#nba-player
#nba-player

LA Lakers

Why LeBron's Memphis Comments Won't Go Away

'He knows the most': How LeBron James sets the tone for Lakers entering playoffs

LeBron James maintains his consistent preparation for the playoffs, emphasizing heightened focus without changing his routine.

LeBron James and resilient Lakers defeat Suns, stay in hunt for No. 3 playoff seed

LeBron James leads the Lakers to victory over the Suns, securing a playoff position and showcasing his skills as the team's primary player.

LeBron James powers shorthanded Lakers to important win over Warriors

LeBron James led the Lakers to a 119-103 victory over the Warriors, scoring 26 points, while Stephen Curry missed the game due to injury.

25 minutes ago

LeBron James is 41. And he's somehow still carrying his team in the playoffs

LeBron James faces a familiar challenge of leading a thin team due to injuries to key players, despite his age and past experiences.

fromIntelligencer

Why LeBron's Memphis Comments Won't Go Away

LeBron James criticized Memphis, suggesting the NBA should relocate, reflecting broader concerns about player experiences and city reputation.

'He knows the most': How LeBron James sets the tone for Lakers entering playoffs

LeBron James maintains his consistent preparation for the playoffs, emphasizing heightened focus without changing his routine.

LeBron James and resilient Lakers defeat Suns, stay in hunt for No. 3 playoff seed

LeBron James leads the Lakers to victory over the Suns, securing a playoff position and showcasing his skills as the team's primary player.

LeBron James powers shorthanded Lakers to important win over Warriors

LeBron James led the Lakers to a 119-103 victory over the Warriors, scoring 26 points, while Stephen Curry missed the game due to injury.

more#lebron-james

#nba-playoffs

LeBron James and Kevin Durant playoff meetings through the years

LeBron James and Kevin Durant's playoff matchup may signify the end of their storied rivalry as they face off in the 2023 playoffs.

2026 NBA playoffs: Western Conference first-round takeaways

Jamal Murray's 30 points led the Nuggets to a 1-0 playoff series lead over the Timberwolves.

Podcast

Behold! The 'Nothing But Respect' NBA Playoffs Mega-Preview | Defector

16 hours ago

LeBron James Still Has It | Defector

The Lakers overcame injuries to key players and won Game 1 of the playoffs against a challenging opponent.

Hark! Follow The Sounding Of The Horns To The 2026 NBA Playoff Preview | Defector

The NBA playoffs begin soon, featuring a rivalry series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

Boston Celtics

2026 NBA playoffs betting guide: Best bets on champion, Finals MVP and each first-round series

LeBron James and Kevin Durant playoff meetings through the years

LeBron James and Kevin Durant's playoff matchup may signify the end of their storied rivalry as they face off in the 2023 playoffs.

2026 NBA playoffs: Western Conference first-round takeaways

Jamal Murray's 30 points led the Nuggets to a 1-0 playoff series lead over the Timberwolves.

Podcast

Behold! The 'Nothing But Respect' NBA Playoffs Mega-Preview | Defector

A mega-sized playoff preview podcast features interviews about NBA playoff teams, divided into Western and Eastern Conference segments, plus a special Nuggets discussion.

16 hours ago

LeBron James Still Has It | Defector

The Lakers overcame injuries to key players and won Game 1 of the playoffs against a challenging opponent.

Hark! Follow The Sounding Of The Horns To The 2026 NBA Playoff Preview | Defector

The NBA playoffs begin soon, featuring a rivalry series between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.

2026 NBA playoffs betting guide: Best bets on champion, Finals MVP and each first-round series

San Antonio Spurs are favored to win the NBA championship with Victor Wembanyama as a key player.

Raptors dominated by Cavs in Game 1

The Raptors struggled defensively and offensively, allowing the Cavs to dominate the game, particularly in the second half.

Raptors fans' worst playoff worry about Jakob Poeltl is eerily unfolding

Raptors lost Game 1 of the playoffs to the Cavaliers, with Jakob Poeltl's underwhelming performance raising concerns among fans.

Raptors' Mamukelashvili could be the X-factor against Cavaliers

The Raptors thrive as underdogs, motivated by doubt and hard work, with Sandro Mamukelashvili emerging as a key player for their playoff success.

