MORE FROM Micah Adams

Kicks of the night: Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade sported a special edition of the Li-Ning Wade All-City 7s against the Dallas Mavericks, custom made to honour his mother, Jolinda.

Micah Adams

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No Kawhi, no problem as Raptors roll

Pascal Siakam exploded for 31 points to lead the Toronto Raptors who improve to 16-5 this season in games without Leonard.

Micah Adams

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Injury Analysis: Jusuf Nurkic

Dr. Michael S. George, a sports orthopaedic surgeon with the KSF Orthopaedic Center in Houston, weighs in with some specifics on the type of injury sustained, factors that contribute in recovery time and expectations moving forward.

Micah Adams

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What advice did PG give to Kawhi?

Ahead of Friday's game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Toronto Raptors, Paul George said that he's spoken to Kawhi Leonard about his decision this upcoming summer.

Micah Adams

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LeBron James to sit out today vs. Detroit Pistons

After playing 32 minutes in the loss to the Toronto Raptors on Friday, James will sit out the Lakers' game in Detroit on the second night of a back-to-back.

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Is Ben Simmons the NBA's best sophomore?

There is no award for the NBA's best sophomore. And yet with so many great ones scattered throughout the league, we took the opportunity to rank the 10 best this season. Missing from our list? The top two picks from the 2017 NBA Draft.

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Are the Rockets better than last season?

The Rockets finished with a league-best 67 wins last year and nearly knocked out the Warriors in the Conference Finals. Through 25 games this season they were in 14th place in the West, but have since taken off. Is Houston better than it was a year ago?

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MVP Power Rankings: Has Giannis clinched it?

More times than not, the MVP comes a team that finishes with the NBA's best record. Throw in historic two-way excellence and Giannis Antetokounmpo may have began to slam the door shut on the MVP debate.

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Can LeBron become the all-time leading scorer?

After Jordan, the next three names to pass are Kobe Bryant, Karl Malone and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He's just over 6,000 points shy of Abdul-Jabbar who has reigned supreme as the all-time leading scorer since passing Wilt Chamberlain in the 1980s. Will LeBron stick around long enough to pass him?

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Analyzing Andrew Bogut's impact with the Warriors

After taking home NBL MVP honours with the Sydney Kings, Bogut is heading back to the Golden State Warriors to try and help bolster the team's pursuit of a third straight championship.

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Should LeBron shut it down? Should the Lakers sign Carmelo?

Should LeBron James sit out the rest of the season? Should the Lakers sign Carmelo Anthony? How big of a threat are the Clippers?

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Is it time for LeBron to pass the torch to Giannis?

The Greek Freak is traveling down the same path once blazed by LeBron James. With the King on the ropes in his 16th season and fighting to merely make the playoffs, is it time for Giannis Antetokounmpo to ascend the throne?

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Paul George out for game vs Simmons, 76ers

According to media reports, the MVP candidate will miss the highly anticipated rematch between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers. In the first meeting, Paul George hit the game-winning three-pointer in the closing seconds of what was one of the wildest finishes so far this season.

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WATCH: The best plays from Ben Simmons this season

In the very first game of the season, Ben Simmons dropped a no-look dime over his head to Markelle Fultz. That's just one of many awesome dishes served up by the sophomore sensation this season. We went through 76ers game log to find his best play from every single game this season. Enjoy!

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The Raptors can't stop Kyrie Irving

In the last two meetings between the Celtics and Raptors, Kyrie Irving scored or assisted on 25 of Boston's 28 made shots in the fourth quarter or overtime. No matter what Toronto has tried, they simply have not been able to stop Kyrie Irving.

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How each top-5 MVP candidate can win it

For the majority of the season, the MVP discussion has been a two-horse race between Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden. Thanks to the sterling play of Paul George, we now have a third serious contender.

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NBA Power Rankings: Top of the East gets tougher - plus the best All-Star seasons from each team

After the busiest trade deadline in modern NBA history, the top of the Eastern Conference is suddenly much stronger. With All-Star week upon us, we also took some time to celebrate the best All-Star seasons from each of the top 10 teams in this week's NBA Power Rankings.

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NBA All-Star 2019: Who will win the 3-point contest?

The 2019 MTN DEW 3-Point Contest could be the marquee event of All-Star Saturday Night with the Curry brothers, defending champion Devin Booker, NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki and Charlotte's Kemba Walker among the contestants.

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Should teams trade late 1st-round picks?

Whether it's the Lakers' reported offer for Anthony Davis or the haul the Knicks received for Kristaps Porzingis, late 1st-round picks play a key role in discussions around the trade deadline. But what's the actual value of a late 1st-round pick?

