Hoops Central: NBA news and analysis

Cooper Flagg is taking a major step forward in his second NBA season. Could his development be the key to getting the Dallas Mavericks back into the playoffs?

Explore Flagg’s growth and what it could mean for Dallas as the Mavericks look to return to the postseason.

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The Los Angeles Lakers are on top of the Western Conference, Luka Doncic is playing at an MVP level, and the new-look roster is clicking.

Is this just a hot start, or are the Lakers the real deal? Explore their early success, Doncic's impact, and whether this team can keep the momentum going.

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What did the Golden State Warriors see in Yaxel Lendaborg? Explore the potential that caught their attention and why Big Yax is a player to watch.

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LaMelo Ball is one of the NBA’s most creative passers. How does he find teammates without looking their way? Explore the no-look passing that makes his playmaking stand out.

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Are the Houston Rockets the Western Conference's sleeping giants? Explore what makes this version of the Rockets different, with Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson in focus.

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Luka Dončić is arguably the NBA’s best offensive player, but he doesn’t rely on speed or athleticism to beat defenders. So what makes him so difficult to stop?

Explore how Dončić creates an offensive advantage—and why looking slow doesn’t mean he’s easy to guard.

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Kawhi Leonard is back with the Toronto Raptors. Could his partnership with All-Star Scottie Barnes make this Toronto’s most dangerous team since the 2019 championship?

After a 46-win season and a seven-game first-round loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Raptors traded for Kawhi to address their late-clock offense. With a top-five defense already in place, Toronto has significant upside—but rebounding, three-point shooting and depth remain major questions.

This 2026-27 NBA season preview breaks down the Kawhi–Barnes partnership, the Raptors’ biggest weakness and their potential finish in a stacked Eastern Conference.

Where do you think Toronto will finish? Share your prediction in the comments.

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Is Dylan Harper on the verge of becoming a superstar alongside Victor Wembanyama? Explore the potential and future impact of these rising stars in the NBA.

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Do the Chicago Bulls finally have a future superstar with Caleb Wilson?

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The Washington Wizards may have found their future superstar in AJ Dybantsa!

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