NBA All-Star x HBCU Student Showcase: Eric January

Picking up Fred VanVleet (left) and coach Ime Udoka are 2 of the key additions Houston made in the offseason. Of the 14 teams that missed the playoffs last season, the Houston Rockets clearly made the biggest effort to change their situation. They hired Ime Udoka, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the…

What's next for the Trail Blazers after another early exit? PORTLAND (AP) — After a second straight first-round playoff exit, it has become clear the Portland Trail Blazers need more than just the heroics of Damian Lillard. It is all but certain the Blazers will look different next season. Even Lillard fueled speculation about his…

The Celtics say Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart is probable to play in Game 2. • Heat vs. Celtics: Complete series coverage MIAMI — There was a lot to digest from Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, a 118-107 victory for the Miami Heat. The Boston Celtics won three of…

Charles Oakley’s no-nonsense demeanor and penchant for physical confrontations were part of his portfolio when he played 18 NBA seasons primarily for New York, Chicago and Toronto. And in the years since he retired (2004), Oakley as tough guy has become the stuff of legends, sort of the league’s version of a “Chuck Norris” joke…

The Detroit Pistons are the only Eastern Conference team that hasn’t won a playoff game in the last 10 years. Their last postseason victory was in Game 4 of the 2008 conference finals, and they were swept in the first round in their only two playoff appearances since then. Both of those sweeps were at…

It’s hard to know what to make of the Orlando Magic. They’re a game out of a playoff spot with a 6-9 record, but rank 29th in NetRtg (point differential per 100 possessions). They’re one of the league’s most improved defensive teams, but only two teams have taken a bigger step backward offensively. When you…