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Harden and Booker set for duel in the desert

Two of the NBA's most explosive scorers are set to collide in Phoenix. Devin Booker outplayed James Harden when they last met over a year ago and since then has taken on a role with the Suns reminiscent of Harden with the Rockets.

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The stats behind LeBron's rivalry with the Warriors

LeBron James is back in the lineup for the Lakers and just in time to rekindle his rivalry with the Warriors. Including the regular season and playoffs, he's played exactly 50 games in his career against Golden State. Here are some of the key stats behind LeBron and his biggest rival.

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Will the Raptors or Bucks win the East?

Heading into their fourth and final meeting in the regular season on Friday, the Raptors and Bucks are in a dead heat atop the Eastern Conference. Who holds the upper hand? And what does it mean moving forward?

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The numbers behind Matthew Dellavedova's extraordinary impact

There are 266 players in the NBA that have played at least 300 minutes since Matthew Dellavedova made his return to the Cavaliers. Only five of them have had a bigger impact.

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Should DeMar DeRozan make the All-Star team?

The All-Star reserves will be announced on Friday and with the Spurs comfortably over .500 in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, it begs the question: which Spurs' star make the All-Star team?

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Report: Anthony Davis requests trade, Pelicans issue statement

The five-time All-Star is in his seventh season with the Pelicans. He has one more year left on his current contract after this one and can become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2020.

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Will James Harden win back-to-back MVPs?

Thanks to an astonishing January in which he's averaging over 45 points per game, James Harden has emerged as the clear front runner for the MVP award. But it's a long season and with Chris Paul on the verge of returning, could he slow down and leave the door open for a second-half push from one of the other contenders?

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Aussie forward Creek signs with Nets

Creek played eight seasons in the NBL and led the Adelaide 36ers to the NBL Grand Final in 2018. He appeared in one preseason game with the Nets earlier this season and is expected to be available for Brooklyn's next game.

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Highest scoring months in NBA history

James Harden is in the midst of a truly historic January. Here's a look back at how Harden compares to the other most prolific scoring sprees in NBA history.

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How missing time impacts NBA awards

LeBron James hasn't played since Christmas, Kawhi Leonard's been in and out of the lineup and Anthony Davis is on the shelf with a finger injury. As the missed games begin to pile up, at what point do they start to fall out of serious contention for various NBA awards.

Micah Adams

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The deepest MVP field ever?

The numbers suggest this could just be the deepest crop of legitimate MVP-worthy candidates ever. The MVP race is about far more than just James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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Biggest questions as DeMarcus Cousins returns for the Warriors

The four-time All-Star is set to make his long-awaited debut on Saturday against the Clippers. Here are some of the biggest questions surrounding his return and fit with the two-time defending champions.

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Can Raptors figure out how to stop Kyrie?

If the Toronto Raptors want to reach the NBA Finals, they'll need to figure out some way to slow down Kyrie Irving. If the last two meetings are any indication, they have a lot of work to do on that front.

Micah Adams

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Luka is getting more rookie All-Star love than MJ or LeBron

Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird... none of them can hold a candle to Luka Doncic when it comes to racking up All-Star votes as a rookie.

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Takeaways from the third All-Star fan vote results

Ben Simmons remains in fourth place amongst the East guards and Steve Adams has over 1 million votes in the latest All-Star return.

Micah Adams

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Every rookie All-Star in NBA history

There have been 45 rookies in NBA history to make the All-Star team. Here are all of them.

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Can the Raptors slow down Kyrie?

Kyrie Irving put on a clinic in the fourth quarter and overtime back in November when the Raptors and Celtics last squared off. Is there anything the Raptors can do to slow him down when they meet on Thursday?

Micah Adams

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How's the Jimmy Butler trade working out?

Jimmy Butler plays against his old team for the first time this season as the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Philadelphia 76ers. Now that the dust has settled on the blockbuster trade from November, what are the main takeaways from that deal for both teams?

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The evolving outside shot of Ben Simmons

Ben Simmons is stealing a page out of Michael Jordan's book and it just might hold the key to unlocking his game.

Micah Adams

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How Luka compares with MJ and LeBron as a rookie in All-Star voting

Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird... none of them can hold a candle to Luka Doncic when it comes to racking up All-Star votes as a rookie.

Micah Adams

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NBA MVP Power Rankings: Has Harden done enough to surpass Giannis?

Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden continue to be the frontrunners for MVP, but Kawhi Leonard is back in the conversation after dropping out of the top five in last week's rankings.

Micah Adams

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Takeaways from Rockets' statement win over Nuggets

James Harden dropped dimes (and Jamal Murray), Clint Capela dunked his way to a season high and P.J. Tucker lit it up from downtown.

