What’s behind this stifling, confusing LeBron-led Lakers defense
For months, the Lakers have confused and angered some the NBA’s biggest offensive stars with a defensive scheme no one can quite figure out. It’ll be tested again Saturday, when they face off against Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves.
Betting the NBA playoffs: Thunder, Celtics have best championship odds
An updated listing of the odds to win the NBA championship and Finals MVP.
Luka relishes chance to take on Wolves’ Gobert
Lakers star Luka Doncic happily reminisced about his game-winning 3 over Wolves center Rudy Gobert in last year’s playoffs and said he will welcome the four-time Defensive Player of the Year trying to guard him again in their first-round series.
Magic’s Mosley, Isaac talk ‘tragic’ FSU shooting
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley put his team’s upcoming NBA playoff series with the Celtics in perspective after Thursday’s deadly shooting on Florida State’s campus: ‘Lives are more important.’
Sources: Mavs optimistic Kyrie will return by Jan.
There’s optimism Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving could be fully recovered and return from his torn left ACL by January 2026, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday.
Bontemps’ ballot: Final selections for MVP, All-NBA and every award
Who is the MVP? The top rookie? The Defensive Player of the Year? Tim Bontemps reveals his official awards ballot.
Futures bets to make, best long shots
The panel of NBA betting experts break down the best bets to make heading into the NBA playoffs.
Suns’ Ishbia begins franchise reset after ‘failure’
Suns owner Mat Ishbia took responsibility for a ‘failure’ of a season in which Phoenix failed to make the playoffs despite a high-priced roster.
Bulls exec Karnisovas asks for patience in rebuild
Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas insists he has a plan to lift Chicago after years of mediocrity in the wake of Wednesday’s play-in loss to the Heat.
Morant (ankle) misses practice, is game-time call
Grizzlies star Ja Morant missed Thursday’s practice and will be a game-time decision for Friday night’s play-in game against the visiting Mavericks that will determine the Western Conference’s 8-seed.