15 Slam Dunk Recipes for a Winning NBA Finals Party

Jun 15, 2015

As you get ready to enjoy the end of the NBA finals, you’re probably thinking about the best game-time drinks and snacks too. And while we might not be on the court doing all the hard work during the game, hunger tends to strike strong as we cheer (and stress out). Be sure to treat yourself and maybe a friend or two to some tasty recipes that are totally slam-dunk-worthy fare. Scroll down for some our fave MUST-try recipes.

1. PB Pretzel Cookie Dough Dip: Whip up this dip for a game-winning dessert that will have everyone dunking and asking for more. (via Brit + Co)

2. Mini Basketball Quesadillas: These cute, cheesy bites are a worthy snack for game-time snacking. Be sure to make tons, because they will disappear before you know it! (via Worth Pinning)

3. Roasted Jalapeño, Pineapple and Chicken Tenders: These bad boys are a combination of sweet and spicy all in one. And the bacon wrapping bumps ’em up to that next level of awesomeness. (via The Creative Bite)

4. Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich: The look alone of this grilled cheese is enough to make your mouth water, right? The spice of the jalapeño will keep you excited and off your seat while your cheer for your team (Go Warriors!). (via Closet Cooking)

5. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs: These tasty treats may look like ordinary meatballs on the outside, but don’t be fooled. Their inside is full of surprises like carrots and celery. You’ll probably need to make a few batches of these little guys. (via Skinny Taste)

6. Chicken Alfredo Pizza: Pepperoni pizza will always hold a special place in the hearts of many, but sometimes change IS good. Your guests will definitely be impressed with this saucy deliciousness. (via Recipe Runner)

7. Parmesan Cauliflower Bites: Start the party off right with these crunchy appetizers. Whether you are big fan of cauliflower or not, this recipe takes them to a whole new world of flavor. Feel free to dip them in your fave ranch or other dipping sauce. (via Damn Delicious)

8. Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites: Planning any party with guests requires time and effort. If only we could cut down on that time… the solution? These little guys that require 15 minutes tops. (via Kraft Recipes)

9. Mini Cheese Ball Bites: We think these cheese balls are the ultimate crowd pleasers. If you don’t like dried cranberries, almonds or green onion, you can always customize them to your liking. (via Tastes Better from Scratch)

10. Basketball Cake Balls: For those sweet tooth cravings, these cuties score major points in our book. (via CANDIQUIK)

11. Pesto Grilled Shrimp: Although meat is generally a favorite at any party, why not switch to shrimp for once? We promise these grilled shrimp skewers will be just as delicious. (via Closet Cooking)

12. Hawaiian Luau Meatballs: If meat is your forte, then these meatballs will be your go-to appetizer. Every bite is a burst of juiciness and sweetness that can’t be beat. (via Chew Out Loud)

13. Zucchini Fries: Fries are almost expected at every fun-filled sports event. These delish zucchini fries are a delightful (and secretly healthy) surprise to offer. (via The Rebel Chick)

14. Spicy Shrimp Cups: What’s crunchy, creamy and spicy at the same time? These shrimp cups. Not only will you be impressed when you try them, but they don’t take a long time to make — score! (via The Rebel Chick)

15. Basketball Hoop Cupcakes: These cupcakes are nothing but (Reese’s PBC) net. Can’t you just hear the sound of that sweet sugary swish? (via Hanielas)

What recipes are you planning to make for basketball finals? Tell us in the comments below.

Elle Fanning Is The Latest "On Point" 'Sunrise On The Reaping' Cast Rumor

The Sunrise on the Reaping cast might be the best movie cast of 2026 — and it definitely proves that the Hunger Games team knows exactly what to look for when casting a role. Charlie Plummer as Haymitch? Jesse Plemons as Plutarch? Ralph Fiennes as President Snow? I didn't think it could get much better than that...and then it was announced that Elle Fanning and Emma Thompson could join Sunrise on the Reaping too. I literally just tweeted the other day about Elle joining the movie so it looks like we're all on the same page. Thank you Lionsgate!

Here's everything we know about those Elle Fanning & Emma Thompson Sunrise on the Reaping cast rumors.

Who's playing Effie Trinket in Sunrise on the Reaping?

Elle Fanning has reportedly been offered the role of a young Effie Trinket (played by Elizabeth Banks in the original Hunger Games series), who serves as the District 12 stylist in the 50th Hunger Games.

And the internet has gone crazy. "The most locked in casting director of recent memory," one X user tweeted, while another said, "she's so perfect for the role."

"if this is true then their casting is on point!" a third person adds.

Elle's not the only casting rumor we've heard in the last 48 hours! Emma Thompson is also rumored to be joining the cast as Drusilla Sickle, the District 12 escort (a position Effie holds in the 74th Hunger Games). I quite literally can't think of anyone else more perfect than these two.

