PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:
“Winning is habit. Unfortunately, so is losing.”
-Vince Lombardi
================================
NBA:
NBA opening night schedule, TV info: First Cavaliers vs. Bulls, then Warriors get rings
NBA”s great East-West divide remains, but styles of play evolve
Ultimate 2015-16 NBA season preview and predictions
70 reasons to watch the NBA this year
NBA season predictions and analysis: Everything you need to know for 2015-16
As NBA season begins anew, teams prepare for ‘Summer of Durant’
Which players make the All-NBA teams?
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/nba-predictions-which-players-make-all-nba-teams
Which teams will come out of the East and West?
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/nba-predictions-which-teams-will-come-out-east-and-west
Bests and worsts for the 2015-16 NBA season
A team-by-team look at the NBA this season
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/26/nbacaps/glWKEKHeSWkFPVtlj8GdIM/story.html
Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis are perfect next-generation rivals
Curry in mix for MVP, but don’t look for repeat
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/stephen-curry-in-mix-for-mvp-but-dont-look-for-repeat-gallery
College to NBA: Difficult coaching leap for Fred Hoiberg, Billy Donovan
Mateen Cleaves’ lawyer: Criminal probe ‘private matter’
FLIP SAUNDERS:
The extensive reach of Flip Saunders
http://www.si.com/nba/2015/10/26/flip-saunders-minnesota-timberwolves-pistons-wizards
Stephon Marbury’s ‘mistake’ was leaving Flip Saunders’ Timberwolves
Cavaliers share their condolences on Flip Saunders’ passing
http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/10/cleveland_cavaliers_share_thei_1.html – incart_river
Celts remember Flip Saunders
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/celtics_notebook_celts_remember_flip_saunders
Clippers Coach Doc Rivers remembers Flip Saunders
Thaddeus Young calls Flip Saunders a ‘great man’ and ‘pioneer to the game’
New Orleans Pelicans issue statement on passing of Flip Saunders
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_issue_sta.html – incart_river
Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders fondly remembered by his last big bet
Kevin McHale on Flip Saunders, fishing, drinking beer and loving basketball
Timberwolves hurting and missing their ‘point guard,’ Flip Saunders
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29025942/timberwolves-hurting-and-missing-their-point-guard-flip
Flip Saunders saved my marriage. Really.
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29025420/flip-saunders-saved-my-marriage-really
Timberwolves grieve death of Saunders
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/NBA-Timberwolves-grieve-death-of-Saunders-6591891.php
John Wall and Randy Wittman recall stories about Flip Saunders
Former and current Wizards post tributes to Flip Saunders
LAMAR ODOM:
Former coach on Lamar Odom: There are withdrawals, depression
Lamar Odom’s rehab expected to take at least six months
Odom’s Kidneys Aren’t Functioning Correctly, He May Have Damaged Lungs
http://www.people.com/article/lamar-odom-kidneys-not-functioning-lungs-damaged
Odom’s Former Teammates Encouraged By His Improvement: ‘He’s a Part of Our NBA Family’
http://www.people.com/article/lamar-odom-teammates-encouraged-improvement
GLEN RICE JR:
Former NBA player shot at a restaurant owned by T.I.
http://national.suntimes.com/nba/7/72/2003122/glen-rice-jr-shot-in-leg-arrested-atlanta
Ex-Wizards wing Glen Rice Jr. shot in leg outside Atlanta restauarant
Sportsman shot outside T.I.’s restaurant
76ERS:
Sixers’ point guards have some proving to do
Roster trims, injuries leave Sixers shorthanded
BUCKS:
Bucks forced to shuffle lineup for opener
76ers release JP Tokoto
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/76ers-release-jp-tokoto-b99604000z1-337342131.html
Vaughn, Mayo sit out practice; Fisher speaks on Monroe
http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/337179531.html
BULLS:
Bulls prepared to face King James as NBA season tips off at the United Center
Bulls are three-point favorites in season opener against Cavaliers
http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1047135/bulls-three-point-favorites-season-opener-cavaliers
Bulls will be fun to watch under Fred Hoiberg but may have lost identity
Bulls’ Derrick Rose to start opener vs. Cavs
Beneath calm exterior, a fire burns inside Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg
Looking at Bulls’ regular-season player propositions
http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/looking-bulls-player-prop-regular-season-bets
CAVALIERS:
James said “I feel good,” will play in Cavaliers’ season opener against Chicago
A confident David Blatt is ready for Year 2 in Cleveland
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13978110/david-blatt-ready-year-2-cleveland-cavaliers
James and stats for his 121 NBA teammates with Cavaliers, Heat
History will be made in Cleveland when Cavaliers win the championship
LeBron will complete Cleveland mission
http://nypost.com/2015/10/26/nba-preview-rankings-lebron-will-complete-cleveland-mission/
How LeBron is wielding his power in Cleveland
http://espn.go.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/13953903/how-lebron-james-building-empire-cleveland
James posts Instagram picture of King James logo on building at Simeon High School
CELTICS:
Mickey, Young on Celtics inactive list to start season
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/mickey-young-celtics-inactive-list-start-season
Celts guard Smart-ening up
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/10/celts_guard_smart_ening_up
Celtics have improved, but they’re not in better position
Brad Stevens tackles the puzzle that is the Celtics rotation
Celtics’ youthful core is brimming with potential
Avery Bradley has a (long-range) plan
https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/10/26/cnotes/czyqpjnaQdN58sohsXw9oJ/story.html
Danny Ainge: ‘I don’t see a finish line’ on Celtics tenure
How far away are Celtics from winning a title?
