The Los Angeles Lakers' repeat title bid will commence with LeBron James facing a familiar foe in the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament, led by James' pick for MVP, Stephen Curry."I mean, just look at what he's done this year," James said after L.A.'s 110-98 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, coupled with a Denver Nuggets loss on…

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The 2020-21 NBA playoffs -- and play-in! -- are finally here. And this thing is as wide open as ever.But before we lock in the full 16-team field, here's a look at the first round of the play-in tournament, during which two teams from each conference will secure the Nos. 7 and 8 seeds:Eastern Conference (Tuesday, May 18)No. 10 Charlotte…

For months, the 2020-21 season looked like it would be a lost one for the Washington Wizards. There were injuries early on, rumors swirling about a Bradley Beal trade and eventually, COVID-19-related absences that took the Wizards off the floor for nearly two weeks.The Wizards were 17-32 on the morning of April 7. That's when ESPN's Basketball Power Index gave…