The Oklahoma City Thunder rebounded decisively from a Game 1 defeat, securing a 123-107 victory over the Indiana Pacers. With the series now tied 1-1, they head to Indiana for Game 3 on Wednesday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a scoring machine in their season matchups, averaging 37.5 points against the Pacers, raising questions about Indiana's defensive strategies. Oklahoma City enters as 5.5-point favorites, with betting lines suggesting a potential total of 228.5 points.

Expert Eric Cohen has provided his predictions, including a pick for Gilgeous-Alexander to score over 30 points. Cohen predicts a tightly contested Game 3, looking for the Thunder to edge the Pacers by a narrow margin. With Oklahoma City aiming for a series victory in six games, the betting landscape around this matchup promises intrigue for bettors.

The 2025 NBA Draft is approaching, with a promising crop of prospects ready to make their mark in fantasy basketball. Among the top names, Cooper Flagg from Duke stands out as a potential multi-category asset, despite questions about his three-point shooting. VJ Edgecombe of Baylor could become a key scorer for the Charlotte Hornets if paired with LaMelo Ball, reminiscent of Victor Oladipo. Meanwhile, Kon Knueppel from Duke may thrive with the Utah Jazz, enhancing their poor offensive rating. Tre Johnson from Texas indicates potential as a shooter for the Wizards, while Derik Queen of Maryland could benefit from a potential trade involving Nikola Vučević in Chicago. Other notable mentions include Asa Newell from Georgia and Cedric Coward from Washington State.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are facing mounting frustration as they find themselves in a 2-0 hole in the Western Conference Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jaden McDaniels' impulsive foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlighted the Wolves' growing frustration with the officiating. Anthony Edwards' efforts were stymied as he adjusted his game but struggled from beyond the arc. The Timberwolves' inability to maintain composure in critical moments, particularly during a disastrous third quarter, has proven costly. The Thunder's consistency and physicality present a significant challenge for the Timberwolves, who must rediscover their defensive intensity and offensive rhythm if they hope to turn the tide of the series.

Excitement reverberates through the Dallas Mavericks' organization following their unexpected triumph in the NBA draft lottery, landing the coveted first overall pick. Naji Marshall, a forward for the Mavericks, jubilantly recounted his reaction upon realizing their good fortune, expressing genuine enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Alongside team governor Patrick Dumont and former owner Mark Cuban, who celebrated with unabated joy, the Mavericks have set their sights on Duke's standout Cooper Flagg, who Marshall believes embodies the winning spirit crucial for the franchise.

Marshall's admiration for Flagg is palpable, as he sees potential for growth and greatness in the young star, aligning with the Mavs' ambitions of rebuilding and securing their future. However, amidst this optimism, Marshall also reflected on the emotional impact of losing Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade. Acknowledging the business nature of the NBA, he candidly shared his personal disappointment, underscoring the strong bond he formed with Doncic during their time together.

The Lakers' postseason struggles have highlighted a glaring weakness—a lack of size in the paint. Currently down 2-1 in their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the absence of a reliable center is proving detrimental. Despite boasting stars like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the team's inability to protect the rim has allowed Minnesota to dominate inside, scoring 56 points in the paint compared to just 26 for the Lakers.

Head coach JJ Redick has pointed out the team's deficiency in rim protection, notably the limited role of Jaxson Hayes, who has seen minimal playing time. The Lakers' attempts to acquire center Mark Williams before the trade deadline fell through due to health concerns, leaving them to grapple with the consequences of that decision. As they look to turn the series around, time is running out to address these significant shortcomings.