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/blakely-how-far-away-are-celtics-winning-title
Thomas returns home to host ‘Memorial Day Zeke-end’ tournament
http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/thomas-returns-home-host-memorial-day-zeke-end-tournament
CLIPPERS:
Clippers still depending on core competency of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-preview-20151027-story.html
Clippers don’t feel pressure despite expectations
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151026/la-clippers-dont-feel-pressure-despite-expectations
A look at Clippers’ 2015-16 roster
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-roster-20151027-story.html
Clippers’ depth chart breakdown: Analyzing the 2015-16 roster
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151026/clippers-depth-chart-breakdown-analyzing-the-2015-16-roster
Chris Paul and teammates serve dinner at Mastro’s to raise money for charity
http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-chris-paul-20151026-story.html
GRIZZLIES:
Griz set 15-man roster after waiving Hollins
Decision day on Ryan Hollins, Jarnell Stokes
Is this the last run for the Grizzlies?
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-is-this-the-last-run-for-the-grizzlies/
HAWKS:
Kent Bazemore to start at small forward
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/13979214/kent-bazemore-gets-starting-nod-atlanta-hawks
Which Hawks Point Guards Want To Be Head Coaches?
http://www.nba.com/hawks/features/which-hawks-point-guards-want-be-head-coaches
Hawks Season Preview
http://atlallday.com/2015/10/26/atlanta-hawks-season-preview/
The Hawks are going to repeat and you will be surprised (again)
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2015/10/26/9615238/atlanta-hawks-predictions-2015-2016-horford-millsap
HEAT:
Goran Dragic still trying to find perfect pace with Miami Heat
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article41509467.html
Dragic, Whiteside leave Heat centered and on point
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-heat-cover-story-1027-20151026-story.html
Heat 2015-16 mission statement: To sacrifice and to serve
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-erik-spoelstra-s102615-story.html
Bosh on Dolphins’ Campbell: ‘It’s just a new guy with some dip in his mouth’
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-chris-bosh-s102615-story.html
Best Heat center-point guard duos over the years
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/fl-heat-combo-chart-1027-20151026-story.html
HORNETS:
P.J. Hairston penciled in as Charlotte Hornets starter for Wednesday
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article41452194.html
JAZZ:
Season could come down to lineup versatility
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3103623-155/utah-jazz-notes-season-could-come
Trey Burke focused and shooting straight as season begins
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3103406-155/utah-jazz-trey-burke-focused-and
Third-year point guard Trey Burke is ‘all in’ for the Utah Jazz this season
Snyder ‘angry’ at suspended Booker; Millsap’s excused absence
Jazz get smart with name change
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865639969/Rock-On-Jazz-get-smart-with-name-change.html
Jazz season preview
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765681209/Special-report-Utah-Jazz-season-preview.html
A new name for Jazz’s home: Vivint Smart Home Arena
http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3102158-155/a-new-name-for-jazzs-home
KINGS:
Rondo’s ‘positive vibe;’ sad Karl; Gay’s absence
http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/kings-notes-rondos-positive-vibe-sad-karl-gays-absence
Kings Excited to Begin Season
http://www.nba.com/kings/blog/practice-notes-kings-excited-begin-season
KNICKS:
Centers of attention: Robin Lopez vs. Greg Monroe in Knicks’ opener
http://nypost.com/2015/10/27/centers-of-attention-robin-lopez-vs-greg-monroe-in-knicks-opener/
Carmelo Anthony a perfect fit for Knicks triangle, says Karl Malone
Opening schedule will test Knicks and Carmelo Anthony
‘Greatest city’; ‘f–k this place’: Carmelo’s relationship with NYC
http://nypost.com/2015/10/27/greatest-city-f-k-this-place-carmelos-relationship-with-nyc/
Charles Barkley turns pro-Knicks, guarantees playoff spot
http://nypost.com/2015/10/26/charles-barkley-turns-pro-knicks-guarantees-playoff-spot/
Amar’e still a little salty over ball-hogging Carmelo
http://nypost.com/2015/10/26/amare-still-a-little-salty-over-ball-hogging-carmelo/
Miraculous turnaround or face Dolan’s wrath
http://nypost.com/2015/10/26/knicks-preview-miraculous-turnaround-or-face-dolans-wrath/
Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson praise Kristaps Porzingis and see Knicks in playoff race
LAKERS:
Lakers are full of hope to start new season, but the picture isn’t pretty
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-preview-20151027-story.html
Sizing up the Lakers’ roster for the 2015-16 season
http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-roster-20151027-story.html
Metta World Peace makes Lakers’ 15-man roster
