Tonight’s games:
Atlanta @ Cleveland
Portland @ San Antonio
Atlanta Hawks
Last 10 Games: 7-3
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: $9,214,861
1st Apron Space: $52,895,058
2nd Apron Space: $65,569,058
10 players on Standard Contract (8 Gtd.)
Floridagal17, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
What is the identity of this team around Jalen Johnson?
Is Zaccharie Risacher a part of the core for this team?
Impact Free Agent
Gabe Vincent
CJ McCollum
Impact Extensions
Onyeka Okongwu
Tradable Contracts
Onyeka Okongwu - $16,100,000
Nickeil Alexaner-Walker - $14,403,710
Biggest Decisions
Supporting Cast
The Hawks officially turned the page to the next phase of their franchise when they traded Trae Young and handed the reins of the offense to Jalen Johnson. This leads to questions about how the rest of the current roster fits around Johnson, especially scorers like Kuminga and McCollum. Also, is Okongwu a starting caliber 5 in a starting rotation that features Johnson as the main facilitator?
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last 10 Games: 8-2
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: -$58,568,842
1st Apron Space: -$13,146,758
2nd Apron Space: -$472,758
11 players on Standard Contract (10 Gtd.)
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
Is the move to bring in Harden enough to put them on even playing field with the best of the West?
Is the idea to retain Harden for the foreseeable future or just the stretch run of this year?
Impact Free Agent
James Harden (PO)
Dean Wade
Keon Ellis
Impact Extensions
Donovan Mitchell
Max Strus
Tradable Contracts
Max Strus - $16,660,836
Sam Merrill - $9,160,714
Dennis Schroder - $14,809,200
Biggest Decisions
Physicality
Although they run a two big lineup, they aren’t the most physical team down low. How effectively their bigs are able to rim run will be very telling in their success around Harden and Mitchell.
Depth
When Ty Jerome left, the bench production took a significant hit. They have not completely re-calibrated their bench unit. Their bench unit can be transformed again in the offseason at a relatively low asset cost.
Portland Trail Blazers
Last 10 Games: 7-3
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: -$5,198,096
1st Apron Space: $38,865,904
2nd Apron Space: $51,539,904
12 players on Standard Contract (10 Gtd.)
Frenchieinportland, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
Is Scoot still seen as key to the future?
How does Jerami Grant fit into roster development?
Is Hansen Yang going to NBA rotation ready this upcoming season?
Impact Free Agent
Robert Williams III
Matisse Thybulle
Impact Extensions
Scoot Henderson
Kris Murray
Deni Avdija
Most Tradable Offseason Contracts
Scoot Henderson - $13,585,523
Shaedon Sharpe - $20,089,286
Biggest Decisions
Backcourt
Damian Lillard will likely be making his return next year along side the offseason acquisition of Jrue Holiday. How the rotation works out with Scoot, Sharpe and Avdija joining them will be interesting to watch.
Shooter
With many wing defenders with lots of length, there is still not enough shooting on the roster which will need to be addressed as the team develops.
San Antonio Spurs
Last 10 Games: 9-1
2026-27 Cap Outlook:
Projected Salary Cap: $165,000,000
Functional Cap Space: $8,457,182
1st Apron Space: $52,895,434
2nd Apron Space: $65,569,434
9 players on Standard Contract (8 Gtd.)
Frenchieinportland, CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Biggest Questions
Will the team take the patient building route, or is there a superstar that comes available that convinces them to cash in their assets?
Would a specialty shooter improve their rotation enough to justify the cost?
Impact Free Agent
Harrison Barnes
Impact Extensions
Victor Wembanyama
Keldon Johnson
Most Tradable Offseason Contracts
Keldon Johnson - $17,500,000
Luke Kornet - $10,450,000
Biggest Decisions
Organic vs. Manufactured Growth
Barring an improbable but not impossible finals run, this summer will bring a renewed look at whether the organic growth of young players is enough to take the next step or whether it is the time to rely on external talent accumulation around Wembanyama.
Backcourt
With Castle and Harper both blossoming in their young careers, the role for Fox and even Vassell may look very different than originally envisioned when they signed their respective contracts. How leadership values each of them in the coming years will be worth monitoring.