-
Follow Us
On Facebook
On Flipboard
On TwitterNBA top-10 power rankings: Celtics hold steady while Pels, Kings rise
We're back with another edition of Yardbarker's NBA Power Rankings. In the month since our original rankings, we've witnessed a few teams fall from the top 10 (Orlando, Dallas, Houston) while two others have heated up and jumped in (New Orleans, Indiana).
How under-the-radar Jazz have returned to relevance
Utah won't be competing with Denver or Minnesota in the postseason, but with a smart, young coach in Will Hardy and a franchise centerpiece in Markkanen, its future outlook is considerably brighter than many realize.
Almost two weeks later, Knicks and Raptors are both benefiting greatly from trade
The New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors look like they might both have come out as winners from their recent trade, though it is the Knicks who are reaping the immediate benefits in the win-loss column.
How much confidence should you have in the NBA's new contenders?
The Timberwolves and Thunder finished last season with similar records (42 wins and 40 wins, respectively) but entered this season on seemingly disparate trajectories.
Which path could lead Pistons out of futility?
How do these Pistons compare to the other woeful teams of the 21st century?
NBA rookie check-in: Heat's Jaime Jaquez, four others trending up
The two-month mark of the NBA season has come and gone, which means we can fully believe what we're seeing now. The days of outliers and small sample sizes are behind us. Here is a look at five rookies who have been impressing.
Why the Cavs shouldn't trade Donovan Mitchell
The NBA thrives on overreactions. It's something the Cleveland Cavaliers need to be wary of as they map out their trade deadline strategy.
When rebuilds go wrong: What's happening with dreadful Spurs, Pistons?
Combined, Detroit and San Antonio are 6-47. How did we get here, and what happens next?
NBA power rankings: Path to a title for league's best 10 teams
Over a quarter way through the NBA season, we're finally confident enough to rank the top-10 teams in the league.
Zion Williamson-powered Pelicans are running out of time to use potential as a crutch
For all of Williamson's career, the prevailing opinion in NBA circles is that once New Orleans gets fully healthy, it'll be ready to compete with the NBA elite.
Even after winning MVP, 76ers star Joel Embiid squeezes more from his game
Embiid is making a concerted effort to get his teammates involved by showcasing a vision that fans haven't seen in the past.
The 'other' rookie in Oklahoma City is quietly putting together a great season
Cason Wallace is emerging as a young star for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Overachieving/underachieving: Which NBA teams are surprising us, for better and for worse?
Teams that were expected to flounder instead come out of the gate looking poised and promising, while teams that were expected to compete at a high level instead look lost and uninspired.
Real or fake? Deciding whether these five NBA trends are legit
Over a month into the NBA season, the bizarre numbers that always appear at a season's onset are starting to disperse — but not all.
Which young NBA team is most likely to make a deep playoff run?
The NBA has seen a youth movement of late, but of the young teams challenging the old guard, who has the best chance at a surprise playoff run?
How the Houston Rockets stunningly became elite on defense
In 2020-21, the Houston Rockets ranked 27th of 30 teams in defensive rating. This year, they're the fourth-best.
NBA rookie check-in: You-know-who, Chet Holmgren separate from impressive pack
One month into the NBA season, two rookies have separated themselves from the rest of the first-year players.
Tyrese Maxey is embracing a creator role in Philadelphia
James Harden is no longer a Philadelphia 76er, so the team has been left without a "true" point guard. Or maybe they haven't. Tyrese Maxey — who was recently named Eastern Conference Player of the Week — is quickly evolving as a distributor.
Early NBA aftershocks: Should we worry about these rookies?
Some of what we've seen a few games into the NBA season is merely a mirage. Clearly, the defending Nuggets are not that. Through Sunday's games, here are five things we've learned after nearly a week of the season.
NBA Coach of the Year preview: Is it finally time for Heat's Erik Spoelstra to win award?
Roster turnover and differing expectations make Coach of the Year tough to predict in the NBA. That's not going to stop us, however. As the regular season begins Tuesday night, here are coaches who will be in the conversation for COTY.
NBA Rookie of the Year preview: Introducing challengers to Spurs' Victor Wembanyama
This year's NBA Rookie of the Year race feels lopsided — essentially, it's Victor Wembanyama vs. the field.
NBA MVP preview: Is this Luka Doncic's year?
The NBA MVP award doesn't produce the most level-headed and rational debate in sports, so we'll help you sort through the madness as the start of the season looms Tuesday.
Previewing first five NBA games for Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama
San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama — the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft — enters the NBA with more hype than any other prospect in two decades.
NBA Defensive Player of the Year preview: Will Spurs' Victor Wembanyama be worthy?
Just how seriously should San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama be taken as a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year? Pretty seriously, probably.
NBA Most Improved Player preview: Can Nets' Mikal Bridges make another leap?
Each season, a handful of NBA players graduate from role players to stars. Who will do that in 2023-24 and thus catapult himself into the Most Improved Player (MIP) award discussions?
