NBA Player News

Greece dropped their first two games of the Olympics, but they were finally able to get a win. They held a 17-point lead at halftime and were able to hold on in the second half. Giannis once again led the team in scoring, though this was his lowest-scoring game of the Olympics. He did more facilitating in this game and had six assists after having a total of four in the first two games. Depending on how the point differential plays out in the Canada-Spain matchup, Greece could still advance in the tournament.

Haliburton is currently listed as questionable with a right calf strain. The 25-year-old point guard participated in practice on Wednesday and is expected to go through walkthrough ahead of Game 6 on Thursday. Shams said he was told Haliburton would miss multiple weeks if this were the regular season, but this game carries paramount importance as the Pacers are facing elimination in Game 6. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said earlier this week Haliburton would probably be a game-time decision.

While exact terms of the deal are still unknown, Charania reported that the extension will make Udoka one of the NBA’s highest-paid coaches. Udoka, 47, was one of the coaches the Knicks attempted to interview but were denied last week. He led the Rockets to a 52-win season and a two-seed in the playoffs. Udoka previously coached the Celtics, taking over for Brad Stevens in the 2021-22 season. He was suspended for the 2022-23 season for violating team policies and became the Rockets coach on April 25, 2023.

Acquired from the Mavericks at the trade deadline in exchange for Caleb Martin, Grimes made an extremely positive impression on the 76ers. With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George sidelined due to injury, Grimes recorded some gaudy stat lines during the “silly season.” Unsurprisingly, keeping the restricted free agent in Philadelphia is the team’s desire. According to Stein, his sources say re-signing Grimes remains a “priority” for the 76ers. In a healthy rotation, his fantasy ceiling is considerably lower than it was when Philadelphia was shorthanded. That said, re-signing Grimes will be critical for the 76ers, whose bench disappointed for most of the 2024-25 season.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said during his availability that Haliburton would be questionable for Game 6, so the official designation is unsurprising. The star point guard suffered a strained right calf during the first half of Monday’s Game 5 defeat. While Haliburton did his best to play through the injury, he lacked his usual burst and spent most of his time lingering on the perimeter. Even if Haliburton can play on Thursday, the Pacers will need more production from backup T.J. McConnell, who played well on Monday.

A few months after the majority ownership of the Celtics was sold at a valuation of $6 billion, the Lakers were sold to Walter, who is also the primary owner and chairman of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The reported valuation of $10 billion is the highest for a professional sports franchise in world history. Once the NBA approves Wednesday’s reported sale, the Lakers will be owned by someone other than the Buss family for the first time since 1979. The late Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings, the Inglewood Forum and a 13,000 square foot ranch from Jack Kent Cooke for a total of $67.5 million. That’s equivalent to nearly $296 million in 2025.

Haliburton downplayed the severity of the injury that was noticeably bothering him in Game 5 by saying that, because it’s the NBA Finals, if he can walk, he’ll play. Well, if he does half a strained calf, that could certainly keep him from walking. If there is any chance of Haliburton playing, he’ll do it, but this an MRI isn’t an optimistic update. Hopefully Charania’s next report will have better news, but as of now, Indiana may have turn to T.J. McConnell for more minutes off the bench, with Andrew Nembhard sliding over to point guard in the starting unit.

The Pacers still hold the 54th pick in this draft, but they no longer have a first-round selection. However, they were able to get their own pick in 2026 back. The Pelicans now have two first-round picks, including pick No. 7. New Orleans will be able to add some young talent this summer, and there are still more moves for them to make. King was selected with the 47th pick in 2023, and after spending time in the G League, he has most recently been playing in New Zealand. This trade won’t change that, unless he ends up returning to the NBA.

With Randle and Reid have player options for next season, and while there hasn’t been any official update about whether they will pick those options up or not, Finch expects them to remain in Minnesota. That could mean they decline their options and sign new contracts; it would be surprising if Reid accepted a $15 million option for next season. If he signs elsewhere, Reid could find a starting role, which would be ideal for his fantasy production.

After attempting at least 10 shots in each of the first four games of the series, Turner only took five in Game 5. While he isn’t going to be a marquee offensive option for the Pacers, they need more from Turner, especially with Tyrese Haliburton (calf) injured. Just as concerning is the three-point shooting. After making two of five attempts in Game 1, Turner is just 3-of-17 from beyond the arc. And he isn’t the only one struggling, with Indiana shooting 37 percent or worse from deep in each of the last four games. The Pacers will need to turn that around if they’re to have a chance of winning Game 6 on Thursday.

With Tyrese Haliburton limited due to a right calf injury and Andrew Nembhard struggling, the Pacers needed more from McConnell. Unsurprisingly, the veteran point guard stepped up, even screaming “you can’t guard me” at the Thunder players at one point. McConnell answering the call is to be expected, even with his perceived offensive limitations. With Haliburton likely to be at less than full strength for Game 6 on Thursday, the Pacers will need a performance from McConnell similar to the one they received on Monday.