Luka, Cunningham win appeal, eligible for awards
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48504211/luka-doncic-cade-cunningham-eligible-nba-season-awards

Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham are eligible for season honors after their challenge of the 65-game rule was approved, while Anthony Edwards' challenge was declined.

NBA awards 2026: Bontemps' ballot for MVP, top rookie, every honor
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48506139/nba-awards-2026-ballot-mvp-all-nba-luka-cade-65-game-rule-top-rookie-sixth-man

Which award battles are too close to call? Tim Bontemps unveils his official ballot for MVP, All-NBA, Sixth Man and every major honor.

Slams, blocks and game winners: Top 10 plays from Wemby's record-setting season
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48495894/victor-wembanyama-top-10-plays-2025-26-nba-season-mvp-awards-race

Victor Wembanyama has made his case for MVP, DPOY and All-NBA. Here are the top plays that highlight his season.

What the Data Says About NBA Tanking, and How to Fix It
https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2026/nba-tanking-data-draft-lottery-odds-1234890511/

When the Memphis Grizzlies visited the Utah Jazz last week, only Grizzlies player who logged minutes—Rayan Rupert—began the season in the NBA. Dariq Whitehead, Memphis’ leading scorer that night, was making his first career start. Utah, which trotted out its own seven-man group containing four G League call-ups, won the matchup of unrecognizable lineups, 147-101. […]

LeBron looking forward to playoffs with Bronny
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48507243/lebron-looks-forward-sharing-floor-bronny-playoffs

LeBron James is looking forward to sharing the floor with son Bronny James in the playoffs when the Lakers face the Rockets.

'It's all basketball': LaMelo says no rift with Bam
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48514154/lamelo-says-no-rift-bam-glad-ok

LaMelo Ball of the Charlotte Hornets says he's relieved that Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo wasn't more hurt after the run-in with Ball in the second quarter.

Brazil basketball legend Oscar Schmidt dies at 68
https://www.espn.com/olympics/basketball/story/_/id/48515207/oscar-schmidt-dies-68

Oscar Schmidt, the Basketball Hall of Famer whom his Brazil compatriots know as the "Holy Hand," died Friday. He was 68.

Magic rip Hornets in record-setting 31-point rout
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48518420/magic-post-record-play-game-rout-hornets-get-east-8-seed

The Orlando Magic built a 35-point lead in the first half on the way to a 121-90 rout of Charlotte Hornets in a play-in tournament game on Friday night and advanced to a first-round playoff matchup against the Detroit Pistons.

Rockets list KD (knee) as questionable for Game 1
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48517626/rockets-list-kevin-durant-questionable-game-1-vs-lakers-right-knee-contusion

Kevin Durant sustained a right knee contusion during practice this week, but the Rockets are optimistic it will not be a significant issue during their first-round playoff series against the Lakers, a source told ESPN.

2026 NBA playoffs betting: Bets on champion, Finals MVP and each first-round series
https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/48516735/2026-nba-playoffs-betting-guide-best-bets-make-first-round-series-champion-finals-mvp

Our experts explain how to bet the NBA playoffs as a whole and provide their best bets for each first-round series.

Revisiting each playoff matchup between LeBron James and Kevin Durant
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48506753/lebron-james-kevin-durant-revisiting-nba-playoff-matchups

James and Durant have faced off in the postseason three times, and each matchup proved to be a momentous occasion.

Raptors' Quickley (hamstring) out G1 vs. Cavs
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48522217/raptors-quickley-hamstring-miss-game-1-vs-cavaliers

Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley will miss Game 1 against the Cavaliers as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury, according to coach Darko Rajaković.

Suns end Warriors' season, await No. 1 Thunder
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48519075/suns-end-warriors-season-set-first-round-date-thunder

The Suns knocked out the Warriors 111-96 to secure the No. 8 seed and will face the top-seeded Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

Spurs motivated, inspired by Popovich address
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48522561/gregg-popovich-addresses-spurs-prior-playoff-series-vs-portland

Hall of Famer and former coach Gregg Popovich, who continues to rehab from a stroke, addressed the Spurs prior to their playoff series against the Trail Blazers.

Follow live: Cavaliers host Raptors in Game 1
https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401869187/raptors-cavaliers

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West playoffs: Jamal Murray drops 30 as Nuggets take Game 1
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48506452/2026-nba-playoffs-western-conference-round-one-takeaways

Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Western Conference's first round.

East playoffs: The Cavs and Knicks roll on the opening day
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48506456/2026-nba-playoffs-eastern-conference-round-one-takeaways

Here's what has stood out from the latest playoff games of the Eastern Conference's first round.

Kennard, James team to upset Rockets in opener
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48528333/luke-kennard-lebron-james-team-upset-rockets-opener

Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury absence for a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1.

Murray's FT dominance irks Wolves, lifts Nuggets
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48527044/murray-16-16-night-line-lifts-nuggets-game-1-win

Jamal Murray had a tremendous night at the free throw line, making all 16 of his attempts to carry the Nuggets past the Wolves in Game 1, during which Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon had a quiet first half.

Barkley: Jordan rift easing, golf game planned
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48531302/charles-barkley-talking-michael-jordan-again-rift

Charles Barkley says he and Michael Jordan are talking again after nearly 15 years and that the two plan to play golf together in the offseason.