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The final four teams are giving it their all for a chance to play in the NBA Finals.
Pressure is mounting as the two conference finals matchups are set to go at least six games.
Injuries have accumulated across every roster and two more star players are going to be game-time decisions down the stretch.
The 2021 Tokyo Olympics men’s National team is finalized and we’ll break down the roster that’s going for the gold.
This is your weekly NBA wrap-up brought to you by Talk That Talk.
Tied 2-2, both ECF stars plagued by injury
Injuries have factored into almost every series of the postseason so this should come as no surprise.
But it’s always a punch to the gut when a star player has to make his way to the locker room.
Such was the scene when two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo hyperextended his knee early in the third quarter of game four.
The Atlanta Hawks, without point guard Trae Young due to a bone bruise on his foot, rode a surprising 13-point halftime lead to a 22-point victory 110-88.
Antetokounmpo’s absence in the second half deflated his team who was unaware of if they had just lost their star player for the season.
Milwaukee’s supporting cast must perform better in games five and six because it does not appear that Giannis will be 100% again this series.
He’s officially listed as doubtful for Thursday’s game after the MRI revealed no structural damage to his knee.
Young’s status is also unknown for game five, but chances are he’ll be able to take the floor for a deciding game.
Nonetheless, the fresh faces in the conference finals have still been a treat to watch, and whichever team advances will have their hands full with their Western conference counterpart.
Paul George keeps the Clippers alive
The Los Angeles Clippers are again fighting from behind, and yet again, may have their opponent reeling.
They won an elimination game five against the Phoenix Suns by a decent margin, 116-102, after switching leads all game.
With center Ivica Zubac out due to injury, LA’s small-ball rotation and zone defense disrupted Phoenix’s rhythm.
All-star swingman Paul George was superb with a playoff career-high 41 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists on 75% shooting from the field.
Former Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard remains sidelined, but the Clippers could still shock the world if Paul George plays at this level.
George is first in the league in postseason minutes played and points scored this year. His durability and productivity has been spectacular.
Game six returns to Staples Center and it’s another must-win for both teams.
The Suns already ended one season in Staples so they definitely have the capacity to do it again. The Clippers must be ready to weather the storm.
In both matchups, the teams must feel a heightened sense of urgency this year because of the bevy of players who missed time.
Considering how many breaks factor into a team making the Finals, when the opportunity presents itself, it can’t be taken for granted.
The 2019 Toronto Raptors represented how, at times, the healthiest team wins it all.
Well right now that team is the Suns, but looking past this Clippers team would be a grave mistake.
Team USA roster finalized
The US men’s Olympic Basketball team is finalized as they prepare to compete at the 2021 Summer Games.
The team is headlined by three-time Olympian Kevin Durant, who will likely earn the crown of leading scorer in men’s National team history.
He only needs 25 points to surpass the current leader Carmelo Anthony. This marks the first Olympics to not feature Anthony since he made his debut with the team in 2004.
This year’s squad is extremely versatile, only featuring one true center and very switchable defenders outside of that.
Here’s the final roster:
Guards
Damian Lillard - Portland Trailblazers
Devin Booker - Phoenix Suns
Jrue Holiday - Milwaukee Bucks
Bradley Beal - Washington Wizards
Zach LaVine - Chicago Bulls
Forwards
Kevin Durant - Brooklyn Nets
Jayson Tatum - Boston Celtics
Khris Middleton - Milwaukee Bucks
Jerami Grant - Detroit Pistons
Bigs
Bam Adebayo - Miami Heat
Draymond Green - Golden State Warriors
Kevin Love - Cleveland Cavaliers
The squad will first take the floor in Las Vegas at Michelob Ultra Arena for a round of exhibition games starting July 10th.