Tim Bontemps

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Tim Bontemps

ESPN Senior Writer

Tim Bontemps is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com who covers the league and what's impacting it on and off the court, including trade deadline intel, expansion and his MVP Straw Polls. You can find Tim alongside Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon on The Hoop Collective podcast.

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Brian Windhorst

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Brian Windhorst

ESPN Senior Writer

ESPN.com NBA writer since 2010

Covered Cleveland Cavs for seven years

Author of two books

May 5, 2026, 08:30 AM ET

ESPN NBA senior writers Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst canvassed the league on some of the top storylines of the 2026 playoffs , including the stakes facing three eliminated contenders , major contract decisions awaiting four conference semifinals stars and what to expect in the Thunder-Lakers series.

Here's what sources across the league are saying about a wild first round -- and what to expect for Round 2:

Jump to a team:

76ers | Cavs | Celtics

Lakers | Knicks | Magic

Nuggets | Pistons |…