Lawrence Frank said Kawhi has made progress but there’s still inflammation. Leonard still hasn’t done any contact and is considered questionable for Game 1. Asked if Kawhi received an injection, Frank won’t go into detail on any treatment other than he’s doing everything he can.

Tyrese Maxey deserves all of the respect in the world after everything he’s gone through in Philly.

Watch the latest episode of Bully Ball with Rachel Nichols, DeMarcus Cousins, and Chillin in my Bacta on the All The Smoke Productions YouTube.

My convo with Victor Wembanyama just dropped discussing his historic rookie season, what he's working on, basketball influences and much more. Find it on all platforms.

Pod: open.spotify.com/episode/452LGc…

Video: youtube.com/watch?v=XALjqZ…

Article: theringer.com/nba/2024/4/18/…

Thanks Wemby!

The NBA announces a ban from the league for Toronto’s Jontay Porter.

More NBA from me: marcstein.substack.com

Chris Paul is not retiring: “This isn’t it. I know it for sure.”

Spoke to Paul about his season with the Warriors and his unsettled future. theathletic.com/5421426/2024/0…

It’s ballot day for those of us who vote on the NBA Awards - what’s your hardest call of all the categories????
(MVP, DPOY, COY, ROY, 6th Man, Most Improved, Clutch, All-NBA, All-Defense, All-Rookie)

The wait is over. Introducing our new uniforms.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the MVP conversation featuring Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and him: 'I hope I get it, yes. I think all the guys are deserving, all have their case. Whatever happens, happens. But whoever gets it is deserving for sure.' 

OKC coach Mark Daigneault’s take:

Anthony Davis has gone back to the locker room for evaluation.

Absolute chaos on the final day of the season (would we want it any other way?) Only five of the 20 postseason seeds are locked in, all 30 teams play, and for the first time ever, we go into Game #82 with three teams tied for the top seed in the West.

Caitlin Clark dropped by SNL's Weekend Update desk, and it was fabulous...

Great chart from the NBA showing the swing for each team over the next couple days…

Denver loves you too 🫶

#Suns attempted season-high 50 3s (made 18) in Wednesday's win over #Clippers .

Bucks say Giannis will miss the remainder of the regular season, and confirm diagnosis of a left soleus (calf) strain. The team says he will receive “daily treatment and evaluation.”

The Warriors have won 8 of their last 9 games, and more importantly seem to have their confidence, comfort and sense of joy back. From this morning's @Undisputed: impressions of last night's Golden State-Lakers game, plus a call for a little more Anthony Davis appreciation.

The Caitlin Clark effect - Indiana hasn’t even had the chance to select Clark with its No. 1 overall pick yet, and this is the docket:

Wherever Coach Cal goes becomes the hot spot. 👀

Don’t miss the latest episode of Bully Ball with Rachel Nichols, DeMarcus Cousins, and Chillin in my Bacta on our YouTube.

.Rachel Nichols reacts to John Calipari saying Kentucky 'needs to hear another voice:'

'What he treasured at Kentucky wasn't there anymore.'

Calves are undeniably tricky and these type of strains have timetable of at least one-to-two weeks. But rehab will determine a length of time for the two-time NBA MVP.