The Philadelphia 76ers have a storied history in the NBA Draft, highlighted by their selection of Keith Van Horn with the second overall pick in the 1997 draft. After a disappointing 22-60 season, this decision marked a pivotal moment for the franchise. Van Horn, a versatile forward from Utah, was initially traded to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for a bundle that included Anthony Parker and Jim Jackson. The Sixers later reacquired Van Horn in 2002 as part of a deal that sent Dikembe Mutombo to the Nets. During his brief return, he averaged 15.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in the 2002-03 season before being traded again, this time to the New York Knicks, as part of a multi-team deal.

Van Horn's career continued with notable stints across five different teams, including a pivotal role in the 2006 Dallas Mavericks team that reached the NBA Finals. This draft decision, alongside subsequent trade maneuvers, illustrates the Sixers' complex strategy in building a competitive roster, showcasing their struggles and successes in the quest for NBA glory.

On this day in 1970, the Boston Celtics lost three notable players in the NBA expansion draft, which aimed to fill the rosters of new teams including the Buffalo Braves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Portland Trail Blazers. Emmette "Em" Bryant, who had a brief but impactful tenure with the Celtics, was selected after contributing to their 1969 championship victory. Larry Siegfried, a stalwart guard known for his defense on multiple championship teams, was taken by the Trail Blazers, marking a significant loss for Boston.

Bailey Howell also became a casualty of the draft, being selected by the Braves and subsequently traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. Howell's impressive stats during his time with the Celtics showcased his scoring and rebounding abilities. Each of these players left a distinct mark on the franchise and their departures reshaped the team's future during a transitional period.

The Golden State Warriors faced a tough loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 3 of their playoff series, falling short at home. Despite leading into the fourth quarter, the Warriors could not maintain their advantage, leading to a 2-1 series deficit. Jimmy Butler and Jonathan Kuminga had strong performances, but it was Julius Randle’s triple-double and Anthony Edwards' explosive second half that sparked Minnesota's comeback. Edwards, who scored 36 points, credited a pivotal dunk by Kuminga that energized him for the remainder of the game. The Warriors now face a pressing challenge to contain Edwards in the crucial Game 4.

The Los Angeles Lakers faced a significant challenge this season with a lack of depth in their center position, especially evident during their playoff exit. Following their pursuit of Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers signed veteran Alex Len off waivers to fill the void. However, Len's impact was minimal, averaging just 2.2 points and 3.1 rebounds across a mere 10 games, mainly during garbage time.

General manager Rob Pelinka defended Len's presence on the playoff roster, suggesting that he was a deserving player despite not being in head coach JJ Redick's rotation. Ultimately, the Lakers' frontcourt struggles contributed to their first-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, signaling a critical offseason ahead where acquiring a starting-caliber center is paramount.

In a clash between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, held at Madison Square Garden, Bad Bunny made a notable appearance, sporting a Knicks hat. However, his attendance sparked a wave of humorous backlash from fans who linked his presence to the Knicks' poor performance, particularly after a 115-93 loss to the Celtics. Social media lit up with comments suggesting that Bad Bunny's celebrity status brought bad luck, with fans blaming him for the team's shortcomings. This playful banter included comments like, 'That's why we lost,' and 'We don't care about celebs,' reflecting the frustration of Knicks supporters.

Fans even recalled Bad Bunny's previous support for the Los Angeles Lakers, raising eyebrows about his allegiance. Amid the banter, Knicks players like Jalen Brunson are facing increasing scrutiny, especially in the wake of disappointing playoff performances. As the Knicks look to regroup, the fans' light-hearted jabs underscore the passionate and often comedic nature of sports fandom, where even a celebrity's presence can become a talking point in a team's struggles.