Basketball

With Donovan Mitchell signed long-term, Cavs look to make deeper run under new coach Kenny Atkinson

Cleveland Cavaliers Last season: 48-34, lost to Boston in Eastern Conference semifinals. COACH: Kenny Atkinson, (first-time NBA head coach, hired in June). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 at Toronto. DEPARTURES: Coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Marcus Morris Sr.

Oct 14, 2024 8:16 AM Read more >

Spike Lee's 1st trip, Michael Jordan's welcome to newcomers and more from basketball Hall of Fame

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Spike Lee got a photo with Larry Bird and a technical foul from a Hall of Fame referee. Not a bad first trip to basketball's birthplace to pick up an honor he didn't know existed.

Oct 14, 2024 7:23 AM Read more >

Bucks believe they're ready to bounce back after two straight first-round NBA playoff exits

Milwaukee Bucks Last season: 49-33, lost to Indiana in first round of playoffs. COACH: Doc Rivers (2nd season with Bucks, 26th season overall, 1,896-1,114) SEASON OPENER: Oct.

Oct 14, 2024 7:06 AM Read more >

Pistons aim for respect after record-breaking season led to NBA's worst record for 2nd straight year

Detroit Pistons Last season: NBA-worst 14-68, including single-season record 28-game losing streak. COACH: J.B. Bickerstaff (first season with team; eighth overall 255-290) SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 vs. Indiana at home.

Oct 14, 2024 7:06 AM Read more >

Knicks make big moves to get Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges and look like an NBA contender

New York Knicks Last season: 50-32, lost to Indiana in Eastern Conference semifinals. COACH: Tom Thibodeau (5th season with Knicks, 13th season overall, 527-389). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 22 at Boston.

Oct 14, 2024 7:06 AM Read more >

OKC Thunder among the NBA title favorites after breakout season netted them the top seed in the West

Oklahoma City Thunder Last season: 57-25, lost to Dallas in second round of playoffs. COACH: Mark Daigneault (5th season, 143-175). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 24 at Denver. DEPARTURES: G Josh Giddey, G Lindy Waters III.

Oct 14, 2024 7:06 AM Read more >

Pacers counting on continuity and motivation to make a deeper NBA playoff run this season

Indiana Pacers Last season: 47-35, lost to Boston in Eastern Conference finals. COACH: Rick Carlisle (Ninth season with Pacers, 24th overall, 943-828) SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 at Detroit. DEPARTURES: F Jalen Smith, G Doug McDermott.

Oct 14, 2024 7:05 AM Read more >

The Suns hope for more success in Year 2 of Big 3 with a new coach, revamped supporting cast

Phoenix Suns Last season: 49-33, lost to Minnesota in first round of playoffs. COACH: Mike Budenholzer (1st season with Suns, 10th overall 484-317). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 at L.A. Clippers.

Oct 14, 2024 7:05 AM Read more >

Bulls enter the NBA season with a different look and a big question about Zach LaVine's future

Chicago Bulls Last season: 39-43, lost to Miami in a play-in game. COACH: Billy Donovan (5th season with Bulls, 10th season overall, 399-319). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 at New Orleans.

Oct 14, 2024 7:05 AM Read more >

Raptors leaning heavily on former top rookie Scottie Barnes as they begin rebuilding the roster

Toronto Raptors (H2 headline) Last season: 25-57, missed playoffs. COACH: Darko Rajakovic (2nd season, 25-57). SEASON OPENER: Oct. 23 vs. Cleveland. DEPARTURES: G Gary Trent Jr., F Jalen McDaniels.

Oct 14, 2024 7:05 AM Read more >