In the latest NBA postseason action, the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers, with Rudy Gobert leading the charge with an impressive 27 points and 24 rebounds. This marked an extraordinary achievement, putting him in the same conversation as Kevin Garnett for playoff performances. Despite Anthony Edwards' struggles, the Wolves capitalized on their size advantage, dominating the boards and limiting the Lakers to just 96 points.

The Lakers' decision to go small by benching Jackson Hayes backfired, as they struggled defensively against Gobert's presence. Offensively, they failed to capitalize on open shots, ultimately leading to their downfall. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets extended their series against the Golden State Warriors, with Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson stepping up as key players, showcasing their potential as the series heads to a critical game six.

The latest mock draft presents a scenario where the teams with the highest odds of securing the number one pick for Cooper Flagg, notably the Brooklyn Nets, do not land in the top four. If the Nets were to grab Flagg, they would benefit immensely with their clean slate and ample picks. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans may opt for Dylan Harper at pick two, yet concerns abound regarding his shooting, especially in conjunction with Zion Williamson. The Philadelphia 76ers, with Ace Bailey at three, could face challenges integrating him into their lineup with established stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

As for the Houston Rockets, BJ Edgecomb might be a solution to their struggles with Jalen Green. Edgecomb's versatility and athleticism are promising, but inconsistency looms over his NCAA performance. Utah Jazz, in a precarious position at five, may need to reassess their strategy if they miss out on Flagg. The Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets also face uncertainty with their picks, potentially leading to disappointing outcomes for their fan bases.

The Golden State Warriors have taken a commanding 3-1 lead in their playoff series, winning crucial games thanks to standout performances from Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Analysts express mixed feelings about the Warriors' chances, considering past failures but recognizing the team's resilience and experience in critical moments. While the Houston Rockets showed promise during the regular season, their young stars like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun have struggled against seasoned veterans. The evolution of the Warriors' game plan, built around Curry's offensive gravity and Green's defensive prowess, has put them in a favorable position moving forward.

Fans and analysts alike debate the potential matchups awaiting the Warriors, with discussions about their next opponents, including the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers. The Timberwolves' size presents challenges, while a rematch with LeBron James’ Lakers carries significant emotional weight for Golden State. Ultimately, the Warriors' blend of experience and talent positions them as formidable contenders, raising questions about their ability to handle a playoff run amidst youth-laden competition.

The latest NBA action saw the Golden State Warriors narrowly defeat the Houston Rockets, with pivotal contributions from key players. Playoff Jimmy Butler showcased his clutch performance, knocking down free throws in critical moments, while Draymond Green provided a defensive masterclass despite early foul trouble. The Rockets rallied but fell short, struggling to close out the game effectively. The Warriors' depth shone through with performances from role players, indicating their championship pedigree. The heartbreaking loss for the Rockets marks a significant setback in their playoff journey as they now face elimination.