Latest NBA basketball News
Cavaliers feel better prepared for playoff stage after '23 flop, face Magic in first-round series
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen doesn't regret the harsh, eye-popping review he gave of his postseason performance a year ago. Looking back, he told the truth about himself — and the Cavs. In the aftermath of Cleveland being pummeled and knocked out...
Previewing the 1st round of the NBA playoffs, which start on Saturday
Preview capsules for the first round of the NBA playoffs, which start Saturday. ___ EASTERN CONFERENCE No. 2 NEW YORK KNICKS (50-32) vs. No. 7 PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (47-35) Season series: Knicks, 3-1. Story line: The Knicks...
The NBA playoffs are finally here. And as LeBron James says, 'it's a sprint now'
There’s a 64-win team in Boston that ran away with the league’s best record. The defending champions in Denver, a group that won 57 games. A fearless young bunch in Oklahoma City, whose No. 1 seed was no fluke. A trio of Villanova alums in New York, who turned the Knicks into a real contender....
Kyrie Irving is healthy and drama-free in Dallas as a playoff pairing with Luka Doncic dawns
DALLAS (AP) — Kyrie Irving is healthy and publicly free of drama, self-inflicted or otherwise, heading into his first playoff game with co-star Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. The eight-time All-Star and 2016 NBA champion alongside LeBron James in Cleveland brought up on his...
Butler, Williamson injuries are part of story for Heat-Bulls and Kings-Pelicans play-in finales
MIAMI (AP) — When injuries affect the Miami Heat, coach Erik Spoelstra almost always delivers the same three-word outlook. “We have enough,” he says. That theory is about to be tested — and will be a theme in the NBA's win-or-go-home finales of the play-in...
The Timberwolves coaching staff, empowered by Finch and energized by chemistry, is a true asset
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — With about three minutes left on the pregame warmup clock, the back hallway at Target Center that leads to the arena floor comes alive with the boisterous and motivational sounds of team camaraderie. The Minnesota Timberwolves convene for a brief cacophony of...
Kawhi Leonard fighting 'stubborn inflammation' and is questionable for Game 1 of playoffs
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kawhi Leonard has been fighting “very, very stubborn inflammation” in his surgically repaired right knee for nearly three weeks and he'll be listed as questionable for the Los Angeles Clippers' playoff opener against the Dallas Mavericks. The fourth-seeded...
GM Mike Dunleavy, Warriors look to regroup after missing the playoffs with Curry, Green, Thompson
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the rest of Golden State's front office staff had a feeling this season would wind up short of the ultimate goal for a franchise that has won four NBA championships over the past decade. That's the way the season went for...
Spurs center Zach Collins needs surgery for torn labrum but should be back for start of next season
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins has a torn labrum that will require surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of next season. The injury to Collins' right shoulder happened in the third quarter of the Spurs' season finale against Detroit on Sunday....
Heat star Jimmy Butler has sprained ligament in knee, will be sidelined several weeks
MIAMI (AP) — The results are in: Jimmy Butler is out. Butler will not be able to play for the Miami Heat in a win-or-else game on Friday night against the Chicago Bulls in the NBA's play-in tournament because of a right knee injury, one that will sideline him for several weeks. ...
