James Harden, NBA star and player for the Philadelphia 76ers, has invited shooting survivor John Hao to attend Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics. Hao was one of the victims of the mass shooting incident at Michigan State University in February of this year. Previously paralyzed from the waist down, Hao has made a remarkable recovery and can now attend the game to watch his favorite player in action. Harden had promised Hao that he would invite him to a game as soon as he was able to attend. The star player had previously sent Hao a pair of game-worn shoes, among other memorabilia, and offered words of encouragement via Facetime. With the series tied at 1-1, Game 3 proves crucial for the 76ers who seek a win against the Celtics.

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum joined an elite group of active players in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers, tying Paul George for having 6 career postseason games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, according to NBA.com. George has endorsed Tatum for the MVP race with admiration for his game, and referring to Tatum as “incredible.” At only 25, Tatum has already become one of the best players in the NBA, and he still has room to grow. As the playoffs continue, Tatum is poised to climb even further up the impressive playoff list. In Game 1 against the 76ers, the Celtics collapsed over the final few minutes, losing to the Sixers 102-104, and Tatum found himself the victim of a non-basketball act by Philadelphia’s PJ Tucker. A wild swing by Tucker caught Tatum below the belt, but to the Celtics’ dismay, the officiating crew failed to call a foul. Nevertheless, the Celtics will look to bounce back and Tatum will continue to prove his worth as one of the most elite players in the association.

Philadelphia 76ers’ forward P.J. Tucker achieved a unique record in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics. Tucker played for nearly 37 minutes but, surprisingly, didn't score any points or shoot a free throw. This performance is, in fact, the most minutes played by a player in an NBA playoff match without shooting a field goal or free throw. The previous record was held by Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs back in 2006. The 76ers, however, won the game against the Boston Celtics with a score of 117-98. Despite not scoring, Tucker played an important supporting role in the game, with the 76ers being victorious with a comfortable margin. This is not, however, an unusual occurrence for Tucker, who has put up 0’s in over a quarter of all games the 76ers have played this season. Although he is a starting player, the 76ers are 17-6 in games where Tucker does not score. This remarkable feat in Game 1 of the playoffs, therefore, is not entirely unexpected.

Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid has been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2022-23 season, after a scattering start to his career. He underwent foot surgery and then had to be benched again due to a knee injury. But doubts about his ability to fully recover from these injuries were laid to rest as he led the NBA in scoring for a second straight year. This is also a boost to what the Sixers called The Process, which was initiated in the 2010s and was seen as a way to lose numerous games so that they could land young prospects like Embiid. The move was met with criticism and the term 'tanking' was coined afterwards. In the first two rounds of the NBA playoffs, the 76ers was undefeated. Embiid is the fifth 76er ever to win the NBA MVP, following in the footsteps of legends Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Julius Erving, and Allen Iverson.

Despite some doubts at the end of the season, Trae Young has proven his abilities to lead his team to victory in a high-pressure game. While the Hawks ultimately lost the series against the Celtics, Young was the standout player in at least two, if not three, of the games. Although his season was marked by struggles to build synergy with newly-acquired player Dejounte Murray, these concerns have been put to rest after Young showed his tenacity in the final four games of the series. While there may still be some chatter in the media regarding a potential trade, true basketball fans know that trading Young would be a delusional move. Admittedly, there are still some flaws in the Hawks' gameplay, such as their point-of-attack defense that allowed the Celtics to score so easily. However, the talent that Young possesses when he is at his best is undeniable, and it's clear that when surrounded by the right pieces, he has the potential to lead his team all the way to a championship. With the official announcement of the end of the season, Young is already looking ahead to next year, eager to continue growing and improving his game.

