Basketball

Bucks counting on Lillard's arrival to assure they avoid another unexpected playoff exit

MILWAUKEE BUCKS Last season: 58-24, lost to Miami Heat in first round of Eastern Conference playoffs. Coach: Adrian Griffin, first season.

Oct 20, 2023 5:13 AM Read more >

All eyes on Victor Wembanyama as the No. 1 pick opens a new era with San Antonio Spurs

SAN ANTONIO SPURS Last season: 22-60. The Spurs missed the playoffs for fourth straight season. Coach: Gregg Popovich (29th season, 1,366-761). What to expect: Wembanyama! Wembanyama! Wembanyama! All eyes have been on No.

Oct 20, 2023 5:13 AM Read more >

The Chicago Bulls will try to rely on improvement from within after keeping core group intact

CHICAGO BULLS Last season: 40-42, reached play-in tournament. Coach: Billy Donovan (4th season with Bulls, 117-119; 9th season overall, 360-276).

Oct 20, 2023 5:13 AM Read more >

Rockets hire Udoka, add veterans Brooks, VanVleet as they try to escape NBA's basement

Houston Rockets Last season: 22-60. Coach: Ime Udoka (first season with Rockets, 2nd season overall, 51-31).

Oct 20, 2023 5:12 AM Read more >

Talented young Oklahoma City Thunder look to turn the corner this season

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER Last season: 40-42, reached play-in tournament. Coach: Mark Daigneault (4th season, 86-150). What to expect: With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the way, the young Thunder should reach the playoffs.

Oct 20, 2023 3:11 AM Read more >

James, Durant finally face off again as Suns beat Lakers 123-100 in preseason matchup

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 21 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers 123-100 on Thursday night in a game that put Durant and LeBron James on the court for the first time in almost five years.

Oct 19, 2023 9:55 PM Read more >

Pelicans exercise options on Murphy, Daniels

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans have exercised a fourth-year option on wing player Trey Murphy and a third-year option on guard Dyson Daniels, securing both former first-round draft choices through the 2024-25 season.

Oct 19, 2023 4:16 PM Read more >

Harden skips 76ers practice for second day. Nurse says 'unlikely' he'll play in preseason finale

CAMDEN, N.J. (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden skipped practice Thursday for the second straight day, with the team officially saying the disgruntled player is away because of a personal matter.

Oct 19, 2023 3:01 PM Read more >

Former NBA head coach Terry Stotts leaves role as Bucks assistant before start of the season

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Former NBA head coach Terry Stotts’ return to the league as a Milwaukee Bucks assistant has reached a sudden conclusion a week before the start of the season.

Oct 19, 2023 2:13 PM Read more >

The Lakers' LeBron James is redefining NBA longevity as he reaches his 21st season

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — LeBron James is already the defining figure of this basketball era with his strength, skills, smarts and relentless will to win.

Oct 19, 2023 1:46 PM Read more >