As the Golden State Warriors enter their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Draymond Green remains a central figure to watch. Known for his intensity, Green's past performances have been marred by technical fouls and ejections. With a history of playoff controversies, he recently took accountability for his actions during critical moments in the postseason. This mindset shift aims to prevent distractions that could hinder the Warriors’ playoff journey.

Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, who previously played alongside Green, understands the competitive fire he brings but insists that his team is ready to match that intensity. Focusing on gameplay and competition instead of the chaos surrounding Green is crucial. The Warriors enter Game 1 as 6.5-point underdogs, yet their experience and Green's leadership remain pivotal as they seek to advance in the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Lakers concluded their playoff run with a heartbreaking Game 5 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with LeBron James exiting the game due to a Grade 2 MCL sprain sustained in a collision with Donte DiVincenzo. The injury typically necessitates a recovery period of three to five weeks, ruling him out for potential further games. Despite this setback, James is set to make a major appearance as an honorary chair at the 2025 Met Gala, marking his first attendance at this prestigious event during his lengthy career.

At the Met Gala, themed ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ James will join a lineup of co-chairs including Lewis Hamilton and Pharrell Williams, celebrating the influence of Black men in fashion history. This event will take place in New York City, with red carpet coverage kicking off at 6 p.m. ET. While his injury may limit his on-court presence, James continues to maintain a high profile off the court, emphasizing his commitment to both basketball and cultural impact.

LeBron James' postseason took a hit following a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the Lakers' Game 5 loss to the Timberwolves. The injury occurred on a controversial play involving Wolves guard Donte DiVincenzo, who collided with James in the fourth quarter. This knee-to-knee contact forced James to leave the game temporarily, and while he returned briefly, he struggled with his shooting, making just 1 of 5 attempts in the final moments.

Had the series extended to Game 6, James' record playoff streak of 292 consecutive games could have been jeopardized. The Timberwolves, following their victory, now await the winner of the Warriors-Rockets series, while the Lakers face a critical offseason ahead. DiVincenzo's foul on Luka Doncic in the same game adds to the scrutiny of his playing style, and speculation about potential repercussions looms.

Luka Doncic played through discomfort after a hard foul during the Lakers' tough loss to the Timberwolves, scoring 28 points despite struggling with his back injury. His performance included nine assists and seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers' rebounding woes, leading to a 103-96 defeat. Post-game, his comments about the injury sparked criticism from fans, suggesting he was making excuses for the loss. Doncic acknowledged the team's lack of execution and commended Minnesota for their performance in the series.

The Minnesota Timberwolves embark on a critical postseason, primed for deep playoff runs with a talented roster boasting eight starter-caliber players. Notably, Anthony Edwards aims to elevate his MVP candidacy, while Julius Randle seeks redemption and a potential lucrative contract by improving his playoff performance. Rudy Gobert looks to shed the 'non-playoff player' label and earn respect with his defensive prowess, while Jaden McDaniels hopes to solidify his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy. Veteran Mike Conley pursues the elusive NBA title, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker aims for a significant payday in free agency. Naz Reid hopes a strong showing will boost his market value, and Donte DiVincenzo aims to secure a vital role in the team’s future.