As the NBA playoffs continue to deliver standout performances, fans are left wondering if these postseason games count towards the season's Most Valuable Player award. The answer is no, as the NBA MVP award is presented annually to the player who made the biggest impact on their team's success throughout the regular season. This highly respected individual award is decided by a panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NBA in the US and Canada, with each expert selecting their top five candidates. The player with the highest point total is awarded the MVP, an award in which each first-place vote is worth 10 points. Since 2010, fans have been given the opportunity to cast their ballot and have a say in the MVP with online voting. While standout performances continue to make headlines in the postseason, only the regular season is considered for the MVP award. On Tuesday, the NBA is expected to name the season's MVP among finalists Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Boston Celtics' star Jayson Tatum finished fourth in the NBA MVP race, but it doesn't mean he has lost hope in winning the title in the future. The 26-year-old guard has been in the league for six years and has already broken many records including becoming the first Celtics player ever to average 30-plus points a game. Tatum's scoring averages have gone up each year he has been in the NBA. Though Tatum commented that he had at least 15 years left in him, he shortly backtracked and said he had at least 10 years left for sure. Tatum, who made the All-NBA first team last year, might earn this honor again as he continues to produce stellar performances. Although Tatum no longer seems to be in the running for the MVP title this year, his focus is on the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy.

Furthermore, Tatum drew inspiration from his fatherhood journey alongside his son Deuce Tatum, who is now five years old. Despite Tatum's initial struggle to balance his responsibilities as a father and a rookie in the NBA, he now enjoys a unique chemistry with his son on and off the court.

In Game 4 of the second-round series between the Phoenix Suns and the Denver Nuggets, Landry Shamet was the unexpected hero. With Devin Booker in foul trouble, Shamet stepped up by draining three consecutive three-pointers to help the Suns win the game and even the series at 2-2. Shamet's offensive display was critical for a Suns team that has faced challenges with Chris Paul out with a strained groin muscle. Shamet, who has played a bigger role in Paul's absence, showed great resilience and contributed 19 points in the Suns' 129-124 victory. However, if the Suns hope to advance past the Nuggets and secure a spot in the Western Conference Finals, they will need more contributions from players like Deandre Ayton, who has struggled on the court. Despite Ayton's subpar production in the past two games, the Suns have been able to rely on the impressive performances of Booker and Kevin Durant. As the series returns to Denver for Game 5, the Suns will need Shamet and Ayton to step up and carry the team to victory.

NBC Sports EDGE's Drew Dinsick and Jay Croucher are warning fans of the Phoenix Suns that they might want to reconsider their bets on the Suns winning the playoffs. They explain that the Denver Nuggets just might sweep the Suns, considering the current market's pricing. Drew Dinsick suggests that Suns fans should seriously consider putting their money on the Nuggets' Moneyline, citing the fact that the Suns have failed to win a game in this round of the playoffs thus far.

While the Suns are known for their impressive performances in the regular season, they appear to be struggling in their latest matchup with the Nuggets. According to Drew Dinsick, the Suns have been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of depth in their bench. He says these weaknesses are becoming more apparent as they face off against a strong and determined Nuggets team. Fans will soon find out if the Suns can bounce back and avoid an embarrassing elimination from the playoffs.

Landry Shamet came up big in Game 4 for the Phoenix Suns, with a career-high 19 points and three consecutive three-pointers that helped clinch a 129-124 win against the Denver Nuggets. The win evens up the series at 2-2, which showed that the Suns' bench, previously seen as a heavy liability, can contribute significantly to the game. Devin Booker also had a spectacular performance with 36 points and 12 assists, while Kevin Durant also added 36 points in the high-scoring game.

Coach Monty Williams was proud of Shamet's performance, with the Suns bench scoring 40 points in total compared to Denver's 11. Booker also displayed improved decision-making and trust in his teammates, resulting in more scoring opportunities and assists. The Nuggets lost despite Nikola Jokic's stellar performance with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. However, the game got heated as Jokic had an altercation with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, with Ishiba flopping and drawing a technical on Jokic. There is a possibility that Jokic could be suspended in the upcoming games. The Suns have gained the momentum, winning two games on the brink, while the Nuggets will need to amp up their defense and urgency in the next games.

After a stellar performance by Phoenix Suns player Devin Booker, Shaquille O'Neal issued a public apology for comments he previously made doubting Booker's ability to shoot at such a high rate. Booker has been on a historic playoff run, becoming the first Suns player to record 35+ points in three consecutive playoff games and having the most points of any player in the first eight games of the playoffs since Michael Jordan in 1990. In Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets, Booker scored 36 points on 14-18 shooting, prompting O'Neal's apology on TNT. Booker's co-star Kevin Durant also had a great night, scoring 36 points as well. With the series tied at 2-2, the Suns will look to take a 3-2 lead in Game 5 in Denver.

