Draymond Green (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025
Green was fined $50,000 for making a comment referencing the 5.5-point spread during Game 3 vs. the Timberwolves, which the NBA deemed as questioning officiating integrity.
After fouling out late in the game, Green was seen mouthing “5.5” on camera as the Wolves led by eight. The game ended 102-97, narrowly within the spread. This adds to Green’s record $992,000 in career fines.
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025
After a 64-win season, the Cavs were eliminated 4-1 by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Mitchell, averaging 34.2 PPG despite an ankle injury, was devastated post-game, saying the team “let the city down” but promised a return.
Cleveland lost all three home games and blew a 19-point lead in Game 5. Injuries to Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and De’Andre Hunter hampered their push. Coach Kenny Atkinson acknowledged improvement but said the team wasn’t physical or intense enough.
Portland Trail Blazers
May 2025
Nike co-founder Phil Knight has officially ruled out buying the Portland Trail Blazers, stating age and reduced interest as reasons, despite past efforts. The team is now formally up for sale per the late Paul Allen’s will.
Allen’s estate has engaged Allen & Company and Hogan Lovells to oversee the sale, aiming to fulfill the directive to channel proceeds into philanthropy. NBA and Oregon officials are urging the franchise remain in Portland.
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 14, 2025 (Game 5 vs. Indiana Pacers)
Despite a sprained left ankle, Donovan Mitchell is starting for the Cavaliers in their must-win Game 5 against the Pacers. He had missed the second half of Game 4 due to the injury and was listed as questionable.
Mitchell participated in shootaround and went through his pregame routine, indicating his availability. His presence boosts Cleveland’s chances as they face elimination. Sam Merrill (neck strain) is out.
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
May 2025 (injured in Game 4 vs. Knicks on Monday night, surgery Tuesday afternoon)
Celtics star Jayson Tatum underwent successful surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered late in Game 4 against the New York Knicks. No timetable has been given for his return.
Tatum, who had scored 42 points, collapsed in pain with three minutes remaining. He was carried off the court, unable to walk. His absence is a devastating blow to Boston’s playoff and 2025-26 season hopes.
Cooper Flagg (Dallas Mavericks)
May 2025
After winning the NBA draft lottery with just a 1.8% chance, the Dallas Mavericks plan to select Duke forward Cooper Flagg with the No. 1 pick and will not trade the pick for any established superstar.
Despite fan backlash from the earlier Luka Dončić trade, Mavs governor Patrick Dumont sees Flagg as a “gift” and wants to secure the franchise’s future around the 6’9″ Duke star. Flagg dominated college basketball this season, averaging 19.2 points and leading Duke to the Final Four.
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
May 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo is open-minded about leaving Milwaukee for the first time in his career following the Bucks’ third straight first-round playoff exit. League sources say teams will intensify inquiries about his availability during this week’s NBA Draft Combine.
Despite being under contract through 2027-28, Antetokounmpo’s concerns over Milwaukee’s limited title window and depleted assets are fueling speculation. While the Bucks have a few free agency tools and draft options, roster-building flexibility is minimal. Internal meetings with Giannis’ camp are expected this summer.
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 2025
Donovan Mitchell is questionable for Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers after aggravating a prior left ankle injury. An MRI confirmed the issue after he left Game 4 at halftime and didn’t return.
Mitchell felt pain during warmups before the second half and exited the court. The Cavaliers will assess his readiness just before tip-off on Tuesday night. He had two consecutive 40-point playoff games before this setback.
Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers)
May 12, 2025 (Game 4)
Mitchell exited Game 4 with a left ankle injury and did not return for the second half. He will undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the damage.
After scoring just 12 points in the first half, Mitchell experienced discomfort during warmups and was ruled doubtful before missing the rest of the game. His Game 5 status is uncertain.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Denver Nuggets
Sunday, Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals
The Thunder outlasted the Nuggets 92-87, tying the series 2-2 after shutting out Denver 12-0 in clutch time, a reversal from earlier games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 9 of his 25 points in the fourth, while OKC’s bench, led by Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins, sparked an 11-0 rally. Denver’s late miscues, including a five-second violation, proved costly.