D’Angelo Russell says he has better understanding of role with Lakers
Lakers’ D’Angelo Russell not assured of starting spot
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151026/lakers-dangelo-russell-not-assured-of-starting-spot
Byron Scott calls picking Metta World Peace over Jabari Brown “extremely difficult”
Lakers greet Kobe Bryant with trash talk in first full practice
Kobe Bryant heads group of aging, 37-plus ex-All-Stars
MAGIC:
Magic must answer these questions in the season ahead
Elfrid Payton’s chances of playing in Magic’s opener have increased
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1027-20151026-story.html
Shaq, Charles Barkley pessimistic about Magic’s playoff chances
Skiles Holds All Players Accountable, Expects Defensive Excellence
http://www.nba.com/magic/news/skiles-holds-all-players-accountable-expects-defensive-excellence
MAVERICKS:
Rick Carlisle inching closer to becoming a Maverick for life
Mavericks, Rick Carlisle discussing contract extension
Dallas Mavericks can turn to their guards for leadership
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article41498808.html
Mavericks set roster by cutting rookie Maurice Ndour
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article41510649.html
Mavericks final roster complete after final cut
Dirk Nowitzki stars as Lurch, Rick Carlisle as Jim Carrey at Mavericks Halloween party
NETS:
Hollis-Jefferson surprises mom with new home
http://espn.go.com/blog/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/23048/hollis-jefferson-surprises-mom-with-new-home
NUGGETS:
Nuggets enter the regular season hoping to prove doubters wrong
PACERS:
Pacers’ C.J. Miles ready to shoot in new offense
Pacers waive Toney Douglas to reach roster limit
PELICANS:
Pelicans announce signing of guard Ish Smith
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/new_orleans_pelicans_announce_5.html – incart_river
Charles Barkley: Anthony Davis is ‘unbelievable’ but Pelicans in ‘a little trouble’
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/charles_barkley_anthony_davis.html – incart_river
Pelicans at Warriors matchup breakdown
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/post_153.html – incart_river
Pelicans heading into Tuesday’s opener vs. Warriors trying to overcome injury problems
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/pelicans_heading_into_tuesdays.html – incart_river
Alvin Gentry returning to a familiar place to make his coaching debut on opening night
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/alvin_gentry_2.html – incart_river
PISTONS:
Pistons must avoid selfishness to reach goal of making playoffs
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/27/detroit-pistons-selfishness/74667018/
Will Pistons finally make playoffs? Our writers say no
Can Pistons’ KCP take Palace magic on road this season?
Pistons waive Danny Granger
http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/10/26/detroit-pistons-danny-granger/74639726/
RAPTORS:
Raptors putting the ‘D’ back in defence
http://www.torontosun.com/2015/10/26/raptors-putting-the-d-back-in-defence
Raptors keep harping on defence after quick playoff exit
Hosting all-star game proof Raptors have arrived
ROCKETS:
Howard returns to practice but must sit opener
Howard’s return to practice shows what Rockets have been missing
For Lawson, Rockets’ opener pits new vs. old
When call finally came, Harden was a Rocket
SPURS:
Spurs’ venerable Big Three makes room for new blood
Mills, Green expect same role in Spurs’ offense
Spurs Nation: Beat writers gaze into their crystal ball
SUNS:
Suns exercise options on T.J. Warren, Alex Len, Archie Goodwin
Sun’s Morris received Rasheed Wallace’s help
THUNDER:
Revamped Spurs set for first LaMarcus Aldridge test in Oklahoma City
Mitch McGary expected to play against Spurs
http://newsok.com/mitch-mcgary-expected-to-play-against-spurs/article/5456157
Thunder, Oklahoma State players visit Stillwater crash victims in hospital
TIMBERWOLVES:
Timberwolves return to work with Flip Saunders on their mind
TRAIL BLAZERS:
Al-Farouq Aminu: Trail Blazers’ defensive jack-of-all-trades
CJ McCollum prepared for ‘delicate balance’ between scorer and point guard
Pyramid Brewing, Trail Blazers partner on limited-edition beer
WARRIORS:
Warriors prepared if Anthony Davis defends Stephen Curry, report says
http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/10/golden_state_warriors_prepared_1.html – incart_river
Warriors open season with new task: Repeat as champs
http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-open-season-with-new-task-Repeat-as-6591937.php
Coach’s absence presents early hurdle for Warriors
Warriors one of many title contenders
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/western-conference-preview-warriors-one-many-title-contenders
Champs still fueled by past doubters
http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-2015-16-preview-champs-still-fueled-past-doubters
7 moves that makes Stephen Curry completely unguardable
Golden State Warriors vs. inmates, nobody loses
WIZARDS:
Nene expected to play in Wizards’ season opener
Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.