Samwise NBA Newsletter
Friday, May 15, 2026
NBA Upholds Jarrett Allen No-Call, Validates Cavaliers’ Game 5 Overtime Win
The NBA on Thursday validated the controversial non-call in the closing seconds of Game 5 between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons. With the score tied at 103–103, Ausar Thompson appeared to lose his footing after contact with Jarrett Allen while both pursued a loose ball. Referee Tony Brothers let play continue, and the league’s Last Two Minutes Report confirmed the call was correct, ruling that both players legally stepped to the same spot with no foul committed. Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Cade Cunningham objected publicly. Cleveland won 117–113 in overtime to claim a 3–2 series lead, with Game 6 set for Friday night at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Cavaliers Host Pistons in Game 6 Friday, One Win from Eastern Conference Finals
The Cleveland Cavaliers host the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday night at Rocket Arena, with tipoff at 7 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video. Cleveland holds a 3–2 series advantage and has posted a perfect 6–0 home record through the 2026 playoffs, ranking in the top three in offensive rating, 3-point shooting, and fewest turnovers at home. A win would send the Cavaliers to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2018. Detroit faces elimination and must win in Cleveland to extend the series to a Game 7, scheduled for May 17 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Sports
Spurs Lead 3-2, Look to Close Out Timberwolves at Minnesota Tonight
The San Antonio Spurs travel to Minnesota on Friday night with a chance to close out the Western Conference Semifinals, leading the Timberwolves 3–2 with Game 6 tipping at 9:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video. San Antonio has been dominant in its three wins, averaging 24.7 points of margin of victory. Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle have anchored both ends for the Spurs, while Anthony Edwards has kept Minnesota competitive with strong offensive performances. The Timberwolves have won both their home games, setting up a raucous Target Center atmosphere. A Spurs win clinches a Western Conference Finals matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder beginning Monday.
Sources: Yahoo Sports
Thunder’s Historic 8-0 Playoff Run Sets Up Western Conference Finals
The Oklahoma City Thunder, now 8–0 in the 2026 playoffs after sweeping both the first and second rounds, are the first defending champions since LeBron James’ 2017 Cavaliers to accomplish that feat. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and breakout sixth man Ajay Mitchell combined for 63 points in the series-clinching Game 4 win over Los Angeles. Oklahoma City outscored the Lakers by 181 total points across all eight regular-season and playoff meetings this season, the fourth-best single-opponent differential in NBA history. The Thunder, the West’s top seed for a third consecutive year, await Friday’s Spurs–Timberwolves result, with the Western Conference Finals opening Monday at home if San Antonio wins tonight.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Draft Combine Concludes in Chicago: Carr and Mara Emerge as Top Risers
The 2026 NBA Draft Combine concluded its scrimmage portion in Chicago on Thursday, with several prospects significantly raising their draft stock. Baylor guard Cameron Carr emerged as the event’s top riser: a 30-point, 7-rebound Wednesday scrimmage combined with a 42.5-inch vertical leap and elite agility testing pushed him firmly into lottery projections. Carr withdrew from Thursday’s session to protect his standing. Michigan center Aday Mara measured 7-foot-3 without shoes and posted a 9-foot-9 standing reach, tied for second in combine history, and is now projected to land in the top 20. Expected top-five picks AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cameron Boozer skipped the scrimmages entirely.
Sources: ESPN, Yahoo Sports
Bucks Actively Shopping Giannis; Warriors Signal They’ll Hold 11th Pick
The Milwaukee Bucks are actively seeking trade offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of the June 23–24 NBA Draft, with co-owner Jimmy Haslam confirming a resolution before that date. Antetokounmpo is expected to decline any extension offer, leaving Milwaukee no alternative but to deal him. The Golden State Warriors, a primary suitor, indicated Thursday they intend to retain their 11th overall draft pick and would prefer not to include it in a trade package. Boston, Miami, and New York remain in discussions. Antetokounmpo holds a player option for 2027 and has expressed a preference for a championship contender, with New York reportedly his top choice outside Milwaukee.
Sources: HoopsHype, Yahoo Sports
Knicks Await Eastern Conference Finals Opponent and Start Date After Dominant Sweep
The New York Knicks, coming off a dominant 4–0 sweep of the Philadelphia 76ers — capping the series with a 144–114 Game 4 victory that tied the NBA playoff record with 25 three-pointers — are waiting to learn their Eastern Conference Finals opponent and start date. New York’s 19.4-point average margin of victory through two rounds is the largest since the playoff field expanded to 16 teams in 1984. If Cleveland eliminates Detroit on Friday, the ECF begins Sunday, May 17, with the Knicks hosting. A Detroit win pushes the start to Tuesday, May 19. New York has reached the East Finals for the second consecutive season.
Sources: Yahoo Sports, ESPN
NBA Playoffs — Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers — Knicks advance 4–0
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons — Cavaliers lead 3–2 (Game 6 tonight)
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers — Thunder advance 4–0
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves — Spurs lead 3–2 (Game 6 tonight)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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