NBA playoffs: Everything you need to know - Western Conference edition
With six games to go for most teams in the Western Conference, the race for the final NBA playoff and play-in spots have really heated up.
The Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies all have 44 wins up to this point, and with the last two guaranteed playoff places available, there is a lot left to play for.
With the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth seeds to be made up by those four teams, the Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns are left to fight for the remaining two places in the play-in.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Dylan Richardson analyses each team’s recent form and offers a prediction of who will make it.
NBA Playoffs 2025: Schedule, format, play-in, where to watch, betting odds, tips and predictions
The NBA season may feel like it’s winding down as we approach the end of the regular season in mid-April, but the fun’s just beginning as the play-in and playoff games now come into focus.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers remain the bookies' favourites to lift the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, but there’s a lot of basketball to play between now and the NBA Finals in June.
It all begins with the NBA play-in tournament, where the number seven to 10 seeds in each conference battle it out for a spot in the playoffs.
In this article, Sports News Blitz NBA expert George Dempsey breaks down everything you need to know about the playoffs and shares his predictions.
NBA betting tips: Three-point shooting to lift Indiana Pacers past Sacramento Kings
The NBA action is set to continue this week as the season draws to a close and the final play-off spots are determined.
Sports News Blitz resident basketball tipster George Dempsey is back with a pair of picks for Monday’s proceedings as the Indiana Pacers play host to the Sacramento Kings.
NBA news: LeBron James' buzzer-beater lifts LA Lakers over Indiana Pacers
LeBron James continues to make waves in the basketball world, with his latest triumph coming against the Indiana Pacers.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo breaks down the action after James delivered an iconic moment on Wednesday, March 27.
Why you should bet on the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Playoffs
Sports News Blitz writer George Dempsey breaks down why the Oklahoma City Thunder are worth a wager this season.
With rising confidence, OKC is primed to make a serious run for the NBA Championship.
NBA news: LA Lakers eye Ivica Zubac Reunion with LeBron James to strengthen frontcourt for title push
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring ways to bolster their frontcourt depth following their blockbuster trade that sent Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Luka Doncic.
With championship aspirations at the forefront, Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka has set his sights on a familiar face - Ivica Zubac.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo notes that Zubac’s potential return to the Lakers could provide the defensive stability and interior presence the team needs to make a serious championship push.
NBA betting tips: Oklahoma City Thunder pump the Detroit Pistons as West meets East
Sports News Blitz NBA expert George Dempsey breaks down Saturday night's clash between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Detroit Pistons.
With OKC eyeing another statement win and the Pistons fighting for a playoff spot, this showdown promises plenty of intrigue.
NBA news: Stephen A. Smith calls LeBron James’ confrontation ‘weak’ amid Bronny James controversy
The ongoing tension between ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James reached a boiling point last week, with Smith openly calling James’ response to his commentary on Bronny James “weak” and “some bullsh*t”.
NBA news: Five draft prospects the Dallas Mavericks could target in the off-season
The Dallas Mavericks have had a disastrous beginning to March, winning just one of their last eight games, beating fellow strugglers Charlotte Hornets in that time.
After controversially trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February, the Mavericks have had to deal with massive injury problems.
NBA news: LeBron James makes history with 50,000 career points
LeBron James has made NBA history as the first player to reach 50,000 career points.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo covers the milestone, emphasising its significance in cementing James' legendary status.
NBA news: Luka Doncic faces former team in emotional clash
Luka Doncic faced his former team for the first time since being traded, delivering a strong performance for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Dallas Mavericks.
Despite an emotional buildup, the Slovenian star led his new team to a statement victory, though his postgame reaction reflected the complexity of the moment.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo breaks down the intense matchup.
NBA news: LeBron James’ late misses prove costly in the LA Lakers’ shocking loss to Charlotte Hornets
In a dramatic turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers fell 100-97 to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, February 19.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo provides a detailed account of the game's pivotal moments, including LeBron James’ misses.
NBA Betting Strategies for the 2024-2025 Season
The 2024-2025 NBA season promises punters the perfect opportunity to enhance their strategy. Knowledge of critical factors like team performance, player availability, and scheduling dynamics can have a real bearing on betting success.
Here are the must-have strategies that will add value to your online betting experience.
NBA news: Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers - A game-changing move or billionaire greed?
Luka Doncic’s trade to the LA Lakers has shaken the NBA world, with many questioning whether it’s a bold step for the future or a move driven solely by business interests.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer George Dempsey examines the implications of this trade, the reactions it’s sparked, and what it means for both Doncic and the Mavericks going forward.
NBA news: Bronny James faces growing pains in the NBA - what’s next?
Bronny James endured a tough cameo in the LA Lakers' loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo reports on the story.
NBA betting tips: High-flying Cleveland Cavaliers to add to Philadelphia 76ers misery
The stage is set for a blockbuster weekend in the NBA as a number of high-profile match-ups promise an enthralling few days of basketball.
Sports News Blitz writer George Dempsey returns with the best betting tips ahead of the action.
NBA news: The NBA’s dominance faces a new $5 billion global challenge with an F1-inspired league
The NBA is facing a potential $5 billion global challenge from a new league that aims to reshape the world of basketball with an innovative, Formula 1-inspired model.
Backed by influential investors, the project promises a fresh take on the sport with teams rotating across major international cities.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo examines the challenges and potential impact of this ambitious venture on the future of professional basketball.
NBA news: Could LeBron James join the Golden State Warriors? A trade that could reshape the NBA
The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and the buzz about LeBron James potentially heading to the Golden State Warriors has only grown.
The idea may sound far-fetched, but stranger things have happened in the unpredictable world of sport.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo explores the potential and advantages of this bold move.
NBA news: Can the Memphis Grizzlies win their first-ever NBA Championship?
The Memphis Grizzlies have evolved into one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.
With a solid mix of young talent and seasoned professionals, the Grizzlies have positioned themselves as one of the top contenders for their first NBA championship, currently sitting third in the Western Conference.
As they aim to overcome past playoff heartbreaks, the Grizzlies face fierce competition.
Sports News Blitz writer Harrison Pearce explores whether the Memphis Grizzlies will break through and capture their first NBA title or face another challenging postseason.
NBA betting tips: Raptors and Celtics to shoot the lights out; Spurs to beat Clippers
After turning a healthy profit in 2024, our New Year’s resolution is to keep lining your pockets in 2025.
We’ve one more chance to boost your balance as the Toronto Raptors visit the Boston Celtics at 8pm on Tuesday, before hopefully ringing in the new year with the San Antonio Spurs beating the LA Clippers after midnight.
Sports News Blitz writer George Dempsey is on hand with another round of NBA betting tips.