NBA

Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Coach, Moves to Full-Time Front Office Role

Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
May 2025

Legendary coach Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach of the Spurs, transitioning to a full-time president of basketball operations role after health setbacks and nearly three decades on the bench.
Popovich, 76, cited the physical demands of coaching and his recent stroke as reasons for the move. Mitch Johnson, interim coach since November, will now take over permanently, continuing Popovich’s legacy with the team.

Gary Payton II Ruled Out for Warriors’ Game 7 Clash vs. Rockets Due to Illness

Gary Payton II (Golden State Warriors)
May 2025

Warriors guard Gary Payton II will miss the decisive Game 7 against the Houston Rockets due to severe illness, with coach Steve Kerr confirming he hasn’t eaten or joined team activities.
Payton started Game 6 and was key off the bench earlier in the series, but his absence will force Kerr to rethink lineup combinations, potentially opening minutes for multiple role players.

Garland’s Status Uncertain Ahead of Cavaliers’ Semifinal Opener vs. Pacers

Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
Sunday, Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 1

Darius Garland is listed as questionable due to a lingering sprained left big toe, having already missed the final two games of the first-round sweep over Miami. His status will be a game-time decision.
Garland didn’t practice Saturday but had a full-contact session Friday. Coach Kenny Atkinson said the injury may linger throughout the playoffs. If unavailable, Sam Merrill or Isaac Okoro may start in his place.

VanVleet Ignites Rockets’ Fourth-Quarter Surge to Force Game 7

Fred VanVleet (Houston Rockets)
Friday, Game 6 of first-round series

Fred VanVleet’s 29-point night, including a pivotal four-point play to start the fourth, powered the Rockets past Golden State 115-107, evening the series 3-3. He’s hit 18 threes in his last three games.
VanVleet’s clutch shooting exploited Golden State’s defensive shift toward limiting Jalen Green, who was held to 12 points. Houston opened the final quarter on a 6-0 run and capitalized on Warriors’ poor shooting stretch to pull away late.

Damian Lillard Undergoes Achilles Surgery After First-Round Exit

Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks)
May 3, 2025

Damian Lillard underwent surgery to repair his torn left Achilles tendon suffered during Game 4 of the Bucks’ playoff series against the Pacers. The injury ended his postseason and capped a difficult return from recent deep vein thrombosis.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and Lillard is expected to begin a long recovery process. Despite the setback, coach Doc Rivers praised Lillard’s mindset, quoting him as saying, “I’m not going out this way.”

Gregg Popovich Steps Down as Spurs Coach, Stays On as Team President

Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs)
May 2025

NBA Hall of Famer Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down as head coach of the San Antonio Spurs after 27 seasons. He transitions to a full-time role as team president of basketball operations while Mitch Johnson is promoted to permanent head coach.
Citing the physical toll of coaching and his recovery from a mild stroke, Popovich chose to step away from the bench. He’ll remain closely involved in day-to-day franchise decisions, continuing to shape the Spurs’ future with Victor Wembanyama and the new leadership core.

Lakers’ Early Playoff Exit Leaves Bettors Empty-Handed

Los Angeles Lakers
May 2025 (NBA Playoffs)

The Lakers, the most heavily bet-on team to win the NBA Finals this season, were eliminated in the first round by the Timberwolves, dashing hopes for bettors who placed massive wagers after the Luka Doncic trade.
After their title odds shortened from 40-1 to 13-1 post-trade, sportsbooks like ESPN BET and FanDuel saw surges in Lakers bets, including a $100,000 Finals wager at 10-1. Their early exit means sportsbooks retain the bulk of that betting volume.

Isaiah Stewart Remains Out with Knee Injury for Game 6 vs. Knicks

Isaiah Stewart (Detroit Pistons)
May 2025 (Game 6, First-Round Playoffs)

Pistons center Isaiah Stewart missed his fifth straight game with a lingering knee injury, despite taking part in the team’s shootaround earlier in the day.
Stewart’s absence has led to an increased workload for Jalen Duren, who is averaging 35 minutes per game in the series, while Paul Reed has stepped into the rotation with moderate impact off the bench.

Redick Calls for Conditioning Overhaul After Lakers Exit

JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers)
May 2025 (Postseason Exit)

Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the need for better offseason conditioning after a 4-1 first-round loss to Minnesota, citing poor fourth-quarter performances as a key issue.
Redick said some players lacked championship-level fitness and GM Rob Pelinka highlighted the lack of size post-Doncic trade, promising to add a center. Pelinka also reaffirmed commitment to LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves.

Suns Promote Brian Gregory to GM as James Jones Moves to Advisory Role

Brian Gregory (Phoenix Suns)
May 2025 (Offseason Transition)

The Phoenix Suns have promoted VP Brian Gregory to general manager, with former GM James Jones shifting to a senior advisory role as part of a broader basketball operations overhaul.
Owner Mat Ishbia praised Gregory’s scouting role in recent drafts and cited his basketball IQ as key to transforming the team. The Suns are also searching for a new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer following an 11th-place finish.