Samwise NBA Newsletter
Saturday, May 2, 2026
Lakers Eliminate Rockets in Game 6, Advance to Western Conference Semifinals
The Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals on Friday, defeating the Houston Rockets in Game 6 on the road to win the series 4-2. After jumping to a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Lakers stumbled through back-to-back losses before closing out in Houston. LeBron James paced Los Angeles as the team exploited the Rockets' erratic shooting night. Houston could not overcome the absence of Kevin Durant, who was sidelined by a left ankle sprain for Game 6. The victory marks another deep playoff run for James as the Lakers now prepare for the conference semifinals.
Sources: NBA.com, Yahoo Sports
Cade Cunningham's Historic Fourth Quarter Fuels Pistons' 24-Point Comeback, Forces Game 7
Cade Cunningham delivered one of the most memorable performances in recent Pistons history Friday, scoring 32 points and grabbing 10 rebounds — including 19 points in the fourth quarter alone — to fuel Detroit's historic 24-point comeback win over the Orlando Magic in Game 6. Trailing by as many as 24 points on the road while facing elimination, the Pistons outscored Orlando 31-8 in the final 12 minutes to win 93-79 and tie the series 3-3. Cunningham is the first Piston since Isiah Thomas to post at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in an elimination game. Game 7 is Sunday afternoon in Detroit.
Sources: NBA.com, Yahoo Sports
RJ Barrett's Overtime Three-Pointer Forces Cavaliers-Raptors Game 7
Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett delivered a series-saving performance Friday, hitting a go-ahead three-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime to defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 112-110 in Game 6 and force a Game 7. Barrett finished with 24 points as Scottie Barnes dominated with 25 points, 14 assists, seven rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley led Cleveland with 26 points. The Cavaliers had led the series 3-2 following a 125-120 road win in Game 5. Toronto's Brandon Ingram was listed out with a right heel injury. Game 7 is Sunday in Cleveland.
Sources: Sports Illustrated, NBA.com
Celtics and 76ers Meet in Game 7 Tonight With Tatum Expected to Play Through Calf Scare
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers meet Saturday night in a deciding Game 7 at TD Garden (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock), with Jayson Tatum expected to play despite exiting Game 6 with left calf discomfort. Tatum and coach Joe Mazzulla downplayed the issue, with Tatum telling teammates he is fine and ready. Philadelphia closed the series lead with a 106-93 road win Thursday, fueled by Tyrese Maxey's 30 points. Maxey is averaging 26.3 points through six games and has connected on 41 percent of his three-pointers. Philadelphia held Boston below 100 points in both Games 5 and 6 to swing the series.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, The Score
Anthony Edwards Out at Least Two Weeks, Timberwolves Face Spurs Short-Handed
Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards will miss at least two weeks — likely the opening games of Minnesota's second-round series against the San Antonio Spurs — after sustaining a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise in Game 4 of the first round. Fellow guard Donte DiVincenzo also suffered a torn right Achilles tendon and is out for the season. The Wolves eliminated the Denver Nuggets without Edwards but now face Victor Wembanyama and a Spurs team favored in the series. Edwards could return as early as Game 4 of the San Antonio series, per ESPN's Shams Charania. Ligament damage was ruled out.
Sources: NBA.com, Yahoo Sports
Knicks Set All-Time NBA Playoff Halftime Lead Record in 140-89 Rout, Advance to East Semis
The New York Knicks set the all-time NBA playoff record for largest halftime lead Wednesday night in Game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks, building a 47-point advantage (83-36) before winning 140-89 to clinch the first-round series 4-2. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, while OG Anunoby scored 14 first-half points. The Knicks' opening-quarter 31-4 run buried the Hawks before halftime. New York advances to the Eastern Conference Semifinals and awaits the winner of Saturday's Celtics-76ers Game 7. Both Mitchell Robinson and Hawks guard Dyson Daniels were ejected in the second quarter.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Wembanyama and Spurs Heavy Favorites as Timberwolves Open Semis Without Edwards
The San Antonio Spurs enter their Western Conference Semifinals series against the Minnesota Timberwolves as heavy favorites, with oddsmakers projecting a potential sweep and Game 1 beginning Monday at Frost Bank Center. Victor Wembanyama, who won his first Defensive Player of the Year award this season, poses a severe matchup problem for Minnesota's depleted frontcourt. Wembanyama averaged 34 points and eight rebounds in two regular-season games against the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert will anchor Minnesota's defensive effort, but the Wolves face the Spurs without Edwards and DiVincenzo. The Timberwolves are making their third straight second-round appearance as a franchise.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, NBA.com
2026 NBA Playoffs — First Round Status
Eastern Conference
(1) Pistons vs. (8) Magic — Tied 3-3, Game 7 Sun. May 3 in Detroit
(2) Celtics vs. (7) 76ers — Tied 3-3, Game 7 Sat. May 2 in Boston
(3) Knicks def. (6) Hawks — 4-2 — Knicks advance
(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Raptors — Tied 3-3, Game 7 Sun. May 3 in Cleveland
Western Conference
(1) Thunder def. (8) Suns — 4-0 — Thunder advance
(2) Spurs def. (7) Trail Blazers — 4-1 — Spurs advance
(6) Timberwolves def. (3) Nuggets — Wolves advance
(4) Lakers def. (5) Rockets — 4-2 — Lakers advance
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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