Marcus Smart has been named the 2022-23 NBA Hustle Award winner, the second consecutive season he has done so and the third time in the last five years. The award is given to the player who makes impactful effort plays that may not appear in traditional statistics. Among the NBA's leaders in drawing charges, deflections, and recovered loose balls, Smart is the only player to win the award multiple times. He had a crucial role during the Celtics' impressive 57-25 regular season, their best since 2008-09, leading them with his physical commitment and intense defense. Despite struggling somewhat with defense this season, his toughness and hustle cannot be ignored, as he averaged 15.9 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, shooting 50% from the field.

Smart has taken his game to another level in the playoffs, helping the Celtics tie the second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers at 1-1 with a 15-point, five-rebound, and one-block performance in a 121-87 Game 2 win. His relentless energy, hustle, and willingness to dive on the floor for loose balls have become a hallmark of his gameplay, causing a stir among Celtics fans and earning him yet another achievement in his decorated career.

As Manchester City prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final, all eyes are on Pep Guardiola's record against his old foes. The Spanish coach has faced Real Madrid 21 times across all competitions, with most of the games played while he was the head coach of Barcelona. He has enjoyed a strong record against them overall, with 12 wins, four draws, and five defeats. However, his record has been weaker since leaving the Camp Nou in 2012. During his time at Barcelona, Guardiola won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, and two Champions Leagues, and won seven games, drew four, and lost two against Real Madrid. But while his record at Bayern Munich was poor, recording two defeats and no wins, he has enjoyed more success at Manchester City, recording three wins and one defeat against them. As Guardiola faces off against wily Carlo Ancelotti, Manchester City are hoping to secure their first Champions League crown.

Adele's court-side fashion game remains strong. The Grammy Award-winning singer was seen at Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles wearing a camel two-piece suit that consisted of an oversized button-down blouse and matching trousers in the same color. The singer's outfit was accessorized with layered gold necklaces, gold rings on both hands, Bvlgari's Serpenti gold watch, and black strappy sandals with 3-inch stiletto heels. She completed the look with manicured black nails and her signature big waves.

A regular at the Lakers games since dating sports agent Rich Paul, Adele has been seen dressed in everything from athletic and laidback outfits to sleek leather jumpsuits and high-fashion dresses. Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik pointed-toe pumps, as well as sleek boots from Proenza Schouler, are some brands Adele is often spotted wearing for special appearances.

Celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Hart, and Woody Harrelson were also spotted at the Lakers game, with Kim and her mother Kris Jenner seen at Game 4 of the playoffs wearing a tight white t-shirt that read, "I Love Nerds," and an all-black look, respectively.

The Golden State Warriors are currently facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs but seem to have hit a rough patch. Despite being defending champions, they have struggled in recent games and are showing cracks that have been evident all year, such as their over-reliance on Stephen Curry. They are also carrying oversized contracts for players on the downhill side of their career and making boneheaded turnovers, lacking execution, and arguing with calls instead of playing through ups and downs.

The Warriors' defense has been their secret sauce success throughout the dynasty, but they have struggled to contain the Lakers' frontcourt in their recent losses. Despite some challenging situations, they have been closer to the precipice before and have the potential to adjust. Smarter rotations, adherence to a well-known script, and less arguing will be necessary to bounce back.

Some are also suggesting that the Warriors may need to adjust their attitude if they want to come out on top. Analysts are pointing to the NBA's players' league, where even if an all-star caliber player doesn't want to be a part of a team anymore, they can demand to be traded. It is suggested that by taking more control in the series, the Warriors may be able to secure their position as defending champions.

