The presumed favorite in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ quiet search for a new head of basketball operations has pulled out of the running.

Surgery on Magic guard Courtney Lee’s fractured left sinus cavity was a success, the team said Thursday. But when and if Lee will be able to return for the Magic’s second-round series remains to be seen.

Anybody expecting additional fireworks between Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is bound to be disappointed over the next two weeks.

One more thriller, and now, the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics will play a decisive seventh game.