Clippers' Kawhi Leonard – out since March 31 – will return in Game 2 vs. Mavericks tonight.

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Tyrese Maxey has won the 2023-24 NBA Most Improved Player of the Year award.

Bulls assistant coach John Bryant is expected to move to the front of the bench next season on Donovan's staff, sources said. Bryant has been a rising NBA and G League assistant over the last 14 years, from G League stops to coaching under Donovan, Doc Rivers and Brett Brown.

Bulls assistant Maurice Cheeks is expected to depart from his full-time, on-bench role on Billy Donovan's staff, sources say. Cheeks could remain in another role under Donovan. Assistant Chris Fleming also is no longer part of staff as Chicago and Donovan make adjustments.

The Charlotte Hornets are interviewing JJ Redick for their head coaching job, sources tell The Athletic Stadium. The 15-year NBA veteran and former Duke star has shown an interest in making a coaching jump in recent years.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard (knee inflammation) has been ruled out for Game 1 vs. Mavericks today.

Lakers F/C Christian Wood is planning to return to action in Game 3 vs. the Denver Nuggets on Thursday in LA, sources tell The Athletic Stadium. A key boost to Lakers frontcourt. Wood, out since Feb. 14 due to knee injury, has averaged 7 points and 5.1 rebounds this season.

Championship outlook entering the 2024 NBA postseason, per FanDuel Sportsbook:

NBA first-round series outlook for the 2024 playoffs, per FanDuel Sportsbook:

The NBA has fined the Clippers for $25,000 for violating injury reporting rules on April 14 when failing to disclose status of Paul George, Russell Westbrook and Norman Powell.

Heat confirm Jimmy Butler has an MCL sprain and is out.

Latest on Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status for first-round vs. Pacers being in jeopardy. Live on Stadium Playoff Preview show: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

The latest on Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s ramp up process as he aims to return this weekend vs. Mavericks — live on Stadium Playoff Preview show: twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Statement from Converse CEO Jared Carver on the massive new deal with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander:

Oklahoma City Thunder MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has agreed on a new lucrative, multiyear contract extension with Converse – with his first signature shoe releasing in 2025 and title of Creative Director of Converse Basketball.

The expectation is Miami's Jimmy Butler will be out multiple weeks, sources said. Butler remarkably played the final three quarters vs. 76ers last night with what is now feared to be an MCL injury.

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler is feared to have an MCL injury in his knee, sources tell The Athletic Stadium. The injury could sideline Butler for an indefinite period. MRI to come.