NBA Basketball

Kennard, James team to upset Rockets in opener

Luke Kennard scored a career playoff-high 27 points, LeBron James had 19 points and 13 assists, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers capitalized on Kevin Durant's injury absence for a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1.

Murray's FT dominance irks Wolves, lifts Nuggets

Jamal Murray had a tremendous night at the free throw line, making all 16 of his attempts to carry the Nuggets past the Wolves in Game 1, during which Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon had a quiet first half.

Raps' Quickley (hamstring) misses G1 loss to Cavs

Raptors guard Immanuel Quickley missed Game 1's loss to the Cavaliers as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

Spurs motivated, inspired by Popovich address

Hall of Famer and former coach Gregg Popovich, who continues to rehab from a stroke, addressed the Spurs prior to their playoff series against the Trail Blazers.

Kerr on future: These jobs have 'expiration date'

Steve Kerr acknowledged his future with the Warriors was uncertain following a season-ending loss to the Suns, saying, "When the run ends, sometimes it's time for new blood and new ideas."

OKC remains title betting fave; Spurs, C's follow

The Thunder (+110) remain large betting favorites to repeat as NBA champions, but the betting public also likes the Spurs (+500) and Celtics (+550) to give Oklahoma City a run for its money.

🏆 NBA playoffs: Predicting the entire bracket

ESPN's Zach Kram decides each NBA series in the playoffs through the Finals. Who will square off in June?