The Boston Celtics, a storied franchise in NBA history, have had an impressive lineage of players donning their jerseys, with a total of 68 different numbers used since the team's inception. Among these, the number 23 holds a special place, primarily associated with Hall of Fame wing Frank Ramsey. Drafted sixth overall by the Celtics in 1953, Ramsey's tenure spanned nine seasons, during which he became a key contributor, helping the team secure seven championships. He left a lasting legacy with averages of 13.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, all while exclusively wearing the iconic number 23.

The Memphis Grizzlies are making headlines this offseason with notable trades, starting with Desmond Bane's move to the Orlando Magic. They also traded up from the 16th to the 11th pick in the draft to secure Cedric Coward, a promising swingman from Washington State. The 6-foot-5 Coward boasts an impressive collegiate three-point shooting percentage of 38.8% and averaged 2.5 blocks and steals per game last season. Furthermore, Memphis finalized a trade to acquire the rights to Jahmai Mashack (59th overall), who averaged 4.2 points over his four-year college career, and selected West Virginia's Javon Small in the draft as well.

The Grizzlies are clearly focusing on building their roster with young talent, which will be put to the test in the upcoming Summer League. The team has faced some tough decisions, especially regarding Jaren Jackson Jr. in the wake of these trades, as they look to solidify their future.

Michael Bartlett, CEO of Canada Basketball, had an emotional stake in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, watching as four Canadians played pivotal roles on the court. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luguentz Dort of the Oklahoma City Thunder clinched the championship against Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers. Bartlett expressed immense pride in how these players shone during such a high-pressure moment, emphasizing the significance of their experiences for Canada's national team.

Gilgeous-Alexander made history by winning the scoring title, MVP, NBA championship, and Finals MVP in the same season, a feat only achieved by legends like Michael Jordan. His performance in the playoffs, facing strong opponents, will undoubtedly benefit the Canadian national team in future international competitions. The success of these players is seen as a catalyst for growing interest in basketball across Canada.

In a pivotal Game 4, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his MVP credentials, scoring 15 of his 35 points in the final minutes to propel the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With the series tied at 2-2, this win was crucial for the Thunder, who faced the daunting prospect of falling behind 3-1. Gilgeous-Alexander's late-game heroics included key shots that turned the tide, demonstrating resilience against the Pacers' aggressive defense.

Despite struggles early in the game, he found his rhythm when it mattered most, echoing the performances of past NBA Finals stars such as Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Thunder, led by their MVP, proved they could withstand pressure, recovering from a tough third quarter to control the game in the fourth. Coach Mark Daigneault praised the team's determination, highlighting their ability to stay within striking distance, which ultimately set the stage for Gilgeous-Alexander's game-winning plays.

Today's NBA playoff slate is set for an exciting Game 2 between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, following a thrilling Game 1. The Pacers pulled off a remarkable comeback, and now they face an uphill battle as they visit the Thunder, who are heavy favorites. Pascal Siakam and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are expected to lead the charge for their respective teams, with Siakam looking to bounce back after a quiet performance in the first game. Both players have the potential for explosive scoring, making them key DFS considerations.

In addition to the stars, value plays like Myles Turner and Alex Caruso are highlighted for their potential to outperform their salaries, especially in a high-paced game. Turner’s rebounding and shot-blocking could be pivotal against Oklahoma City's dynamic offense. Meanwhile, Caruso's ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories makes him an intriguing option in the utility spot. As always, players should stay updated on the latest injury news as it can greatly impact lineup decisions.