18 hours ago

Raptors dominated by Cavs in Game 1

The Raptors struggled defensively and offensively, allowing the Cavs to dominate the game, particularly in the second half.

Raptors fans' worst playoff worry about Jakob Poeltl is eerily unfolding

Raptors lost Game 1 of the playoffs to the Cavaliers, with Jakob Poeltl's underwhelming performance raising concerns among fans.

Raptors' Mamukelashvili could be the X-factor against Cavaliers

The Raptors thrive as underdogs, motivated by doubt and hard work, with Sandro Mamukelashvili emerging as a key player for their playoff success.

Heat's next big move could surprisingly depend on Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins' player option decision will significantly impact the Miami Heat's offseason strategy and potential to acquire a star player.

fromBoston.com

With Joel Embiid out, these Celtics better pummel the 76ers on the glass

Rebounding and second-chance points are crucial for the Celtics' offense against Philadelphia, especially with Joel Embiid sidelined.

Boston Bruins

Stanley Cup playoffs daily: Previews, stats, schedule, bracket

Eight teams begin their postseason journeys in the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, with key matchups and scoring leaders highlighted.

LA Clippers

Letters to Sports: Clippers were oh so close, yet so far

The Clippers exceeded expectations by finishing with over 40 wins after a poor start, despite ongoing challenges throughout the season.

Anthony Davis just rewrote the Wizards' reputation before even playing a game

Washington Wizards made significant trades for Trae Young and Anthony Davis to enhance their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

Television

NBA says 170M watched regular season, up 86% from 2024-25

9 hours ago

National Basketball Association

Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic named MVP finalists

Last year is over': Oklahoma City launch title defense as NBA's parity era faces test

Oklahoma City Thunder aims for historic greatness in the 2026 playoffs, seeking to break the trend of parity in the NBA.

fromFOX Sports

NBA, NHL Futures Betting Report: Bettors Await Potential Huge Paydays

Numerous notable bets on NBA and NHL futures are nearing potential payouts as playoffs approach.

11 hours ago

It took Jamal Shead just one playoff game to prove his Raptors critics wrong

Jamal Shead stepped up as a key player for the Raptors in Game 1, filling the void left by Immanuel Quickley.

Anthony Davis just rewrote the Wizards' reputation before even playing a game

Washington Wizards made significant trades for Trae Young and Anthony Davis to enhance their competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.

Television

NBA says 170M watched regular season, up 86% from 2024-25

NBA's Year 1 of new TV deals saw 170 million viewers, the highest in 24 years, with an 86% increase from last season.

9 hours ago

Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokic named MVP finalists

Victor Wembanyama is a finalist for the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards this season.

Last year is over': Oklahoma City launch title defense as NBA's parity era faces test

Oklahoma City Thunder aims for historic greatness in the 2026 playoffs, seeking to break the trend of parity in the NBA.

fromFOX Sports

NBA, NHL Futures Betting Report: Bettors Await Potential Huge Paydays

Numerous notable bets on NBA and NHL futures are nearing potential payouts as playoffs approach.

11 hours ago

It took Jamal Shead just one playoff game to prove his Raptors critics wrong

Jamal Shead stepped up as a key player for the Raptors in Game 1, filling the void left by Immanuel Quickley.

2026 Stanley Cup playoffs: Lapsed fan's guide to NHL postseason

The Florida Panthers, after winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, missed the playoffs in 2026, while the Colorado Avalanche emerged as the top contender.

Raptors face a brutal identity crisis or this postseason is already on thin ice

Toronto Raptors lost their playoff opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, failing to execute their fastbreak and turnover strategies effectively.

The Autopsy Report: Raptors fail in every way against Cavaliers

The Toronto Raptors faced significant challenges in their playoff series, failing to meet key performance requirements in Game 1.

Raptors may have been robbed of the key to shutting down Cavs' biggest advantage

Toronto Raptors rely on defense and fast breaks, while Cleveland Cavaliers excel in half-court offense and scoring.

3 Raptors who were kicked to the curb once the playoffs began

The Toronto Raptors faced challenges in the playoffs, particularly with rotation decisions and player absences affecting their performance against the Cavaliers.