As far as fancasts go, Ellen Pompeo is a popular choice for Mags and Maya Hawke is fans' pick for Wiress. Stay tuned for the official Sunrise on the Reaping cast list!

Who else is in the Sunrise on the Reaping cast?

While we haven't heard any rumors about Maysilee Donner, Wyatt Callow, Louella McCoy and Lou Lou, Lenore Dove, Wiress, Mags, Beetee, and Ampert. The other rumored cast members include:

Charlie Plummer as Haymitch Abernathy: a 16-year-old tribute from District 12 competing in the 50th Hunger Games.
Ralph Fiennes as President Snow: Panem's President after serving as District 12's mentor in the 10th Hunger Games.
Jesse Plemons as Plutarch Heavensbee: District 12's cameraman.
Kieran Culkin as Caesar Flickerman: the tribute interview host.

Francis Lawrence will direct Sunrise on the Reaping, while Billy Ray writes the script and Brad Simpson & Nina Jacobson serve as producers.

When can I watch Sunrise on the Reaping?

Sunrise on the Reaping is coming to theaters November 20, 2026.

Who do you want to see in the Sunrise on the Reaping cast? Check out our Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes interview with Hunger Games producer Nina Jacobson!

Nexus Point News was the first to report Elle's potential casting.

Oprah Winfrey's "Evocative" April Book Club Pick Is For Memoir Lovers

Oprah Winfrey's book club is known for having exquisite reading picks, and the book she's chosen so far in 2025 are no different. We've all been grappling with loss and despair in some format, and the media mogul's aware of that. While it's not a total fix, Oprah's choice to include a self-improvementand fiction on her list can help us get more in tune with ourselves during times like this.

P.S. Oprah's book club doesn't follow a monthly timeline, making her picks feel even more intentional!

Scroll to see all of Oprah Winfrey's 2025 book club picks!

Amazon

The Tell by Amy Griffin

Amy Griffin's memoir tells a story of a woman whose life was consumed with pursing the next greatest thing, but she didn't realize she was chasing perfectionism until her daughter pointed out how distant she felt. Serving as Amy's wakeup call, she decided to confront her past with the help of psychedelic therapy and even made her way back to Texas to relive childhood memories.

Discovering key things about herself, Griffin also tasks readers with looking inside themselves for the answers to questions about who they are and what they want.

Amazon

A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is expounding on his teachings in The Power of Now to help us finally stop making "ego-based" decisions. He feels it's time for us to live a life that's not governed by flighty definitions of happiness while also sharing ways we don't have to experience as much as mental or emotional pain.

In a world that feels more divided than ever over every little thing, we think it's a great read for those who are anxious to see a change. As this book proves, the work starts within ourselves.

Looking for more to read? Add Jenna Bush Hager's January book club pick to your TBR list next!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Ed Sheeran Just Gave Us A Rare Update On His 13-Year Friendship With Taylor Swift

"Everything has changed," according to Ed Sheeran & Taylor Swift's 2012 song of the same name, but 13 years later, the most important thing between these two BFF's stays the same. The duo, who have recorded collabs like "End Game" for Taylor Swift's Reputation in 2017 and "The Joker and the Queen" for Ed Sheeran's Equals album in 2021, don't often see each other with their busy schedules, but when they do, they spend a lot of time together, Ed says.

Here's what Ed Sheeran told Call Her Daddy's Alex Cooper about his friendship with Taylor Swift.

Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift love to catch up for "hours" at a time.

“I see her when I see her,” Ed Sheeran says on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast. “I probably see her, like, four times a year.”

But in true bestie form, when these two do get together, they lock in. I'm talking “proper sit-down, six-hour catch-ups,” according to Ed. “I think that’s, like, a really nice way to do it.”

Extended conversations where you lose track of the world around you are my favorite way to spend time with a friend! As much as I love phone calls and FaceTimes, there's nothing quite like being together with someone in person, and Ed thinks really fondly of being with Taylor Swift on her Red tour in 2013 and 2014, where he opened for the "Fortnight" singer.

“I lived in Nashville, and she lived in Nashville,” he said. “And we used to fly to and from the gigs together. I literally spent almost every single day with her for about six months...I think that period [is my favorite]. Yeah. 2013." Spending every single day with Taylor Swift? Dreamy!

Ed Sheeran isn't the only one of Taylor Swift's friends who's talked about her recently. Taylor showed up to Emma Stone's Poor Things premiere in 2023, and Emma was in the audience at the Eras Tour!

“I’ve known her since we were 17 and 18, so she hooked me up, which was very nice ’cause I know those tickets are impossible to get,” Emma toldVanity Fair at a Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic polo match. “She’s a wonderful friend. She blows my mind."

Check out A Ranking Of Taylor Swift's Most Powerful Friendship Moments for more!

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