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DeMar DeRozan and the Spurs have NBA's best record over the last month

One month ago, the Spurs were 11-14 and reeling in the wake of multiple 30-point blowouts. Never one to panic, Gregg Popovich's Spurs have rallied and own the NBA's best record over the last month.

Micah Adams

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Did the Nuggets stay at No. 1?

The Nuggets went undefeated while the Raptors pulled off a pair of impressive wins on a back-to-back. Which team takes over the top spot this week?

Micah Adams

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Is James Harden the new front runner for MVP?

Our NBA.com staff weighed in with our updated MVP ballots. The result? Lots of movement inside the top five.

Micah Adams

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The Luka Doncic Rookie Diary

It seems like every time Luka Doncic steps on the floor, there's a new play, new stat, or new anecdote that has NBA fans everywhere buzzing. As it unfolds, we're chronicling every game with the best of the best from his head-turning rookie season.

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James Harden continues to carry the Houston Rockets, with 45 points in win over Celtics

The reigning MVP continues to carry Houston as he scored 45 points in the win over the Celtics. Over his last eight games, Harden is averaging over 40 points per game and reminding the whole basketball world that nobody should sleep on the Rockets.

Micah Adams

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LeBron James named AP Male Athlete of the Year

This is the third time James has won the award. In addition to reaching the NBA Finals for the eighth straight year, James also opened a public elementary school in his hometown of Akron, OH specifically aimed at helping at-risk youth.

Micah Adams

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Top things to know about blockbuster Christmas Day 2018

Lakers at Warriors headlines a strong five-game Christmas slate that features the reigning MVP, Finals MVP, Defencive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year.

Micah Adams

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Rockets crash the top 10

The Denver Nuggets held on to the spot spot while James Harden has powered the Houston Rockets into the top 10. Meanwhile, the Mavericks and Heat make big moves in opposite directions.

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Do the Raptors or Bucks have the edge for home court?

The Raptors are in first place in the Eastern Conference but that doesn't necessarily mean they have the inside track for home court. Here's a look at the most recent race for the 1 seed.

Micah Adams

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Dirk Nowitzki set to make season debut

According to sources, the Mavericks legend is ready to officially begin his 21st NBA season on Friday against the Phoenix Suns.

Micah Adams

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What happens in Finals rematches following a regular season sweep?

No Kawhi Leonard? No problem. The Toronto Raptors scored an emphatic win over the Golden State Warriors for a 2-0 sweep of the season series. Would that matter if these two teams meet again in the NBA Finals? We looked at what happens when there's a Finals rematch after a regular-season sweep.

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Is Kawhi or Giannis the MVP so far?

A month and a half into the season, who is the leader for the MVP award?

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How do the 20-5 Raptors compare with past champions?

At 20-5, the Raptors are off to the best start in franchise history. But being the best version of themselves is no longer good enough for a Toronto team thinking big. As the Raptors take stock of where they sit 25 games in, we compared them to past champs to see if they fit the profile of a true title contender.

Micah Adams

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Dwight Howard has surgery; out 2-3 months

Washington Wizards big man Dwight Howard looks set to miss a large portion of the regular season after having surgery.

Micah Adams

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Inside Pascal Siakam's breakout season

The basic stats indicate a role player fitting in nicely on the best team in the Eastern Conference. Digging deeper reveals a player that's emerged as one of the league's brightest young stars and one that should be mentioned in every All-Star debate moving forward.

Micah Adams

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NBA Players of the Week: Pelicans' Anthony Davis and Nikola Vucevic of the Orlando Magic

This is Davis' fifth time receiving Player of the Week while Vucevic is the first Magic player to win the honour in over 4.5 years.

Micah Adams

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Is DeMar DeRozan an early contender for the NBA MVP award?

It's early but the former Raptor is settling in nicely in San Antonio and putting up numbers that should place him squarely in the MVP discussion.

Micah Adams

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Westbrook, Oladipo named Players of the Week

Westbrook dug OKC out of an early hole while Oladipo once again rose to the occasion.

Micah Adams

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Blake Griffin is once again playing like an NBA superstar

Off to the best start of his career, the five-time All-Star is once again playing like one of the best players in the NBA.

Micah Adams

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Giannis and Curry named Players of the Week

Both superstars led their team to perfect 4-0 records en route to being named Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week.

Micah Adams

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On This Date: comparing LeBron's debut with other legends

Today marks the 15-year anniversary of LeBron's NBA debut. Here's how his debut stacks up with some of the game's biggest legends.