Gameday: Raptors @ Cavaliers, April 18th

Toronto Raptors return to playoff basketball, facing Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1, crucial for series momentum and matchups.

Raptors may be better equipped to ruin Cavs' best defensive strategy than it seems

The Toronto Raptors' 3-point shooting struggles could be exploited by the Cleveland Cavaliers in their playoff series.

25 minutes ago

Raptors face a brutal identity crisis or this postseason is already on thin ice

Toronto Raptors lost their playoff opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers, failing to execute their fastbreak and turnover strategies effectively.

The Autopsy Report: Raptors fail in every way against Cavaliers

The Toronto Raptors faced significant challenges in their playoff series, failing to meet key performance requirements in Game 1.

Raptors may have been robbed of the key to shutting down Cavs' biggest advantage

Toronto Raptors rely on defense and fast breaks, while Cleveland Cavaliers excel in half-court offense and scoring.

3 Raptors who were kicked to the curb once the playoffs began

The Toronto Raptors faced challenges in the playoffs, particularly with rotation decisions and player absences affecting their performance against the Cavaliers.

Gameday: Raptors @ Cavaliers, April 18th

Toronto Raptors return to playoff basketball, facing Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1, crucial for series momentum and matchups.

Raptors may be better equipped to ruin Cavs' best defensive strategy than it seems

The Toronto Raptors' 3-point shooting struggles could be exploited by the Cleveland Cavaliers in their playoff series.

more#toronto-raptors

9 hours ago

Oklahoma City Thunder dominant in opener, rout Phoenix Suns

Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Phoenix Suns 119-84 in Game 1 of the playoffs, showcasing their defensive strength and capitalizing on turnovers.

Bam Adebayo can now forget a season that desperately needs to be forgotten

Bam Adebayo's inconsistent performance contributed to the Miami Heat's struggles this season despite a late-season scoring surge.

LA Clippers

Lawrence Frank says Clippers' long-term aim remains to 'win with Kawhi'

LA Clippers are committed to winning long-term with Kawhi Leonard, emphasizing alignment of goals for future success.

Anthony Davis just nationally gave the Wizards a shoutout that should quiet the noise

Anthony Davis believes the Washington Wizards are a great organization, challenging negative perceptions surrounding the team and its future.

Anthony Davis just put pressure on the Wizards without saying it

Anthony Davis seeks clarity on the Wizards' competitive direction for his future with the team.

Anthony Davis eying to help Wizards 'compete' next season

Anthony Davis is committed to the Wizards for one more season and sees potential in the team's young core.

Anthony Davis' blunt response on his Wizards commitment says it all

Anthony Davis is committed to the Washington Wizards primarily due to his lucrative contract.

Anthony Davis just nationally gave the Wizards a shoutout that should quiet the noise

Anthony Davis believes the Washington Wizards are a great organization, challenging negative perceptions surrounding the team and its future.

Anthony Davis just put pressure on the Wizards without saying it

Anthony Davis seeks clarity on the Wizards' competitive direction for his future with the team.

Anthony Davis eying to help Wizards 'compete' next season

Anthony Davis is committed to the Wizards for one more season and sees potential in the team's young core.

Anthony Davis' blunt response on his Wizards commitment says it all

Anthony Davis is committed to the Washington Wizards primarily due to his lucrative contract.

Rockets' Kevin Durant out for G1 vs. Lakers with knee contusion

Kevin Durant will miss Game 1 of the playoffs due to a knee injury, impacting both the Rockets and Lakers' lineups.

Heat trade for Giannis could leave franchise worse off than expected

Acquiring Giannis Antetokounmpo may leave the Miami Heat with a weakened roster and insufficient assets for a championship team.

LA Clippers

Chris Paul apparently not sad that the Clippers suffered season-ending loss to the Warriors

Chris Paul expressed satisfaction over the Clippers' playoff exit after being pushed into retirement by the team.

NBA playoff predictions 2026: the winner, key players and dark horses

Jokic is currently the best player, but Wembanyama's potential could change that in the future.

Heat's rumored Giannis plan B has one huge blind spot everyone is missing

The Miami Heat's pursuit of Kawhi Leonard as a backup plan could lead to significant mistakes due to his age and injury concerns.

3 Players Heat desperately must dump as big first step back to relevancy

The Miami Heat need to make significant roster changes, including parting ways with Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Andrew Wiggins, to regain competitiveness.

