The 2026 NBA playoffs will begin on April 18. The 2025-26 regular season wraps up on April 12, giving teams a short break before the postseason tips off. The Play-In Tournament, introduced in 2021 to keep more teams competitive and reduce tanking, determines the final two playoff spots in each conference.

As the NBA season reaches February, a clearer picture is emerging of which teams are most likely to contend for the championship. Some squads have separated themselves through consistency, depth, and elite talent,

When the NBA trade deadline comes around, many players shift gears and team dynamics evolve. For some players, this isn't anything new. Charlotte Hornets point guard Ish Smith was traded seven times during his NBA career, including six deals at the deadline.

Veteran NBA insider Marc Stein on Tuesday reported that two "dark horse" teams are in contention to acquire Antetokounmpo. One of them is the Minnesota Timberwolves, a direct rival of the Golden State Warriors -- who have been linked strongly with Antetokounmpo for years.