Micah Adams

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LeBron James came up clutch in his last game against Denver

On the second game of a back-to-back, the Lakers host the undefeated Nuggets. The last time LeBron James played the Nuggets, he delivered one of the most clutch performances of his entire career.

Micah Adams

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The 10 best games of Stephen Curry's career

Stephen Curry torched the Wizards, pouring in 51 points on 15-24 shooting. Where does it rank among the best games of his career?

Micah Adams

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Part I - Superlatives for the Class of 2018

Which rookies are destined for great things? In our two part Rookie Yearbook, we're handing out picks for best in class superlatives.

Micah Adams

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Rookie rankings entering the 2018/19 NBA regular season: Who comes out on top?

Creative playmakers, dominant post players, lights out shooters ... this rookie class has it all. As the next wave of future stars begins their journey, who will emerge as the king of the mountain?

Micah Adams

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The most anticipated international debuts

Having already dominated the highest levels of competition in Europe, the 19-year-old phenom enters his rookie season with more buzz than perhaps any other player to join the NBA from across the Atlantic Ocean.

Micah Adams

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Report: Dejounte Murray tears ACL, sidelined indefinitely

San Antonio's starting point guard has a torn ACL which could mean trouble for an already thin backcourt.

Micah Adams

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What Dejounte Murray's injury means for Patty Mills

It was announced on Tuesday that San Antonio's starting point guard has a torn ACL.

Micah Adams

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Ben Simmons, 76ers finish off preseason

The playmaking and D looked good. Ben Simmons looks ready for the start of the regular season following his final preseason game.

Micah Adams

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Joe Ingles: the NBA's most underrated player

He can shoot. He can pass. He can defend. To celebrate his birthday, we go inside the numbers that suggest Joe Ingles might be the NBA's most underrated player.

Micah Adams

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Karl-Anthony Towns agrees to super max extension

Minnesota will be keeping its star center at least five more seasons. Towns - who turns 23 in November - has averaged 21.6 points and 11.7 rebounds per game in three seasons with the Timberwolves.

Micah Adams

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The birth of San Antonio's next star point guard

Dejounte Murray is already perhaps the best defensive point guard in the NBA. As he officially takes the torch from Tony Parker, what steps can Murray take to become San Antonio’s next star point guard?

Micah Adams

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Hype building for Donovan Mitchell's sophomore encore

He scored like Jordan, outplayed Westbrook, dunked like Vinsanity and defended like Kobe. Ahead of his sophomore campaign, now is the time to get all-in on Donovan Mitchell.

Micah Adams

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Inside Nash's historic offensive impact

Why no point guard in modern NBA history can match Nash's sustained stretch of offensive dominance.

Micah Adams

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Evaluating Grant Hill's peak

A prime comparable to Kobe? LeBron James before LeBron James? Abbreviated yet spectacular, we marvel at Grant Hill's peak powers.

Micah Adams

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Report: Rockets trade Ryan Anderson to Phoenix Suns

Houston has agreed to trade Ryan Anderson and De'Anthony Melton to Phoenix for Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight.

Micah Adams

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Just how good was Manu Ginobili's career?

With the Spurs guard calling it a career after 16 seasons in the NBA, we look beyond the box score to examine how Ginobili compares with others from his generation.

Micah Adams

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Kobe Bryant and the 'What If?' game?

If you played out Kobe Bryant’s career 1,000 times, you’d be hard pressed to come up with a more impressive version than the one we actually saw. But what if things had gone down differently?

Micah Adams

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Atlantic Division: The biggest move each team made this offseason

The Celtics, Raptors and 76ers have their sights set on winning the East while bright futures are shifting into focus for both New York teams.

Micah Adams

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Which player rules the Central Division after LeBron's departure?

LeBron James left Cleveland and no longer sits atop the throne in the Central Division. Who takes over as the best player in the division?

Micah Adams

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Central Division: The biggest move each team made this offseason

There's no sure thing in the Central after a summer which saw each of the five teams make significant changes.

Micah Adams

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Who would Magic Johnson pick to play with from Lakers legends?

Tuesday was Magic Johnson's 59th birthday. If he could fill out a roster with anyone from Lakers history to play alongside, who would get the nod?

Micah Adams

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Unprecedented expectations for Raptors' 2018-19 season

For the first time in franchise history, preseason oddsmakers have the Raptors pegged to win over 50 games. We have insight into just why the confidence is sky high in Toronto heading into the season.

Micah Adams

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On this date: Carmelo Anthony sets scoring record

Has anyone ever been hotter? On this date in 2012, Carmelo Anthony poured in 37 points in just 14 minutes. It was the most points any USA player has ever scored in the Olympics.

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