Austin Reaves, a former Oklahoma college basketball player who signed an undrafted, two-way contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2021, received a compliment from Hall of Famer Gary Payton after a game following a poor performance. Despite initially being upset about the loss, Reaves reflected on the exchange and realized the significance of the validation from such an established basketball player and defender. Since averaging double digits in his final two seasons at Oklahoma, Reaves has found himself playing important and often heavy minutes for the Lakers due to his ability to perform in the clutch. During Game 4 of the best-of-seven series against the Golden State Warriors, Reaves broke out of a shooting slump to finish with 21 points. At only 24 years old, Reaves seems to be trending towards becoming a valuable role player for the Lakers in the future, with validation from Payton and other Hall-of-Famers to back up his progress.

After a controversial tweet by Skip Bayless calling Anthony Davis the Lakers' best player, Lakers fans are left wondering whether their team is better off without LeBron James. While the tweet managed to enrage a few LeBron fans, it is hard to ignore the fact that the Lakers' record has been better when Davis performs well, as was the case in their recent dominant victory against the Golden State Warriors. In Game 3 of the best-of-seven series against the reigning champions, the Lakers convincingly won 127-97 with Davis scoring 25 points along with 13 rebounds, and James contributing 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The two respectively shot 11/12 and 7/8 from the free-throw line. While teamwork is undoubtedly crucial in basketball, individual performances often play a significant role in deciding the outcome of a game. Although James is still a champion and an elite player, perhaps it is time for the Lakers to prioritize playing their best player, regardless of who that may be, if they want to have a shot at winning another championship.

The Golden State Warriors are set to face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference semi-finals, and Klay Thompson couldn't be more excited. In a recent press conference, Thompson described playing against the Lakers in the playoffs as a "dream come true." The last time these two California-based franchises met in the postseason was back in 1991 when Thompson was just a year old. This will also mark the first playoff rematch between the Warriors and Lebron James since he left the Cavaliers in 2018. It's the fifth time the Warriors have faced James in the playoffs, with him being one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

One notable storyline is the Warriors' historical record against the Lakers, having only won one playoff series against them in 1967. However, Thompson is determined to make his mark in the upcoming series. He has scored at least 22 points in five of his last seven games, and he's eager to continue his hot streak against the Lakers. The first game is set for Tuesday night, and fans eagerly anticipate the showdown between these two legendary franchises.

During the Lakers' Game 3 victory over the Golden State Warriors, D'Angelo Russell scored 21 points in the first half and looked like the player that was once an All-Star in 2019. Many Warriors fans might have wondered if they had traded him away too soon. The coach, however, had other things on his mind, focusing instead on limiting Russell's weapons in Game 4. The Warriors will slot defensive specialist Gary Payton II into the starting lineup to try to slow down Russell. Through three games in this second-round series, Russell is averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, 2.3 rebounds, and a steal. Golden State is down 2-1, and another big night from Russell could put them one loss away from elimination. The Warriors traded Russell to Minnesota in February 2020, and ultimately netted two franchise building blocks in return. Those blocks came in the form of forward Andrew Wiggins and forward Jonathan Kuminga. Russell's future, on the other hand, seems murky. It's unclear if the Lakers will want to pay him the big contract he figures to command in free agency this summer. However, if he keeps playing like he did in Game 3, he may have finally found his long-term home.

After going viral for displaying his undying passion during a recent Warriors game against the Kings, lifelong Warriors fan Christian Gamboa was gifted a pair of game-worn shoes by none other than Steph Curry himself. Gamboa, who waved his 2017 NBA Finals "strength in numbers" towel in the game, went on to attend the Warriors' Game 2 win over the Lakers at Chase Center, only to be gifted Curry's shoes after the game. Curry personally sought Gamboa out to deliver his gift, walking the floors in his socks after the game in search of the viral fan before having his security team track him down. Gamboa later expressed gratitude for the gift, calling it "a once-in-a-lifetime experience" and thanking his family for their support. With Gamboa's passion and energy becoming a key rallying point for Warriors fans this season, Curry's gift to the superfan further highlights the tight-knit relationship between the team and its supporters.

Jonathan Kuminga, the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, has found himself out of the Golden State Warriors' rotation lately, and he has expressed his struggle with this situation. He played only a total of 27 minutes in the first four playoff games, and he had a DNP-CD in the Warriors' series-opening loss against the Los Angeles Lakers. However, experts say that the decision to not play Kuminga is not a failure on the youngster's end. The Warriors' veteran players, like Draymond Green, are coming back to full strength, resulting in Kuminga's reduction in minutes. But, bringing Kuminga back in the rotation, especially in the second-round playoff series against the Lakers, could provide the Warriors with a new dimension of play.

