In the nightcap on NBC, the Warriors will visit the Lakers in Los Angeles. The league completely eschewed the Eastern Conference on its first showcase night in four months, indicating it understands something many fans have felt for some time now: The West is the far better conference.

The Mavericks’ prized No. 1 pick likely won this award before even playing in an actual NBA game. NBA talent evaluators pegged Flagg as this year’s best rookie because of his positional versatility as a scorer and defender, his adaptability to various roles and his disciplined work habits.

Lorenzo Reyes analyzes and forecasts the records of every NBA team for the 2025-26 season and makes his playoff predictions.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/hornets as The Hornets aren't winning the NBA Finals, but insider's criticism is harsh.

The NBA season tips off Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, where Kevin Durant returns to his former home in his Rockets debut, followed by Luka Dončić playing his first season opener with the Lakers against Steph Curry and the Warriors.

The state of Minnesota is hungry for a championship. Among the big four men's American sports leagues, the Minnesota Twins were the last team to capture a title when they captured the 1991 World Series.

Fans tuning into the NBA this season will have to adjust their viewing habits to new networks and a seven-day-a-week national TV schedule.

The NBA never stops, but with another off-season of signings, young stars ascending to greatness, and high expectations, basketball enthusiasts are posing the same question: When d