David Aldridge gives you the preseason edition of which teams are the Top 15 squads in the NBA at this moment. (last week’s record in parenthesis; previous ranking in brackets) 1) San Antonio Spurs (4-0) [5]: Early. Early. But damn impressive. 2) Cleveland Cavaliers (3-0) [1]: Looks like the Cavs have started something in Northeast…

In Year 20, LeBron James is proving to still be the King. After that tiny Tuesday card, we’re back to normal today. We have nine games making up Wednesday’s slate, and there are a ton of great options to pick from. We have numerous superstars suiting up, and it was tough to narrow it down….

Brook Lopez and the Bucks are locking down the paint on both ends of the court. The Milwaukee Bucks made changes this season in order to be better prepared for the playoffs. But the biggest reason they were so dominant in the previous two regular seasons is one of the biggest reasons they’re three wins…

As talented as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are, the Miami Heat (111.9 points scored per 100 possessions, seventh in the league) had a more efficient offense than the Los Angeles Lakers (111.7, 11th) in the regular season. Against the league’s top-10 defenses, the difference was greater (109.9 vs. 107.3). > Finals Game 5: Friday,…

Ricky Rubio’s veteran leadership was instrumental in the Cavs’ turnaround last season. CLEVELAND (AP) — Free agent point guard Ricky Rubio has agreed to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers on a multiyear contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Friday. Rubio, who was instrumental in Cleveland’s turnaround last season before…

Lonzo Ball’s fantasy potential just skyrocketed after signing with the Bulls. The NBA’s free agency period began August 2 at 6 p.m. ET, and in just a day and a half, we’ve witnessed a flurry of high-profile reported deals. Most of the major free agents have reached deals, some notable studs have signed extensions, and…

In-Season Tournament explainer and everything you need to know. Seven games to start, seven games to finish. In between, a whole lot of curiosity, questions and excitement for regular-season games in November and December that might have gotten overlooked in years past. The inaugural In-Season Tournament begins with the seven games on Friday’s schedule. It…

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers unveiled today its 2019-20 Classic Edition uniform, presented in partnership with Official Jersey Patch Sponsor StubHub. The 2019-20 Classic Edition uniform pays homage to the 76ers’ legacy and the spirit of the city of Philadelphia, known for its knack of reinventing itself. The Classic Edition replicates the jersey that Philadelphia…

Jimmy Butler, man. I’m not quite sure anyone actually “enjoys” people rooting against them, but if anyone embraces it more than Jimmy Butler … I’ve yet to see it outside the squared circle. The trade demand. The third-team-vs.-the-starters practice. Joining a “Big Three” that’s now a “Big Four.” Absolutely rocking the Timberwolves in round one….

Imagine changing teams and building hope in the new city, then sitting out 17 games because of injury, then getting caught in the vortex of the Anthony Davis soap opera, then missing out on Davis … and then missing out on the playoffs. If this happens, this would be the one of the most embarrassing…

The Lakers are sure to have their defense keyed in on slowing Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker. This matchup seemed almost unfathomable just a few weeks ago. But here we are after the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers edged Golden State in the State Farm Play-In Tournament to earn the No. 7 seed and a…

Heat reserve forward Max Strus is averaging 6.0 ppg and 2.7 rpg this season. MIAMI — Max Strus expects to be sidelined for maybe just a couple weeks. Given how badly he initially feared his left knee was injured, that’s a major win for the Miami Heat guard. The Heat diagnosed Strus’ injury as a…