kelly Iko that the likelihood of VanVleet playing for a different team next season is "slim." The 31-year-old has a $44.9 million player option for next season, but Iko points out that he could also negotiate a new deal with the Rockets at a lower, team-friendly salary. VanVleet's time in Houston has been marked by ups and downs. During his debut season last year, he achieved a career-high of 8.1 assists, but in 2024-25, his numbers declined across most categories, averaging 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists. He shot just 37.8 percent from the field, his lowest percentage since his rookie year in 2016-17. Fantasy managers will undoubtedly hope for a bounce-back year from VanVleet next season.Source: Kelly Iko
Houston Rockets point guard Kristaps Porzingis to be Moved This Offseason?
Kristaps Porzingis could be traded. The veteran is due to make nearly $31 million during the 2025-26 campaign. However, he's entering the final season of his current contract, so the franchise may look to move him while trying to avoid "massive tax implications." Porzingis played a significant role in helping the Celtics capture an NBA title. Unfortunately, he appeared in only 42 regular-season games in 2024-25 and was also limited by an illness during the playoffs. With that said, Porzingis is a productive fantasy option. However, his various health issues over the years will continue to negatively impact his fantasy value moving ahead.Source: Michael Scotto
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, "several executives" around the National Basketball Association believe Boston Celtics center Jordan Ott Named Suns Head Coach
Kevin Durant on the roster, a player who many believe will be traded this offseason.Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott was named the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix hasn't had any luck on the coaching front in recent years, with the team firing Frank Vogel and Mike Budenholzer, who each served as the head coach for only one season. Now they are on to Ott, who has also spent time with the Hawks, Nets, and Lakers, and he will be tasked with turning around a franchise that fell short of making the play-in game last season. On a larger scale, only time will tell if the hiring will keep Zion Williamson to Remain Pelicans "Focal Point"
Zion Williamson on the roster. "I've had some really good conversations with Zion," said Dumars. "I've had some real honest conversations with him. We're going forward with Zion. He's going to continue to be a focal point here as we go forward." A woman the former Blue Devil dated filed a lawsuit recently, alleging rape and abuse. But as far as his issues on the court, he has had trouble staying healthy, appearing in 30 games or fewer four times during his career, including missing the entire 2021-22 campaign. However, Williamson is as good as it gets when healthy, averaging 24.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.0 steals in 214 regular-season contests. If he can remain off the injury report, he has All-Star upside. Still, fantasy managers who pick Williamson in drafts heading into the season will be taking a gamble based on his numerous ailments over the years.Source: Rod Walker
According to New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, the organization intends to keep forward Knicks Fire Head Coach Tom Thibodeau
Source: Shams Charania
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired on Tuesday. The Knicks were able to get by the Boston Celtics in the Conference Semifinals. However, after the team fell to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, the move was made to relieve Thibodeau of his duties. The 67-year-old served as the Knicks' head coach for five seasons, amassing a 226-174 regular-season record. He also led the team to the postseason four times during his time at the helm while guiding New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. It's unknown what the future holds for Thibodeau, but he'll likely have opportunities for other coaching vacancies moving ahead. As far as the Knicks are concerned, there are plenty of names who are available to take over, specifically, former Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.