Easiest to make move in assists

John Cregan explains why assists is the easiest category in which to make up ground in the standings.

Daily Dime: Hawks are legit

...disputed a ruling in a 109-95 loss to Boston. Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, who missed a triple double by one assist, beat OKC 108-94. Photo...

J.A. Adande's 2009-10 Predictions

Our ESPN.com NBA columnist forecasts the regular-season outcome for the East.

Carter scores 15 in third as Magic beat Mavericks

Vince Carter scored 21 points in his Magic debut and Orlando beat Dallas on Monday.

Cuban: Gooden is best fit for present

Dependable defender's finesse on offense makes him an intriguing fit

DALLAS - OCTOBER 5: Drew Gooden #90 of the Dallas Mavericks steps back for the jumper against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic in preseason action at the American Airlines Center on October 5...

Nowitzki ready to get on court

Dirk Nowitzki speaks for the first time since finding out his former fiancee is not pregnant.

Summer Forecast: Best newcomer

Who will be the best newcomer in the coming season? Our experts make their summer predictions.

Nowitzki won't play for Germany

Germany will be without Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki at next month's European Championship in Poland.

New NBA season kicks off Oct. 27

In a replay of last year's opener, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics will launch the 2009-10 NBA season -- only this time LeBron James has some welcome firepower in new teammate Shaquille O'Neal.

Shaq's Cleveland debut opens season

The 2009-10 NBA schedule is out, and Chris Sheridan highlights the must-see games.

Sources: Gooden to sign 1-year deal

The Dallas Mavericks are making use of some of the money they got back when Orlando matched their offer sheet earlier this month to restricted free agent Marcin Gortat by signing unrestricted free agent Drew Gooden.

Summer's madness

Scoop Jackson appraises the state of the NBA's contenders and how free agency is shaking out.

Magic to retain center Gortat

Orlando Magic will keep Marcin Gortat by matching the five-year, $34-million offer sheet extended to him by the Dallas Mavericks, the Orlando Sentinel reported Monday.

Magic add ex-Mavs forward Bass

The Magic have a agreed to a four-year, $18 million contract with free-agent forward Brandon Bass, a source close to the process told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.