Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY

Every year at this time, there is pressure on specific players to lead their team to playoff success. USA TODAY Sports highlights 10 of them.

Gobert is suspended for one game and will miss the Timberwolves’ postseason play-in game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Minnesota Timberwolves benched Rudy Gobert in their regular-season finale after he threw a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout.

The NBA MVP should be celebrated, even in debate. It’s devolved this season, taking the fun out of the race.

Not much in NBA’s Western Conference is determined, with places 5-10 up for grabs between eight teams. Here’s how it could play out.

What to know about basketball’s new CBA and what it means for the league and its players.

The 2023 Basketball Hall of Fame class is unmatched with Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Gregg Popovich, Becky Hammon, the 1976 U.S. women’s Olympic team.

The Dallas Mavericks are in danger of missing the NBA playoffs, Luka Doncic is frustrated and the Kyrie Irving trade hasn’t worked like it was hoped.

Los Angeles Lakers All-Star LeBron James, who missed the past 13 games with right foot soreness, returned to the team on Sunday and scored 19 points.

Ja Morant can either throw away his promising NBA career or flourish as one of the league’s bright young stars. The choice is up to him.