Heat's rumored Giannis plan B has one huge blind spot everyone is missing

The Miami Heat's pursuit of Kawhi Leonard as a backup plan could lead to significant mistakes due to his age and injury concerns.

3 Players Heat desperately must dump as big first step back to relevancy

The Miami Heat need to make significant roster changes, including parting ways with Tyler Herro, Norman Powell, and Andrew Wiggins, to regain competitiveness.

more#miami-heat

#lakers

Plaschke: Can Lakers steal series? Anything is possible after Game 1 win

The Lakers secured a 107-98 victory over the Rockets, benefiting from the absence of Kevin Durant.

Commentary: Can LeBron James pull of his second-greatest playoff feat?

Lakers' season hinges on LeBron James as injuries sideline key players, creating uncertainty for the team's future.

Luke Kennard provides a jolt of Luka magic, helping the Lakers beat the Rockets

Luke Kennard led the Lakers to a playoff victory with a perfect shooting performance, stepping up in the absence of star players.

Lakers 'elevate' work for playoffs with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injured

Lakers' starting backcourt, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, are injured and expected to miss the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Lakers prepare for Rockets playoff series with emphasis on rebounding

Lakers focus on rebounding drills to counter Rockets' strength ahead of playoff series.

Redick gives no Doncic update as Lakers' playoff prep begins

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out indefinitely due to injuries, with no updates expected this week.

Plaschke: Can Lakers steal series? Anything is possible after Game 1 win

The Lakers secured a 107-98 victory over the Rockets, benefiting from the absence of Kevin Durant.

Commentary: Can LeBron James pull of his second-greatest playoff feat?

Lakers' season hinges on LeBron James as injuries sideline key players, creating uncertainty for the team's future.

Luke Kennard provides a jolt of Luka magic, helping the Lakers beat the Rockets

Luke Kennard led the Lakers to a playoff victory with a perfect shooting performance, stepping up in the absence of star players.

Lakers 'elevate' work for playoffs with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves injured

Lakers' starting backcourt, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, are injured and expected to miss the first-round playoff series against the Houston Rockets.

Lakers prepare for Rockets playoff series with emphasis on rebounding

Lakers focus on rebounding drills to counter Rockets' strength ahead of playoff series.

Redick gives no Doncic update as Lakers' playoff prep begins

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are out indefinitely due to injuries, with no updates expected this week.

more#lakers

fromBoston.com

The rest of us had doubts, but it seems these Celtics knew how good they could be all along

The Celtics were coming off a season that ended with a six-game loss to the Knicks in the second round, a series in which they lost so much more.

Boston Celtics

fromwww.cbc.ca

Cavaliers overpower Raptors in playoff opener behind strong 2nd half | CBC Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers defeated Toronto Raptors 126-113 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, led by Donovan Mitchell's 32 points and Max Strus's 24 points.

Curry and Green roll back the years to keep Warriors' season alive: For one night, we're us'

Stephen Curry's 35 points and seven three-pointers led the Warriors to a comeback victory against the Clippers, reviving memories of their championship era.

Warriors' Kerr to mull future, knows jobs have 'expiration dates'

Steve Kerr contemplates his future as Warriors head coach after elimination, acknowledging the potential end of his tenure with the franchise.

The Warriors' Old Guys Showed Up When It Mattered Most | Defector

The Warriors showcased their classic style of play, overcoming a 13-point deficit to defeat the Clippers 126-121 in a thrilling comeback.

Raptors' Quickley (hamstring) to miss Game 1 vs. Cavaliers

Immanuel Quickley will miss Game 1 against the Cavaliers due to a hamstring injury.

Deandre Ayton knows the Lakers need him to be his best in the playoffs

Deandre Ayton aims to prove himself as an elite two-way player in the playoffs after a season of career lows in points and rebounds.

Luka, Reaves and the 48 hours that changed the Lakers' season

The Lakers' late-season surge improved their standings, team dynamics, and performance metrics significantly.

Luka Doncic eligible for NBA's postseason awards after league, NBAPA rule in his favor

Luka Doncic is eligible for postseason awards after winning an appeal regarding the 65-game rule due to extraordinary circumstances.