Kuminga's athleticism and budding skills could make him a valuable asset in some of Golden State's better bench lineups, and his ability to block and score at an above-average rate as a pick-and-roll player should be explored. Moreover, playing Kuminga will not have to kill spacing either. The Lakers may leave him outside, but Kuminga's ability to shoot is above average, which becomes an advantage for Golden State. Thus, the Warriors' coach, Steve Kerr, must consider employing Jonathan Kuminga against the Lakers.

On Monday evening, the Los Angeles Lakers took Game 4 of their second-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors with a score of 104-101. Point Guard Dennis Schroder played an important role in the victory, having made ten points, three rebounds, three assists, and one steal. After the game, he sent out a tweet which went viral on Twitter. The tweet was about Lonnie Walker's exceptional performance and had over 20,000 likes and 560,000 impressions in less than three hours. The post read: "15 POINTS IN THE 4TH QUARTER?! THAT'S TUFF! @lonniewalker_4".

The Lakers are now 5-0 at home in the 2023 NBA playoffs and have a 3-1 lead in their second-round playoff series against the Warriors. If they win Game 5, they will advance to the Western Conference Finals against either the Phoenix Suns or the Denver Nuggets. Moreover, LeBron James, the driving force behind the Lakers, advised his younger teammates to stay off social media during the postseason to stay focused.

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently facing the Golden State Warriors in a high-stakes second-round NBA playoffs series, but it’s not too early to start considering the team’s off-season plans. The rumor mill has been churning and there are a few potential targets for the Purple and Gold, such as Donte DiVincenzo. The former Buck signed up with the Warriors on a two-year deal with a player option. While he hasn’t had a meteoric rise with the team, he has certainly improved and thus will likely opt-out. The Lakers could swoop in and potentially get him with the mid-level exception.

Another potential target for LA is Austin Reaves, who has garnered attention from outside suitors. The 25-year-old's stock is worth buying, considering his all-around skill set and potential for years to come. Lastly, the Lakers may look for a new point guard this off-season. The two current point guards - Dennis Schroder and D'Angelo Russel - are both free agents with lackluster playoff performances. Some potential targets for the Lakers include talented playmakers such as Kyle Lowry, Elfrid Payton, TJ McConnell, and George Hill. Only time will tell what moves the Lakers make this off-season and what direction the team decides to take.

Steph Curry made NBA playoff history during Game 7 between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings. Curry's 21-point performance in the game elevated him to 13th place on the all-time playoff scoring list, ahead of Hall of Famer John Havlicek. He now has 3,777 playoff points and is set to surpass Larry Bird's 3,897 points next. The Warriors faced a possible elimination, but Curry's performance helped lead them to a win, advancing them to the second round of playoffs. The team will now face LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry's excellent season continues, with superb performances so far in the playoffs, averaging 31.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Curry, a two-time MVP and nine-time All-Star, has been with the Warriors for 14 seasons and led them to the NBA championship four times in the previous eight seasons. The win marked an important milestone for Curry as he continues to elevate his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats.

The absence of Philadelphia 76ers' center Joel Embiid may have gotten some fans' hopes up that Tyrese Maxey will score big in Game 2, but it's not looking likely. In fact, our model predicts that Maxey will only score about 18.1 points tonight. Moreover, Maxey had a usage rate of only 17.4% when sharing the court with Embiid and James Harden this season, resulting in just 15.7 points per 36 minutes. Although Maxey averaged 21.8 points per game in the first round, it's worth noting that he had a 33-point night in Game 2 against the Brooklyn Nets (when Embiid and Harden were playing), which bumped his points-per-game average up. On top of that, the Boston Celtics held two-guards to the fifth-fewest points per game during the final 30 contests of the regular season, making this a tough matchup for Maxey. Therefore, the under may be the side to be on.

Bet: Tyrese Maxey Under 21.5 Points (-108)

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