Latest Basketball News
Rockets Rule Out Kevin Durant for Crucial Game 5 Against Lakers
The Houston Rockets have officially ruled out star forward Kevin Durant for Wednesday night's Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a left ankle sprain, as they trail 3-1 in the Western Conference first-round series. Durant, who missed multiple games this postseason, did not practice Tuesday and was seen on an antigravity treadmill, but the team won Game 4 without him 115-96.
This is Durant's first season in Houston after a trade from Phoenix, where he ranked second in regular-season minutes played.
Victor Wembanyama's Double-Double Propels Spurs to Western Conference Semifinals
Victor Wembanyama recorded 17 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 114-95 Game 5 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, eliminating them and advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2017. De'Aaron Fox scored 21 points, Julian Champagnie added 19, and Dylan Harper had 17 as the Spurs won their third straight game, never trailing and leading by up to 28.
The win marks a significant playoff milestone for San Antonio.
NBA Advances Toward Expanded 16-Team Lottery to Combat Tanking
The NBA is moving closer to a 16-team lottery system that flattens odds for the No. 1 pick, aiming to discourage tanking by reducing advantages for the three worst records through a 'draft relegation' process. The '3-2-1 Lottery' concept, reviewed by general managers, includes lottery balls for play-in losers and will be voted on by the Board of Governors next month, effective next season.
Currently, teams like Washington, Indiana, and Brooklyn have 14% odds, but Indiana's pick may go to the Clippers.
Durant's Injury Worsens Rockets' Elimination Risk in Lakers Series
Kevin Durant sat out Games 1, 3, 4, and now 5 due to injuries, including a bruised knee and ankle sprain from Game 2 where he scored 23 points in a loss. Despite his absence, the Rockets staved off elimination with a Game 4 win, facing a must-win Game 5 Wednesday night.
The 37-year-old all-time fifth-leading scorer played extensively in the regular season.
Spurs Dominate Trail Blazers in Game 5 Clincher
San Antonio never trailed in their 114-95 rout, powered by Wembanyama's impactful double-double and blocks, securing a series sweep in the final three games. Supporting scores from Fox, Champagnie, and Harper ensured a lead as large as 28 points.
This advances them past Portland in the first round.
New NBA Lottery Flattens Odds for Top Pick
Under the proposed system, play-in No.7-8 losers get one lottery ball each, No.9 seeds get two, and non-playoff teams get three, except the worst three in 'draft relegation'. No.9 seeds would share 5.4% odds, and No.7-8 losers 2.7%, compared to current 14% for bottom teams.
The current format ends with the May 10 draft lottery.
Rockets Face Lakers Without Superstar in Do-or-Die Game 5
Trailing 3-1, Houston heads to Los Angeles without Durant, who was traded from Phoenix in the offseason and led the league in minutes during the regular season. The team practiced without him Tuesday before traveling.
Game 4's victory keeps their playoff hopes alive.
Wembanyama Leads Spurs' First Semifinal Trip Since 2017
The Spurs' victory over Portland marks their first Western Conference semifinals appearance since beating Houston in 2017, before Kawhi Leonard's injury and a sweep by Golden State. Wembanyama's 17-14-6 stat line anchored the blowout win.
Teammates provided balanced scoring.
League GMs Evaluate Anti-Tanking '3-2-1 Lottery' Proposal
The concept aims to equalize draft odds, with further discussions before the Board of Governors' vote next month. It expands to 16 teams, incorporating play-in outcomes to penalize tanking.
Implementation starts next season post-May 10 lottery.
Durant's Postseason Injury Troubles Mount for Rockets
After missing the opener with a knee bruise, Durant returned for Game 2 but injured his ankle late, missing subsequent games including the pivotal Game 5. His heavy regular-season workload contrasts his current absence.
Rockets fight on without him.
Spurs' Balanced Attack Overwhelms Trail Blazers in Playoff Exit
Fox's 21 points led the way alongside Wembanyama's rebounding and defense, with Champagnie and Harper contributing teens in scoring during the decisive Game 5. San Antonio's dominance led to a 19-point win.
Next up: semifinals.
Current NBA Lottery Odds Highlight Tanking Incentives to Change
Washington, Indiana, and Brooklyn currently hold 14% chances at No. 1, but reforms seek to diminish such rewards for poor records. Indiana faces pick swap risks with Clippers.
New system targets fairness.