Latest Basketball News
Detroit Pistons Lead East as Knicks Close Gap in Power Rankings
ESPN's latest NBA power rankings place the Oklahoma City Thunder (28-5) at #1 and San Antonio Spurs at #2, with Pistons atop East; Knicks have pulled within one game of Detroit despite injuries to Josh Hart. Mike Brown maximizes bench production from Tyler Kolek and others in road wins. Entering new year, teams like Nuggets show strong lineups with Jamal Murray.
Pistons vs. Heat Key Matchup Tonight with No Set Line
Miami Heat (18-15) aim to extend three-game win streak on road vs. Detroit Pistons (25-8) at Little Caesars Arena, 7 p.m. ET on FDSSUN/FDSDETX. Heat stars like Jaime Jaquez Jr. (16.4 pts), Norman Powell (23.8 pts), Bam Adebayo (17.8 pts), and Andrew Wiggins contribute heavily. FOX Sports provides predictions, odds, picks, and live boxscore.
Every NBA Team's Dream New Year's Trade Target Revealed
Fadeaway World outlines perfect trades: Hawks for Anthony Davis, Nets for Trae Young, Mavericks for LaMelo Ball, Warriors for Giannis. Packages include picks, young talent like Zaccharie Risacher for superstars addressing roster needs. Realistic fits based on current records and directions.
Lakers Won't Advance Past First Playoff Round in 2026 Hot Takes
EssentiallySports predicts Lakers fail early despite Luka Doncic's full season and LeBron's potential farewell; offseason adds value but not enough chips pushed. Dynamics not clicking, visible in performance short of West 3rd last year.
Celtics Thriving in East Without Jayson Tatum
Post-Tatum injury, Celtics traded Porzingis, Holiday, Horford; now 3rd in East at 7-3 last 10 under Jaylen Brown, Derrick White. Exceeding gap-year expectations with key wins.
Jonathan Kuminga Poised for All-Star Rise After Warriors Trade Setup
Warriors' $48.5M deal for Kuminga has team option for mid-season trade from Jan 15; recent DNPs signal exit. Could become All-Star elsewhere after bench exclusion.
Kevin Durant's Rockets Struggle Defensively vs. OKC, Spurs
Post-seven-team trade for Durant, Rockets 20-10 but 4-6 in December with defensive woes; won't beat top West foes despite additions.
NBA Power Rankings Highlight Thunder Dominance, Raptors Surge
OKC Thunder lead at 28-5; Raptors buoyed by Scottie Barnes' triple-double vs. Warriors (23-25-10 reb-ast) and game-winner vs. Magic. Clutch back-to-back wins end slump.
Lakers' Nick Smith Jr. Heroics Snap Three-Game Skid
Two-way signee Nick Smith Jr. scores 21 points in 24 minutes off bench for 125-101 win over Kings amid Austin Reaves' month-long calf injury absence. Helps reeling Lakers regroup.
Full NBA Slate Thursday: Rockets-Brooklyn, Heat-Pistons, More
FantasyPros lists key games: Rockets (20-10) at Brooklyn (10-20) 6pm ET, Heat at Pistons 7pm, 76ers at Mavericks 8:30pm, Kings host others. Projected lineups and odds available.
Cavaliers Upset Spurs, Bench Lonzo Ball for Rest
Cleveland avoids .500 with win over hot Spurs; DNP-CD for Lonzo Ball cited as rest amid struggles, facing tough playoff contenders ahead.